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Genz Benz Streamliner Part 9

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#641
I still continue to be knocked out by the latest Genz amps, including the Streamliner.

My current 'reference' amp is my SMax 9.2. I use it to test new basses, new strings, cabs, etc, as it just provides a very crisp, clear and true to source tone. Plus, if you can't get a good sound out of the Max 9.2, something crazy must be going on!!!!

The Streamliner is like the brute of my bunch of amps. Totally hammers the volume out, effortless low end, and a very high quality 'studio tube preamp' tone to the high end...sweet and crisp but with something I can't quite put my finger on.

I really want to record with the Streamliner but my career is taking up my life...(which I shouldn't complain about).

One thing I am considering is getting the right cab or cabs for the Streamliner....something that can take that pounding no issue...a good mid strong cabinet. If Genz had Neo X 212Ts in 8 ohms I'd get one then eventually another...but nervous about using one 4 ohm version.
 
#642
bassjam said:
I continue to be impressed with the Streamliner,though lll admit it took me a while to get a handle on the EQ.I think some have given up on it too soon.Ive read some of the reasons people have sold it and I felt the same way when I first got it,but now Ive figured my way around it.It looks like a simple EQ section,and it is,but there is alot going on with it. Just an awesome head.
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I totally agree. I find this amp much more versatile than most people give it credit for. It has taught me that you need to learn to play your amp as well as your bass.
 
#643
One thing I am considering is getting the right cab or cabs for the Streamliner....something that can take that pounding no issue...a good mid strong cabinet.
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If you want the above with the added benefit of lightweight portability, the Barefaced Super Twelve T is superb, it can take more than the Streamliner can dish out and it also sounds amazing .
 
#644
Musicman20 said:
One thing I am considering is getting the right cab or cabs for the Streamliner....something that can take that pounding no issue...a good mid strong cabinet. If Genz had Neo X 212Ts in 8 ohms I'd get one then eventually another...but nervous about using one 4 ohm version.
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No issue with the 4ohm NeoX 212 and the STM 900. It'll get stupid loud without flinching.
 
#645
GRAHAM SG1 said:
If you want the above with the added benefit of lightweight portability, the Barefaced Super Twelve T is superb, it can take more than the Streamliner can dish out and it also sounds amazing .
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I was originally going to put BF on my radar. I tried a first gen. Compact and it really didn't do it for me. All that came through to me was a lot of woofy low end past my legs! I couldn't get any bite really. I also wasn't keen on the way it was 'finished'....as much as cabs are cabs, I think when they are these prices they need to also look the part.

I did think about re-trying BF for cabs, but the current models don't seem to tick the boxes, (at least on paper). I've no doubt the Super 12 is very light and ridiculously loud, but they are, IMO, very expensive for a UK built unit. I'd want the tweeter and the vintage grille cloth, which is full whack prices. I'd also want the tweeter control on a back recessed panel, and I'd definitely not want that handle.

If they had the slick finishing of say a Bergantino or Aguilar (which is the price range they are in, or above) I'd re consider, but I am a vain person!

BF/Alex knows a lot more than me (this is his passion after all) but when it comes down to it, at the moment I'm not 100% keen on going for one.

If they had the finishing of the Thunderchild cabinets, then again I'd be very interested. I'm not bothered about featherweight, I just want a fairly light, very slick, very powerful, and damnright good looking cabinet :)
 
#646
Musicman20 said:
I was originally going to put BF on my radar. I tried a first gen. Compact and it really didn't do it for me. All that came through to me was a lot of woofy low end past my legs!
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I find that the Steamliner makes cabs with poor low end much better. If your cab sucks in the low end. Grab a Streamliner. If you already have an awesome cab like a Barefaced, Fearful, Epifani with scooped mids & big in the lows, there are better amps like the 9.2max with those cabs.
 
#647
Tunaman said:
I find that the Steamliner makes cabs with poor low end much better. If your cab sucks in the low end. Grab a Streamliner. If you already have an awesome cab like a Barefaced, Fearful, Epifani with scooped mids & big in the lows, there are better amps like the 9.2max with those cabs.
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Sorry I should have mentioned this was before the Streamliner even came out...I tested it with a friends SVT Pro 3 (not my favourite amp, but still, there was a lot of low end and no mid punch).

On the opposite end of the spectrum, my Orange OBC115 had a bigger low mid punch, still filled the room with warm bass, but had plenty of mid attack.

Cab shopping is a nightmare.

I'd like a Genz cab if im honest, but not sure what I should go for.
 
#649
Musicman20 said:
I'd like a Genz cab if im honest, but not sure what I should go for.
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I bought the 810-XB3 through Bassdirect. It is a staggeringly amazing cab. Great balance, full bass, clear mids, but really, really tight. Bassdirect are showing 1 left of that cab, plus a 1x15 XB3, plus a load of XB2 cabs (which also seem to be very well thought of). All at stupid low prices. These are all VERY good cabs. Just a thought.
Highly recommended from me.
 
#653
I shan't address the other points other than to repeat that the SVT3 is feeble into 8 ohms and rather soft and mid-shy and that the early 2009 Compact Gareth tried had very different aesthetics to our recent output (it was built by me in my spare time in my garage!) I believe the fit and finish of our cabs is now as good as anyone's in the industry. But I'm sure I've said this before with regard to the exact same points from the same person - its like Groundhog Day! ;)
 
#654
Many of us are very pleased to be able to buy british and support british industry, I have had cheaper cabs but the quality, sound and portability of my Super 12 is worth every pound :)
What always pleases me with my BF cab is that it seems to be alive whereas my previous cabs were rather dead sounding, keep up the good work Alex .
 
#655
alexclaber said:
Does anyone else find the "UK built" point incredibly ironic? ;) We have pretty much the highest combination of manufacturing wages, business premises rental cost, business rates and all other added taxes in the world!
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Not really! I've mentioned before numerous times that I've been tempted to try a few of your latest models, I was just passing comment.

I don't envy anyone starting a business in this climate, but, and this is the but for me, at the price range I would expect absolutely staggering attention to detail.

No doubt your specs require very expensive components, again this is to be reflected in your final prices.

Put it this way. A GB Neox 212 T built in the USA, and highly regarded, will cost me £700 from a recent quote.
 
#656
alexclaber said:
I shan't address the other points other than to repeat that the SVT3 is feeble into 8 ohms and rather soft and mid-shy and that the early 2009 Compact Gareth tried had very different aesthetics to our recent output (it was built by me in my spare time in my garage!) I believe the fit and finish of our cabs is now as good as anyone's in the industry. But I'm sure I've said this before with regard to the exact same points from the same person - its like Groundhog Day! ;)
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Come on, opinions are allowed, its what allows a business to flourish and perfect their product.

I am highly critical of aesthetics. Some people just don't care. That's fine. In my opinion, why not have something that also looks the part as well as sounds stunning. Again, probably down to taste.

Like I've mentioned time and time again, I still have some interest in your products but you have to understand that it is fair for customers to have opinions on what sounds great, looks great, is mid shy, etc.

I never have a mid shy EQ setup...ever, so why all I could hear was low end compared to what I can normally hear is a mystery to me.
 
#657
Musicman20 said:
...at the price range I would expect absolutely staggering attention to detail.
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I strongly believe our cabs do have staggering attention to detail in every respect! If you've seen/used a current one and have points to the contrary then I'd be interested to hear - if we can make them even better then I want to do so.
 
#658
Don't mind Alex,
I think that someone simply does not know.
Myself...ehm, I have a bad temptation for a Big series cab...and, definately, I think that the price point is absolutely centered.
In Europe an high-grade conventional 2 x10 can cost 850 + euros (my Bergs did), for example

alexclaber said:
Does anyone else find the "UK built" point incredibly ironic? ;) We have pretty much the highest combination of manufacturing wages, business premises rental cost, business rates and all other added taxes in the world!
Click to expand...
 
#659
Musicman20 said:
Come on, opinions are allowed, its what allows a business to flourish and perfect their product.

I am highly critical of aesthetics. Some people just don't care. That's fine. In my opinion, why not have something that also looks the part as well as sounds stunning. Again, probably down to taste.

Like I've mentioned time and time again, I still have some interest in your products but you have to understand that it is fair for customers to have opinions on what sounds great, looks great, is mid shy, etc.

I never have a mid shy EQ setup...ever, so why all I could hear was low end compared to what I can normally hear is a mystery to me.
Click to expand...


Of course opinions are allowed - but your opinion on aesthetics is way out of date if it's based on an early 2009 example! Have you seen a current cab in the flesh and if so I'd like an opinion on that?

I've explained why you heard what you heard about five times on different threads since then. I would never ever recommend an SVT3 and Compact for a loud rock band with the tone you'd described to me. I expected you to try the cab with the amp you actually owned and liked (you told me you didn't like the tone of the SVT3 and I said it wouldn't be loud enough with the Compact). With the EQ flat the SVT3 is mid shy but bumped in the lows and when you can't get loud enough all you'd hear is the bass bump.

Can we please stop going over old ground now? I feel like I've been writing this same post in response to you every six months since 2009 on both basschat and talkbass! ;)
 
#660
Put it this way. A GB Neox 212 T built in the USA, and highly regarded, will cost me £700 from a recent quote
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According to the Genz Benz site, this cab has a handling of 600 watts, the equivalent BF cab (Super Twelve) can handle up to 1200 watts !
Please correct me if I have this comparison wrong .
 
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