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Carvin's BX1500 and B2000

#30
One thing that is interesting to note is that the tubes on both heads drive the power amps, not the pre-amps. This might be a bit like the power amps of the Mesa Walkabout and BB750 setup. Several TB'ers have ran the walkabout Pre-out through external power amps and have conclude that the power section is a huge part of it's amazing warm tone. With that in mind, Carvin might have a unique sound here with these amps. I'm really curious now.

Does anyone have an idea if these are available now?
 
#32
I'm very curious what that tube in the power amp section is gonna do to the tone. With that in place and the less weight, it aint gonna be just extra 500 watts into a new B1500 case.

I've had my, bought-new-direct, B1500 since about last spring, used it for a couple outdoor gigs with 2 4 ohm cabs this past summer. It pretty much now sits as backup for my 2 ohm modded Neopak. That gets me thru my indoor gigs fine.

But man the less weight and that tuber in there, sure makes one go HMMMM??? I hope someone can post some soundclips at some point or at least give a real descriptive review very soon. :hyper:
 
#33
Tough to holdout, but I would wait for some reports on these heads considering what alot of other users have gone through with the GK MB500 and the Carvin BX500 right off the bat. There always seems to be some issues. Of course, I'm naturally paranoid ! But, wow, these new heads blow the GB heads out of the water!
 
#34
It's apparent Carvin listens to their customers. On their forum, I suggested an amp like the BX1200 but with a tube preamp. I just wonder if the single tube really changes the tone much. I'm also very curious about the B2000. It seems that series of heads are more "rock-oriented" and less "modern" than my BX1200. I also like that both new heads are 2 units.

EDIT: Regarding the new power sections, I should mention that I've owned two BX1200 heads. The first one I ordered was the older, heavier model that was around 23 lbs (without the case). I sent it to Carvin Repair only because the switches were making popping noises. They sent me a new BX1200 which was the lighter model weighing in at around 15 lbs. I have it setup the same as the first one I had, and I haven't noticed any signs that it is any quieter than the older, heavier model.
 
#35
Time Consumer said:
Damn! <snip> boobies damn tempting.
Click to expand...

Trying to resist comment on Time Consumer's observation....

On topic, it's hard to imagine what could induce me to say goodbye to my trusty B1500--which no rig remotely within my means that I've seen to date has been able to do--but being able to get the same (or even better?) tone in a much lighter package would be one of the few things that might do it.
 
#38
bassplayer7770 said:
5 is "flat", and you can boost or cut from there.
Click to expand...

That's one thing I hope they've changed on the new models; change the amp front labels to indicate what the EQ is really doing with a center detent and having noon be zero.

It's my understanding that the Mesa heads use a power tube before the SS power section. It looks like Carvin is using a preamp tube. We need more info.
 
#39
Blues Cat said:
That's one thing I hope they've changed on the new models; change the amp front labels to indicate what the EQ is really doing with a center detent and having noon be zero.

It's my understanding that the Mesa heads use a power tube before the SS power section. It looks like Carvin is using a preamp tube. We need more info.
Click to expand...

Yeah, my BX1200 doesn't have center detents either, which isn't ideal, but it is boost and cut on all the EQ controls (other than the Contour control). I agree it would be nicer if the controls had center detents.

Yeah, I'm not sure how they can use a preamp tube in the power section... :confused:

Still, I'm intrigued by the new models.
 

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