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Epifani vs EA

Norre

Norre

Jan 5, 2001
464
45
51
Antwerp, Belgium
users.telenet.be
#1
Has anyone on TB tried both the UL-502 (or UL-902c) and the iAmp800? If so, how do they compare? I'm currently playing in a bluesband (passive MIA Fender Jazz, TI Jazz flats and SWR Super Redhead) and i'm thinking of getting a more powerfull amp for the bigger gigs. However, there are no stores in my area who sell Epifani or EA stuff. I found a store in Holland and i'll probably go over there to try before i buy ;) However, i would like to know what u guys think about these amps. I like a warm tone and play mostly fingerstyle (no picks and no slappin' and poppin' :hiding: ... just walkin' and groovin' :D )

Thanks in advance,

Norre
 
#2
Both amps are pretty transparent, the EA being a little more so becasue I feel the Epifani adds a bit of its own character in the upper registers, where it has a high end zing that is pretty unique. You say you like warm tone and play fingerstyle, which is why I actually wouldnt suggest either of these amps. I would go for something more like Eden, or a full out tube amp, who knows.
 
#4
I use my 64' Jazz with TI flats with the Epi UL502 and get plenty of warmth and thump out of it. The UL902C I don't think it would be what you're looking for, it has the switchable power supply which, IMO doen't have the oomph and warm as the UL502 has. Even for the 502's 600 watts, it puts out a lot for it. But as mentioned by Figjam, the Eden's, from what I remember, been a long time, would give you plenty of that tube warmth. Also the cab choice makes a difference you be using. I use 2 Epi UL112's or a UL112 with a NYC115 with the 502 when playing my jazz with the TI flats.
 
#6
Ya, had both a 502 and an iamp 800 here together for a few weeks. Both very nice, but I much prefer the iamp.

It's all just personal taste of course, but here's where I felt the iamp surpassed the 502...

* Inherently stronger lows and low mids.
* Two ohm capability.
* Better clarity/definition across all freqs.
* Terrific EQ, extremely effective and surprisingly intuitive.

I liked the 502, excellent amp. But it's like the iamp 800 is tailor-made for my exact wants and needs. Sold all my other amps and the 800 has kept me GAS-free for over a year now. Thanks, EA!
 
#7
HI

Both are great systems. Light in weight, powerful, great tones. I used an Iamp 800 combo, which I still own, for about a year and a half. Saw probably 240 shows. Awesome amp, does alot of things well. I just switched to a UL502 and UL3x10. Does a couple things great!! Thats the difference to me. The Iamp has tones of different tone shaping capabilites but to me the Epi gear sounds awesome with the few you can get from the two channels it has. I think the slap tone is superior and I found the UL stuff to really maximize the tone of my Sadowsky jazz basses. Again, either way you should be in gear heaven

Rob
 
#8
Norre said:
Figjam, u're probably right. I was just wondering if there were any blues or rock bassists who use the EA or Epi. I'm not into a "modern" hifi sounding rig, but i also don't like muddy sounding amps. Maybe i should check out Eden or Aguilar :eyebrow:
MacG, what kinda music do u play?

Ciao,

Norre
Click to expand...

We play everything from old motown to the current hard rock.
My preference though is old school funk and funk jazz and the blues with a groove. :bassist: :D My Epi set up is pretty versitile for what we do but I can get some really nice thump out of the UL502 for it being a relativily hi-fi amp. But as mentioned earlier I'll use 2 PS112's or a PS112 an NYC115.
But for you, as Figjam mentioned, the Eden's, which I loved their warmth, or Ag would be more to your preference.
Sorry, earlier I mention my UL112's but now use PS112's.
 
#10
Templar said:
... But it's like the iamp 800 is tailor-made for my exact wants and needs. Sold all my other amps and the 800 has kept me GAS-free for over a year now. Thanks, EA!
Click to expand...

Same here. There might be something better out there, but the iAmp has curtailed my desire to look for it.

...except for the forthcoming EA Micro 300..... :hyper:
 
#11
i have tried the Iamp 800 but i t was quite a while before i got my Epi, i didnt like it very much at the time though.

but you seriously can get a pretty vintagey tone out of the 502, if you just turn the tweeter down on the cab(s) you are using it can get pretty close, thats why i like it so much :)


Dave
 
#12
Norre said:
Has anyone on TB tried both the UL-502 (or UL-902c) and the iAmp800? If so, how do they compare? I'm currently playing in a bluesband (passive MIA Fender Jazz, TI Jazz flats and SWR Super Redhead) and i'm thinking of getting a more powerfull amp for the bigger gigs. However, there are no stores in my area who sell Epifani or EA stuff. I found a store in Holland and i'll probably go over there to try before i buy ;) However, i would like to know what u guys think about these amps. I like a warm tone and play mostly fingerstyle (no picks and no slappin' and poppin' :hiding: ... just walkin' and groovin' :D )

Thanks in advance,

Norre
Click to expand...

You should seriously look/ add to the list a Thunderfunk 550. Try basstasters.com for some sound samples and comparisons between all these amps. (Not the best option for "checking out" an amp, but one that might help narrow down possibilities or at least give you some sort of basis for comparison). Oh and there are no stores in the US that make/ sell Oliebollen or the almighty Rijstevlaai. :crying: :mad: So... ummm.. you win.
 
#13
I had the IAmp 800 combo and still use the Epifani combo.
Liked the EA head but hated the speaker; just didn't have enough focus for me. The Epifani 112 combo sounds like whatever I put in, and in most cases I don't even need an extension cab. But they really are very different amps. I also had the Aguillar DB750, the 500, and the AI focus. Still have the Epi, as I just love how fast the amp is. Your mileage may vary.

Peace
 

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