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Best Class D Bass Amps???

#307
Interesting and enlightening thread, I looked it up because I just pickup up an Ampeg SVT 7Pro, with the intent of having it as a backup to bring along in case one of my old SVT’s were to have any troubles at a gig, as well as an option when I’m lazy and occasionally don’t want to deal with dragging the 90+ pound beast along. I’m also thinking eventually I will convert to full time use of a small class D when age forces the issue (52 now, but I still love tubes!!!).

I chose the SVT7PRO because of the simple and familiar controls and the 1000 watt rating at 4 ohms. I was checking it out and doing a little comparison in my garage (where nothing actually sounds very good), putting up against a ‘72 V4B using the same cabinet. I was very surprised that the 100 watt tube watt head, can easily keep up volume wise with the 1000w class D. Different sounding and I’d say I can get more low end out of of the SVT7pro, but rather disappointing to find that the 1000w head didn’t seem to just crush the old 100watt V4B.

So that’s what led me to this thread. I didn’t expect 10x the volume, but I did expect more headroom for sure, but it seems as though I have to get the gain/master pretty far up there, as well as leaving the onboard compression at 0. Maybe that is also why I think in all 16 pages of this thread the SVT7PRO was only mentioned once. Since I also want a small, simple, lightweight amp as a backup, and am not currently impressed with my choice of the Ampeg class D offering, I decided I’d check in here and see what you all are saying about the choices of class D. I see it’s been 7-8 months since anyone has added to this, so I should look up another current thread, but so many amps have been spoken of here. I wonder what the OP ended up,with, if he continued shopping. I am now thinking of the Darkglass and the EBS offerings as I am a fan of both of those companies pedals. But learning what I learned here, I will spend a little more time with the Ampeg.

Obviously I’m looking for the same things as the OP, simple, powerful and small. With an eye toward eventually being a permanent replacement for the SVT’s. I had a Tech21 VT Bass 500, and was reasonably happy with it, but I didn’t like controls. If using it as a backup, and I were to have a problem with one of my tube amps in a live situation I would find myself trying to remember on-the-fly the interaction of the “Drive”, “Character” “Blend” and level controls, so I choose the SVT7PRO as a replacement, with the familiar Ampeg control layout. Now I’m not sure the SVT7PRO is going to be the answer. Or at least I want to explore other options (GAS adds to this desire).

Wonder if anyone is even following this thread anymore....
 
#308
Ringhammer said:
Interesting and enlightening thread, I looked it up because I just pickup up an Ampeg SVT 7Pro, with the intent of having it as a backup to bring along in case one of my old SVT’s were to have any troubles at a gig, as well as an option when I’m lazy and occasionally don’t want to deal with dragging the 90+ pound beast along. I’m also thinking eventually I will convert to full time use of a small class D when age forces the issue (52 now, but I still love tubes!!!).

I chose the SVT7PRO because of the simple and familiar controls and the 1000 watt rating at 4 ohms. I was checking it out and doing a little comparison in my garage (where nothing actually sounds very good), putting up against a ‘72 V4B using the same cabinet. I was very surprised that the 100 watt tube watt head, can easily keep up volume wise with the 1000w class D. Different sounding and I’d say I can get more low end out of of the SVT7pro, but rather disappointing to find that the 1000w head didn’t seem to just crush the old 100watt V4B.

So that’s what led me to this thread. I didn’t expect 10x the volume, but I did expect more headroom for sure, but it seems as though I have to get the gain/master pretty far up there, as well as leaving the onboard compression at 0. Maybe that is also why I think in all 16 pages of this thread the SVT7PRO was only mentioned once. Since I also want a small, simple, lightweight amp as a backup, and am not currently impressed with my choice of the Ampeg class D offering, I decided I’d check in here and see what you all are saying about the choices of class D. I see it’s been 7-8 months since anyone has added to this, so I should look up another current thread, but so many amps have been spoken of here. I wonder what the OP ended up,with, if he continued shopping. I am now thinking of the Darkglass and the EBS offerings as I am a fan of both of those companies pedals. But learning what I learned here, I will spend a little more time with the Ampeg.

Obviously I’m looking for the same things as the OP, simple, powerful and small. With an eye toward eventually being a permanent replacement for the SVT’s. I had a Tech21 VT Bass 500, and was reasonably happy with it, but I didn’t like controls. If using it as a backup, and I were to have a problem with one of my tube amps in a live situation I would find myself trying to remember on-the-fly the interaction of the “Drive”, “Character” “Blend” and level controls, so I choose the SVT7PRO as a replacement, with the familiar Ampeg control layout. Now I’m not sure the SVT7PRO is going to be the answer. Or at least I want to explore other options (GAS adds to this desire).

Wonder if anyone is even following this thread anymore....
Click to expand...

I really liked the SVT7Pro. There were some reliability issues with the earlier models. I found the power adequate and I believe it was tested around 960 watts or so. Can't seem to find the review. I generally ignored the gain light and cranked it up. That gave the power I was looking for. As far as it feeling like an all tube amp, well, that is a topic of much discussion. You'll find at least 2 differing opinions on any topic around here.

I have personally owned and tried many, many class D offerings. My top two are the Trickfish Bullhead .5 and the Aguilar AG700. I stuck with the Aguilar for simplicity but was equally happy with the Trickfish. Two amps where I feel like I am missing nothing but the weight of other amps. Now I can leave my trusty GK700 at our rehearsal spot and be just as happy using my AG700.

There are a lot of great options out there and I think the general consensus is the latest and greatest Class D power modules are the best yet.
 
#309
I am beginning to consider a replacement for my aging Shuttles. I picked up a Mesa Boogie Subway D-800+. Pretty nice and designed by the same guy who designed my beloved Shuttles. I have only been using it at low volumes as my current smaller cabs (for my trio) are not rated to 800W. I do have a couple 8 ohm Uber 210's I could bring up that would work. I also have my Uber 410 or my Berg HD410 but I like the portability of the smaller cabs. Saving for a 4ohm Subway 212 but no hurry as my Shuttles are great and the Revsound 212 is sweet.
 
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#310
I'm running my dinosaur SVT-CL, so only my spare is a class-d. I do however work for a famous bass player, and he swears by his TEC Puma. I've spent literally hours recreating his stage sound in FOH, so I actually know his tone better than my own. It's all subjective, but he sounds great night after night, from intimate rooms to arenas. Also, we tour with two of them, and we've never had to pull out his spare.
 
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#311
...then I read another post and the cabinet/speaker choice comes into play. In my experiment/comparison I’m using a sealed 410 made by Fliptops for my V4B (27”wide). The cab is basically 1/2 an 810, having two sealed sections for each pair of Eminence Legend BP102-4’s. I use this cab with my old SVT and it sounds pretty good, but not so hot with the V4B. Or the SVT7pro. I saw one poster mention some Eminence Delta-lites at 99% efficiency and it gets me thinking of a different speaker choice for this sealed 410. I want to use this cabinet more and more, as well as utilizing my V4B and B25B for gigs, but I want to stay as close as possible to the comfy feeling of the SVT/810e combo. I KNOW I won’t get the same, but playing a small bar gig with the V4B or B25B and 410’s should to be plenty, especially if I can make that cabinet work best with these lower watt heads.

Maybe this is for another thread?
 
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#312
I know this is an old thread. Late to the party. I had tried three Quilter BB 800's in stock at a local store .Through different cabs. great pure bass tone , but I couldn't live with the background noise. A loud fan and some sort of mechanical buzzing internally. Fine in a noisy busy music store but I took one home and it drove me to get rid of it and get a Mesa Sub D 800+ . I now have the WD-800.. The best amp I've ever owned ( kept the d800+ too )I wish I could have kept the Quilter.PS We figured out the buzz was in G# ..lol
 
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#313
Anybody have an informed opinion on the Bugera Veyron amps? On paper, they look like good value for the money. Like most class D amps, they're small, light, and high powered. Good selection of features. But how do they sound? Specifically, I'm looking for a good, flat sound to start with. I also play some keys, so a FRFR amp with an extended low end (redundant, I know) is what I'm looking for.
 
#314
isaac42 said:
Anybody have an informed opinion on the Bugera Veyron amps? On paper, they look like good value for the money. Like most class D amps, they're small, light, and high powered. Good selection of features. But how do they sound? Specifically, I'm looking for a good, flat sound to start with. I also play some keys, so a FRFR amp with an extended low end (redundant, I know) is what I'm looking for.
Click to expand...

I don’t have direct experience, only through TB reviews, but I believe the out of production Kustom KXB500 is also a well respected (for tone/sound) class D that is easy on the wallet.
Might be a good fit for you, if you can find a used one.
 
#316
foothilla said:
Hello All,

I am interested in getting a SIMPLY DESIGNED class D bass amp head, but am feeling a little overwhelmed. Class D seems to have been rapidly evolving in recent years and many of the "class D" threads on talkbass are 5+ years old. So, I would love opinions on the absolute best class D amps out there, as of late 2016.

Price doesn't really matter, I am looking for the best of the best. It has to have enough power to drive 8x10 cabs, and I want the design to be simple (i.e. the Orange Terror Bass, or the Quilter Bass Block). I am tired of super heavy, unreliable, rattling tube heads (just sold my last one, a Mesa 400+). And I have plenty of class A/B bass amps. I'm looking to step into the modern day, with a high end, lightweight class D amp. I want something that can do slap tones and modern sounds,...but would also like to be able to roll the treble back and get some nice, warm, vintage tones.

Thanks in advance for taking your personal time to help out your bass playing brethren.
Click to expand...
May I suggest Bergantino Forte’
2 versions available: Forte (350 watts) and Forte HP ( @ 1200 watts) both capable of driving your cabs

Ultra simple and light weight ; essentially set tones flat, adjust volume to taste and play ; very transparent . What you hear is what you sound like

Keep us posted!
 
#319
isaac42 said:
Anybody have an informed opinion on the Bugera Veyron amps? On paper, they look like good value for the money. Like most class D amps, they're small, light, and high powered. Good selection of features. But how do they sound? Specifically, I'm looking for a good, flat sound to start with. I also play some keys, so a FRFR amp with an extended low end (redundant, I know) is what I'm looking for.
Click to expand...

Didn't even skim through all 16 pages, but the Quilter BB800 might be worth a try.
 

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