For me it's not about how much size it takes up but rather, do I need a cart or dolly to haul in my amp or can I carry it in with a shoulder bag. In both instances, however, the amp must satisfy my tonal needs.
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have the D's toppled the SVT's?
- Thread starter MJ_Sotti
- Start date
One of the reasons I got an Aguilar DB751 - modern vintage - beautiful amp and heavy but movable. Previously had an Ampeg SVT3 Pro but the Aguilar has twice the power and twice the balls.
I know my back prefers the class D amps and I'm thinking so does the suspension in my car.
23 pages just shows that we all have VERY different preferences; though I have met VERY few bassists who are not perfectly pleased when the SVT is provided on the back line. It's a great amp one way or the other.
The Aggie DB750/751 was a reality check for me. VERY popular amp. For me, I could not get that amp back in the shipping box and returned to the shop fast enough. Just one of those visceral hate it immediately moments. I bet I didn't work with it for more than ten minutes. Best description I can give of the tone I got was dragging a crow bar across concrete. It was loud, I'll give it that. At that point, I opted instead for a TE Hexavalve. Two of them, as things turned out; until I found that the Shuttle 9.0 actually did a better job for me. I still have to laugh at my old shots of that Shuttle 9.0 sitting on my Berg NV610. Sounded great. Different strokes for sure.
The Aggie DB750/751 was a reality check for me. VERY popular amp. For me, I could not get that amp back in the shipping box and returned to the shop fast enough. Just one of those visceral hate it immediately moments. I bet I didn't work with it for more than ten minutes. Best description I can give of the tone I got was dragging a crow bar across concrete. It was loud, I'll give it that. At that point, I opted instead for a TE Hexavalve. Two of them, as things turned out; until I found that the Shuttle 9.0 actually did a better job for me. I still have to laugh at my old shots of that Shuttle 9.0 sitting on my Berg NV610. Sounded great. Different strokes for sure.
As the saying goes "You pays your money and you takes your choice".
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- Feb 12, 2006
- 61,078
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- Disclosures
- Development Engineer-Mesa Boogie, Development Engineer-Genzler (pedals), Product Support-Genz Benz
Yeah, glad to see there is a "clear preference" as to what's "the best"
Count me as someone who isn't excited by a provided SVT. When they're well maintained they can be very good but when they aren't they can be absolutely horrible. Honestly I'd rather see an 800RB.
Sure, I was definitely referring to amps that are functioning correctly. No one likes gear that is dysfunctional. Right?
But far too often you don't get a good provided SVT. I know a couple of guys that regularly do fly-ins who also aren't excited about provided SVTs. I'm not hacking on the amp I think they can be the voice of god. I'm just saying as a provided amp a lot of players would prefer something safer.
Oh, absolutely no doubt. If I were doing a fly in; I would simply take my Bergantino B|Amp; which may not be the voice of God, but is the voice of truth. If the SVT is in correct operational condition, I'm happy; if not, then I'm also happy (but, wouldn't use the dysfunctional SVT).
I think we are basically saying the same thing.
I've had SVT's that were out to lunch on occasion. I've also had GK's and various other provided amps that were out to lunch on occasion, too. Seems there is no shortage of out to lunch amps provided by backline companies.
Oh, absolutely no doubt. If I were doing a fly in; I would simply take my Bergantino B|Amp; which may not be the voice of God, but is the voice of truth. If the SVT is in correct operational condition, I'm happy; if not, then I'm also happy (but, wouldn't use the dysfunctional SVT).
I think we are basically saying the same thing.
Apparently, backline companies aren't all that good at maintaining/repairing/replacing/updating inventory, eh?
LOL! Actually, the good backline companies are pretty great about it. It's mostly the hole in the wall companies that operate in small markets or those who borrow their friend's amp to supply a rig for a gig where the stuff is kerfluffled. That said, Clair Bros supplied me an SVT once that worked for 5 minutes at soundcheck and then quit coming on. They did have a backup that wasn't bad at all, though...a Markbass SD1200. Not quite an SVT but a good little amp nonetheless.
So here's an interesting proposition... Y'all know the Darkglass M900 is out, right? Class D, right? Priced at $999, right? Well, should someone spend $999 on one of those OR $999 (used) on an Ampeg V4-b all-tube head that only weighs about half of a traditional SVT?
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Whatever the decision, everyone should make the exact same one because there is no preference or context.
That didn't start as much debate as I thought it would... Hahahahaha.
No way I would buy a class D anything if I could get a V4B for the same price. Toobz!
There is your debate!
Word! That's what I'm thinking, too. The portability of the class D, especially one that supposedly sounds as good at the M900, is really tempting, though. I guess that only REALLY matters if you're flying a bunch though.
