Combo amp recommendations?

[Copycat]

I play a Silverado with an SWR Triad as an extension cab. The Silverado by itself was a great combo amp--I just wanted a bit more thump. I've had Hartke and Eden cabs and GK heads, and I'm partial to the Silverado's sound. It is heavy, though. I think it tips the scales around 90 lbs. But it will do the job in any kind of context. I play in an original rock band with drums, guitar and vibes and even without the extension, the cab cuts through pretty well. I talked to SWR and they told me that in comparing the Silverado to the Red Head, you would definitely want an extension cab for the Red Head in a live rock setting, but the Silverado could go it alone. The Red Head would be a better studio/recording choice, probably, but for live work, I can't say enough about the Silverado. Definitely worth checking out.

 

[notduane]

Not considering a tube amp?

Granted, the (Ampeg) B15-R "combo" is not that portable at
117 pounds and the "street" price runs around $1300, but...
There is the somewhat new Pignose B-100V (combo) and
B-100VH (head only) all-tube 100 watters. There aren't
many reviews on these puppies (I've only seen a couple),
but it's tube! (O.K., so I'm a tube snob. Hi PBG!).
I can't find the weight specs on the combo. It's gotta'
be less than 117lbs. There ARE some reviews at the BGRA -
Bad Link Removed -
from guys who switched from say, a kilo-watt solid state
to a Mesa 400+ or Aguilar DB728 (400w) and that the Mesa
and Aguilar were louder (?!?). I concur. The "punch" of
my 200w (Mesa) Buster beats the "love taps" I got from a
550w Peavey BI-amp setup I had many moons ago.

Anyhoo, these Pignose tubers are listed at the online store
"Dr Music". I haven't dealt with `em (yet). The head-
only version IS in stock (I checked Santa!) for $319.00
(MSRP $599.95). The combo lists for $425 (MSRP $699.95).
Is it in stock? Ask `em! ([email protected]).
There seems to be free, regular ground shipping too.

Combo => [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Head => [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[rllefebv]

Thanks Oddentity....you're absolutely right. I was thinking of the Blonde...My bad

Have fun
-robert

 

[Dave S...]

I'm using a Trace 1x15" solid-state combo, and have been real happy with it.

Since you mentioned them earlier, I've spent some time with a Genz-Benz GBE-250 1x15" combo. It's BIG, so it's not ultra portable, but it's got big recessed handles.

250 watts rms or so at 8 ohms, and has an extension speaker out (probably about 300 or so watts at 4 ohms...) Tube and S.S. preamps with seperate gain knobs. The tube has 2 extra overdrive controls (distortion IF you want it...) It's a very fuzzy and light O.D., so it has to be blended with the SS preamp as a 'dash of pepper' or you'll sound ridiculously gutless. The passive input is a little low on the headroom, but the active input is just fine..no problems overloading.

Pretty neutral sounding...it's got a fair amount of low-end for a combo, and doesn't have the cardboardy-type mids of the Peaveys. (Peaveys are quite reliable as you've experienced and I had a Mark VI head for many years, if it sounds like I'm taking a cheap shot...)

The Genz will get LOUD. Flat out LOUD... It stays pretty clean at higher levels, and, although it never sounds divine--it's pretty usable for a rock gig I'd think.

Some people here had some dealer service questions a while back. They've got a 3 year transferrable warranty and don't seem unreasonably fragile, but as with any amp...choose your dealer wisely. Make sure they'll shoot you straight if you ever need any service or have questions...even if it means an extra $50.00.

Anybody spent time with a Hughes & Kettner?

Good luck to you...

Best Wishes

 

[gruffpuppy]

Originally posted by Reid
you must be a pretty big guy to throw that thing over your shoulder.. i can barely carry it up the stairs

yea years of lugging around a Laney cab with 2 15 inch JBL's will do that to ya