BEST AMP HEAD

[jerry]

I also think the Thunderfunk is a hard amp to beat, it's a very loud 400 watts with great out of the box tone.

 

[CrazySean]

iAMP 800 would be my top pick, but the Thunderfunk head is a very generous 400 watts into 4 ohm. Even though these two don't have preamp tubes, they are not sterile like some ss amps can be, and in fact, the iAMP 800 is one of the thickest (yet incredibly clear) heads that I have heard. I also own a Mesa Boogie Walkabout, and can attest for the M-Pulse line as well.

What?! The iAmp 800 doesn't have preamp tubes?! Sure as heck sounds like it does on basstasters...

Sean

 

[cetera]

I guess im was looking for something better than Hartke or Ashdown, but not the high prices of Ampeg etc.

Looking to spend maybe £750.00 for a good amp head,

lots of the makes mentioned are not normally seen here in the UK shops, Mesa yes but too pricey, as is SWR.

Martin

Hey Martin,

As I mentioned before you may want to check out the Tech 21 (SansAmp) Landmark Bass Heads. The 300 Watt comes in at £599 and the 600 watt is under a grand. They should provide all the tones and especially 'growl' that you need. The UK distributor are Rocky Road and you can try them out at the Bass Cellar in London's Denmark St.

Good luck!

 

[Senor SQUID]

I ordered an aguilar AG500 today. Can't wait

 

[mjw]

Eden WT550, Solid state, Tube pre-amp and easy to use yet effective EQ section.

 

[Senor SQUID]

nice rig mjw

 

[jokerjkny]

today - easily my iAMP-800. i DARE you think it was SS. almost tubey like quality.

in October - the new Epifani UL902. like an avalon U5 w/ tone controls.

but unless 2 ohms isnt a requirement, the iAMP-500 is pretty darn awesome. and its SOOOOO lightweight.

and dont count out Acoustic Image's Focus 600. just lovin' what this little box can do.

 

[JAUQO III-X]

From what you Described that sounds like the Ashdown MK500.it's not as warm as the Ashdown ABM series.but it is a very versatile and punchy Amp.it has a nice pristine clarity to it and a lot of Head room.and I use both the MK500 and the ABM series.

http://www.ashdownmusic.co.uk/artists/detail.asp?ID=50

 

[Jure the second]

What about german stuff :

- Glockenklang
- Hughes and Kettner
- Merlin
- Tech Soundsystems
- Warwick

Is that also expensive there?

Jure

 

[fenderbluesdude]

if you thinking of getting a schroeder than get






pre/power!!!!!!!

 

[Jackbass]

If I where you, I should go for a fafner head or an aguilar ag500. This last one seems to be excelent.

 

[VtypeV4]

Trace elliot SMX series? AH400SMX? Im in the uk too, i saw one on ebay recently. Valve pre-amp section, 2 pre shapes, 12 band graphic, dual band compressor, etc etc etc...

 

[HRC Matt]

i use GK 700RBII...i power mesa boogie 4-10 cab with 1-15 also. GK heads don't play...ampegs own...but for the money $600 for GK is the best deal for budget

 

[Kelly Lee]

I also would recommend a Trace Elliot head. That AH400SMX would be a solid performer and it has quite a few tone shaping features. You just can't go wrong with Trace!

 

[Brad Johnson]

Before I can seriously recommend anything, I'd need to know what you don't you like about the Ashdowns? I also have and like the Walkabout, iAmp 800, and a few others that are being touted, but I don't think you'd dig 'em if you can't stand Ashdown either (I've got Ashdowns too).

C'mon guys, there's a big difference between recommending your favourites and trying to really help someone. One person is even recommending an amp as "the best" that hasn't hit the market yet

+1

In any case, in England you can likely find lots of old Trace stuff. It's killer and no longer the flavour of the day so can be found used/cheap. If I have to guess, I'll guess Trace.

 

[bassampegman]

OK here is my feelings about the amps. My Ampeg SVTCL is great but then it should be its so expensive.The eq section is very basic so you either love the sound but thats all you get.

The Ashdown Mag300 head is very cheap, in the UK i could buy 7 off Mag300 for the price of one Ampeg SVTCL .The Ashdown head is a good amp and i do like it also although it has died twice from new ( tip do not take out speaker leads from amp while connected it blows up the power amp or if you lucky the power amp fuse )This fault happened when comparing twin cab setups, you know plug one in then another, then un plug etc.I never knew a solid state so sensitive to connecting the speaker load while on.

My best way to describe what i need is loads of decent power 400w approx, good clean tone, a bit of growl would be nice, and loads of EQ adjustment.
I guess it would be like the Power of the SVTCL the tone of a good clean amp and lots of EQ.

I also had an Ashdown evo300 and it was a bit weak in power, apart from that it wasnt bad again a bit like the Mag300.

Keep the suggestions coming but im not after spending loads i guess maybe £500 approx ($800 ) and dont forget im in the UK so choice is limited

I never have really liked Trace Elliot as here in the Uk just about everybody used to play them.

 

[Jugghaid]

Try a Trace V-Type all tube head like the V4, V6, or V8.

Way different than their other gear and really really nice.

Loud as hell too.

 

[CrazySean]

if you thinking of getting a schroeder than get






pre/power!!!!!!!

Yes, but don't think that's a requirement. They are very efficient supposedly, so you could get by with just 200 watts probably (the more the better of course, though).

Sean

EDIT: OT, I might be getting an iAMP 800 soon. 1000 watts @ 2 ohms is what mostly did me in. Can't beat that (with a head at least).