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Carvin BX500: Part II

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#661
thanks for the feedback guys!

Although I got one saying yeah and one nay, so I'm still on the fence now.

Oh well, I've got until my tax return shows up to plan how to spend it, so nothings happening for a few months yet anyway.

Anyone else who can throw me some feedback would be appreciated.
 
#662
It's a super clean amp. I feel like the tube adds very little. I don't really use a clean sound, but bought it on the premise that you have to start with a good clean sound before making it dirty to your taste... so I've been very happy with it.
 
#663
Well I really like this amp, and I'm not disappointed that I sold my 700RBII (though it was a great head). I like being able to adjust my tone more precisely than without graphic/semipara EQ's. It takes longer to adjust but worth it if you're not just looking for a plug-n-play good sound (like a GK amp).

Still need to call carvin and get a replacement tube tho, the hum is annoying.

Oh but I'm also kinda :< about the 1 year warranty and the stated EQ freq inconsistencies for the bass/treble knob.
 
#664
I am very pleased with this amp, but I hoped for a little more tubishness from the 12AX7. I finally had a tube rolling fiesta a few days ago. I literally have a gallon ziploc bag half filled with 12A** tubes. This includes some "vintage" stuff and JAN tubes too.

Firstly the various tube substitutions made a surprisingly large difference to my ears. I narrowed it down to three that I liked after trying at least a dozen including vintage Tung-Sol and RCA types.

Let me say that my auditory taste buds seem to be different from a lot of bassists. The final three that I liked were: JJECC-803S, JJ12AU7, and a JAN5751.
The winner for me was the JJ-803S. I'll say it again- my tastes are probably different than most bassists - but I guess my point is that it is worth trying other preamp tubes in this amp despite the seeming lack of tonal influence the tube has.
 
#666
i received my BX500/BRX10.2NEO the day before yesterday...
this amp is wonderful ! There's more than enough EQ/tone shaping power on hand, and plenty of oomph....

now, i fully realize it's not "broken in" yet, but the BRX 2x10 cab is quite bright sounding, so i've got the tweeter level down to the -24db setting, though i could just as well turn it off completely....
the lows are adequate and taut with my 5 strings, it's not quite as cushy down low as my 2x12 Markbass mini cmd121p/ny121 cab rig, but with the BX500's eq capability i can still get the tone(s) i prefer...
All in all, money well spent !
 
#667
Went to a Holiday show Saturday night in Mill Valley, California . Carlos Santana showed up to sit in with Narada Michael Walden's band. Troy Lampkins was holding down the bass with a BX500 head and 2x10 neo cab. Also Carvin 6 string...He sounded awesome! Solid tone, fingers and slap.
 

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#668
spankdaplank said:
I am very pleased with this amp, but I hoped for a little more tubishness from the 12AX7. I finally had a tube rolling fiesta a few days ago. I literally have a gallon ziploc bag half filled with 12A** tubes. This includes some "vintage" stuff and JAN tubes too.

Firstly the various tube substitutions made a surprisingly large difference to my ears. I narrowed it down to three that I liked after trying at least a dozen including vintage Tung-Sol and RCA types.

Let me say that my auditory taste buds seem to be different from a lot of bassists. The final three that I liked were: JJECC-803S, JJ12AU7, and a JAN5751.
The winner for me was the JJ-803S. I'll say it again- my tastes are probably different than most bassists - but I guess my point is that it is worth trying other preamp tubes in this amp despite the seeming lack of tonal influence the tube has.
Click to expand...

how are your tastes different? what tone were you going for? does the JJEC-803S give any growl, or just warmth?
 
#669
I was looking for a little more warmth and that tube compression feel. I will say the tube influence over all was still subtle, but the swap - to my ears both warmed things up and brought a nice clarity - without being shrill - within the limited amount that this amp is influenced by the tube. I found it interesting that my three favorites:JJECC-803S, JJ12AU7, and a JAN5751, were lower gain tubes than the 12ax7.
In my mind I thought a higher gain tube would work better but to my ears the several I tried didn't.
By the way really like the way the VT pedal works with this amp. It definitely can add that tubey squish to this amp.
 
#674
#677
rewopnayr said:
has anyone tried the bx500 head with the br8x10 cab? been thinking about getting that setup but i havent realy found any reviews on the br8x10.
Click to expand...

I have the BR810 but have not used it with the BX500 yet. Unfortunately, my BX500 is at my apartment in Iowa City and I am up north for the holidays so I cannot test it out right now.

The BR810 is a great cab, in my opinion. It's surprisingly easy to move and responds well to the EQ on my B1500. It's also beautiful in the brown marvelon covering. I'd love to try the BX500 with it to see what results I can get. I'm not very good at interpreting and describing tonal characteristics. :hmm: It does sound big, though. I like it. :)
 
#678
theory028 said:
I have the BR810 but have not used it with the BX500 yet. Unfortunately, my BX500 is at my apartment in Iowa City and I am up north for the holidays so I cannot test it out right now.

The BR810 is a great cab, in my opinion. It's surprisingly easy to move and responds well to the EQ on my B1500. It's also beautiful in the brown marvelon covering. I'd love to try the BX500 with it to see what results I can get. I'm not very good at interpreting and describing tonal characteristics. :hmm: It does sound big, though. I like it. :)
Click to expand...

so far out of the small amount of reviews i have been able to find and yours. i will be picking one up in january. would be next week but with the amount of whiskey i plan on getting this new years it will have to wait a couple more weeks.:hyper:
 
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