Gallien Kruger vs Darkglass opinions

[DangaDanga]

I'm looking into getting a new amp and leaning towards the DG Microtubes 900 from what I hear on youtube. I've had a GK Backline 600 for the last decade or so and wanted to see if anyone who has played both GK and DG amps would share their opinions between the brands.

Back then GK was my favorite after trying most amp brands with the exception of Mesa as it wasn't available at the local stores. Orange OB1 series also has me curious but still leaning on the MT900 after loving my tone capsule and alpha omega.

I play mostly rock, electronic and hardcore funk but friends tell me I naturally play like a metal head who was never in a metal band.

I want to stay solid state and will be going in blind on this one so any input you guys can give me would be cool! Especially those who also play with a musicman as my bass is similar.

 

[voided3]

I presume if you are looking at Darkglass and Orange that you would like an amp with some degree of blend-able overdrive, correct? Are you looking to downsize from a rack unit to a class D compact head? Do you need more power/headroom than the Backline can provide? These are all factors.

If your current amp is powerful enough but you want some overdrive, Darkglass makes really good overdrive pedals and preamps (same as in their amps) you could patch into your current setup. If you need more power and want to stick with GK, the 1001RB-II will certainly deliver. If you want an all-in-one more power + on-board overdrive option, either the DG or Orange would certainly work.

I was considering getting either an Orange OB-1 or 4 Stroke 500 for a while but I decided to get a GK 1001RB-II instead as I already have a Tone Hammer DI I like for subtle overdrive and I was worried the Oranges wouldn't be subtle enough, plus the GK has a proven track record, more power, and was less expensive (though Orange amps are cheaper in the UK vs the US, I believe, if that's where you're located).

 

[blubass]

My feelings about Darkglass is; They make great products and their head layout is clean. The preamp section before the overdrive though, isn't redefining bass amps. It's a fairly clean and articulate pre, which has been covered from a bunch of different amps and manufacturers. As such, the only things they bring to the table is a really good overdrive, and 2 ohm stability; the overdrives they've already put in pedals several times over.

If I were trying to reduce the size of a pedal board that had several DG overdrives on it, then the head would be a relevant option.
Because the pre isn't offering anything unique to me before the overdrive, there's a lot of other heads (GK included) that can give me a more distinct sound. If the new Fusion heads from GK (which are 2 ohm capable) retain their signature tone (I assume they would) then that would be a no-brainer for me, especially if I already had DG pedals.

 

[Wicked G]

I would recommend going GK with a Darkglass pedal. The GK pre amp is much more flexible and can put out more bass than the Darkglass.

Believe it or not the GK set flat goes much more deeper and lower than the Darkglass with a lot of EQing.

Also the Darkglass does not like Phantom power which is really weird at that price point, if that matters to you.

If that doesn't matter and you will be running distortion all of the time, then the Microtubes will make you really happy. If you want more flexibility, go GK with a Darkglass pedal. IME and IMHO.

 

[DangaDanga]

Thanks for the input guys. Based on the feedback I think I might stick with gk for versatility and snag a couple more dg pedals.