Genz Benz Shuttle 3.0 or Little Mark III?

Well, there is a 200w difference between those 2 if that makes a difference to you. At the same wattage and price points, I'd recommend the GK-MB500 or the Carvin BX500.

 

Both great. The LMIII will be fuller and louder (the Shuttle 6.0 is the 'apples to apple's product with the LMIII in the Genz line of micro's), but also bigger (you would need a very large pocket on your gig bag to fit the LMIII). The Shuttle 3.0 will have less low end push, and be a bit brighter sounding. It's really small, so if you don't need a ton of volume and ooomph, that would probably be the way to go. You might also consider the little EA iAmp Micro. I'm not a huge fan of that company's products, but it's as small as you are going to go, and while the output seems a bit polite based on some reviews, it would easily keep up with the Shuttle 3.0.

If you can come up with a bit more money, the Markbass F1 is about the same size as the Shuttle, and just WUMPS.

 

No way that Carvin would fit in a gig bag, and still too many problems being reported with the little GK IMO.

 

Well, I agree..........spend a little more and get either the Shuttle 6.0 or Markbass F1/F500. I'm so happy with my Shuttle 3.0 that I'm going to spring for the Shuttle 6.0 myself!

 

The LMIII, F1, or Shuttle 6.0 could easily replace your WT405 (assuming you don't need 2ohm operation).

However, if you are planning on keeping your 405 for larger gigs, then either the little EA Micro or the Shuttle 3.0 would be the way to go (regarding price and size) if you don't need the ooomph.

 

Or get a 4ohm cab and utilize the full 300w from the Shuttle. Funny, I used my GKMB150s at rehearsal into an 8ohm cab (only putting out 100w) and that thing was loud!

 

I have the GB 3 and the LM11 and IMO the 3 is a very underrated product. Plenty of booty into 4 Ohms, full-featured and quiet. The GB 6 I had was hissy for my taste. Seems to me there are many who gig with 300 watts and are very happy, plus you have the Eden with a bit more. I wouldn't hesitate. FYI there's a used one with the 8 inch speaker (IME the ultimate practice and acoustic acompaniment combo) on bassnw.com for 499. It's one of my favorite pieces of gear.

 

I tried both Shuttles and preferred the 3.0 over the 6.0 tonally.

 

Keep the Acoustic Image Clarus line in mind too. Smaller than the LMII or II, the only issue I have with them is I'm not crazy about the tone when I slap.

A friend of mine uses the GK MB500 with a pair of Markbass NY406 (4x6) cabs and it's gigworthy butnot thew most transparent head I've come acorss. If you don't mind amps that color, it's an option. His has worked fine so far.

 

One thing I like about GK's are the boost in the high end. So nice you can use cabs without tweeters! I plan to get a 4ohm cab to use with my GBS3.0. I still can't believe how small and light that thing is!

 

I had the EA micro 300 for a short while. Very nice sounding and very light, but VERY underpowered. There is no way that thing should be rated for 300w.

Personally, I'd go for the shuttle 3.0.

One idea is that if you really end up liking the 3.0 you can get a light power amp in a seperate rack(stewart 1.2 at 11LBS). Then add the poweramp for larger gigs. Thats one amp combo I'd like to try.

Of course that is only if you prefer the 3.0 over the 405.

 

+1, that's why I figured the current 500 watt EA would have about the same output as the Genz 3.0

 

Since you like the Eden tone, have you considered the WTX-500?

 

Sorry dont know anything about Genz Benz, but my Little Mark 3 and Bagend 2x10 make my fretless sing, growl, laugh, cry, snap, bark and bite. It totally kicks @ss

 

I agree with all of the above that the 3.0 is a great little amp. I use it with either an 8ohm D112xlt or 4ohm D210xst. There's a pretty big increase in headroom when paired with a 4ohm cab, to my ears anyway.

For me, when I run the 3.0 at 8ohms, it's just not enough headroom. But it's a great little practice rig for the livingroom.

 

Me too. Don't know the exact point when a 300w amp was considered "small wattage," but it would be all the amp I ever needed.

 

As many have posted many times, depends on playing style, tone goals (i.e., punchy, or massive low end, etc.), absolute volume needs (i.e., personal monitoring, covering the stage, or covering the room with backline only), cabinet SPL, context, quality of monitors if you have front of house support, etc., etc., etc.

One man's little 200 watt combo is too much, while another mans 1000 watt multi driver rig can sound compressed and stressed. It all depends