Choosing A New Bass Amp, tube, solid state, or hybrid?

[Risen Ashes]

If you are going to get Ampeg, either get all-tube or some other brand... you could spend your money better else where if it is SS or hybrid you want.

I agree fully. If you go Ampeg look for the head I use, SVT II, or an old school SVT, the new SVT-VR would be great but its expensive.

If you go SS because I recommend Gallien-Krueger...I would say 1001 or 2001 RB heads and get one used (it should be affordable)

Cab wise- I have heard Strung Out use Aguilar live and I think they are great for what you want. My preference is to what I own and use-MESA, but it's expensive. I think a 610 or 810 would be good for you if not a 412 (Mesa, Aguilar and GK make them) Ampeg is not a bad choice either. A 410 alone I don't think is enough you need to add a 15 like I did or maybe a 410 + 212...you need to push air man.

 

[theitalianrob]

Or You could just wait for the most amazing hybrid to come out on the tenth ; the fusion 550 by GK

I've tried the GK backline series amps and i hated that tone, is that the sound all their amps have? but i have to admit the Fusion series does sound interesting.

 

[mi6wik]

No it is not the sound of all of them i run a backline 600 right now but i have played through all of their heads and the 1001-rb and the 2001-rb sound amazing
and the new fusion 550 with a tube preamp and a reduced power amp section borrowed from their 1001-rb

 

[Psycho Bass Guy]

Tried 3 VB-2's when I was looking and they all had problems. Talked with some people and heard there are some inherent problems with the heads making them prone to a higher componet failure rate. Just what I heard and experienced.
I went with an SVT 3 Pro btw.

What were the problems? What components are failing?

 

[theitalianrob]

is 225 watts tube enough to power a cab rated at 1000w?

 

[Rob Rogers]

I have the new Mesa 800+ w/ the 8 x 10" cab.
It kicks ass. We played in a amphitheater in Boca Raton and the sound guy actually asked me to turn down.
That's when I knew I got the right amp.
Power, easy dial in sound, portability except cab which is still not bad. No issues that I have come about.