Help me choose a head (analysis paralysis)

[Billfordofau]

OK, so I've been using an Ampeg BA110 since I started playing bass a couple years ago. It's a pretty cool little amp, but has it's obvious limitations. I've been playing in a little stoner rock/ alternative drum and bass duo band for a while and we're ready to move out of the basement so to speak. I've also got an offer to join another buddy's new project (straight ahead Black Keys kind of rock). So it's time to step up to a decent rig.

So here's my dilemma: I really like the idea of a small, yet powerful head. I've played through both a GK MB500 and an Ampeg pf500 at local shops. I like both a lot. Light weight, plenty of power and I love the tones. I also really like the idea of a head with a tube preamp, hybrid kind of thing. While I haven't played through them, I like what I've heard about the Peavey T-Max and Hartke LH500, which both fit that bill. I know the weight is going to be quite heavier than the GK and Ampeg, but I'm a strapping lad.

As far as cab set up goes, I'm thinking a pair of 210s. Although as far as brands go, I don't have much experience with anything other than the Ampeg pf210 and 115, both of which sound pretty awesome to me. The reason for a pair of 210s instead of a 410 is just versatility and portability.

So what I'm asking, dear TBers, what am I not thinking of when it comes to the heads and cabs? What are your personal suggestions and/or recommendations? Of those four heads, which do you think I would be happier with from bang for buck, logistics and tone standpoint? Any particular cabs that sound better with any particular one of those heads? Help a brother out.

 

[Passinwind]

So what I'm asking, dear TBers, what am I not thinking of when it comes to the heads and cabs?

The G-K MB Fusion 500, maybe?

 

[5StringBlues]

I just wanted to point out that the T-max is 500 watts at 2 ohms.


I think your other choices are watts at 4 ohms.


The Peavey isn't as powerful. Still a decent amp tho.

 

[Billfordofau]

@Passinwind The GK MB Fusion 500 is a little more than I want to spend. Haven't seen many used pop up either. I have definitely taken a look at that one though.

@5StringBlues I've heard the Peavey can hang with higher wattage heads (not sure whether that's an unsubstantiated claim or not), which is why I've included it in my short list. Plus they can be had for pretty cheap.

I probably should have added that while cash isn't a huge issue, it does come into play. I would have a hard time spending 6-700 on an amp that can get me the same wattage as 300 bucks can.

 

[5StringBlues]

The Peavey can hang pretty well. I've had one since '97.

Built like a tank.

 

[iualum]

You already like the Ampeg 210, so get those. But if you're going new, then strongly consider a used 15/6 or 15/6/1. Minimum 410 displacement in a much smaller/lighter package.

Of the amps, I'd go MB500. The Hartke is lower priced, though. So if this difference is significant to you, then LH500.

 

[tonemachine]

OK, so I've been using an Ampeg BA110 since I started playing bass a couple years ago. It's a pretty cool little amp, but has it's obvious limitations. I've been playing in a little stoner rock/ alternative drum and bass duo band for a while and we're ready to move out of the basement so to speak. I've also got an offer to join another buddy's new project (straight ahead Black Keys kind of rock). So it's time to step up to a decent rig.

So here's my dilemma: I really like the idea of a small, yet powerful head. I've played through both a GK MB500 and an Ampeg pf500 at local shops. I like both a lot. Light weight, plenty of power and I love the tones. I also really like the idea of a head with a tube preamp, hybrid kind of thing. While I haven't played through them, I like what I've heard about the Peavey T-Max and Hartke LH500, which both fit that bill. I know the weight is going to be quite heavier than the GK and Ampeg, but I'm a strapping lad.

As far as cab set up goes, I'm thinking a pair of 210s. Although as far as brands go, I don't have much experience with anything other than the Ampeg pf210 and 115, both of which sound pretty awesome to me. The reason for a pair of 210s instead of a 410 is just versatility and portability.

So what I'm asking, dear TBers, what am I not thinking of when it comes to the heads and cabs? What are your personal suggestions and/or recommendations? Of those four heads, which do you think I would be happier with from bang for buck, logistics and tone standpoint? Any particular cabs that sound better with any particular one of those heads? Help a brother out.

I have a Carvin BX500 for a backup amp and I use it at home sometimes to make sure it's reliable. Like $320, it's in your budget and has a lot of EQ options and a headphone jack, a tube or solid state switch.

I had to send the first one back as it went into protect mode right away. Probably got banged around in shipping. They readily sent me a new one before i returned the old one.

You will read here that this amp has had its share of poor reliability but they have worked the recurring problem out. All manufacturers still let a lemon out once in a while and usually you'll know well within the warranty period.

You can get the next higher watt amp (700?) for relatively cheap, too.

However, I don't like the idea of buying less expensive stuff when the intent is to replace it down the line (unless you will keep it for backup...)better to get the good stuff right out of the gate if you know you're going to keep playing. Better to bite the bullet now than lose money on the first and end up buying "the better" thing in a year or two.

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

Heads all sound different through different cabs.

I have a fair amount of experience running the two 2x10 rig - but I was using top-notch Epifani cabs, which have their own sound (huge lows, a bit cut in the mids, very crisp highs); I ran this with an Ashdown ABM500 for years - with the mids goose a bit, it sounded great (but the whole kit was *heavy*).

So, to recommend a head it would be very useful to know what cabs you plan to use. If you haven't picked those out - tell us your budget. That's a good place to start.

 

[yakmastermax]

My vote is for a PF500 and two PF 210 HLF cabinets!

I bet you can get the whole lot used from GC for less than $700 and that would be a pretty killer rig.

 

[Korladis]

OK, so I've been using an Ampeg BA110 since I started playing bass a couple years ago. It's a pretty cool little amp, but has it's obvious limitations. I've been playing in a little stoner rock/ alternative drum and bass duo band for a while and we're ready to move out of the basement so to speak. I've also got an offer to join another buddy's new project (straight ahead Black Keys kind of rock). So it's time to step up to a decent rig.

So here's my dilemma: I really like the idea of a small, yet powerful head. I've played through both a GK MB500 and an Ampeg pf500 at local shops. I like both a lot. Light weight, plenty of power and I love the tones. I also really like the idea of a head with a tube preamp, hybrid kind of thing. While I haven't played through them, I like what I've heard about the Peavey T-Max and Hartke LH500, which both fit that bill. I know the weight is going to be quite heavier than the GK and Ampeg, but I'm a strapping lad.

As far as cab set up goes, I'm thinking a pair of 210s. Although as far as brands go, I don't have much experience with anything other than the Ampeg pf210 and 115, both of which sound pretty awesome to me. The reason for a pair of 210s instead of a 410 is just versatility and portability.

So what I'm asking, dear TBers, what am I not thinking of when it comes to the heads and cabs? What are your personal suggestions and/or recommendations? Of those four heads, which do you think I would be happier with from bang for buck, logistics and tone standpoint? Any particular cabs that sound better with any particular one of those heads? Help a brother out.

Those are all pretty solid. Personally the Hartke stuff isn't for me, due to the cut-only mid control.

The pair of 210s is a good choice. I'd try to find a used pair of those little SVT-210 things. Those are nice.

@Passinwind The GK MB Fusion 500 is a little more than I want to spend. Haven't seen many used pop up either. I have definitely taken a look at that one though.

@5StringBlues I've heard the Peavey can hang with higher wattage heads (not sure whether that's an unsubstantiated claim or not), which is why I've included it in my short list. Plus they can be had for pretty cheap.

I probably should have added that while cash isn't a huge issue, it does come into play. I would have a hard time spending 6-700 on an amp that can get me the same wattage as 300 bucks can.

How much is the Fusion 500 used?

Whatever you do, don't skimp on the cabs. Even a good head will sound crappy through a bad cab.

The PF heads are pretty nice sounding, so I'd definitely look at those.

 

[Billfordofau]

@SanDiegoHarry so is it more advisable to choose cabs first then head? My budget is roughly 300 for a head but Im not opposed to going to about 400 or so. For cabs, I'd like to keep it 250 per cab.

 

[Korladis]

Always prioritize cabs. Because the finest head in the world will still sound like garbage through garbage cabs.

 

[JimmyM]

Always prioritize cabs. Because the finest head in the world will still sound like garbage through garbage cabs.

I agree. That said, the PF cabs sound quite good for cabs that don't cost a lot

 

[Pilgrim]

My suggestion would be to wait until Jeff Genzler brings out his new line of amps this fall, and look there first. The Genz-Benz amps are the best I have ever played, and based on his track record, I have no reason to think that the Genzler line won't be outstanding.

 

[ubernator]

On an 8-900 budget, consider a fender rumble 500 210 combo and the matching 210 cab. $549 +349 and that is before any discounts or promos which could save you more. To do the same thing in head and cabs would cost $1100. The rumble 500 combo is lighter than many 210 cabs alone.

5 year warranty too. And they look as cool as they sound. This is nothing like the crappy fender bass amps of yore.

 

[Passinwind]

I probably should have added that while cash isn't a huge issue, it does come into play. I would have a hard time spending 6-700 on an amp that can get me the same wattage as 300 bucks can.

Fair enough. I've seen a number of GB Streamliner 600s going in the low $400 range used, FWIW. To my ears that and the G-K are the starting point for where tubes are much more than window dressing, but of course YMMV. If you're on the watts-for-dollar plan just buy whatever you like for 300 bucks -- nothing wrong with that.

 

[CrUiSeR]

The Peavey can hang pretty well. I've had one since '97.

Built like a tank.

The T-MAX will slay everything in the original post.
Built like a tank?, Yeah except for the pots which are plastic.

 

[hsp-sandiego]

I agree. That said, the PF cabs sound quite good for cabs that don't cost a lot

THIS! also, check out the Carvin BX500 as already mentioned. In you price range. Tube Pre, Dual Speakons, Compression, etc... really a nice little Class D head that will work well with a 2x210 rig. I play one through 2 112 GK neos - the vertical array is the way to go.

 

[dgrizzly]

I'm a fan of Avatar cabinets and you can scoop up a 210 or 212 for around $250 used. Keep an eye out for 'em.

The MB500 fusion sounds like exactly what you're looking for, but will be tough to find used.

Maybe the Aguilar Tone Hammer? No tubes, but I've heard they are naturally warm and can add a nice bit of hair for the blues rock.

 

[murphy]

I would like the new Tech21 500....but hear good things about the Traynor S500? or a used Little Mark II or III

New DNA 410 or 212...used Bergantino 410 or 212 ....or used Eden 410XLT