Ashdown or Warwick?? Whats the better set-up??

[outerlife]

I am looking at getting a new rig set up, and my choices are either:

Warwick Quad IV 400W
+ Warwick 411Pro 600W

(OR)

Ashdown ABM500 EVO II 575W
+ Ashdown MAG410 350W

Any advice on these options? Price wise they are very similar, the Warwick gear is a bit more expensive. As far as I'm aware, both amps have got Tube pre-amps and solid state power amps. Am VERY interested to hear back from anyone out there

PLUS - is it a valid option to blend brands? i.e. get the Ashdown 575W head and put it with the Warwick 600W cab? what happens if we do that in regards to handling, sound quality, etc etc??

 

[LowBSix]

I am looking at getting a new rig set up, and my choices are either:

Warwick Quad IV 400W
+ Warwick 411Pro 600W

(OR)

Ashdown ABM500 EVO II 575W
+ Ashdown MAG410 350W

Any advice on these options? Price wise they are very similar, the Warwick gear is a bit more expensive. As far as I'm aware, both amps have got Tube pre-amps and solid state power amps. Am VERY interested to hear back from anyone out there

PLUS - is it a valid option to blend brands? i.e. get the Ashdown 575W head and put it with the Warwick 600W cab? what happens if we do that in regards to handling, sound quality, etc etc??

ASHDOWN Hands Down!

 

[Timi]

For the head, definitely Ashdown for me.

The cab however, out of those two I would get the Warwick unless you can strectch your budget to get an Ashdown ABM series cab.

 

[chimpbass]

I have the Ashdown head you're looking at, and I enjoy it very much. I've not been a fan of Ashdown cabs, though. For a company whose heads come with a sub octaver built in, Ashdown's cabs seem to be lacking some cojones.

 

[outerlife]

I have the Ashdown head you're looking at, and I enjoy it very much. I've not been a fan of Ashdown cabs, though. For a company whose heads come with a sub octaver built in, Ashdown's cabs seem to be lacking some cojones.

Do you also have an Ashdown cab, or had them previously? Are they just not grunty enough? If I was to get the Ashdown 575w head and the Warwick 600w cabinet do you think i would be sacrificing any tonal characteristics etc because I am mixing brands?

And is that a good balance: 575W head with a 600W cabinet??

 

[outerlife]

For the head, definitely Ashdown for me.

The cab however, out of those two I would get the Warwick unless you can strectch your budget to get an Ashdown ABM series cab.

Have you had both these types of cabinets? Everyone i have talked to says that the Ashdown heads are exceptional, even though the Warwick ones are more common and expensive?!? I'm after a warmer, tube'er tone and I hear good things about the Ashdown - the Warwick Quad IV i'm not so sure about?

IF i was to get the Ashdown head and warwick cabinet, would that be a good balance for a setup: 575w head and a 600w cabinet? and also, do you think i would be sacrificing any tonal characteristics by mixing brands?

 

[ROON]

I have never tried Warwick amps but they don't look too bad, and with the Warwick name on it I doubt they are bad at all.
I have owned Ashdown gear and I find that it colours the tone of your bass way too much, and doesn't let the instrument sing.

 

[RiseAgainst]

I would personally go for the Ashdown, but for me its only because my first amp was an Ashdown; and its always stood the test and provided good sound and durability.

 

[outerlife]

I have never tried Warwick amps but they don't look too bad, and with the Warwick name on it I doubt they are bad at all.
I have owned Ashdown gear and I find that it colours the tone of your bass way too much, and doesn't let the instrument sing.

How do you mean "colours the tone too much"?

 

[theitalianrob]

How do you mean "colours the tone too much"?

he means that the tone you get out of the amp is more "fake" meaning that it covers up the natural tone of the instrument.