• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Are modern amps "harsher"?

#144
Jewce said:
My sansamp does the trick. I notice some ultra clarity going on by itself also. Not harsh, just more like every single mid frequency imaginable being successfully produced. Eq adjustment on both the amp and instrument mellows out what I don't want in there though. But, bypassing the amp pre opens up so many options I didn't use to have. Now, I can make my amp sound like anything I want it to, instead of just fiddling with the on board eq. And, it sounds amazing.
Click to expand...
Love my sansamp rpm .I am thinking about a good 15" speaker to go along with the 4x10 Eden cab that I am currently using. Plus the 4 ohms will add.
 
#148
I bypass my kustom 500’s preamp and use my Noble so i have no issues. May be something to consider. Also aguilars are pretty warm but its a bit of artificial warmth.

I am talking class d here


pigpen1 said:
I think they are. I really do. It's been discussed to death on here before in the context of class D vs everything else and the discussion always ends with people saying its not the class of the amp, but the designer's choices. Having said that, are modern designs trending "harsher"?

I feel like the emphasis on warm, round sounding tones has taken a backseat to clarity? I quite playing for a long time and when I started again, I noticed this immediately.
Click to expand...
m
 
#150
AngelCrusher said:
I bypass my kustom 500’s preamp and use my Noble so i have no issues. May be something to consider. Also aguilars are pretty warm but its a bit of artificial warmth.

I am talking class d here



m
Click to expand...
things are working out for me with my D800+. Had a TH 500 too. It was a good amp. Post was not really about classes of amps or any one amp in paticular. I was just wondering if voicing decisions in recent times have started to trend "harsher" or I guess more "sterile" would be another way to say it.
 
#151
pigpen1 said:
things are working out for me with my D800+. Had a TH 500 too. It was a good amp. Post was not really about classes of amps or any one amp in paticular. I was just wondering if voicing decisions in recent times have started to trend "harsher" or I guess more "sterile" would be another way to say it.
Click to expand...

Well a class D amp is not going to be a tube powerhouse like the big heavy stuff back in the day. I believe that is what you are hearing. And the trend does go to Class d now, so yes I think you are accurate.

Same thing happened with guitar amps. Many people really hate it. The guys who are touring and carrying the heavy stuff around are quite happy.
 
#154
AngelCrusher said:
Well a class D amp is not going to be a tube powerhouse like the big heavy stuff back in the day. I believe that is what you are hearing. And the trend does go to Class d now, so yes I think you are accurate.

Same thing happened with guitar amps. Many people really hate it. The guys who are touring and carrying the heavy stuff around are quite happy.
Click to expand...
I'm seeing a lot of Kemper users on tour. That and empty shells for show. I'm not cracking on your comment because I'm looking at a tube head for myself to satisfy an old need/feel. Peace. I would like to hear more.

EDIT I'm 66 and will lug the weight if it fills the need.
 
#155
Deak said:
I'm seeing a lot of Kemper users on tour. That and empty shells for show. I'm not cracking on your comment because I'm looking at a tube head for myself to satisfy an old need/feel. Peace. I would like to hear more.

EDIT I'm 66 and will lug the weight if it fills the need.
Click to expand...
There is no arguing that Kempers and Axe-FX are great conveniences that are light years ahead of what was previously available from digital. But I don't think there's any arguing that a good working tube amp sounds better.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Deak
#157
There is nothing to match the full gut rumble and huge headroom of a classic tube amp along with the logarithmatic effect of eight ten inch sealed speaker enclosures ( the refrigerator) ampeg svt cab it is a thing to behold.
 
#159
JimmyM said:
There is no arguing that Kempers and Axe-FX are great conveniences that are light years ahead of what was previously available from digital. But I don't think there's any arguing that a good working tube amp sounds better.
Click to expand...

I'm sure we could argue about it! Ultimately perceptions in double blind trials are the test. For live, though, a Kemper might be good enough, even if not perfect. It doesn't yet meet my affordability criterion, though.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Deak
#160
-Asdfgh- said:
I'm sure we could argue about it! Ultimately perceptions in double blind trials are the test. For live, though, a Kemper might be good enough, even if not perfect. It doesn't yet meet my affordability criterion, though.
Click to expand...
This is what I'm struggling with now. The Kemper is the same cost as the Fender SB 300. The Kemper may, and I say may, give me every amp I want to try/use right in my own home. BUT, is it good enough to fool me enough to skip the tube head.
I'll be testing this out at Sweetwaters Gearfest in a few months. I've already planned the audition with my sales rep. One of them is coming back home with me.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back