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Good deal, but is it an upgrade?

G

greenmachine69

Apr 2, 2025
45
130
#1
Hey guys,
Saw a FB Marketplace listing for a Gallien Krueger MB Fusion 800 w/bag ($750) and Neo 410 Bass Cab($450). $1100 for both.
The guy said he wouldn't trade unless it's a Line 6 HX Stomp, which I can get for $550-750. I'm not an expert but that seems like good deal, right?
For reference, my current rig is a GK Goldline 500 head and a Genz-Benz NeoXT 212 cab. Would this be enough of an upgrade to justify the purchase? Been looking to up my wattage, plus this rig seems more transportable than what I currently have. The Goldline is great but it's not light by any means. Same with the Benz, pretty cumbersome and only has the 2 little suitcase rollers.
Strongly considering pulling this trigger but wanted to know your thoughts.
 
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#4
greenmachine69 said:
Hey guys,
Saw a FB Marketplace listing for a Gallien Krueger MB Fusion 800 w/bag ($750) and Neo 410 Bass Cab($450). $1100 for both.
The guy said he wouldn't trade unless it's a Line 6 HX Stomp, which I can get for $550-750. I'm not an expert but that seems like good deal, right?
For reference, my current rig is a GK Goldline 500 head and a Genz-Benz NeoXT 212 cab. Would this be enough of an upgrade to justify the purchase? Been looking to up my wattage, plus this rig seems more transportable than what I currently have. The Goldline is great but it's not light by any means. Same with the Benz, pretty cumbersome and only has the 2 little suitcase rollers.
Strongly considering pulling this trigger but wanted to know your thoughts.
Click to expand...
Edit: also saw an ad for a $400 Eden D410XLT. Have the same question about that one, would it be enough of an upgrade from current setup to justify the purchase?
 
#5
I would say no. That 410 is more cumbsome than a 2x12 and weighs almost 20 pounds more. The neox is an easy schlep with a folding hand truck and much easier to pick up. Plus it's one of the best cabs ever made IMO.

Get a used shuttle 6.0 to go with your Neox and you're all set. The amps you are thinking about might be a light upgrade, but the cabs you are thinking about are not, IMO.
 
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#6
Only you can answer the question if it's worth upgrading.
  • Is your current rig loud enough?
  • Do you like the way it sounds?
  • Does the Fusion Neo 410 option sound better? This requires you to try both and judge for yourself.
  • I would consider the difference in portability to be fairly small, but YMMV.

I consider the Goldline an entry level amp. The Fusion 800 is pro level.

The Goldline 500 is rated 500W at 4 ohms and 350W at 8 ohms.
The Fusion 800 is rated 800W at 4ohms and 560W at 8 ohms.

Decibel difference produced by power comparisons:
  • 4 ohms 500W to 800W = ~2dB
  • 8 ohms 350W to 560W = ~2dB
Per the specs, the Fusion should have 2 dB more headroom at 4 or 8 ohms. The real-world difference may be larger or smaller.

The impedance of the cabs' is a significant factor as it impacts available power. AFAIK, the NEO 410 was available in 4 or 8 ohms and the NX-212T was only available in 4 ohms.

Cab Power and Sensitivity:
  • NeoXT212 is rated 600W RMS with 101dB 1W/1m Sensitivity. It's can't take full advantage of the Fusion 800's extra power.
  • GK NEO 410 III is rated 1000W with 103dB 1W/1m Sensitivity
The usable power varies by amp and the speaker's impedance and power rating.

Calculated SPL:
  • NX-212T
    • 500W = ~128dB
    • 600W = ~128.8dB
  • NEO 410
    • 350W = ~128.4
    • 500W = ~130dB
    • 560W = ~130.5dB
    • 800W = ~ ~132dB
In my experience 128dB is a lot of headroom. It may not always be enough, but I typically won't turn up beyond a certain point. So this is probably more than I would ever use.

If you current rig is loud enough, it comes down to tone and sound quality.

The Eden 410XLT is bigger and heavier than the NEO 410. It came in 4 or 8 ohms and was rated for 700W with a 106dB 1W/1m Sensitivity. The 410XLT will sound considerably different than NX-212T or NEO 410.

Calculated SPL:
  • 410XLT
    • 350W = ~131.4
    • 500W = ~133dB
    • 560W = ~133.5dB
    • 700W = ~ ~134.5dB
 
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#8
greenmachine69 said:
Hey guys,
Saw a FB Marketplace listing for a Gallien Krueger MB Fusion 800 w/bag ($750) and Neo 410 Bass Cab($450). $1100 for both.
The guy said he wouldn't trade unless it's a Line 6 HX Stomp, which I can get for $550-750. I'm not an expert but that seems like good deal, right?
For reference, my current rig is a GK Goldline 500 head and a Genz-Benz NeoXT 212 cab. Would this be enough of an upgrade to justify the purchase? Been looking to up my wattage, plus this rig seems more transportable than what I currently have. The Goldline is great but it's not light by any means. Same with the Benz, pretty cumbersome and only has the 2 little suitcase rollers.
Strongly considering pulling this trigger but wanted to know your thoughts.
Click to expand...
That’s about the going rate for the head and the cab. Buying both saves a bit more, especially if it’s local and you’re not paying tax. The head should be a good upgrade. I like that Genz Benz cab you have. But I would be careful with it if you go with the Fusion. The GK was a good cab for its time. I almost bought a used one some years ago, but went a different direction with a Subway 410 (at considerably more money - “you can’t take it with you.”). I recall reading some time ago that the factory drivers for that cab were hard to find so that could be an issue.

Were I in your shoes and wanting a newer head, I’d probably pull the trigger on the combined rig, assuming the drivers are fine, then decide which cab to use and sell the one you like least. Or hear what it sounds like running both. They’re both ported, so it could be a nice match. Or not.

Can you take your cab and A/B them?
 
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#10
For more than several years I've been gigging with a used GK MB Fusion 800 that I found in the T.B. Classifieds.

It has a "power behind each note slam," like no other class D head I've tried. It has that feel of a fast transient response that GK is known for and is capable of huge low-end with clarity. It sounds great at low levels. It has the power to sound great at high levels and maintain it's composure at high volume.

It has developed the scratchy pot syndrome in two of it's pots, (actually no big deal, just work the knob back and forth and it goes away), other wise, it's been 100% rock solid.

Drawback: GK no longer offers factory repairs/service on the MB series or any older models of their amps. If you should ever need service you'll have to find a qualified GK service tech in your area.



(Gigging chain = Passive Jazz bass > SansAmp BDDI V1 > head (with XLR out to FOH) > cabinet. The adult beverage is optional!)

20230909_223411.jpg
 
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#12
greenmachine69 said:
Just so I don’t risk blowing my cab, and since I like the cab as it is, I’m looking at a GK MB500 for around $360. Would yall recommend? I’ve heard nothing but good things about it
Click to expand...


I've also two 500's.
A MB2-500 and a MB500.

The MB2-500 is now my back-up head (it was my main gigging head till I stumbled into the Fusion 800.)
The MB500 I picked-up locally at a great price that I just couldn't pass up on.

Either 500 is more than capable of doing and sounding good as a gigging amp, (I always ran the SansAmp in front of these also.)


20250413_121341.jpg
 

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