Best Class D Bass Amps???

[2milehighspike]

GK is not the be-all end-all by any means, but I really like the MB Fusion 800. Nice warm sound due to 3 12AX7's in the pre- section, while still retaining the GK bite if you want it. And power all day long. Some people don't like the GK brightness but the tubes smooth that out a bit and you can always take brightness OUT with EQ, but it's dang near impossible to add it IN with EQ if it aint there in the first place, IMO.

+1 One man's clank is another man's shimmer, I have been using the GK MB 800 and the 800 fusion and could not be happier. What I feel are the best attributes of both are the stone cold reliability and the ability to dial in/out frequencies to match different rooms. And thru my Bergantino HS410 they both sound great dialed back or cranked.

 

[bdplaid]

The thing I would like to add is that if the baked-in tone isn't your thing, it's impossible to get it out. Even if one looks in the manual at the frequencies that the tone knobs control, it's doesn't say anything near the whole picture. You gotta hear them.

For example, the GK D's are high quality amps in a great little package. They sound awesome if you like that sound. I want a different kind of midrange than the MB series can create, so they're not for me. But the Mesa D800 and Fender Rumble are a whole different thing, which pleases me more - more oomph in the midrange. GK does not do what they do. But then, the Mesa and Fender don't do what the GK does either.

 

[Sandman64]

Loud, clean, reliable and great sounding!

 

[Cuzzie]

On my GAS list

 

[bucephylus]

OK,....dumb question here.

Being that these class D amps are so small and so incredibly light, do I need to worry about this little head vibrating off the top of a cranked cabinet? When I crank the volume I am finding myself obsessively looking back at the head to make sure it hasn't vibrated it's way to the edge of the cabinet. Obviously this isn't a concern that I've ever had with the big old heavy tube amps and class A/B amps that I am used to.

Depends on the cab covering; but the micros were what started me down the road of vibration isolation. You can use shelf liner or foam kneeling pads for DIY. Back in the day, I actually used some of the foam grill cloth for my WW head. More recently, I've been trying to optimize this kind of device (see link in my sig).

 

[tombowlus]

I looked it up. It's a pre. Wayne Jones Audio's thing is POWERED cabs, and they make this pre to control them.

WJBP Bass Guitar Pre-Amp

I wish guys would read stuff before they post. Wastes time on confusion.

Wayne is coming out with a powered head version, FWIW.

 

[Robroy]

I hear lots of differences between many of the current offerings.

I do too. Honestly, one of the biggest differences in amps I heard recently was between two vintage 70's receivers a friend of mine owns, both about 30 watt units. The pioneer looks and sounds awesome. However, when he got, at an estate sale, the Marantz from the same year, I was shocked at the more "musical" sound it had. I can't explain it. They are both high quality stereo amplifiers, but there is a clear difference.

However, something I learned with the old Hartke aluminum cone cabinets back in the day was kind of interesting. Here on TB (when it was a REALLY bare bones interface) someone was complaining about their sound. A more experienced player said something along the lines of, "yeah, in your bedroom they don't sound so good, but with a band they really cut through the mix.

Thing is, the hi-fi receivers are playing naked. A bass amp is just another thing in the mix of instruments as well as the room acoustics, or lack thereof. For me, once you get in a live setting, the things you can do to adjust the tone are far more important than the technically noticeable differences in amps when everything is flat.

And I suspect that those differences will fade away as the technology progresses, barring differences that are designed in from the designer's tastes.

 

[phillybass101]

At a certain price point I think it just depends on what you like in terms of Tone and can afford. I'm obviously a Tecamp Guy. But I like it clean and modern. At the same time I also own a Bugera Veyron and have no qualms about Gigging with it as well. In closing I still own an old Trace Elliot (made in England) GP SM7 300 that I'd gig with no shame. Thing is the bigger you get, the bigger gigs you get all this is moot when you're on the road and deal with backlines and the FOH. Your amp becomes nothing but a stage monitor. By this time you can get your tone no matter what you play through. Like one of my International Touring Friends said what's a Bass amp to me? I don't need one. Of course if you're playing local gigs buy, and play through what you want. The current darlings are Genzler, Mesa, Bergantino and don't forget Phil Jones Bass, Wayne Jones Bass, Glock, Aguilar, GK, TC Electronic, Thunderfunk and on and on. And there is still Ampeg, Eden etc. The world right now is your Oyster. When playing local Gigs to me it's not just your amp it's the combo. You, your axe, strings, pre, Bass Amp, and Bass Cab and then there's the room. I look at the room as part of my Rig.

 

[phillybass101]

From a practical standpoint, there is no way anyone would build something to produce a 1000 Watt output into line level or headphone outputs. Further, it appears (from the picture) that the power input is from some sort of power supply that provides two 18 Volts/1 Amp sources of power - if someone can get 1000 Watts of "bass output" from two 18 VAC and 1 Amp power inputs, they have just revolutionized the laws of physics/science as I understand them. I'm 100% certain this is just a preamp.

You're right. Wayne Jones' Amps are in the Cabs and you need the pre as well. Very expensive rigs but some Cats use and swear by them. In the end just depends on what you like and how deep your pockets are. Know this, the Top Cats did not pay for that Rig LOL!!!!! You are paying/buying it for them

 

[Bassworship1]

Best 2 amps I've owned or played are the Genzler 800 and the new Mesa 800+ verion. Both are incredible amps that sound really good in a full band setting.

 

[Brad Johnson]

I do too. Honestly, one of the biggest differences in amps I heard recently was between two vintage 70's receivers a friend of mine owns, both about 30 watt units. The pioneer looks and sounds awesome. However, when he got, at an estate sale, the Marantz from the same year, I was shocked at the more "musical" sound it had. I can't explain it. They are both high quality stereo amplifiers, but there is a clear difference.

However, something I learned with the old Hartke aluminum cone cabinets back in the day was kind of interesting. Here on TB (when it was a REALLY bare bones interface) someone was complaining about their sound. A more experienced player said something along the lines of, "yeah, in your bedroom they don't sound so good, but with a band they really cut through the mix.

Thing is, the hi-fi receivers are playing naked. A bass amp is just another thing in the mix of instruments as well as the room acoustics, or lack thereof. For me, once you get in a live setting, the things you can do to adjust the tone are far more important than the technically noticeable differences in amps when everything is flat.

And I suspect that those differences will fade away as the technology progresses, barring differences that are designed in from the designer's tastes.

I might notice more than many folks because I tend to run my amps flat. If I don't like the intrinsic sound of the amp I use way too many basses to have to tweak for each one. As such I hear differences in many of the current heads that rule many of them out for me including some very popular ones. Most sound at least decent while some sound bad compared to what I prefer. I look for robust, clear sound. Transparency, meaning the sound/character of my basses comes through. A real physicality to the note without mud or harshness. I've been very lucky in my search.

 

[Robroy]

I might notice more than many folks because I tend to run my amps flat. If I don't like the intrinsic sound of the amp I use way too many basses to have to tweak for each one. As such I hear differences in many of the current heads that rule many of them out for me including some very popular ones. Most sound at least decent while some sound bad compared to what I prefer. I look for robust, clear sound. Transparency, meaning the sound/character of my basses comes through. A real physicality to the note without mud or harshness. I've been very lucky in my search.

We seem to be on the same page. I definitely think effects are a requirement for guitar but, though a useful tool for bass, not really as much of a necessity. Being a former audiophile, I'm all about flat as well. My first good cab was an Acme low B2. It was a truly amazing cabinet that I honestly felt I could have used for a home hi-fi system. Sadly, it was stolen.

But this is one reason I'm all about PA amps instead of "bass" amps. I like a flat cab and a flat amp and get my "tone" from my bass and processing. In my case, I use a Boss GT6B and a BBE BMax pre.

 

[wheelsup247]

At a certain price point I think it just depends on what you like in terms of Tone and can afford. I'm obviously a Tecamp Guy. But I like it clean and modern. At the same time I also own a Bugera Veyron and have no qualms about Gigging with it as well. In closing I still own an old Trace Elliot (made in England) GP SM7 300 that I'd gig with no shame. Thing is the bigger you get, the bigger gigs you get all this is moot when you're on the road and deal with backlines and the FOH. Your amp becomes nothing but a stage monitor. By this time you can get your tone no matter what you play through. Like one of my International Touring Friends said what's a Bass amp to me? I don't need one. Of course if you're playing local gigs buy, and play through what you want. The current darlings are Genzler, Mesa, Bergantino and don't forget Phil Jones Bass, Wayne Jones Bass, Glock, Aguilar, GK, TC Electronic, Thunderfunk and on and on. And there is still Ampeg, Eden etc. The world right now is your Oyster. When playing local Gigs to me it's not just your amp it's the combo. You, your axe, strings, pre, Bass Amp, and Bass Cab and then there's the room. I look at the room as part of my Rig.

Ditto on considering the room as part of your rig, and to add to that as bassists we get very little time to tune/EQ our amps to the room. That's precisely why I like my Phil Jones D-400...it has an EQ section that is effective at just the right frequencies and quick and easy to see with the pointy knobs. The post EQ connection to the FOH also helps me to dial in a great tone.

 

[foothilla]

Congrats on your Mesa purchase! I knew the Mesa was the amp for you when I read your first post.

Been there, done that. Bought a Mesa amp. Done.

Thanks for the great advice!

Now, the only thing I am questioning is if I should have gone with the D800+. The only thing I don't like about the D800, is that there is no "tuner out". I hate putting my tuner in my chain. I like the simpler control layout of the D800, but really wish I had the tuner out of the 800+ (kinda like the effects loop in the 800+ as well).

 

[foothilla]

Thanks back! This place is the shizz, is it not?

Not to gloat, but I told you so. The only thing that has me stymied is that you actually got a clean sound out of that head into anything. Tonehammers are the most overrated amps ever. IMO.

Not to gloat, but WE told you so! It's killer. And made in the USA!

Yeah. TB does GAS really, really bad. But about more class D: what I do is that, because they are so lightweight, I usually take two of them to gigs with me. The only downside to this is if I get bored, I might change amps in the middle of a gig.
But a suggestion might be to look for a "backup" that is a different size than the D800; I have a MarkBass F500 that's half-height, and it fits nicely into a bass bag pocket.

You might. I do the same thing, and occasionally I have been rewarded with seeing that my amp has moved on the cab top.

And since you have your wallet open, you should also check out the Subway cabs. They're even better than the heads, IMO.

You were right, on all counts. And yes, this place is the best!

It's like you're reading my mind on several counts:

A) I keep thinking about going back to grab a set of the Subway cabs. Do you have them (and if so, what configuration)? How do they compare to the standard, bulky Mesa cabs?

B) In addition to my new Mesa, I am thinking about an ultra tiny class D for my bass bag, as a backup. That Quilter bass block really keeps calling me. Love it's ultra simplicity, and my buddy's Quilter guitar amp is just the best solid state guitar amp I've ever heard. Like you, I could also see doing a mid-set change/boredom fighter.

 

[foothilla]

I have found that the key thing for a cleaner sound with the TN500 is to have the 'Drive' set on zero.

I did that, but it still distorted with the 4x10. I would have thought the head was screwed up, but it sounded fine through the 1x15 for some unexplainable reason???

 

[foothilla]

EBS if you're truly looking for the best

I wish I could find one of these, and one of the Quilter's, to play locally. Because now I am set on getting another class D as a backup, and those are the two front runners. I am so impressed with the Mesa, that I think my bulky heads are on their way out. I think I already found a buyer for my Eden.

 

[wheelsup247]

You were right, on all counts. And yes, this place is the best!

It's like you're reading my mind on several counts:

A) I keep thinking about going back to grab a set of the Subway cabs. Do you have them (and if so, what configuration)? How do they compare to the standard, bulky Mesa cabs?

B) In addition to my new Mesa, I am thinking about an ultra tiny class D for my bass bag, as a backup. That Quilter bass block really keeps calling me. Love it's ultra simplicity, and my buddy's Quilter guitar amp is just the best solid state guitar amp I've ever heard. Like you, I could also see doing a mid-set change/boredom fighter.

At $449 shipped to your door, you owe it to yourself to check out the Phil Jones Bass D-400 currently for sale on Talkbass.

 

[phillybass101]

Ditto on considering the room as part of your rig, and to add to that as bassists we get very little time to tune/EQ our amps to the room. That's precisely why I like my Phil Jones D-400...it has an EQ section that is effective at just the right frequencies and quick and easy to see with the pointy knobs. The post EQ connection to the FOH also helps me to dial in a great tone.

I know right. I think we get the least amount of time during sound check. Kinda pisses me off a little. I start the gig off in a bad mood

 

[bdplaid]

You were right, on all counts. And yes, this place is the best!

Sometimes, even a monkey gets lucky.

It's like you're reading my mind on several counts:

uh oh...

A) I keep thinking about going back to grab a set of the Subway cabs. Do you have them (and if so, what configuration)? How do they compare to the standard, bulky Mesa cabs?

I have the Subway 115 and 112. I bought the 115 first and really liked it, but felt it needed midrange. My sound puts emphasis on a barky midrange, and I bought the 112 to help with that. In the time since I bought them, however, I have come to appreciate the 115 a whole lot, and the 112 not so much. If I had it to do over, I'd get two 115s, and I think there is another 115 in my future (look for the 112 for ale on here at some point). I want to try the config of two 115s with a 112 and see what that's like first.

I've never had a Mesa PH cab, so can't speak to that. But I will say that the SW 115 is my fave cab, maybe ever. It sounds so good it makes all my other amps sound good.

B) In addition to my new Mesa, I am thinking about an ultra tiny class D for my bass bag, as a backup. That Quilter bass block really keeps calling me. Love it's ultra simplicity, and my buddy's Quilter guitar amp is just the best solid state guitar amp I've ever heard. Like you, I could also see doing a mid-set change/boredom fighter.

When I got the SW D800, my drummer told me I have to sell all my other amps and buy another D800 as backup. I dunno, maybe one day I'll get a D800+ and D800 will go as the backup. But for now, I have several other D's that go as a backup, the most compact of which is a MarkBass F1.

I like all my class D, they sound different and do different things. The Rumble 500 is always a good backup, or even a primary. It's not tiny, but it's a brick and sounds great.

The Quilter looks awesome, i am enamored with the tone section, but have yet to play one. If you do get one, let us know!

Glad it's working for you!