Any reason you're not considering the Aguilar TH500? Depending on how you set the controls, it will DEFINITELY break up. That's not a sound I go for, but in messing around with it and reading about other's settings, I've found it will overdrive nicely and can do so dynamically.
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AudioKinesis Cabs Part VI...
- Thread starter Thor
- Start date
I'll throw my vote in for the Genzler Magellan 800. High powered and apparently very versatile. It's getting rave reviews from those in the know.
Yeah, if you have the $, the Genzler MG800 should be at the top of your list.
No, I don't own the VT500.
I've been following a thread on them & it's response from owners is mostly promising.
Here's the thread: New: Tech 21 VT-500 Bass Amp
I would love to hear the TH500. I wish someone would post a sound file for me... pleeeeeeze?
Below are some clips of my TH500 into a TC115. Th500 is a great amp with the important distinction of being built here in NYC. Unlike my made in China KXB500 (which I still love wholeheartedly), if ever there's a problem those boys in Brooklyn will hook you up stat. Myself, not sure what Kustom Customer Service might be like.
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I made these 3 years ago, th500 into wide tc115af. The gain was probably at noon. The gain/drive are interactive so there are a variety of clean to grindy tones.
Here's a photo of the H1505 with a P Bass and micro head for scale.
That cab reminds me of the old EA 1x15 (Cloud 9?) from years ago. Maybe they were ahead of their time?
Well, I'm excited! My H1203 is in Federal Way Washington and ready to board the plane to Alaska!
Later in the year I'm planning on buying a second H1203. My plan is to have a powerful modular system. I can use one or two cabs and a low or high powered head.
Now I'm on a quest for a more powerful head so here are some of my considerations:
GK MB500, GK MB500 Fusion--I like the Fusion option because I yearn for a good tube distortion like I used to have back in my younger tube amp touring days. QUESTION: Can the regular MB500 break up and distort like the Fusion?
Tech21 VT-500: If I don't get a GK MB500 I think this is my next choice. It is very highly rated and people love how the Tech21 can sound like an overdriven SVT. And that's desirable to me.
Mesa Boogie D800: This seems to be the high liner for users. A lot of satisfied customers and I see a lot of AK cabs with the D800. And yetttttttt.... I don't know why I can't warm up to it. I tried to listen to sound clips but everyone's too busy slappin and poppin and I can't tell how it would sound slightly overdriven. Wish I could.
TC Electronics TH550. I'm not as thrilled about this choice but I'm interested in all the patches you can use with this amp. I would be able to get just about any sound I want. That being said, I read so many requests for help because something is going wrong with a number of the TC heads.
Kustom 500 watt head--another AK cab buyer showed his rig a few pages back and says he loves the Kustom. Says it gets very loud. I don't know if it gets a nice distortion though.
So there ya go. I'm at a fork in the road. Which way to tone Nirvana for my new amp?
I have the D-800 and a pair of Hathor 1203s and have never been happier with my rig, by a long shot. So that's what I would recommend. I also used the MB800 with the 1203s and while it was insanely loud, cut through the mix great and took effects well, I was always trying to tame that bright top end which, could be a little harsh for my taste. That said, it's a great amp and I'd still have it had I not bought the Subway.
I haven't messed around too much with the overdrive capabilities of the Subway, nor did I with the MB800. Personally, I like to dial in my clean tone and use pedals for overdrive and distortion. But, from my limited experience with it, I'd say the overdrive on the D-800 is very useable though. Sounded warm and squashy to my ears. By the way, if you are seeking a good overdriven/distorted tone, you picked the right cab! I think you'll be very pleased.
Thank you sir! Cool. Now I'm more confused than ever !!! So you find the TC absolutely reliable?
EDIT: BTW "Politician" was one of the first songs I learned on bass!
You'd better clock out! You're having WAY!!! too much fun!
You have excellent technique and your sound and band sound awesome! Loved the version of Superstition. I like the TC sound so far.
Thanks to all you guys for sharing your music and helping me hear when I can't go for now....
You'd better clock out! You're having WAY!!! too much fun!
You have excellent technique and your sound and band sound awesome! Loved the version of Superstition. I like the TC sound so far.
Thanks to all you guys for sharing your music and helping me hear when I can't go for now....
Ha, I wish. That was actually John Davies playing through my rig, he's a fantastic player from Boston, Mass that comes to town frequently. I'll pass your compliment on though, the band are all real good friends of mine.
If you mean the amp, yes. I don't recall a "help, my tonehammer's messed up" thread. Super light, built like a tank, no tubes and a well constructed carry bag.Thank you sir! Cool. Now I'm more confused than ever !!! So you find the TC absolutely reliable?
EDIT: BTW "Politician" was one of the first songs I learned on bass!
But I'm on the d800 bandwagon now with a minimega for backup. Or vice versa. Lots of power with both and pedals for distortion. Best bang for the buck right now IMO.
Still completely happy with 2 1203's.
Well guys, it arrived today! My H1203! 
I only had a chance to try it out for a few minutes before heading for other activities. But I can tell you this: It is the most incredible cabinet I've owned. The cab it replaced was a big brand name 115" in a 17" deep cabinet on wheels. It looked impressive, but it didn't have half the output as my new 1203!
I only played with the controls a few minutes but wow talk about versatility. I think there's enough crispness and sizzle as well as outstanding low end that these could even be used as full range pa speakers.
I did some tweaking on my little MB200 head and actually got a nice, round, bottomy sound out of the amp.
I'm taking the cab to a jam session tomorrow night and I expect to amaze my friends.
This is one of the best investments I've made in many years and I'm excited to have it!
@DukeLeJeune you have created a customer for life!
Oh... pics to follow-- I know, no pics no new cab!
I only had a chance to try it out for a few minutes before heading for other activities. But I can tell you this: It is the most incredible cabinet I've owned. The cab it replaced was a big brand name 115" in a 17" deep cabinet on wheels. It looked impressive, but it didn't have half the output as my new 1203!
I only played with the controls a few minutes but wow talk about versatility. I think there's enough crispness and sizzle as well as outstanding low end that these could even be used as full range pa speakers.
I did some tweaking on my little MB200 head and actually got a nice, round, bottomy sound out of the amp.
I'm taking the cab to a jam session tomorrow night and I expect to amaze my friends.
This is one of the best investments I've made in many years and I'm excited to have it!
@DukeLeJeune you have created a customer for life!
Oh... pics to follow-- I know, no pics no new cab!
- Nov 24, 2008
- 4,343
- 7,163
- Disclosures
- Owner & designer, AudioKinesis; Auth. mfg, Big E (Home Audio only)
Thank you very much. Must admit I was nervous because your expectations were very high, and I was afraid the cab might not live up to them. So I'm as relieved as you are happy!
Duke, not only did the cab far exceed my expectations, now I gotta get MORE cabs from you!!!!!
And so it begins!Duke, not only did the cab far exceed my expectations, now I gotta get MORE cabs from you!!!!!
Welcome to the club! You can now relish in the fact that you never need to think about getting a different cab ever, and only need more AKs for convenience and/or volume needs. Congrats!
And so it begins!
partially true. you might end up with multiple ak cabinets.
And so it begins!
partially true. you might end up with multiple ak cabinets.
I really feel I've found the cabs I'm going to want forever. I have the 1203 next to me just admiring it by my recliner as I type.
You know, I can easily see at least three more cabs and I believe due to their versatility I'll be very capable of any situation.
Now, I'm on to finding the right micro-D amp for my Hathor....
