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Ashdown vs. Epifani vs. Thundefunk

Ashdown vs. Epifani vs. Thunderfunk.. Which one for warm, thick rock?

  • Total voters
    42
GaryLC

GaryLC

Apr 6, 2006
1,825
149
72
Scotia, NY
#1
Hey folks,

I currently have an Ashdown ABM500, which has a great sound, but I wanted to hear peoples opinions of the pros & cons of the Epifani UL502 and the Thunderfunk TFB550 vs. the Ashdown. I work with "Xgabriel", who just bought an Epi setup, and absolutely loves it! I'm more of a classic rock player, and he suggested to me that the Thunderfunk may be more of a "rock" amp.
 
#2
I haven't played through the UL502 so I won't vote, but from what I've heard about it I would say that it probably isn't the best as a rock type head. It's voicing is more on the hi-fi side, and has a glossy top end. The Thunderfunk is more in the middle of the 3 (and probably the most versatile), and then you have the Ashdown which is all about warm tube tone.
 
#3
As I mentioned to you, I really don't think the UL502 would all that great for classic rock, but it wouldn't exactly be bad...

If you have any interest in the Epifani stuff, the PS600 head may be to your liking. If I understand it correctly, it is essentially the UL502 with just one channel.
 
#4
vision said:
I haven't played through the UL502 so I won't vote, but from what I've heard about it I would say that it probably isn't the best as a rock type head. It's voicing is more on the hi-fi side, and has a glossy top end. The Thunderfunk is more in the middle of the 3 (and probably the most versatile), and then you have the Ashdown which is all about warm tube tone.
Click to expand...


+1

I really like the sound of the Ashdown head, and have only stayed away from them due to the 'reliability' threads I've read on this site.... they are, as you know, very full, fat and warm sounding.

The TF is lighter weight, just as loud, but quicker and more SS sounding... very, very punchy and mid forward sound... although with the Timbre control set to the right of center and the switch in tube emulation mode, you can get pretty darn close to the Ashdown tone.

I have not had the pleasure of playing the 502... so I also didn't vote.

Consider the new Epi600 also... lighter, less expensive and more power than the 502... although only single channel.

However... if you are a rock oriented player and are not having trouble with your Ashdown... that 500 would be hard to beat. I would only recommend going to the TF if you find the Ashdown sounds too 'full and warm' versus precise and quick.
 
#6
I was playing in a classic rock band not long ago and briefly tried a Thunderfunk. Cool amp, but it didn't work for me in that situation. The Tfunk did not have enough of that big, wide, relaxed tone. It seemed more precise and punchy. I preferred the Eden WT550 which has a similar voicing with more of a tubey give to it. I also liked the Mesa Walkabout, but the lows bloomed a bit too much for my taste. I'm now using an Ashdown ABM500.
 
#8
When I got a new head I narrowed it down between the ThunderFunk 550 and the Epifani 502. I choose the ThunderFunk and I couldn't be happier with it. I have played in a very heavy sludge kind of band to old R&B and soul in a corporate style dance band with horns to a power trio. It sounded great in every situation.
 
#9
If you really need that big, warm thing the Thunderfunk can come close through the timbre knob and depending on your axe, but you'll probably be better served by most Eden products, including their Time Traveler Solid-State stuff...and if you really need to go that big and billowing way, there's always Ampeg! But as you veer away from the Thunderfunk, you're gonna lose the one thing that the Thunderfunk seems to kill all other amps on - a super-quick response so that the time-value of your playing can be crisp, crisp, crisp. I'm no equipment maven, but the speed and articulation of the T-funk is incredible - I'm the very happy owner of a TFB-420...but my playing veers toward jazz and latin, as compared with classic rock. If you're gonna be rocking out exclusively, the Ashdown is gonna provide a more characteristic range of sound.
 
#10
vision said:
I haven't played through the UL502 so I won't vote, but from what I've heard about it I would say that it probably isn't the best as a rock type head. It's voicing is more on the hi-fi side, and has a glossy top end. The Thunderfunk is more in the middle of the 3 (and probably the most versatile), and then you have the Ashdown which is all about warm tube tone.
Click to expand...

+1

took the words right outta my mouth.

but why not an eden head? the wt550 or the wt800 are more than up that alley. willing to go heavier? the aguilar 750 kicks butt, too.
 
#11
T-Funk.
I've used a 550 in a number of situations (rock, funk, blues, country, pop/R&B) and it always gave me gobs of low end- yet defined & tight, punchy but not harsh mids and smooth top end.

I also never tried the Epi so I'm not in a position to comment, but I have used the Ashdown. It's a mighty fine amp.
Mighty fine.
But I liked the versitility of the T-Funk.
Even though it's all SS, it's still warm as hell.
 
#12
jokerjkny said:
+1

took the words right outta my mouth.

but why not an eden head? the wt550 or the wt800 are more than up that alley. willing to go heavier? the aguilar 750 kicks butt, too.
Click to expand...

I had an Eden WT400 for quite a while, but never was really happy with the sound. It just didn't have enough "bite" for me. I can get that with the Ashdown, but am worried about it's reliability.
 
#13
Well, if we aren't limiting ourselves to the list:D ...... the Carvin B1500 is KILLER if you are a rocker... just killer.... 1200 watts into 4ohms.... all metal switchesn (i.e., built like a tank), lot's of great EQ.... somewhat large and heavy (3 rack spaces, around 30 pounds, but very shallow... about 10")... and around $800. I'm not kidding... killer amp for double the money IMO and from my brief IME.
 

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