Genz Benz Streamliner Pt 7.....

[KJung]

Hey guys. I can't believe the posts on this head! I was wondering for those that had the chance to test, how does the sl 600 or 900 compare to the GK MB fusion in sound? What few videos I heard of the SL900 it has the "closest all tube like" sound I heard. I always thought the shuttles had a great voice for tubey feel, but what I have heard on youtube, through my KRK rokits, to my ears, sounds really good.

Thank you.

I was able to spend some time with a MB Fusion lately. While I didn't do a direct comparison, they are totally different beasts. The Fusion has a lot of the MB500 tone in it. It is, IMO and IME, more of a traditional hybrid that adds a bit of tube complexity to an otherwise solid state sounding head. Just like the MB500, the Fusion is voiced quite aggressively in the upper mids, and is much brighter/grindier, versus the low mid growl and fatness of the Streamliner. It also has very little (IMO) of the 'tube pre feel' of the Streamliner, with that bit of pillowy give when you dig in.

If you are familiar with the Mesa line of amps, the Fusion (again, to me) is a bit like the Carbine line.... aggressive, forward top end with the quickness and response more associated with solid state amps, and a bit of tube warmth and break-up if you want it. The Streamliner is a bit more like the MPulse600... big, fat, glorious low end, a very 'sweet' top end, and no upper mid brightness built into the response. (Edit: I like the Streamliner MUCH better than the MP600, but they are in the same tone universe of that kind of 'all tube signal chain' emulation).

I much prefer the MB500 to the MBFusion. The GK sound IMO is that 'solid state grind' that they have voiced into that preamp. You lose that with the Fusion (although it sounds good in its own right).

The Fusion and the Streamliner would appeal to very different players/tone goals IMO.

 

[noahw1]

How much buzzing are you guys getting when the Gain is ON? I've always had a little bit and I remember hearing that it's common but it seems to have gotten a bit louder. Maybe I'm just hearing it more and it's always been like this.
Anyone having this issue? Or is it just the way it is?

 

[lowrocker]

Thank you Kjung. My last Mesa was a Buster 200w tube head. My current (poor mans head, between jobs) is an 80's GK 200MV bass/guitar/keyboard/pa head. It has the 7 band eq with the 2-5 inch speakers.

I am looking for a full deep sounding head that can growl in the mid range, getting as close to sounding like a tube head.

 

[rodl2005]

I just noticed my blue LED back light has gone orf! I don't actually mind, but should get a new one so it's, 'as new'. Where do I grab these, anyone know?

 

[lomo]

Tried the SL900 (when it came out) with my nEarful and wasn't thrilled. Recently acquired Neox cabs, love 'em and on a whim picked up a 900 to try with them. I'm diggin' it but this new SL900 has a very scratchy gain pot. 1)Can I assume a spritz of de-oxit will fix it? and 2) if so, how does the knob come off? I don't see a set screw and I don't wanna bust a new unit.
Thx

I pm'ed Agedhorse but figured I'd try here as well while I'm waitin?

 

[svtb15]

You may want to pop the top off the amp to deoxit on the POT body itself.. go from the inside... Unless Andy says otherwise... The knobs just pull off... but use equal force so you dont bend the shaft

 

[lomo]

You may want to pop the top off the amp to deoxit on the POT body itself.. go from the inside... Unless Andy says otherwise... The knobs just pull off... but use equal force so you dont bend the shaft

Thanks much. I'll await his say-so before doing either.

 

[esoxhntr]

Really getting the hang of the STL 900 now. It and the AE212 are on a real streak. I'm not sure I've experienced - in fact I'm very sure I have NOT experienced - a head/amp combo that gives such warm, articulated depth. The sound is very present and vibrant, and totally non-muddy.

 

[rodl2005]

Really getting the hang of the STL 900 now. It and the AE212 are on a real streak. I'm not sure I've experienced - in fact I'm very sure I have NOT experienced - a head/amp combo that gives such warm, articulated depth. The sound is very present and vibrant, and totally non-muddy.

Great to hear!

 

[malpasso]

Hi!
I'm so overwhelmed by the positive information in this thread and so appalled by KJungs video comparison, that I've decide to get mine as soon as possible. Just two questions for you owners.

• Would you say it is a loud amp in terms of volume? My reference is Markbass SA450...which I never got past 11 either at rehearsals or gigs.

My cabs are Berg HT112er+EX112er: they are 350 wats each...

• Will the 600 be enough? Would I endanger my cabs by using the 900?

Thanks.

 

[rodl2005]

I've got a 600 & ime, if you find the Mark Bass enough, then the 600 will be plenty.
I've a LMII also, & for my needs the power of the LMII was/is plenty, & thus, I found no need to go for the 900 in my GB amps. I've both a Shuttle 6.0 (600w) & the STL600 & both have plenty of power for whatever my needs.
Of course this will depend on your gigs/how loud you play etc...

 

[sratas]

Hi Malpasso (are you italian?)
1) The STM is loud amp, I own the 900 + 2 Berg AE210, and for sure the amp can drive those cabs seriously. In fact, I always keep in mind to respect the nominal power ratings, even if the mechanical limits could happen far before the 400 + 400 watts reported by the manufacturer, and with the STM this could be expecially true bacuse of the serious low-end coming from that head.
2) the STM + HT/ER stack could be a great one IMO. If you are somewhat aware of some basic suggestion about speakers-amp combination, you can safely buy the 900. Doing so you may possibly overheat the voice coil IF YOU TRY TO MAX OUT the STM 900 (damaging the speakers), but if you use a bit of judice, you will be rewarded by great dynamics, and, more important, loud volume without power amp struggling, or heavy clipping. An amp that clips badly (I'm talking about digital power amp clipping, not tube preamp's one) can damage your speaker even if it is a low wattage head beacuse of complex excursion/impedance issues correlated to the clipped waveform coming from amp.

Huh? I think I made too much of an answer. Sorry

Hi!
I'm so overwhelmed by the positive information in this thread and so appalled by KJungs video comparison, that I've decide to get mine as soon as possible. Just two questions for you owners.

• Would you say it is a loud amp in terms of volume? My reference is Markbass SA450...which I never got past 11 either at rehearsals or gigs.

My cabs are Berg HT112er+EX112er: they are 350 wats each...

• Will the 600 be enough? Would I endanger my cabs by using the 900?

Thanks.

 

[malpasso]

Hi Malpasso (are you italian?)

You were darn close, I'm Spanish

Thanks to you both! I really apreciate your views on the subject!!!!

Still... your opinions throw little light on my dilemma, as they are opposite ones:

• Rodl2005 points out that I would lose no volume replacing my MB sa-450 for an STN600.

• Sratas: Praises the advantages of using the stm900 with a Berg HT-EX112er if used catiously. (Dynamics, Headroom, relaxed amp...)

So I'm a little bit back at the start.
Any further comments?

 

[lomo]

You don't seem to need the 900, so IMHO it comes down to how much the extra cash matters to you. It will never be a problem to have the extra 300 watts on tap (as long as you listen to your cabs). If you can afford the 900, get it.

You were darn close, I'm Spanish

Thanks to you both! I really apreciate your views on the subject!!!!

Still... your opinions throw little light on my dilemma, as they are opposite ones:

• Rodl2005 points out that I would lose no volume replacing my MB sa-450 for an STN600.

• Sratas: Praises the advantages of using the stm900 with a Berg HT-EX112er if used catiously. (Dynamics, Headroom, relaxed amp...)

So I'm a little bit back at the start.
Any further comments?

 

[pedroims]

How much buzzing are you guys getting when the Gain is ON? I've always had a little bit and I remember hearing that it's common but it seems to have gotten a bit louder. Maybe I'm just hearing it more and it's always been like this.
Anyone having this issue? Or is it just the way it is?

The gain is always ON in my streamliner, not much buzz, nothing that can bother me at practice at home neither on rehearsals and believe me I am anti hum /buzz/noise freak.

 

[KJung]

You were darn close, I'm Spanish

Thanks to you both! I really apreciate your views on the subject!!!!

Still... your opinions throw little light on my dilemma, as they are opposite ones:

• Rodl2005 points out that I would lose no volume replacing my MB sa-450 for an STN600.

• Sratas: Praises the advantages of using the stm900 with a Berg HT-EX112er if used catiously. (Dynamics, Headroom, relaxed amp...)

So I'm a little bit back at the start.
Any further comments?

Hello. I think they are both correct. When comparing the STM600 to the LMII/III or SA450 (pretty much the same amps), the output is relatively similar. If your SA450 is plenty loud for you now, you should be just fine with the SL600.

However, those particular Berg's can handle a lot of real low end (regardless of the power rating, which is kind of unimportant), those drivers really have great mechanical properties, allowing them to crank massive low end at surprisingly high volume.

So, if you want to swap your current volume capabilities, and get a much different tone (fatter, smoother, more tubey), and save a few bucks, the 600 will be fine.

I would get the 900 myself (assuming you are not on a very strict budget). No downside IMO, and you will hear problems long before you will do any damage to your speakers.

 

[sratas]

I was tempting to write a post to clarify my thoughts but Ken did it first.
Both are correct.
A practical suggestion: if you find your SA450 plenty loud for your needs with the master volume not above 11, 11:30 o' clock you will feel perfect with the STM 600.
If you plan to gig at higher levels or in louder bands, or buy in the future a cab equipped with high excursion/low efficiency drivers (think Avatar TB, Fearful, Barefaced), think about the 900.
Ken is right the second time, the Bergs can take a lot of lowend and a lot of watts. The rule : mechanical limit < thermal power rating applies to so many brands, but Bergs seem to stand apart with surprising features and quality/reliability. For example, I asked Bergantino if the specs stated by the Bassdirect.co. uk site were correct when saying that my 8 ohm AE210 can take 300-800 watts without risks, and the answer was: it is ok if the amp is not pushed and does not clip hard...very impressive, isn't it?
ciao
P.S: i'm italian.

Hello. I think they are both correct. When comparing the STM600 to the LMII/III or SA450 (pretty much the same amps), the output is relatively similar. If your SA450 is plenty loud for you now, you should be just fine with the SL600.

However, those particular Berg's can handle a lot of real low end (regardless of the power rating, which is kind of unimportant), those drivers really have great mechanical properties, allowing them to crank massive low end at surprisingly high volume.

So, if you want to swap your current volume capabilities, and get a much different tone (fatter, smoother, more tubey), and save a few bucks, the 600 will be fine.

I would get the 900 myself (assuming you are not on a very strict budget). No downside IMO, and you will hear problems long before you will do any damage to your speakers.

 

[malpasso]

Ahaaaaaah!
Thanx, eeverybody!!!!
So thinngs are getting clearer!!!!

Everyone's right in thinking that money is not an issue (just) in this case (believe me! he, he!!!) : 110 Euros between both heads

It looks as if I could enjoy the advantages of the stm 900 without risk

Would you prefer a "relaxed" amp to relaxed cabs or vice versa?

 

[sratas]

Unfortunately ,in real world things are not so simple...maybe better to have a relaxed cab (with the exceptions above). But...A pushed amp in many cases does not brake itself if it is well engineered (I owned a 450 too, very good amp), but a hardly pushed solid state (or digital?) amp far beyond its power limits could (could) possibly damage a driver, more so if the cab is under rated considering the amp wattage.
Ok Malpasso, let's solve this issue in a concrete way!
Too much tech stuff here...in my personal opinion the STM600 + HT/HR stack is a well matched rig. If you feel comfortable with the SA450 power/loudness do not be afraid...enjoy your new setup, hope you will love it. Ciao from Parma (Italy), summer, 90°C.

Ahaaaaaah!
Thanx, eeverybody!!!!
So thinngs are getting clearer!!!!

Everyone's right in thinking that money is not an issue (just) in this case (believe me! he, he!!!) : 110 Euros between both heads

It looks as if I could enjoy the advantages of the stm 900 without risk

Would you prefer a "relaxed" amp to relaxed cabs or vice versa?

 

[sratas]

ops...90° F. I wrote celsius...not a hell of summer here

Unfortunately ,in real world things are not so simple...maybe better to have a relaxed cab (with the exceptions above). But...A pushed amp in many cases does not brake itself if it is well engineered (I owned a 450 too, very good amp), but a hardly pushed solid state (or digital?) amp far beyond its power limits could (could) possibly damage a driver, more so if the cab is under rated considering the amp wattage.
Ok Malpasso, let's solve this issue in a concrete way!
Too much tech stuff here...in my personal opinion the STM600 + HT/HR stack is a well matched rig. If you feel comfortable with the SA450 power/loudness do not be afraid...enjoy your new setup, hope you will love it. Ciao from Parma (Italy), summer, 90°C.