Head suggestions for Bergantino HDN212

[Blue]

I am looking for a replacement amplifier for my Bergantino HDN212.

Current amp is a Mesa Subway 800 ... works fine, super reliable, but not magic.

What cha using that I should check out?

TIA

 

[gtirard]

I am looking for a replacement amplifier for my Bergantino HDN212.

Current amp is a Mesa Subway 800 ... works fine, super reliable, but not magic.

What cha using that I should check out?

TIA

So many possibilities… When you say "no magic", do you mean it "lacks character"?
Can you be more specific about the tone you're after?
Maybe the new Bergantino with "Dual Voicing Circuits" would be a good match for your cab?
Have you tried the WD800 and TT800?
FWIW I love my Jad Freer Sisma but it's Italian, and my Quilter Bass Block v803 but it's too affordable

 

[57pbass]

My main head is the MESA WD800
With the Gain control , damping control , HPF and EQ section I can pretty much dial in whatever sound I need and it’s super reliable.
Lots of great choices out there.

 

[Al Kraft]

I own a Berg CN212 and haven't heard a head that doesn't sound good with that cab. I think the same is likely true of most if not all Berg cabs, as IME Berg cabs seem to transparently let the amp speak in whatever voice it has.

If Mesa is a brand you like, the WD or TT have a lot of character and work beautifully with my Berg. Two other differently voiced heads that I like with my Berg cab are the Aguilar Tone Hammer 500 and the GK MB 800.

I hope something there is useful.

 

[hennessybass]

I've got an HDN212. What a great cab. Even better than the CN212 I gigged for YEARS before.

I use a Genz-Benz Streamliner 900. It's got the magic (at least IMO). Designed by the same guy as the Mesa Subway
I've owned a pretty good number of amps, including some Mesa stuff, and the Stremliner is it. And it can be had (used) at a fraction of the price of other similar amps, and still serviceable by the guy who designed it.

Anyway. Not may amps on my GAS list these days. I'd like to check out Trickfish, or the new Genzler Kinetix. If money and form factor weren't a thing, I'd like an Agular DB750/1.

 

[Al Kraft]

I've got an HDN212. What a great cab. Even better than the CN212 I gigged for YEARS before.

I'm always curious on thoughts and experiences from a path not taken....I chose the CN years back and would appreciate hearing about what key differences stand out to you between that and the HDN212. Thanks in advance for anything you can share.

 

[Blue]

When you say "no magic", do you mean it "lacks character"?
Can you be more specific about the tone you're after?

“No Magic” means it doesn’t stand-out as a unique pairing (to use the wine phrase). Easy way to understand is just take one instrument and plug it successively into several different amplifiers - it always seems to sound “best” through one particular combination.

I’m playing a Lakland Daryl Jones P-bass type into the Mesa/Berg’ - it works but doesn’t really shine there.

 

[Blue]

My main head is the MESA WD800
With the Gain control , damping control , HPF and EQ section I can pretty much dial in whatever sound I need and it’s super reliable.
Lots of great choices out there.

I’m considering the WD version … mine is the standard subway - the WD definitely has a lot more features

 

[Sparky Mark]

I am looking for a replacement amplifier for my Bergantino HDN212.

Current amp is a Mesa Subway 800 ... works fine, super reliable, but not magic.

What cha using that I should check out?

TIA

Have you had a previous set up that did have that magic?
Are you sure that it's the amp that isn't doing it for you? I know for me it's my bass guitar plus amp plus cab in combination with my playing technique that create my tone.
I use several heads (Markbass, Trace Elliot, Orange) through either ceramic Bergantino or Markbass neo cabs, and whilst there are differences, all combinations sound essentially alike. I attribute this mainly to my choice of bass guitar and playing technique. The next biggest difference would be down to the cab, with the amp last.
Most modern amps can be EQd to a nominally flat profile and then adjusted to almost any desired character. I've never played a Subway 800 but I imagine it's extremely capable; maybe see if you can try some more colored preamps/DI pedals in front of it before swapping out?

I add tube warmth to my Markbass heads with a 12ax7 based compressor; subtle but in combination with an HPF is perfect for me. More extreme tones can be achieved with my Tech 21 VT and Paradriver pedals, but I rarely do.

 

[Blue]

Have you had a previous set up that did have that magic?
Are you sure that it's the amp that isn't doing it for you? I know for me it's my bass guitar plus amp plus cab in combination with my playing technique that create my tone.
I use several heads (Markbass, Trace Elliot, Orange) through either ceramic Bergantino or Markbass neo cabs, and whilst there are differences, all combinations sound essentially alike. I attribute this mainly to my choice of bass guitar and playing technique. The next biggest difference would be down to the cab, with the amp last.
Most modern amps can be EQd to a nominally flat profile and then adjusted to almost any desired character. I've never played a Subway 800 but I imagine it's extremely capable; maybe see if you can try some more colored preamps/DI pedals in front of it before swapping out?

I add tube warmth to my Markbass heads with a 12ax7 based compressor; subtle but in combination with an HPF is perfect for me. More extreme tones can be achieved with my Tech 21 VT and Paradriver pedals, but I rarely do.

I have several unrelated but great pairings - it’s obvious to me - it’s there or it isn’t - and agree its the combo of all the elements which makes it work.

In this situation, I’m committed to the cabinet (right size, power handling, bought at a fair price, not-vintage and cherished, etc.), and probably to the bass. I have fewer pieces of gear than many players but in general those pieces are well above average. Maybe I’m delusioned.

The cab’ is definitely colored. The D-800 was bought kinda on a lark - I’ll probably swap for the WD version which has much better EQ control … just curious what other experiences folks had with mating to this Berg’

 

[Sparky Mark]

I have several unrelated but great pairings - it’s obvious to me - it’s there or it isn’t - and agree its the combo of all the elements which makes it work.

In this situation, I’m committed to the cabinet (right size, power handling, bought at a fair price, not-vintage and cherished, etc.), and probably to the bass. I have fewer pieces of gear than many players but in general those pieces are well above average. Maybe I’m delusioned.

The cab’ is definitely colored. The D-800 was bought kinda on a lark - I’ll probably swap for the WD version which has much better EQ control … just curious what other experiences folks had with mating to this Berg’

Understood; although I've persevered with equipment that sometimes just wasn't the correct tool for my needs. I've never found a big cab being lightly driven sounds as good as a smaller cab driven a bit more. A 2x12 Bergantino is a serious cab IMO, practically on par with a traditional 8x10. In the correct setting I cannot imagine a better neo 2x12 cab.

Are you playing at the volume level that requires that cone area?

I've often been pleasantly surprised when I've taken the wrong cab (too small I thought) to a new venue, and it worked really well, because the cab was able to open up and sing. My 2 x12 rigs are now made up from single 12 cabs for larger or outside venues playing moderately loud rock covers.

 

[SpiderBass1965]

Try a B/Amp or a Mesa TT-800. They both have great options and tone adjustments.

 

[Adjectives]

I think the Magellan800 has some serious magic and would pair great with your cab. I'm mostly Genz/Genzler though haha. Love the stuff!

 

[Quadzilla]

I good friend of mine has this cab paired with a Trickfish Bullhead 1K and it sounds INCREDIBLE!!!!

 

[Stranger Danger]

I have the D800 plus and it’s a very transparent head. If you want more color, think about getting a pedal rather than a new head. A lot cheaper and you can always change pedals for different colors.

 

[msb]

If you like the Berg cab , try a Bergantino head.

 

[GringoSalsero]

Bass tone matters? I use a P bass and a D800 with 2 Barefaced One10s. Works well. Excuse me, I'm going to practice more.

 

[DennyOnBass]

I think the Genzler Magellan 800 and Kinetix 800 heads are worth a listen if you can get your hands on them. I've had the Magellan for several years now and feel like it has a "push" that I don't feel from other lightweight heads.

 

[John K]

Ashen Amps for the win. Check em out, you won't be sorry!

 

[shoot-r]

I also have the CN212 version.

I've presently 4 class D heads.
GK MB2-500.
GK MB500.
GK MB Fusion 800.
Genz-Benz 9.0.

(Gigging chain = old, passive Fender Jazz > SansAmp BDDI V1 > head > cabinet. FOH support 100% of the time.)

All sound good through the Berg, but the combination that sounds best ("to my ears"), the CN with the Genz 9.0. with the Fusion a very close second.