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Considering switching to tubes

OrangeSun

OrangeSun

Jun 26, 2005
409
1
Boston, MA
giganticant.bandcamp.com
#1
Hey everybody. I own an Eden WT800B, and i've come to the realization that its got way too much fire power for me at the moment. I'm thinking of selling it and going to a less powerful amp, possibly all tube?

Does anyone have any reccomendations in the 400-500 watt department for something to pick up after I sell the Eden? I love the Eden and have for years but I find myself wanting something different. I like the punch of tubes but I'm not on a tube mission here, I just want something thats got about half as much power as the Eden(because thats all I really use it for anyway), with a bit more...balls I guess?

Thanks for any suggestions, I haven't been in the amp market for quite some time.
 
#2
I'd try a V4BH. Sounds like it'd fit your requirements pretty well. take your cab into GC and try one out.

They're about half the weight of a CL and easily available for not a ton of dollars.
 
#3
there are not alot of 400-500 watt "all tube" bass heads produced, so there is not much to choose from (Marshall VBA400 and a Mesa 400 come to mind), however a 300 watt 100% tube head usually feels like a 600-800 watt SS head. My recommendation is to get a vintage SVT and be done with it.

being a tech, i've never been a fan of Mesa's construction or sound (please, no offense meant to anyone) and i haven't heard a VBA400 yet.

i will say that a vintage V4B sounds and feels almost as loud as my Eden WT550B, but an SVT blows it in the weeds.
 
#9
I want to say you're going to see 750-850 for the Eden on the used market, if you're pretty lucky and are patient. Selling anything for that many dollars takes time.

I would try putting it up for trade for an all tube head on the forums here if you're a supporter. I would think it'd be a reasonable swap for a V4BH owner.
 
#11
I would test a Traynor YBA 200-2. They are incredible amps and now come loaded with JJ KT88 power tubes. The pre-amp section needs better tubes and I would recommend a Tung Sol 12Ax7 in V1 followed by a Groove Tube 12AX7C (Chinese) or Groove Tube 12AX7M (Mullard reissue). Upgrading the pre-amp tubes makes a huge difference and it's a nice way to customize your sound without breaking the bank.
 
#12
OrangeSun said:
Theres a guy selling a 72 V4B on ebay right now or 650 buy it now. All original tubes, says it all works but sounds like itd eventually need a bunch of service.
Click to expand...
You can get V4B's that have been worked over for less than that. But age of tubes is no indicator of their quality. I'd be more concerned about the last time it had a cap job. I'd say $500-550 is the going rate for a V4B that's working and been recently serviced.
 
#13
Before you sell your Eden, I would suggest trying a V4B.
I love the tone of mine but rarely take it out of the house as the 100 watt output will not deliver super clean tone at higher volumes.
My SVT doesn't have as sweet a tone (although the preamp has the same controls) but does not lack in power when used with effecient cabinets.
If you're playing loud with an ineffecient 1x15, the SVT may not be enough.
.02
 
#14
Check out a used Mesa D180 also... great head that puts out a little under 200W and gets loud. Was the precursor to the Bass 400... could also go with an M180 (power amp only) + a tube preamp. I used an M180 with a Kern preamp for a while, it sounded great.
 

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