/ Register

Combo quandry with a twist

Discussion in 'Amps and Cabs [BG]' started by AJClone, Nov 15, 2005.

  1. Nov 15, 2005 #1
    AJClone

    AJClone

    Mar 11, 2002
    Iowa
    I'm in the process of downsizing since I play only through a house system and am looking at a combo for home...although it might get some minor outside play.

    Anyway, I'm looking at two different routes. One is the affordable but solid route and the other is the high end route. Not sure which way I want to go but here's what I'm looking at in each:

    Budget
    ---------------
    Ashdown Electric Blue 12-180
    Nemesis N12S
    Fender Bassman 150
    Yorkville XM200

    High End
    ---------------
    Epifani UL-112C
    Eden DC112XLT
    Eden CXC112
    Aguilar AG 500SC-112C
    EBS Drome 12"
    EA iamp 200 Whizzy

    To compound the problem, I can't try any of these since I live in a bass wasteland (otherwise known as Iowa). I mostly play rock, adult alt rock, and jazz so I like flexibility. I'm not necessarily looking for a pristine hifi sound or an all tube sound...something in between probably. Looking for suggestions for either or both categories. More background info: I've played EA for a few years and it's fine. Played SWR workingman 15 before that and really didn't like the 15 or workingman sound. I definitely like a good 12" cab. I also played a walkabout for a while and enjoyed that also but don't want to go the scout route. The aggie is very interesting but I don't have a good feel for the combo sound (amp anyway as I did have a aggie 12 inch cab with the mesa).

    Thanks for any suggestions as I know this is a bit open-ended. Again, I'd love to try all these but life in the heartland can have a few drawbacks...but it does cut down on impulse buys!
     
  2. Nov 17, 2005 #2
    zazz

    zazz

    Feb 27, 2004
    Cebu
    i cant comment on the other amps there but if you can pick up a 12" drome you should be very pleased. It is amazingly light bearing in mind how it pumps out the bass. So it would be a good monitor on stage. Also it has outs that match the acctual speaker sound which works well with the house pa.

    It doesnt really benefit a whole lot from using sansamp boxes ect as its already up there tone wise.

    Also you get warm tube sound option and the famous ebs compressor built in. Great tone control aimed at pulling down the bass on the room resonance so it works well as a home practice combo and sounds great at lower volumes as well. Im not sure about price but i got mine for 8oo usd new in hong kong ...really good amp ...really easy to carry and very quiet for studio use. Works with all styles including funk slappers but it can do blues and reggae ..whatever you want to do. Best bass setup i have ever owned..i cant see me letting this one go....ever.

    sounds like i should be writing this on harmony central :bassist:
     
  3. Dec 6, 2005 #3
    gruuv

    gruuv

    Jan 23, 2004
    Tennessee
    I haven't tried the EBS, although I bet it's fantastic. My vote would go to either the Aguilar or Epifani. I think the Epifani would be my first choice, although I play mostly R&B/funk, neo-soul, and jazz. The AG500 combo may be a little better voiced for the rock stuff. . . but that's just a guess. I know Epifani can do the rock thing, Darryl Jones uses it with Stones.
     
  4. Dec 6, 2005 #4
    SteveC

    SteveC Moderator Staff Member Gold Supporting Member

    Nov 12, 2004
    NE ND
    I am in a similar situation. Mostly PA supported, but the occasional stand alone. I have never found a combo that I have been happy with. They are often heavier and more bulky than a small cab and small head or preamp/power amp.

    I have a Bergantino HT112 cab that I really like. 38 pounds and easy to carry. I was using an Eden WT550 head, but have just switched to a PodXT for an all-in-one preamp and effects unit - and it is also very compact and light.

    I am still deciding on a power amp. I'm borrowing one from a local store at the moment. I am seriously considering an AI Focus SA power amp. Small, 4 pounds and 450 watts at 8 ohms. Unforunately, you have to pay to get something that small and light with that kind of power. $900 is a lot of money - especially when you can get a "traditional" amp for less than half of that - but they are bigger and heavier.

    To answer the question, consider small separates as well. The performance is often better and also more portable.
     
  5. Dec 13, 2005 #5
    Akirabanana

    Akirabanana

    Dec 12, 2005
    Kingston, On
    Hey there, while i cannot comment any many of the high end stuff I have played most of those budget amps with the exception of the ashdown. I own a N12S and can say that it is a great little amp. Probably not exactly in the same realm as the higherend stuff but it sounds lovely for what it is. It is very clean and articulate compared to the yorkville and the fender. Plus that fender amp has that annoying red strobe light that makes your amp look like its on fire.
    Cheers :bassist: