Another "what amp head do I need" thread

[mrmoonjam]

After wanting an SVT 810 cab for years, I finally got one about 18 mo. ago and I'm loving it. I'm sure I'll get tired of lugging it around at some point, but not yet. I've been using a Behringer xt3000 with it which works OK indoors,but I played an outdoor gig 2 nites ago, had it maxxed out and still had to stand 3 feet from the cab to hear myself clearly. I have 3 out door gigs coming up before October, and after doing some seaching & reading on TB, I've decided I need more watts, at least 500, but realistically probably more. I like lots of low end and warmth, I'm thinking tube hybrid but I'm open to SS if it'll get my tone. I'm willing to buy used, and want to stay under $500 . Reliability is super important, and I'd prefer something really quiet. Top consideration: I don't want to have to upgrade again anytime soon, so I'm being open-minded on all factors.

Right now there's an Eden WT 800 on ebay, waiting for a $325 opening bid. This is a model I'd take home tomorrow, but my research says some of these have an overly sensitive internal breaker which shuts the amp down at inconvenient times. The amp on ebay has " some vent holes...added to the case bottom," which sounds like it has had overheating problems. Any thoughts on this item?

 

[Plain Old Me]

I say go for a Kustom Groove, Yorkie 800, or Traynor YBA-200. All can be had new within about $100 of that price range, less used.

 

[mrmoonjam]

Specs and features on the Yorkie 800 look interesting. The Traynor YBA-200 is all tube - I like that idea but I don't think 200 watts will quite do it outdoors.

I can spend $500...what about a used SVT pro-3. Is 450w watts thru an 8x10 enough outdoors?

 

[sedan_dad]

Forget the 3 pro.You'll only upgrade to something else after you get tired with not having enough power.
Bite the bullet and find a used CL.

 

[Blues Bass 2]

The Eden is out,it will go for more than $500 and if it's an older one it won't bridge at 4 ohms,so you could only use one side of it to power the 4 ohm SVT cabinet.The Custom Groove Bass head would work and so would the Carvin B 800 head.The Carvin puts out 500 watts at 4 ohms and costs about $430.Also you could look for a used preamp like a Sans Amp RBI or a BBE Max,they go for about $200 used,and get a used Carvin,Crown or QSC poweramp for about $300 and have more than enough power if you find a good used one.

 

[Plain Old Me]

Specs and features on the Yorkie 800 look interesting. The Traynor YBA-200 is all tube - I like that idea but I don't think 200 watts will quite do it outdoors.

I can spend $500...what about a used SVT pro-3. Is 450w watts thru an 8x10 enough outdoors?

The Traynor would be much louder than the 3-Pro. I have used both. The Traynor does get very loud- 200 watts all tube sounds like 800 watts SS to me (although manufacturer also matters when it comes to watts). I had to strain the 3-Pro for volume, the Traynor had more than enough. Try both if you can.

 

[24frames]

save your money and buy a SVT-4.

 

[xb100]

I'd look on the bay for a kustom groove bass.

Best deal I can think of.

You might also want to check out a Peavey Fire Bass, or Max 700 (same amp just different cosmetics) Peavey is natorious for being reliabe.

 

[Stanley Design]

If you aren't changing your cab setup and 300w was maxed and you could barely hear yourself 3ft away.....

A)You're band is too loud, not a wrong or right choice, but a choice.

B)You'll be needing more than 500w.

C)You'd benefit from increasing your budget.

 

[mrmoonjam]

Looking at the TB classified, right now there's both an Ashdown Mag 600 r and a GK 2000rb for under $500. There's also an Aguilar AG 500 SC for $650 shipped.

I appreciate the info on the Eden not bridging @ 4 ohms, also the recommendations on the Traynor and Peavey's in general.

 

[Stanley Design]

That 2001rb would probaly do you pretty good! That's over 1000w bridged at 4ohms!

 

[mrmoonjam]

The Traynor would be much louder than the 3-Pro. I have used both. The Traynor does get very loud- 200 watts all tube sounds like 800 watts SS to me (although manufacturer also matters when it comes to watts). I had to strain the 3-Pro for volume, the Traynor had more than enough. Try both if you can.

I'll take your word that the Traynor is much louder. I was aiming for 500w, preferably more, but if the Traynor produces significantly better than a Pro-3 that's 450 ss watts, well, maybe it would do. I love the idea of getting an all tube amp, and the Traynor is cost-effective and not that heavy for all tubes. I'm going to see what's available locally tomorrow.

 

[mrmoonjam]

bump

 

[enim]

Id recommend this: If you like the sound of the Behringer preamp, then use the line out of it into a poweramp. Much cheeper for the wattage you need.

See: Crown XLS-602 Poweramp puts out like, 1680W @ 4 ohms briged. More then enough, id hope, and for the price, you cant lose. And with this, you wont EVER have to upgrade to more power (as your cab right now can only take one side of this poweramp), and if you wanted to, you can just go up to a better pre at any time.

 

[fretless Bob]

just a thought it you want more warmth and low end then the more watts you have the better, the more head room that you have in your amp the better results you will have, id say get a good GK or an ampeg svt of some kind.


Dave

 

[mrmoonjam]

Thanks for all the input; I've ordered a Traynor yba-200 after figuring out that I really want to try an all tube amp, and also hearing several opinions about how LOUD it is. Local store is selling it to me @ $579, just a little more than I'd intended.
Thanks again!

 

[biff malibu]

i am running a kustom 1200 thru a mesa 610 cab right now. i think its a great head for a great price. very warm. and i couldnt imagine needing more power. and even when i have ran it god awful loud...you can still get a great sound. no farts, no clipping.