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Can a darkglass 900v2 replace my ampegs?

wolfkeller

wolfkeller

Supporting Member
Aug 11, 2013
5,716
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detroit
#1
I have been using ampegs for years, specifically the ii non pro and 4 pro. I run either (depending on how I feel that day) into 2 ampeg 810s. I run a sansamp bass driver v2 into the front end of both.

I am board. I want something different. I have no issues with the ampeg and they sound killer, I just want something different. I am thinking about switching to the darkglass 900v2 head. This will go into the 2 810s as usual.

I know the sound is different. I play around with a B3k at home into a tech 21 landmark 300, sounds great. Im actually going to swap out my sansamp for this tomorrow at a gig and go into the ampeg ii non pro.

So, the bottom line, will the darkglass hang with the ampeg? I use 2 cabs for the oomph, to fill the air so to speak. I've read alot about the darkglass but can it deliver the same kind of balls as the ampegs? In real world, loud stages?

Im looking for and appreciate input from folks that have 1st hand knowledge.
Thanks!
 
#3
GLEN18INCHSPICA said:
I doubt it will scratch the same itch. The SVT non pro preamp is my favorite preamp. I had them in the past, the preamps only, other than the output being a little low, haven't found anything that sounds as good to my ears.
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Well, for me, I don't really think the pre amp is the issue.So much as the power section, because i'm really running other stuff into the front of the amp, anyway
 
#8
I would say yes it can get most of the way there, the trick is using the VMT always on and the blend to taste and sculpt your sound around that.
It is missing the ultra hi and ultra low switches. Funny enough I use a SGT-DI into the front with the ultra low engaged but the preamp set flat. I do all the big EQung on the DG and the SGT works like a charm as a headphone amp/DI on the go.
 
#9
With amps and cabs that good, I doubt another amp will impress you. I suggest trying some different pre amp pedals, like and Aquilar, Darkglass, Model T, Marshall (can really work for bass), etc and run them into the power amp section of your amps. Bypass those onboard preamps.

You could also try swapping 1 fridge out for a sub, sending just the lows to that and the rest to the fridge. Personally that's not worth the effort for me unless I was playing dub.
 
#10
I used a Darkglass A&O 900 into an ampeg 810 for a while. Not the same amp ofc. I didnt really like it. It was loud enough, in its way, but sort of in a frail way? I couldnt get it to fill the room the way I want it to. I also didnt like the clean sound. Its sterile and uninspiring to me. After messing around with different preamps ect I decided to let it go and bought a big ol' tube amp again.

If financially possible, keep the ampegs while you try the new rig.
 
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#12
Jaygetsreal said:
I had a 900V2 for a while and I have to say I found its sound kinda sterile into my Eden 115 and 210 cabs. It's difficult to describe how 'disappointing' it was to my ears. So I sold it.
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I have to agree with you as I had a similar experience in a store where they sell Darkglass products.

I tried this amp on a 212 Darkglass cab and although it sounded great, there was no boogie factor or groove if I may say. The salesman then added an Avalon tube preamp and it suddenly became more lively with more sound texture than the amplifier alone.

I didn’t buy anything that day telling myself I could surely find an amp that won’t need an extra preamp to sound great and that happened with a Hartke LH 500 but many other amp heads will do the trick.

The ultimate bass amp for me is the Aguilar DB751 but it’s rather pricey and heavy.
 
#13
wolfkeller said:
I have been using ampegs for years, specifically the ii non pro and 4 pro. I run either (depending on how I feel that day) into 2 ampeg 810s. I run a sansamp bass driver v2 into the front end of both.

I am board. I want something different. I have no issues with the ampeg and they sound killer, I just want something different. I am thinking about switching to the darkglass 900v2 head. This will go into the 2 810s as usual.

I know the sound is different. I play around with a B3k at home into a tech 21 landmark 300, sounds great. Im actually going to swap out my sansamp for this tomorrow at a gig and go into the ampeg ii non pro.

So, the bottom line, will the darkglass hang with the ampeg? I use 2 cabs for the oomph, to fill the air so to speak. I've read alot about the darkglass but can it deliver the same kind of balls as the ampegs? In real world, loud stages?

Im looking for and appreciate input from folks that have 1st hand knowledge.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Mesa 800D, or wait a bit because I have a feeling you’ll be seeing some Mesa Subway amps popping up in the classifieds since the 800D was released on Tuesday. It’s a monster of an amp with tons of tube sound and power. Probably the best amp Mesa has released and it can definitely your Ampegs.
 
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#14
Hey,

I am a bit late to the party but wanted to comment anyway.

I have an SVT Classic and the M900 V2. I have been using the M900 V2 for nearly everything, it is just sooooo light and portable. Originally I thought using the M900 for rehersals means I am not wearing away at the tubes for just practice sessions.....

It is remarkably good, you can get a very punchy clean and with the Vintage enguaged you can easily reproduce the growly or "just breaking up" Ampeg sound from the classic. It is essentially the same kinda settings as the Ampeg, just make sure your adding enough mids to cut through and you are good to go. Clean is on the Grapic EQ, gain on the pots, simple.

Greets

Matt
 
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