Bass Head Help!

[Hayes7613]

I recently purchased a Mesa Boogie Powerhouse 4X10, 8ohm 600 watt cab. I’m looking to purchase a new head for it and need suggestions. I am only running this one cab. Looking to spend no more than $600 on the head.

 

[groove pump]

I picked up a GK MB 500 for myself last winter that has impressed me every time I've been able to use it at a gig - my band played a few outdoor shows this year through the warmer months. Depending on the music you're playing and if you're okay with shopping the used market, there are 800 watt GK heads (MB, Fusion) out there for around $500-$600.

The pair of 2x10 cabs I'm using are both rated for 350 watts RMS and 8 ohms. I can say that my MB 500 sounds enormous through these cabs, so you may not even need to look for any more power than that to run your 4x10.

 

[PJ Bassthumper]

Hi there,
Lots of great amps under $500 that will work great with your cab.
The one thing is, is it's hard to recommend something when we don't know what kind of music you play or what your band dynamics are like, have you played out in bars in the past or will you be in the future. I think more info is needed here to make the best recommendation. Having said that here is what sub $500 gets you.

TC Electronic Thrust BQ 500w $ 248
Peavey Minimax V2 600w $399
Hartke LH 500w $399
Ampeg PF 500w $449
Hartke LX5500 500w $449
Traynor SB 500w $449
and finally the Fender Rumble 500w if you can find one, they seem to be out of stock most places.

500 watts into an 8 ohm cab will give you roughly between 250 and 350 watts depending on the make.

I play a GK MB500w fusion which has been discontinued but if you can find one used they are great sounding.

Best of luck.

 

[Al Kraft]

Since it's been mentioned I will second that GK MB heads play very nicely with these Mesa cabs (I own the same cab and an MB500). IME the GK heads in general seem to pair well with Mesa PH cabs (and vice versa). I think it's because the GK voicing is quite similar to the Mesa Carbine voicing in many respects. A used Mesa D-800 or other Mesa SW series head would work well too. To my ear the Mesa PH cabs have more of a rock type voicing so any rock voiced head should match up nicely.

 

[AdamR]

If you want a Mesa
Subway D800, BigBlock750, M3/M6 carbine and the MPULSE 360 can all be found in that price range.

 

[ahbass2500]

I will add Quilter Bass Block (800 or 802 depending on your preamp and input/output preference) to the list of consideration. If you want to stay under $600 it will have to be used or new and on sale.

Noting that I am with others on not recommending one without knowing more about what you want.

 

[Al Kraft]

If you want a Mesa
Subway D800, BigBlock750, M3/M6 carbine and the MPULSE 360 can all be found in that price range.

Any of the Carbines (and do not overlook or underestimate the M3) will sound killer with that cab.

 

[AdamR]

Mesa Boogie M3 Carbine Head Mesa Boogie M3 Carbine Head | Vig Guitars | Reverb