Best hybrid bass head

[InhumanResource]

Talking new or somewhat old (not vintage because I think of all tune heads there - SVT, etc.). Inn a perfect world I would have an early 70s SVT with an 8x10 but I don’t want to carry that!

When I was doing this, my favorite was the SVT 6-PRO. Same preamp as the SVT-CL but 1100 watt mosfet power section.

 

[burgerdj]

Mesa Walkabout is killer, as are the older Eden WT series (300, 400, 550). Classics, imho.

 

[ThinCrappyTone2]

I love my Genz Benz Shuttle 9.0. The tube pre is great, with plenty of tubey grind on tap if you want it. Tone shaping is robust. It’s LOUD. Great DI.

But there are a bunch of other great options out there too. Mesa springs to mind.

 

[Agosix]

Jules Monique 700

 

[swrbass5]

 

[LVannerson]

Like others have said, there is no "best". It depends on what kind of tone you're looking for. Does size/weight matter? I'm assuming your budget is unlimited when you're asking for the "best"?

If you're looking for a hybrid that sounds/feels like a proper, old school tube amp and size/weight doesn't matter I think the Orange Terror might be the way to go. It really stands out as something a bit different in the hybrid amp market. But then again, you might not like the characteristic Orange tone and their quirky eq section.

If you want a smaller/lighter amp with a more modern tone and more knobs/features there are LOTS of tiny Class D hybrid amps to choose from. Many of them are great if you like this type of amp but you'll have to test them yourself to know which one will work best for YOU.

I'll say this though: Generally you tend to get what you pay for with bass amps. The cheapest ones aren't very good IMO.

The cab will matter too of course. A top quality amp won't sound great through a poor quality cab.

 

[LVannerson]

Like others have said, there is no "best". It depends on what kind of tone you're looking for. Does size/weight matter? I'm assuming your budget is unlimited when you're asking for the "best"?

If you're looking for a hybrid that sounds/feels like a proper, old school tube amp and size/weight doesn't matter I think the Orange Terror might be the way to go. It really stands out as something a bit different in the hybrid amp market. But then again, you might not like the characteristic Orange tone and their quirky eq section.

If you want a smaller/lighter amp with a more modern tone and more knobs/features there are LOTS of tiny Class D hybrid amps to choose from. Many of them are great if you like this type of amp but you'll have to test them yourself to know which one will work best for YOU.

I'll say this though: Generally you tend to get what you pay for with bass amps. The cheapest ones aren't very good IMO.

The cab will matter too of course. A top quality amp won't sound great through a poor quality cab.

Thanks! Weight does matter. In a perfect world I would get an early 70s SVT and 8x10 but so freaking heavy. I’m looking for real tube tone in something around 10 lbs or so. I looked at the Sadowsky sa 200. All tube and about 35 lbs but it’s $5000 and I know I can get the sound for lighter and cheaper. Yes I have various high end cabs I would use. Thanks

 

[Bar Band Bassman]

You may also have a look at Arkham, "The beast of both worlds"[/QUOTE]

Oh, great! Now there's an amp with Cthulhu as a logo! I suppose I'll have to start saving my pennies again...

 

[Bar Band Bassman]

I love my Genz Benz Shuttles! Just ask Aged Horse!

 

[Not_Shane]

I used a Markbass TTE 800 for years. Randy Jacksons signature head, and I was in a heavy metal band. Lol!

 

[agedhorse]

never seen those before. apparently Sweetwater carries them. looks like all solid state tho...not hybrid.

Not related to the Streamliner in any way but the cosmetics.

 

[LVannerson]

Thanks all. I’m leaning towards the Demeter VTBP. Anybody think that’s a bad idea?

 

[MrDinsdale]

Thanks! Weight does matter. In a perfect world I would get an early 70s SVT and 8x10 but so freaking heavy. I’m looking for real tube tone in something around 10 lbs or so. I looked at the Sadowsky sa 200. All tube and about 35 lbs but it’s $5000 and I know I can get the sound for lighter and cheaper. Yes I have various high end cabs I would use. Thanks

The Hand Box WB-100 is all valve and around 16kg, I can carry it with one hand.

 

[LVannerson]

The handbox looks awesome! Can’t seem to find one for sale but looks to be under $1000. Good price

 

[Mark_70]

DB 751

regards
Mark

 

[gtirard]

Also, if you are looking for a full tube amp without the weight:
Rheingold B100 (100W 10 Kg)
Pure Tone Amp Offset XL (100W 7.1 Kg) or the Nautilus (120W 9 Kg)

That, with a super efficient cab, like a Barefaced Big Twin or a GR Bass 212 or 610, and you can build a super lightweight rig.

 

[mikewalker]

Also, if you are looking for a full tube amp without the weight:
Rheingold B100 (100W 10 Kg)....

Traynor's YBA100 is in the same league (10kg)
YBA100 – Traynor Amps

 

[mikewalker]

A couple of my favorite hybrid heads are the (discontinued) Hartke TX600 and the (ancient) Carvin BX500.
*Though I actually prefer the tone of the Carvin with the tube bypass button engaged - something magical in it's solid state preamp...

 

[Danny C]

Mesa WD-800 but also using an Arkham Oracle and Jad Freer Capo with the head. Getting all the tube tone I want with amazing flexibility. Extremely happy!

 

[Jefenator]

Also, if you are looking for a full tube amp without the weight:
Rheingold B100 (100W 10 Kg)
Pure Tone Amp Offset XL (100W 7.1 Kg) or the Nautilus (120W 9 Kg)

That, with a super efficient cab, like a Barefaced Big Twin or a GR Bass 212 or 610, and you can build a super lightweight rig.

I haven't tried every integrated hybrid out there by a long shot - but I've made some pretty serious attempts at it with my old pre + power racks with the Alembic F-1X & SVT-IIp for mojo.
They were good, but still not as deep down satisfying as the 50W tube heads I currently use.
The 50W covers my stage needs in almost any situation and the post-power DI send bottles more of that experience (compression fuzz & all) for the FOH. No complaints from any soundman, yet.
That's how I do "hybrid", now.
The newer 50W amp weighs 19#, BTW. Not quite class D / shoulder bag / trip neutral, but well within my criteria for practicality.