I apologize in advance if this has been covered before but my search skills are marginal and I havent located anything on point. I have had a Magnavox-era Ampeg SVT (300w) head since the late 70s and a Walter Woods MI-100-8 amp (100w @ 8 ohms; 150+w @ 4 ohms) since 1986. The SVT has usually been used in conjunction with one or two Sunn 200S cabinets. The WW has been used with one of those, with a Bag End S15X-D and/or an Eden D210XLT, with an old Bassman 2x12 cab, etc. Because I also have a G-K MB150E-112 that I really like, I have read with great interest many posts regarding, and reviews of, G-K 400RB and 800RB heads. I have never played through either. Im sure Ive heard many of them over the years but never noticed or made a point of paying attention to now they sounded. I have an opportunity to pick up a 400RB but will not have a chance to hear it before making a decision on it. Since 800RBs are still in production, I could also of course pick up one of those. My question is this: In a typical real-world setting--playing a medium-sized club with a band, using the same speaker set-up, and without sound reinforcement--would I likely notice a significant difference between the sound of a 400RB and my Walter Woods, or for that matter between the sound of an 800RB (used full range and using only the 300w portion of the amp) and my SVT? Im not asking if one or the other would sound better because thats subjective but rather whether theres an appreciable difference to how they sound. In other words, would I be basically duplicating a sound I already have (and wasting money) if I picked up one of these amps, which have essentially the same wattage as my existing amps, or am I really missing out on something by not having one or both of them? Im not a slapper if that factors into the answer. Im especially interested in hearing from anyone who has experience with both an MI-100-8 and a 400RB because Ill have to make a decision quickly on that one. But Im also curious about the SVT vis-a-vis 800RB--not which you like better but whether they are somewhat interchangeable or altogether different beasts (aside from weight). Thanks in advance for any insight you might provide.
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G-K 400RB and 800RB question/advice
- Thread starter JDR
- Start date
The 800RB can come somewhat close to an SVT, but notibly different. The 800RB can sound like many different amps it is very versitile although doesn't get real low on it's preamp. The 400RB has had 4 revs. the first being the least powerfull, rev III and IV upped the power and changed voices. The 400 RB can come very close the the 800RB's sound and will have a deeper response, 400RB III and IV are almost the same power output as the 800RB's low amp. Either one can sound VERY different from an SVT if you want.
You really should find out what rev. the 400RB is.
You really should find out what rev. the 400RB is.
Are you talking about one of the older 400rbs or the rbiii or rbiv ? The newer models will give you the growl (and more volume than the WW), the older one probably not as much. The 800 would be a great amp if the sound was to your liking and would be "different sounding " than your svt (assuming it's a tube amp).
My primary head is a 70's Magnavox SVT, and I've used an 800RB as a backup for when the SVT craps out.
In my experience, the earlier 800RBs (with chrome input jacks on front) were very hard to get any decent "grind" out of them. I had to run a fuzz pedal to get a comparable tone.
The later 800RBs (black input jacks on front, most common on eBay) produce a nice grind, and are a suitable backup for an SVT, but obviously can't hold a candle to the all-tube tone.
In my experience, the 400RB will not move enough air if you're used to an SVT.
In my experience, the earlier 800RBs (with chrome input jacks on front) were very hard to get any decent "grind" out of them. I had to run a fuzz pedal to get a comparable tone.
The later 800RBs (black input jacks on front, most common on eBay) produce a nice grind, and are a suitable backup for an SVT, but obviously can't hold a candle to the all-tube tone.
In my experience, the 400RB will not move enough air if you're used to an SVT.
All I know is that my 90's 800RB (black jacks) definitely puts out a good growl. Sometimes after I've had it cranked for a bit I go to turn off my OD pedal and realize its not on. With a hot bass (G&L L-2K) and a single 8 ohm 15" you can crank it pretty loud and it gets real nasty, just like I like it - but with the speed of a GK transistor (more earthquake than mudslide)
