Do I want an amp or a power amp? (B7K)

[makanudo]

I originally intended to go with a Gallien-Krueger rig paired with a Darkglass B3k pedal. Specifically a 700RB II head and a 2x12 or 4x10 neo cab, but since I ended up getting a B7K and runing it through the FX loop of my current amp (older Acoustic B100 combo), I started thinking it may be better to keep things simple and not mess with 4 bands of EQ on the B7K and the several tone shaping options on the amp.

Then I thought maybe a Hartke LH500. Simpler EQ, cheaper and powerful (I'm not playing arenas so I think the 500 watts will do).

But then I also thought, hey maybe the B7K paired with a good power amp and a nice cab could end up being a nice option, maybe even cheaper?

Anyway I have close to no knowledge about pre + power amp rigs and if this idea is any good, but hey, it's a forum and I got nothing to lose for asking.

What do you think guys, how would you go about this?

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

The B7k works as a D.I. so you just have to hook it up to a power amp and you are good to go, if you feel the B7k is enough I wouldn't worry about any other pre-amp and just get a power amp. If you want to flavour of an amp it is best to add one. I do not know what the used market is like on the Hartke LH500 but I would imagine there is a power amp out there that would be cheaper. I would also refrain from running your B7k in the FX loop, that is used for rack mount gear not stomp boxes.

 

[makanudo]

Are you sure? I run the B7K through the FX loop to skip the combo's pre amp and get my sound from the pedal alone. Is this wrong in any way?

 

[bongomania]

To clarify, the right way is to go
bass --> B7K --> fx loop return jack

and the wrong way is
bass --> amp --> loop send --> B7K --> loop return

Though the "wrong" way can work for some people/cases.

 

[bongomania]

Also FWIW the very best power amp I've used so far for this type of application is actually a head! The GK MB500 or MB800 make excellent small, light, powerful, clean power amps when you bypass the pre.

 

[makanudo]

I guess I needed to be more specific then. I am running the B7K into the RETURN jack.

@bongomania well thats actually great to hear because I was looking into one of those heads before I got the B7K. Almost dead set to be honest, but thavinh a 4 band EQ on both the pedal and the head and an active 3 band on the bass seems like a bit overkill to me. It may offer a great deal of tone shaping capabilities though.

 

[bongomania]

Right, so bypassing the pre takes one of those EQ's out of the picture.

 

[Dthcore]

Also FWIW the very best power amp I've used so far for this type of application is actually a head! The GK MB500 or MB800 make excellent small, light, powerful, clean power amps when you bypass the pre.

I think this Head might be the answer to my struggle. Lol
Im also thinking about using my B7K As a pre and buying a power amp. But if i can Skip this heads pre And use it as a power amp sitting at 4 pounts 500wats 4 ohms. Id much rather do that!