You replaced ken's first head with a another one. Are you going to do the same if anybody gets one that dies within an hour ? Just curious.
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Genz Streamliner 900 and TC RH450 Comparison
- Thread starter KJung
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You replaced ken's first head with a another one. Are you going to do the same if anybody gets one that dies within an hour ? Just curious.
Holy cow! That sounds huge and it's just a recording! I also have a very nice playback system here which helps but I digress... I'm sold.
WAAAY Cool! Love the Growl and the depth. Nice tones from a variety of PU Settings. Of course you had to pick a bass with the most possible combinations. 
....and covered every angle. Nicely done, thanks!
I still think this amp sounds KILLER! Love it. Want one.
....and covered every angle. Nicely done, thanks! I still think this amp sounds KILLER! Love it. Want one.
I agree with Kesslari on this one, that replacing the tubes is a better bet. It's probably a 90+% chance that it's a tube(s) and putting in the new one(s) will likely fix it, versus start all over with UPS shake and bake on another head and set of tubes.
LilRay
Commercial User
- Dec 27, 2007
- 4,166
- 39
- Disclosures
- Owner: Cockeyed Cow Custom Leathercraft
I don't second guess outstanding customer service. Bravo for GB for standing behind their product Above and Beyond.
The minute you go and say, Here's some new tubes, drop 'em in and that should fix you up, you get a klutz like me taking an amp apart with no clue of what I'm doing and possibly breaking something major. Ken(and most of you) could have done so and been off and running yes, but you've got to handle things as if you were dealing with a first time buyer.
I agree 1000% with how GB handled the issue. It was just unfortunate for Ken on Ken's part.
God Bless, Ray
The minute you go and say, Here's some new tubes, drop 'em in and that should fix you up, you get a klutz like me taking an amp apart with no clue of what I'm doing and possibly breaking something major. Ken(and most of you) could have done so and been off and running yes, but you've got to handle things as if you were dealing with a first time buyer.
I agree 1000% with how GB handled the issue. It was just unfortunate for Ken on Ken's part.
God Bless, Ray
Man sorry this happened to Ken, but I now have one on order and I am not worried a bit. The Mesa M6 had several minor issues when it was released and Mesa made the required changes to the design and made the existing units right. I never had any problems with mine, but I did wait several months with one on order while the sorted out the problems with the existing units. I have had two GK MB500s. One had problems and GK sent a brand new unit to replace it. The replacement and the other worked flawlessly. I now own a GK MB200 and I didn't hesitate based on my GK experience one bit to buy it. Mesa and GK both have great CS, but from what I have read and understand Genz may in a class of their own. Anxiously awaiting my streamliner. Heck just forward me Ken's and I'll put some tubes in it.
UPS shows it leaving VA on Monday and nothing since. It is in the twilight zone. I hope Rod likes the tone
I figure it'll mysteriously show up Monday on schedule.
I figure it'll mysteriously show up Monday on schedule.
What I'd like to see on every amp with one or more preamp tubes is a hatch cover to give easy access to the tube(s) for replacement, like the battery cover on any battery-powered device. A hatch cover and replacement tubes may have kept Ken's business, and sure would be a life saver in the event of a tube failure at a gig.
I got my Streamliner from Greg at Rocket on Monday and played my first gig with it tonight. It sounded amazing...even
the guys in the band noticed. My new Coppolo LG5 might have had a LITTLE bit to do with it to! I really love this amp!
Ken, I hate the amp didn't work out for you. You're Youtube clips sounded pretty darn good!
Dan
the guys in the band noticed. My new Coppolo LG5 might have had a LITTLE bit to do with it to! I really love this amp!
Ken, I hate the amp didn't work out for you. You're Youtube clips sounded pretty darn good!
Dan
Ah, yes, the lone local pickup so far! UPS only got the one chance to whack on yours, Dan (the leg from AZ to VA).
I'm glad to hear you were digging it tonight!
I'm glad to hear you were digging it tonight!
Totally my pleasure!
I'm doing my best to remember the settings... I know the preamp gain was about 9 o'clock, I had to cut that down because the L-2000 electtronics are so hot. I believe the preamp volume was around noon (possibly higher), and the master volume was probably around 10-11 o'clock.
I certainly wasn't going for any dirt, I had the amp set for a clean tone. My record levels were well below clipping, so there's no distortion on that end of it.
I will say that I had just lowered the action on the bass, and I probably went too far. There's a bit of fret rattle that I hear in the naked bass track, more than I would usually like.
Hey guys. Just wanted to post up once more that I'm really sorry creating this 'tempest in a teapot'. I tend to agree with the guys who say a tube swap would most probably have taken care of the issue. As you can hear from my clips and Greg's, the tone of this amp is totally, completely killer, and is 'the sound in my head' with my P Bass. Literally.
I will look forward to seeing many posts of successful usage of this amp, and also to hear from Genz if in fact my units were just simple faulty tubes and that I had incredible bad luck.
That being said, whether rational or irrational, tubes have always made me a bit skweemish regarding reliability (i.e., if they fail by getting bumped around in the UPS truck, is that any different than getting bumped around in an equipment van?), and my idea of fun and happiness is to NOT ever have to open the top of an amp (much less a brand new one) for any reason... ever... period. That's just me, for better or worse. I was just not comfortable (in my case) assuming that a tube swap would permanently fix the issue at this point for me.
I like the tone and design enough that my guess is, I will get back in down the road. Simply amazing sounding box.
I will look forward to seeing many posts of successful usage of this amp, and also to hear from Genz if in fact my units were just simple faulty tubes and that I had incredible bad luck.
That being said, whether rational or irrational, tubes have always made me a bit skweemish regarding reliability (i.e., if they fail by getting bumped around in the UPS truck, is that any different than getting bumped around in an equipment van?), and my idea of fun and happiness is to NOT ever have to open the top of an amp (much less a brand new one) for any reason... ever... period. That's just me, for better or worse. I was just not comfortable (in my case) assuming that a tube swap would permanently fix the issue at this point for me.
I like the tone and design enough that my guess is, I will get back in down the road. Simply amazing sounding box.
How silly, a guy who purchases a Tube Amp and intends never to have to change a tube.
It is unfortunate that todays tubes are not up to yesterdays standards.
Tubes do not handle shipping very well installed in an amp. If I ship an amp, I remove the tubes and ship them in padded boxes. Shipping is way more harsh than playing any gigs could ever be. Packages can take a 40 foot free fall onto hard concrete and to expect a current production tube to go through that and live is a bit of a stretch.
That is why after the first 45 minutes of playing my Streamliner I installed an RCA and two Mullard Tubes. My Shuttle also has a Mullard in it and for those who don't know those are real Mullards not that crap New Sensor is trying to push off onto the dumb masses.
As a veteran player if I could not change a tube, or set up a bass, change bass preamps/pickups, replace bad jacks/pots etc.... I think I'd just go home to momma.
I played my Streamliner 900 for about 14 hours straight yesterday at bone crushing volumes with one break for food in the middle. No issues. My band mates commented that this amp is the best sound I've ever had. I asked our Band Leader what was it and he said he could not quite put his finger on it but the sound was more alive.
How silly, a guy who purchases a Tube Amp and intends never to have to change a tube.
It is unfortunate that todays tubes are not up to yesterdays standards.
Tubes do not handle shipping very well installed in an amp. If I ship an amp, I remove the tubes and ship them in padded boxes. Shipping is way more harsh than playing any gigs could ever be. Packages can take a 40 foot free fall onto hard concrete and to expect a current production tube to go through that and live is a bit of a stretch.
That is why after the first 45 minutes of playing my Streamliner I installed an RCA and two Mullard Tubes. My Shuttle also has a Mullard in it and for those who don't know those are real Mullards not that crap New Sensor is trying to push off onto the dumb masses.
As a veteran player if I could not change a tube, or set up a bass, change bass preamps/pickups, replace bad jacks/pots etc.... I think I'd just go home to momma.
I played my Streamliner 900 for about 14 hours straight yesterday at bone crushing volumes with one break for food in the middle. No issues. My band mates commented that this amp is the best sound I've ever had. I asked our Band Leader what was it and he said he could not quite put his finger on it but the sound was more alive.
Every brand new amp out there comes with the tubes already installed. To say GB's components are inferior is a little unfair. Not everyone is an electronics tech, even though I am, I wouldn't want to have to go into a brand new on day one. 14 hours ay, your hands must hurt today, huh?
Red Planet said:How silly, a guy who purchases a Tube Amp and intends never to have to change a tube.
It is unfortunate that todays tubes are not up to yesterdays standards.
Tubes do not handle shipping very well installed in an amp. If I ship an amp, I remove the tubes and ship them in padded boxes. Shipping is way more harsh than playing any gigs could ever be. Packages can take a 40 foot free fall onto hard concrete and to expect a current production tube to go through that and live is a bit of a stretch.
That is why after the first 45 minutes of playing my Streamliner I installed an RCA and two Mullard Tubes. My Shuttle also has a Mullard in it and for those who don't know those are real Mullards not that crap New Sensor is trying to push off onto the dumb masses.
As a veteran player if I could not change a tube, or set up a bass, change bass preamps/pickups, replace bad jacks/pots etc.... I think I'd just go home to momma.
I played my Streamliner 900 for about 14 hours straight yesterday at bone crushing volumes with one break for food in the middle. No issues. My band mates commented that this amp is the best sound I've ever had. I asked our Band Leader what was it and he said he could not quite put his finger on it but the sound was more alive.
Jees...I understand many players are happy to swap tubes out, but straight away?! Some players might not want to and it might rattle their 'reliability' alarm if they are playing high profile gigs.
I think Ken definitely knows what he is doing!
I still want one, btw...
LilRay
Commercial User
- Dec 27, 2007
- 4,166
- 39
- Disclosures
- Owner: Cockeyed Cow Custom Leathercraft
How silly, a guy who purchases a Tube Amp and intends never to have to change a tube.
It is unfortunate that todays tubes are not up to yesterdays standards.
Tubes do not handle shipping very well installed in an amp. If I ship an amp, I remove the tubes and ship them in padded boxes. Shipping is way more harsh than playing any gigs could ever be. Packages can take a 40 foot free fall onto hard concrete and to expect a current production tube to go through that and live is a bit of a stretch.
That is why after the first 45 minutes of playing my Streamliner I installed an RCA and two Mullard Tubes. My Shuttle also has a Mullard in it and for those who don't know those are real Mullards not that crap New Sensor is trying to push off onto the dumb masses.
As a veteran player if I could not change a tube, or set up a bass, change bass preamps/pickups, replace bad jacks/pots etc.... I think I'd just go home to momma.
I played my Streamliner 900 for about 14 hours straight yesterday at bone crushing volumes with one break for food in the middle. No issues. My band mates commented that this amp is the best sound I've ever had. I asked our Band Leader what was it and he said he could not quite put his finger on it but the sound was more alive.
You're a pretty cocky guy to dog on a somebody for doing what they want to do.
Let's see, You insult a fellow professional, you claim you played 14 hours and changed the tubes in your Streamliner after 45 minutes? Essentially saying that the tubes GB installs are substandard.
Let me ask you this; If you had tubes lying around that were superior to the ones GB installs, why did you waste the first 45 minutes of playing time on lesser quality tubes?
Are you an Endorsing Artist for anyone?
I'm not bagging on you man, but your claims are a bit "out there"
Kinda surprised he was able to type Dave.
God Bless, Ray
Well said. This is a perfectly good "vs." thread about to go into the tank because everyone wants to weigh in on why Ken has decided to opt out. Let's please can the flames right now. If Ken doesn't want to deal with tubes in his situation, that's strictly his call. He has said he loves the sound, he has said he'll probably regret the choice and get back in, and has apologized for causing a controversy.
Everyone else who has received the amp loves it, SVTB15 is gigging his at the Super Bowl, and I suspect that those of us who hang in with the Streamliner are going to be real happy campers. Life is good, and no big deal. I'm certainly not cancelling my order.
Please back to the originally scheduled programming here, otay?
Unless someone wants to start a KJUNG vs. Streamliner thread...
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