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GK MB800 vs. Ampeg SVP-CL / power amp rigs

Discussion in 'Amps and Cabs [BG]' started by Jim C, Apr 19, 2012.

  1. Apr 19, 2012 #1
    Jim C

    Jim C I believe in the trilogy; Fender, Stingray, + G&L Supporting Member

    Nov 29, 2008
    Bethesda, MD
    Am looking for a MB800 to try locally but thought I'd take a stab here:

    I want power; enough of this 300 watts at 4 ohms; I want the ability to generate at least 500 watts at 8 ohms so that I can use other cabinets

    I have an SVP-CL pre that I like; sounds similar to my SVT; I only have a lead sled power amp so I would need something like a Crown XLS 1000; Peavey IPR 1600, Stewart World, etc for a light weight power amp.

    OTOH, I am curious about the MB800 as they seems to be all the rage.

    I'm thinking that the SVP will be warmer and the MB800 will be more studio monitor like.

    Looking for your opinions regading the inherent tone and adjustablity of each.

    M9 is out of the question finanacially at this time
     
  2. Apr 19, 2012 #2
    lomo

    lomo passionate hack Supporting Member

    Apr 15, 2006
    Montreal
    I have never heard the Ampeg pre, but I would definitely not describe the MB800 as "warm". Edgy and even "bright" come to mind. Of course it has a fair bit of eq capability as well and goes very low, but not "warm" to my ear.



     
  3. Apr 19, 2012 #3
    husky123

    husky123

    Jul 6, 2006
    Leesburg, VA
    Not trying to state the obvious but the MB8 has that inherent GK thang going on in spades. Like lomo mentioned it really doesn't get warm per se but you can help it a bit by running the B channel. I personally don't run the B channel. I do, however, run gain A very hot and this brings a nice harmonic richness to the party. In the mix it is a bit warmer and less surgical. Your SVP might be nice to run in front of the GK. Ampeg pre for your warm, round tubeness and the GK when you feel like full slice Ginsu.
     
  4. Apr 19, 2012 #4
    Jim C

    Jim C I believe in the trilogy; Fender, Stingray, + G&L Supporting Member

    Nov 29, 2008
    Bethesda, MD
    We are saying the same things
    Ampeg = warm
    GK = brighter

    I just played the SVP-CL through a big iron amp into a TL606 cabinet with Carvin 15"; it was killer; much stronger than the SVT or WA through this cab
    I like the meat of having big power on idle; the improved depth and clarity is great and I don't miss the WA tone enough to sacrifice the reserve power for transients
     
  5. Apr 20, 2012 #5
    Dave W

    Dave W

    Mar 1, 2007
    Westchester, NY
    Well, the question is...do you want the Ampeg sound or the GK sound?

    The SVP-CL is a great preamp. I've got one myself. But I also love GK and look forward to getting another somewhere down the road.
     
  6. Apr 20, 2012 #6
    rickwebb

    rickwebb

    Jun 17, 2011
    People's Republic Of Rhode Island
    I've been using Ampeg SVP Preamps (Pro AND CL) in front of QSC RMX Series power amps for about seven years now and they sound incredible. No problems getting a bright sound there.