GK 800RB Loudness

3x as loud as you'd expect from it's wattage.
Several amps similar in size. Actually, another GK that's a lot smaller is also a lot louder: 1001RB II.
If will cover your venue, well... Too many factors to consider. Can't really answer that one...

 

its not about the amp - it's about cabinets.

get an efficient 212 designed for low frequency and have a mid driver designed for a 500hz crossover and stand back - it'll blow your doors off.

Or just get a big cab - 215 or 810 and be prepared.

 

Get something that will move alot of air and has a great low frequency response, ideally a 4 ohm or 2 8 ohms. Then get another cab with i'd say at least 2 smaller drivers., i.e.- 210 and put that in the high. Then run the whole system with bi-amp on. voila!

 

Will you be up against a wall, in a corner, in the middle of the area, high ceiling, low ceiling, all of these are important contributors to the overall sound. There isn't an "all situation" fix. Just be prepared to tweak the EQ.

Btw, if you want to be louder, don't use the contour button and if that still ins't enough, try boosting low mids and de-activating the low boost switch next to the contour. It might sound thinner, but at a distance it will make you more noticeable since you can drive the power amp section harder

 

Cheap? I don't know, maybe inexpensive, but I wouldn't call an RB series amp cheap.

 

Solid State? None... 800RB is a design that went WAY beyond anyone could expect. Closest would be a 400RB, which sounds like a lot more than 200W.

Speakers, placement, how loud the drummer, how loud guitarist, how loud crowd, type of floor, shape of room, what's in the room, how many people will attend, your bass, your playing, etc...

 

Ditto. Back when I ran my 800RB through an SVT 810 it was, to me, scary loud.

HooBass

 

I gotta 15 year old 800RB and it's pretty darn loud. It holds up against my SVT pretty well. Together they crush.

 

I like a lot of power, and have/had a lot of high power amps - I also own the 800RB. I find it's volume/oomph to be a lot more satisfying than the 500W Markbass stuff. It drives my Berg NV's pretty well, and kills with my Bag End S15's.

JR

 

No comparison... GK gets A LOT louder...

 

I 2nd 800rb and svt 8-10 a good combo
eno

 

I'm using an SVT Classic AND the 800RB with an Ampeg 810 and one 410 hlf. I love it!

 

It's just a crazy loud amp. Bob G. did something very, very right, and it's held strong for 20+ years. There are really no other amps like it.
Here's how I think of it:

Tube amps -- GK amps -- Solid State amps

About the only other amp I can think of that gives a lot more volume than you'd expect is the Traynor Monoblock. It's sort of the Canadian equivalent of the GK800. Only 250W but sounds a lot louder, and pushes even harder at 2 ohms (something the GK can't technically do). Not as small, though, IIRC.

 

I just got a blank board from GK to do a "frame off" rebuild mine... so I guess that tells you what I think of this "cheap" amp.

+1 to the "its louder than you'd think" comments.

 

You could pick up an Avatar 212 4-ohm used for that price if you can find one.

 

Avatar would be one.