Any thoughts? Both seem pretty awesome for what they are... which would you choose? What cab would you run it with in your setup? Thanks for your input!
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Genzler Magellan 800 vs. Trickfish Bullhead .5k
- Thread starter joshstamell
- Start date
I can't comment on the Genzler, but I do have a Bullhead .5k through the Trickfish TF408 cab. All I can say is it sounds absolutely top shelf & a great company to deal with!
If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
I’m a Genzler guy but I have had limited experience with the Trickfish gear. The reason I went with Genzler over anything else was due to the customer service (Jeff Genzler is very active on TB and quick to get involved if someone has questions or issues) and I was beyond impressed with the engineering of the BA cabs and how they sound. I have the Magellan 800 head but the new Kinetix 800 is getting great reviews if you’re looking for something with some tube warmth. My rig does all I need it to and I have zero desire to look anywhere else.
Quilter V803 any fEarful or Fearless variant. MAS 1505. Some neutral cab, flat to 45, rolloff about 6 to 8k... That is just gonna work for me.
I had the Mag 800. It didn't stick... I have the Magellan Pre. I prefer it into power more the the Mag800. Mostly due to the foot switchable voice...I think. There maybe other secret sauce in the Mag Pre that adds to the dish.. Who knows ?
I had the Mag 800. It didn't stick... I have the Magellan Pre. I prefer it into power more the the Mag800. Mostly due to the foot switchable voice...I think. There maybe other secret sauce in the Mag Pre that adds to the dish.. Who knows ?
The very reason I will look at Jeff's products first, if my Genz Bens ever dies.
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Both top-shelf.
I have the Trickifsh .5K and TF112 cab.
One of the reasons i bought my Trickfish .5K was because i went to a shop curious about Genzler amps, and they didn't have any. So i tried all the other amps in the shop and fell absolutely in love with the Trickish 1K & .5K. I got the .5K over the 1K merely because i can't imagine a time when i need that much power, especially since 90% of its use will be at home in my NYC apartment.
The reasons i picked the .5K over the other amps was because it was "transparent" but not sterile. I played a bunch of fantastic instrument through it (Olinto P, Olinto Js, MTDs, Mas Hino PJ) and all their individual characteristics came through. The P with the tone rolled off sounded huge and thick, the Js had their snap, and as much as the P sounded big, beefy, and smooth, the MTD sounded modern and hi-fi. When i played 5 strings, even at low volumes the Trickfish amp and cab didn't lose any volume, clarity, or low end. And most of all, there was an immediacy to it. I don't know how to fully explain the sensation. It's not like other amps had a "latency", but the Trickfish felt like there was a direct connection between my brain -> fingers -> bass -> amp -> ears. There was an exacting responsiveness to it.
Also, the pre & EQ section the .5K is pretty fantastic. The EQs sounds incredibly natural. Even with that, i usually leave the gain just under breakup and flat EQ for all my basses and it sounds great without.
Unfortunately i can't give any feedback on the Genzler since i never got to play one. So i can only answer half your question.
I have the Trickifsh .5K and TF112 cab.
One of the reasons i bought my Trickfish .5K was because i went to a shop curious about Genzler amps, and they didn't have any. So i tried all the other amps in the shop and fell absolutely in love with the Trickish 1K & .5K. I got the .5K over the 1K merely because i can't imagine a time when i need that much power, especially since 90% of its use will be at home in my NYC apartment.
The reasons i picked the .5K over the other amps was because it was "transparent" but not sterile. I played a bunch of fantastic instrument through it (Olinto P, Olinto Js, MTDs, Mas Hino PJ) and all their individual characteristics came through. The P with the tone rolled off sounded huge and thick, the Js had their snap, and as much as the P sounded big, beefy, and smooth, the MTD sounded modern and hi-fi. When i played 5 strings, even at low volumes the Trickfish amp and cab didn't lose any volume, clarity, or low end. And most of all, there was an immediacy to it. I don't know how to fully explain the sensation. It's not like other amps had a "latency", but the Trickfish felt like there was a direct connection between my brain -> fingers -> bass -> amp -> ears. There was an exacting responsiveness to it.
Also, the pre & EQ section the .5K is pretty fantastic. The EQs sounds incredibly natural. Even with that, i usually leave the gain just under breakup and flat EQ for all my basses and it sounds great without.
Unfortunately i can't give any feedback on the Genzler since i never got to play one. So i can only answer half your question.
As others have said, both of these are top shelf.
And I think Genzler Bass Array design is groundbreaking and innovative in its use for bass cabs.
And I think Genzler Bass Array design is groundbreaking and innovative in its use for bass cabs.
Probably will have a hard time finding someone who’s tried both. Both companies are top drawer and I think people with either - stop looking.
I like the genzler myself and haven’t looked at anything else. I chose the genzler because it was so easy to dial in a good tone. Whichever head you decide on - do yourself a favour and try it through the Genzler bass arrays - game changers!
I like the genzler myself and haven’t looked at anything else. I chose the genzler because it was so easy to dial in a good tone. Whichever head you decide on - do yourself a favour and try it through the Genzler bass arrays - game changers!
Both are great amps!
If you want clean, but not sterile (or use pedals for OD), I'd go with the Trickfish Bh.5k - love the preamp.
If you want more tonal versatility (without adding pedals) or if you need to drive loads below 4 Ohm (2.67 Ohm minimum), go with the Magellan.
If you want clean, but not sterile (or use pedals for OD), I'd go with the Trickfish Bh.5k - love the preamp.
If you want more tonal versatility (without adding pedals) or if you need to drive loads below 4 Ohm (2.67 Ohm minimum), go with the Magellan.
I’ve had both. I preferred the eq points on the Trickfish. The Magellan seemed to have more oomph. Both are great from a support standpoint. Neither will disappoint you.
I chose Trickfish .5k and 208V based on carefully listening to demos on YouTube. I heard something unique in the Trickfish demos (not just the amps, but the minnow too) which I really liked. Some reviews/posts mentioned the .5 can get a warm sound at higher volume. I listened to demos of the 4x8 (didn't find any of the 208 at the time) and liked the sound of those.
In person the rig sounds great and consistent with the qualities of the sounds I heard in the demos: warm and clear.
I eventually also got a TF112. It sounds smooth and clear.
Running 208V+TF112 sounds warm, clear, and full.
Up until today I had only played through this gear practicing at home.
Finally had a rehearsal today and brought the 208V. Next session will try the 112.
In person the rig sounds great and consistent with the qualities of the sounds I heard in the demos: warm and clear.
I eventually also got a TF112. It sounds smooth and clear.
Running 208V+TF112 sounds warm, clear, and full.
Up until today I had only played through this gear practicing at home.
Finally had a rehearsal today and brought the 208V. Next session will try the 112.
I've been using a Magellan 800 for several years now and I find it very easy to dial in a great sound. I really like the EQ setup.
