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GK Backline 600 vs GK 400rb IV

J

JeffreyG

Mar 20, 2002
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Minneapolis, MN USA
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#1
Folks your advice is requested. Two deals have been presented to me, please help me consider the pros and cons.

Backline 600: 300w@8ohms, brand new from a reputable dealer, approx $270 (marked at 299.99, quoted a 10% discount) plus tax

400rb IV: 280@8ohms, used from online posting, seller states unit is scratched (was purchased from Musicians Friend as a scratch and dent) but otherwise like new with only a few hours of use, $250 firm

Please feel free to comment on a comparison of the two units, the pros and cons of new vs. used, the prices posted, etc.

I am not intersted in more powerful/more expensive units. ~300 watts @ 8ohms is exactly what I'm in the market for. I also think the difference between 280 watts and 300 watts is pretty inconsequential.

I have played the 600 but not the 400rb - I also have experience using a 1001rb.
 
#2
I owned the Backline 600 for a while - nice little amp. It got me into the GK sound and now that I've sold it I want to go to the 700RB-II. But, if i were to start again, I wouldnt buy it over the 400RB-II

Pretty much the only difference is the preamp and the reliability - the RB series is VERY reliable, the Backline series not so much IME. Yes they are sturdy, but you really get a better deal with the RB series I think.

The preamp is a little different in terms of controls between the two, and again I prefer the RB over the backline. Yes the backline has a distortion channel you can click on, but I didnt think it was that great of a distortion.

Hope this helps.
 
#3
I've found that the 'budget' line stuff from expensive manufacturers is usually risky. Eden Nemesis, Hartke Transporter, SWR Workingmans, none of it as good as comparably priced stuff from say Carvin or Peavey. I'd go with the real thing if you have some way of determining that it is in working order.
 
#4
I'd go with the new Backline 600 if it was my money.

I really like the GK sound and have had great result with my Backline head. Yea, I'd like a 1001 RB-II but can't justify the cost at this time. The Backline 600 gets good reviews, and GK has a good warrantee on their new amps, something you won't get buying used. You might want to check [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]for the exact specifications. I think the Backline 600 is 300 watts at 4 ohms and 180 at 8 ohms and the 400RB-IV is rated 280 watts at 4 ohms and 180 watts at 8 ohms.

The amps have some differences but are fairly comparable (be sure to check number of speaker connections, pre/post eq DI with level control, number of channels, bi-amp function, etc. The slight differences may make a big difference to you and your needs. Bottom line do you want new with a warrantee or used without. I think either one will sound great, but I lean toward buying new when it comes to electronic equipment (I like the safety net of the warrantee).
 
#6
Yea, I think I'm leaning toward the 400. The only positive for the 600 is the warranty, but GK's are pretty reliable anyway.

I always have a little concern over dealing wtih an unknown on the internet (i.e. why is he selling it for $250, when he could probably get $350 for it). On the other hand, the times I've done inernet deals before I've had no problems.
 
#7
dewbass4 said:
I'd go with the new Backline 600 if it was my money.

I really like the GK sound and have had great result with my Backline head. Yea, I'd like a 1001 RB-II but can't justify the cost at this time. The Backline 600 gets good reviews, and GK has a good warrantee on their new amps, something you won't get buying used. You might want to check [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]for the exact specifications. I think the Backline 600 is 300 watts at 4 ohms and 180 at 8 ohms and the 400RB-IV is rated 280 watts at 4 ohms and 180 watts at 8 ohms.

The amps have some differences but are fairly comparable (be sure to check number of speaker connections, pre/post eq DI with level control, number of channels, bi-amp function, etc. The slight differences may make a big difference to you and your needs. Bottom line do you want new with a warrantee or used without. I think either one will sound great, but I lean toward buying new when it comes to electronic equipment (I like the safety net of the warrantee).
Click to expand...

Your specks sound right. The head only becomes 300 watts with an extention cab at what ohms im not sure. I have a 600 and it is very reliable. I have 5-6 years on mine wth no problems what so ever. It is very loud and thru a 4x10 or now a 1x15 its great. I also use my guitarists 400 rig and it is the same sound as the 600. A few more features and i dont think its made in china. Since the amps are basicly the same and the price is also i go new for the warranty and knowing it came right out of box is worth it to me.
 
#8
The Backline 600 is a good amp and the only thing from that budget series I'd consider.

But the 400 RB is a very good amp. I used one constantly for almost 10 years without a bit of trouble. The guy I sold it to is still using it without problems. It's pretty hard to beat that for reliability and good sound. The sound is what sold me on it when I first bought it.
 
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#10
Both good, but the tone will be better w/ the 400 rbII. And in this case, a little cheaper. If the "black is scratched a bit, just take the top off ( a few screws) then spray paint it w/ some flat black, and it will look like new. The 20 watts difference will mean nothing.
 
#11
Yea, I think I've decided I will go with the 400RB (provided it's still available when the guy gets back to me).

I just ordered an Avatar 2x10 neo, I think I've got a good little rig in the works here.

I'm fairly confident that the 600 is a very good amp, but I'm just as confident that the 400 will be better. And for less money it's a no brainer.

I was considering the Backline speakers but had reservations - and now I've ordered the Avatar. I don't think I'd need to upgrade anytime soon with this rig:

GK 400rb-IV --> Avatar 2x10 neo -->Older Bassman 1x15 that I've had for years.
 
#12
I think the 400rb w/ an Avatar B210 will be a GREAT rig. Tone, volume , and very light and portable to move. Very wise choice all around. Later you could add another 210 for a light, easy ,modular "410" @ 4 ohms. (2-8 ohm speakers). I hope you ordered an 8 ohm cab. I have the 210 aand a 212. Now I wish i had ordered either a second 210 or a 112. The 212 can be a little overwhelming to the 210 as far as boominess( not volume). But a 112 would have got the low end job done , but w/ less weight. But I really love the way the Avatar b210 cuts thru the mix, tone wise. I love it, especially w/ a GK .
 
#15
Vic Winters said:
The only real difference between the units is the Backline has an overdrive channel and the the 400 has a presence knob. So whatever you feel is more useful to you. I have a BL600 and a 1001RB-II, and I'm happy with both.
Click to expand...

Like i said i own a 600 and practice thru a 400..there is no diff what so ever other than the features you point out...oh ya the 600 has a green on signal light 400 blue:smug: They share the same preamp etc.The overdrive is pretty useless thou IMO.

If you put a 600 on a good cab it wont fart out. I used to play hard rock thru mine at high volume with a 5 string and it was clear as a bell so much in fact i added a pedal to ad some grit. Those here like Vic and myself who use the 600 know its a great cheap head the performs.
 

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