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Combo Mania!

SpankyPants

SpankyPants

That's Mr. SpankyPants to you.
Aug 24, 2006
6,483
93
Brooklyn, NY
#1
Okay, so I'm on the market for a nice combo amp. I figure I can spend between $600-$750. I've always gone direct into the PA with my BDDI, but now I found myself in dire need of a real amp. I would prefer a 210 over a 115, but I have yet to try all of these amps so I can't say for sure what sounds better. Tone-wise, I'm looking for a nice warm sound. Something that sounds clear and clean, but also can handle a lot of effects (I play indie and experimental rock with excessive effects)

Here are the amps that I'm currently looking at:

• Hartke VX2510 (210 250W) $599
• Ampeg B200R Rocket Bass Diamond Blue Series (115 220W) $649
• Ampeg BA115HPT (115 220W) $699
• Ampeg BA-210 (210 220W) $699
• Ampeg BA-210SP (same as above but with effects) $699
• Ashdown MAG C410T-300 (410 180W) $599
• Fender® Bassman (210 250W) $629
• Gallien-Krueger 400RB (210 280W) $749
• SWR WorkingPro 15 (115 200W) $639
• Nemesis NC210 (210 250W) $759


First of all, I know that the most important thing in shopping for an amp is your own preference. However, I have only been able to test a few of these so far. So if you have any information, opinions, preference, bias, other recommendations, or anything in general to say about any of these amps, I would appreciate it very much.

I really liked the Ampeg 210, but I hear that the tweeter isn't adjustable on the 210SP amp with effects. I also liked the Fender sound, but I've read many reviews claiming that the amp has either fallen apart or had been poorly made. The Ampeg BA115 that I tried hissed extremely loudly. The GK Backline left an awful taste in my mouth. I've heard great things about Ashdown.

That's about all I have so far, so feel free to fill in the gaps. ;-D
 
#5
Carvin sells really powerfull combos for cheap(well, Good Prices). They're called Cyclops'. There's a 600watt and 1000watt model with 2x10, a 1x15 and a tweeter. I got the 600watt for i think $730 and the only problem I ever had was that the 15 blew and I had to buy a new one. It weighs 96 pounds and fits in any car trunk (super portable with casters). it's never failed me ,except for that one time it blew.go to carvin.com and check it out.
 

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#7
Carvin's BRX212 is a great little combo. It's super portable, puts 500 watts into one front firing and one down-firing 12 and fits right in your price range. The head is capable of 800 watts if you ever needed and extension cab.

Also, I have the 600 watt version of the Cyclops that Hamstir mentioned and I really love it. It has two 8's, a 15 and a horn in a bi-amped configuration with an adjustable crossover built into the head. They're discontinued now so you'd have to buy used. Mine has been a workhorse for me and I can dial in almost any tone I want.

Isn't it nice to have options?:p
 
#8
62bass said:
Check out the Yorkville line. They make a 400 watt 2X10 combo that should fit the bill.
Click to expand...

+ a gazillion!

The XS series is awesome. I've had the 400watt 15" combo for about a year and it's so good. There's also the cheaper line of amps that have 200 watt (I'm pretty sure) 210 and 15 combos.

Ashdown mag stuff is also really nice, especially for the price but I'd still recommend Yorkville over just about anything.

I haven't really been very inpressed with the lower end GK stuff. It kinda just sounded cheap I guess. No real depth to the tone if that makes any sence.

I've only had bad experiences with SWR combos. Very unreliable from what I've seen.

The Fender bassman 210 sounds great IMO. I haven't owned it but have played around with one in a store and loved it. Good EQ so it seemed pretty versatile.

I don't like Hartke and Eden Nemesis stuff but again that's just my opinion and you might love the sound. Too sterile for me.

The Ampeg combos I've tried were nice but if I was in your shoes I'd definately go with the Yorkville.
 
#10
I'm a fan of the Ashdown Mag series for the value conscious. My C115 is great for vintage fingerstyle and it works well for small to medium size gigs with a DI out for the PA in bigger situations. Have you thought about getting the 210 and a 210 extention cab? I would find it a lot more portable. But your situation may be different.
 
#11
Getting a 210 combo and a 210 speaker would double the price. And I'm a college kid, which affects my decision two fold: 1) I am young enough to carry around any weight without fear of breaking my back and 2) I am poor, so $1100 is pretty much out of the question right now.

Thanks for all the feedback so far! Can't wait to hear more! ;-D
 
#13
I have to admit, the Pignose does look tasty. However, I was looking for more of a 210. Is there any way I could test it out, or hear some audio clips?

The Yorkville and Carvin seemed to be pretty nice, too.

Hahaha I started this thread to help narrow down my choices, and I've only gotten more confused. :D :hyper: :help:
 
#16
now that you are totally confused ... let me add to it :) ... how about the Yamaha BBT-500H, and a couple of the 110 cabs ... a half dozen amps in one, 500 watts, 2 ohm capable, more modular than a combo, AND 699.00 shipped on clearance ... a few on here already have this set-up and a couple of us have it on order ... I am an old guy that likes things simple, so I may be overwehlmed with all it has to offer, and it still turned my head ... could be right up your experimental alley ... ?? ...
 
#20
I've heard a lot of bad things about the reliability of that amp. I seem to be somewhat of a naysayer, but I'm really picky when it comes to spending all of my money on anything.

I'm planning on going bass-shop hopping soon. (I would have already, but I totalled my car delivering pizzas this summer.) And I'm going to try out as many as I can.

After doing a lot of research, the Carvin and Yorksville seem to be the better choices. I still can't eliminate any of the others because I have yet to compare them all.

If I can find a really nice amp used, I'll definitely give it a try, though. I just really hate buying anything that I haven't tried or played on yet (as I'm sure all of you can understand).

Thanks again for all the feedback guys! It's really helping me out alot!
 

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