Best Head (under $400 used) for Ampeg 810

[sethbwk]

Hey all,

Just wanted to get some feedback. I'm looking for a head that will power an Ampeg 810. Looking to buy used and spend less than $400. Suggestions? Would the Markbass LM-II and LM-III's do the trick? I need something able to power rooms with 100-200 people in the event that we don't have adequate sound reinforcement to help push bass.

I only need something that covers straight rock sounds. I don't do any slapping/popping etc. Thanks so much for any help!

 

[Gunnerhea86]

I vote GK 800rb

 

[Floridabwoy]

Shuttle?

 

[LouieV2]

Ive got a LMIII, and I run it with an Ampeg SVT410HLF and another 1x15 and its got enough power. if your bass is passive you MAY have to push it, but im sure you'll be fine.

 

[worshiprocker]

my vote is GK 700rbii its a pretty great combo..

 

[BassScum]

I've been using my LMII with an Ampeg 810 for over 5 years . You'll have plenty of power and volume. I've used it many times with a loud guitarist and drummer and still had plenty of headroom. Sounds great too!

 

[lowendgenerator]

My GK has been absolutely bulletproof through my 810, for going on 5 years. I cannot recommend them enough. 700, 800, 1001, you can find all 3 for under/around $400.

On the other hand, I've been hearing about a few LMIIs starting to bite the dust. I can only guess that it's gotta be stressful to run such a small head so hard, even with the high wattage ratings. I'll take the extra size and weight.

 

[Vandy]

Hartke LH1000 . . .

 

[tdub0199]

a GK 700RB II, 800RB OR 1001RB II......

 

[jackcheez]

I vote GK 800rb

Those things sound awesome with an 8 X 10

 

[fenderhutz]

PF500 is 400 new. 250-275ish used.

Great head for good ol' Ampeg tone. Rock and roll all the way.

 

[rpsands]

Get the Ampeg PF500 man. They sound great and will suit the 8x10 really well I bet.

 

[logicman69]

Hartke LH1000 . . .

This!!!

1000w bridged, and a tube preamp.

 

[carl h.]

PF500 is 400 new. 250-275ish used.

Great head for good ol' Ampeg tone. Rock and roll all the way.

This is what you want!

 

[bearhart74]

Eden wt 400, tc electronic rh450 or bg500, trace eliott ah500x

 

[Marton]

Gk, GK or GK. Or maybe GK.

More seriously, you could also try to find a used Traynor YBA-200 if you want full tube, you can find them around $400-450. A used older Eden could do the trick too.

 

[jeff7bass]

PF500 is 400 new. 250-275ish used.

Great head for good ol' Ampeg tone. Rock and roll all the way.

What he said. Get a new one with full warranty.

 

[georgestrings]

a GK 700RB II, 800RB OR 1001RB II......

This - I prefer the 700rb-II, but the other two are no slouches, and all three work very well with an Ampeg 810...


- georgestrings

 

[jcburn]

Hartke LH1000 . . .

This.
Or even the LH500 - very loud amps. Great sound with tube preamp. Just dont expect to get any real drive from the tube - it stays clean, and also realise that a roughly 'flat' response is acheived by setting the Bass at 0-2, Mids at 10 and Treble 0-2 (on a scale of 0 - 10).
The LH series look simple - and they are - but the natural tone is very nice. Works well for rock.

 

[alaskaleftybass]

Ampeg PF-500 seems like a natural choice for an Ampeg cab......