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GK MB 200: Part Two

#686
Hnz said:
... The question was, does the MB500 sound as the MB200
Click to expand...

... actually, you have asked a few questions on here, that is why your responses may have 'wandered' a bit ;) ...

The definitive answer to this question, is .... yes ... and no ... meaning they both sound GK, and with tweaking you can get them to where nobody listening would probably know the difference ... now this is where you ad the variables ... you turn the MB200 up to the point that it is working too hard, it does not sound as good as it did down in the lower volume (sweet spot) range I mentioned in an earlier response ... the MB500 gave me more juice to work with, before it hit that point I didn't care for .... so, you can get them to sound close, maybe even the same to your ears, but it depends what your demands are on it ...

In my situation, I have a GK 700RBII (also had several versions of the 400RB's, and 800RB's), so I saw no reason to keep the MB500, as the MB200 to my damaged ears seemed to just 'sound better' (subjective) in most of my needs, and was more 'plug and play' ... and with the 700RBII in the wings having MORE than anything an MB500 could offer me, it was a no brainer to move the MB500 along ...

I ended up with two MB200's, because I wanted to compare the early (green dual output), to the later Speakon only version ... I ended up running them both together one time, liked it, and just continued ... both fit easily in my rolling case and I don't need to carry the racked 700RB all the time ... with the two MB200's, I have a back-up on stage in case one goes down, and the versatility of a grab-and-go wallet size amp for any real small stuff ... I like being modular ...

Also, you are asking only about 'sound similarity' ... you may want to consider there are other reasons to opt for an MB500, such as the mute, dual volumes, etc., etc. (as TomB points out) ... so if that stuff is important, you will not be happy with the limiting MB200 likely ... I have alternatives if any event requires I need more than the simple plug and play micro ....

Hope that helps clarify my responses a bit for you ... ;)
 
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#687
Thanks a lot for your extensive reply, Mr. tjh! :thumbsup:

I have a GK 400RB III and the MB200. (had the 800RB, 400RB II) For a lot of small bar gigs the MB200 is sufficient. And also for the bigger gigs with FOH. But for these in-between gigs sometimes I need a bit more power to keep it indeed away from sounding like it's working too hard. As you, I love to travel light, so instead of bringing the 400 I thought of the MB500, INSPITE of it having all the extra's I don't really need. Just need more clean 'volume' on the sound of the MB200.

Don't want to cause any confusion but - as far as I can recall - that was the only question I asked. And I am of course aware of all the variables possible when comparing amps. But since the MB500 seems to be the MB200's bigger brother, I thought the question would bring me a simple yes or no. But apparently it does not.

I like the option of using two MB200's - thank you for that. I will also try that.
 
#692
I wanted to wade into the GK realm of amps to experience what people on TB are talking about . So I bought an MB200 on Reverb and it arrived today.
Holy Cow! This little amp sounds great and it's a POWER HOUSE for what it is. I plugged it into my 2 Mesa Walkabout cabs (combo and extension) and it wowed me right off the bat. After playing it a bit on the Walkabouts I plugged it into my Mesa Subway 12 and 15 and Voila. I pulled the treble down to about 9 o'clock (I don't like gank/clank) and this thing sounds amazing!! I'm diggin' it, man!!
It's not displacing the Walkabout or D800 but I see no reason not to gig this thing for smaller venues or even larger ones with FOH support as a stage monitor. Options are good.
 
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#693
BassPilot said:
I wanted to wade into the GK realm of amps to experience what people on TB are talking about . So I bought an MB200 on Reverb and it arrived today.
Holy Cow! This little amp sounds great and it's a POWER HOUSE for what it is. I plugged it into my 2 Mesa Walkabout cabs (combo and extension) and it wowed me right off the bat. After playing it a bit on the Walkabouts I plugged it into my Mesa Subway 12 and 15 and Voila. I pulled the treble down to about 9 o'clock (I don't like gank/clank) and this thing sounds amazing!! I'm diggin' it, man!!
It's not displacing the Walkabout or D800 but I see no reason not to gig this thing for smaller venues or even larger ones with FOH support as a stage monitor. Options are good.
Click to expand...

+1
I've powered an Ampeg 810 with my little MB200. It's a mighty mouse! :D
 
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#695
Bit disappointed, I’ve only had my MB200 a couple of months, used a handful of times, I was gigging the other night volume @ 1 o’clock tone @ 12 o’clock started farting out through my GK Neo 212, quickly switched it off, plugged in my MBF500 and finished the gig. End oh the night the drummer noticed it had a burnt out smell to it so it’s back at the shop under warranty and I’ll be getting contacted in approx 2 weeks. Also bought a 700 RB recently and had to return as it was faulty and the owner of the store allowed me to swap it for the MBF500. I went with GK mainly for the great things I have read re reliability. Unfortunately I am loosing confidence in their products. Also before these issues arrose I recently bought an old GK 400RB3 which also conked out 1/2 way through its first gig (also switched to MBF500) but I took a risk on eBay. The add stated it switched on but hadn’t been tested through a speaker so no guarantees from the second shop where I picked it up. I only paid AU$200 and am pleased that it will cost $150 to fully refurbish by an amazing amp builder/technician who looks after my amps so when I get it back I know it won’t miss a beat. Looks like I’ll be taking all heads 3 to gigs to be sure to be sure to be sure.
 
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#697
StereoPlayer said:
Well, I had 4 Mb-200’s.
Sold them all...:eyebrow: regrets. Was downsizing. Retired.

I bought another today!

Bought this also...sorry for the derailment.
NCD NAD Vintage Acoustic 371 Got “MY” speaker cab back!

I love those little mb-200 heads!
Click to expand...
Yup got another MB-200...
B7EA0A5D-CE73-49D4-8AF7-85130472368A.jpeg
 
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