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Best Combo Bass amp.

I have a GK MB-212 MkII. Had it for years. Where does it rank? I dont know - Ive never sat in a music store and A/B combos all day...I can tell you that it is Class D/Lightweight and very reliable

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Genz Benz Shuttle Combos are amazing (if you can find one). I was lucky enough to find 2. 375 watts stand alone and 600 watts with an extension cabinet...and under 35 lbs. I LOVE mine!!
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I always felt that Genzler Benz "combos" are not really combos. Just because there's a bracket to hold them together is neat for separation purposes but an odd form factor if you want a true combo amp, ie; the head internally contained within the cabinet.
That said, they do sound good. Just not my definition of a combo amp.
 
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I always felt that Genzler Benz "combos" are not really combos. Just because there's a bracket to hold them together is neat for separation purposes but an odd form factor if you want a true combo amp, ie; the head internally contained within the cabinet.
That said, they do sound good. Just not my definition of a combo amp.
That’s an interesting distinction. To me it seems like a fine line between those Genz Benz combos and the Markbass combos, which are cabs with a MB head mounted inside it. What about Ampeg flip tops - are they combos? Not that it matters, of course - one should pick their desired level of convenience and looks regardless of labels.
 
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That’s an interesting distinction. To me it seems like a fine line between those Genz Benz combos and the Markbass combos, which are cabs with a MB head mounted inside it. What about Ampeg flip tops - are they combos? Not that it matters, of course - one should pick their desired level of convenience and looks regardless of labels.
Also the Quilter system, where you can attach the head on a dedicate dock behind the cab
 
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If your budget is higher you have a lot more and better options with a class d head and a neo cab. I use a TH500 and Berg CN112 and 210 cabs and a Barefaced One10. Most combos skimp on the cab and that is what is really important
The OP was clear that he wants a combo. He's looking for the convenience and not all mfgs "skimp" on the cabinet for a combo.
 
I always felt that Genzler Benz "combos" are not really combos. Just because there's a bracket to hold them together is neat for separation purposes but an odd form factor if you want a true combo amp, ie; the head internally contained within the cabinet.
That said, they do sound good. Just not my definition of a combo amp.
I see what you're saying...but the bassist doesn't have to carry a separate head. So, I'm sure that's why they manufactured and named it a shuttle combo.
 
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That’s an interesting distinction. To me it seems like a fine line between those Genz Benz combos and the Markbass combos, which are cabs with a MB head mounted inside it. What about Ampeg flip tops - are they combos? Not that it matters, of course - one should pick their desired level of convenience and looks regardless of labels.
Good points. I'd say, from my perspective, Ampeg fliptops are more combos than Genzler Benz as the head is internally contained for transport. I'm focusing on convenience here although anyone who has experience with a B-15 knows that flipping the head can be tedious.
 
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I like how Genzler has an attachment to make combos out of a couple of their head/cab option. I jut wish that they'd make all their cabs and heads compatible with this. I'd love to buy a Nu Classic 210 or 115 and attach their Magellan 800 to it. I just love the convenience of combos on a gig and don't like separate componants. As it is, I'm looking at a Ampeg Rocket 210 in the near future.

As for your question:

For a rock friendly tone, i'd say go Ampeg Rocket if you are on a budget, and go GK Fusion if you just want the best, most versatile combo out there.
 
I always felt that Genzler Benz "combos" are not really combos. Just because there's a bracket to hold them together is neat for separation purposes but an odd form factor if you want a true combo amp, ie; the head internally contained within the cabinet.
That said, they do sound good. Just not my definition of a combo amp.

You probably won't like AI Combos with the detachable head (not the bracket ones) EA combos, Carvin Combos or even the Walkabout because they have all detachable heads. But I have seen and use those those Genz Benz. You can grab the amp just like a regular combo. I think it makes them more versatile but they are combos no doubt. Plus they solve the heat issue, but on the convenience aspect, they are as good as the traditional combo There is also the Mesa Boogie Buster Combo. Heavy as F. Most owners I know bought a head enclosure instead and moved the amp to it.
 
I love my Rumble 500c....for the money its amazing and I use it most every gig. I have the 210 ext cab too and use it a lot whether I NEED it or not, it gets the speakers up to ear level and provides some extra punch. I can also set it on top of most any 8 ohm cab and it sounds killer..it is my "sonic lunch-box".
But I dig the GK 212 combos and the Markbass combos too...all depends on what ya want to pay. Honestly, I sound like "me" regardless of what I am plugged into