Ashdown UK ABM600 vs non-uk ABM600

[kringle77]

Like the title says, has anyone compared the UK made ABM600 to the regular Asian made ABM600? Particularly, do they sound any different? I’ve read where several people say the regular 600 had a punchier sound and more responsive eq than the previous evo 1, 2 and 3 versions. I was looking into getting an ashdown again and wondered if it would be worth spending the extra cash for the UK made amp.

 

[Sparky Mark]

The Evo iv ABM600 is a definite improvement over earlier evolutions, with more power and the tube drive offers more grit than before. I'm 99% certain there are no significant performance differences resulting from the two places of assembly. The Chinese built units come with a wooden/tolex sleeve, whilst the UK has a fully metal chassis. Ashdown is excellent at answering product queries, so I'd recommend that you email them with your question for 100% assurance.
[email protected]

I prefer the overhang at the front and rear of the wooden sleeve which gives some protection to the controls.

 

[kringle77]

I contacted them. The transformer is UK made. Assembled in the UK. I ordered a UK version.

 

[Sparky Mark]

I contacted them. The transformer is UK made. Assembled in the UK. I ordered a UK version.

Thank you for supporting UK manufacturers.

 

[Wood and Wire]

The Evo iv ABM600 is a definite improvement over earlier evolutions, with more power and the tube drive offers more grit than before. I'm 99% certain there are no significant performance differences resulting from the two places of assembly. The Chinese built units come with a wooden/tolex sleeve, whilst the UK has a fully metal chassis. Ashdown is excellent at answering product queries, so I'd recommend that you email them with your question for 100% assurance.
[email protected]
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I prefer the overhang at the front and rear of the wooden sleeve which gives some protection to the controls.

I'm not up on the current models, but there was previously the option of having the U.K. (and I think Chinese) models as either housed in the wooden case, or in the metal sleeve with rack ears.

The difference in terms of the wooden amp case (and speaker cabinets) was that the Chinese models were tolex / PVC, whereas the U.K. were buffalo hide.