Bass amp recommendations

[Starford]

I need to invest in a new bass amp. Been using a dinosaur (Peavey TNT 120) cuz it gave me what I needed. But it's now on it's last legs and so am I. I'm not as young as I used to be and the TNT is too heavy. Have been looking at the new generation of small amps, esp the Markbass ones (my cabs are Markbass as they're lighter). Was interested in the Ampeg PF250 but the reviews are rubbish. I play mostly small venues and clubs, about 45 weekends annually. Can anyone suggest anything?

 

[beans-on-toast]

Answering some questions will help those responding.

Do you want tube or solid state?

Budget?

Since you have the speaker cabinets, what is their rating, both wattage and impedance. What are the model numbers? Knowing that, a matching amp can be recommended.

BTW, I believe that the Ampeg may be the PF-350.

 

[hondo4life]

Why not stick with Peavey? They have some pretty nice new amps.
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[Starford]

Apologies, yes, it was the Ampeg PF-350. The cabs I'm using are both Markbass. One is a 1 x 15, the other is a 2 x 10. Both are rated at approx 400+ watts each, each cab is 8 ohms. I use them in series as my present amp output is 4 ohms. Not fussy whether my next amp is valve or solid state, just needs to be light, preferable small and with an output of around 500 watts.

I hadn't looked into other Peavey tbh, just wanted a change. Will look and see what they offer on the weight and size issue.

 

[CallMeAl]

Fender Rumble! I absolutely love my 100 combo, it's 22 (!) Lbs. The 500 combo is 30-something lbs, 2x10 with extension speaker option. They also have the heads with equally lightweight cab options

 

[Pleasurewizard]

+1 for fender rumble. Not what I use currently, but it's such a dang good amp.

I use a darkglass m900 w/ 2 aguilar sl212. They rule a ton. If they were stolen or burned in a fire I would buy a rumble.

 

[TWolf]

Not sure of your budget, but I'd go with a Mesa Boogie D800+

 

[rodl2005]

Lots of choice at the moment for lightweight 500w amps
Fender Rumble 500 sounds great and is cheap.
Aguilar TH500 or 350
Ampeg PF500 or 350
Mark Bass
I've not tried the Peavey but have read good reviews

Try as many as you can

 

[arbiterusa]

Since you already have the Mark cabs i'd go get their head as well. The stuff is extremely cheap used.

I have said this before; it's not a tone I like but it is a tone that gets you heard. I have a lot of respect for Markbass. That and I used one of their heads (the 800, non tube) for a good two years with no backup and not the hint of a problem. The direct out is awesome on those heads as well. I use GK now, which works very well for me, but it's more of a specialized tone, not for everyone.

 

[DigitalMan]

Not sure of your budget, but I'd go with a Mesa Boogie D800+

IMO this is the current king of lightweight bass heads, which says a lot, because there are a number of really good amps on the market these days.