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Help me decide on a new Class D head please.

Which class D Head?

  • Hartke TX600

    Votes: 11 8.2%

  • Ampeg PF800

    Votes: 49 36.6%

  • Traynor SB500H

    Votes: 13 9.7%

  • Carvin BX700

    Votes: 22 16.4%

  • Fender Rumble 500

    Votes: 39 29.1%
  • Total voters
    134
#83
Spirit of Ox said:
I was considering the Mesa but want to stay in the 500.00 range for now. If it's really worth it than I could possibly put away some money for one.
I'm kinda leaning towards the Fender Rumble 500. With all the research I've been doing so far without any real hands on experience as of yet, it seems to fit my criteria.
The Traynor and Ampeg are also runners up. I haven't heard anything all that great about the Hartke which is a reall bummer since I like Hartke amps.
Click to expand...
Buy a used Mesa right here on TB
 
#91
Can I vote for none of the above?

I looked at a lot of the class d Amps, i use a light weight rack setup. Sans amp RBI, crown xls 1500, furman pl-8 in a 4 space gator rack bag. Entire rack weighs right around 20lbs. And it kicks and it's not too expensive. only things I've really considered replacing it with is the new Darkglass 900 as I own and love a Darkglass b7k ultra but I've yet to see them around and a dug 1000 which is like a $2k amp.
 
#92
Spirit of Ox said:
Thanks for the help everyone but would I did is buy a Fender Rumble 500. After all the research I did, I found one still under warranty, shipped to my door for $315.00. How could I go wrong. If I really hate it, I can return it and be out 15.00 or whatever shipping would cost.
Now, I am going to buy a second amp this December or January (Xmas bonus, and $ Tax Return).
I'm probably going to spring for something like the Mesa, Traynor, maybe Quilter, or Aguilar.
Who knows? But bang for buck, I couldn't refuse the Fender. Plus I use overdrive and the built in overdrive sounds pretty good.
Click to expand...

Great choice IMO. A few years back when I was looking to do the same I ended up at a store that had a newer Fender Bassman 100T...tube, but the sound was soooo amazing. Somewhat versatile, but the character was out of this world. Anyway long story short, I tried the Ashdown ABM500 Evo that showed up a week later and walked out with that for $400 (used). It had that sound, but could pull a million others as well. I still have yet to find an eq setting that doesn't sound great. It's so easy to tweak as well. It doesn't hurt that you can punch the eq in and out, as well as the onboard sub octave, comp, and amazing tube overdrive. I will never need another gigging amp till this one dies. I've yet to GAS for a bass amp since.

Recently when I was trying out a few basses I checked out the Rumble 500 and I was really blown away. It was real close to the ABM sound and had great OD, but I didn't think it was as warm.

If you're interested in checking out Ashdown I highly recommend the ABM. I've heard they have an all class D version (no tube preamp).

I've tried some of the Mesa heads and really, really liked em, but the Ashdown takes the cake IMO. Mesa cabs are another story, best things I've ever heard!

The band I'm in plays acid/desert heavy rock.

I'm not endorsed by Ashdown, or anyone for record, just absolutely love my amp.
 
#96
Spirit of Ox said:
I'm getting geared up to take the plunge in the Class D amp world. I've narrowed my choices down to the Hartke TX600 (love Hartke and currently use an HA3500), Ampeg PF800, Traynor SB500H (tried the 200 watt version, sounded great but too weak), Carvin BX700, and the Fender Rumble 500.

Out of the five choices, I'm looking for best tone (subjective but one that has decent EQ), enough power to play in fairly loud hard rock band, bang for buck, and reliability.
Thanks for your input!
Click to expand...
I would definitely go for the Hartke. Out of the list, it's the most power, most affordable, lightest weight, and very nice bright sounding!

All the others are old school, heavier, and IMHO all sound about the same.

If I were you, I'd check out MarkBass 300/500 or 500/800W heads, Eden Electronics, DNA, and if possible, also check out Behringer. I know, Behringer sounds like a crap brand, but they actually sound pretty good and also are very affordable, if 300W will cut it for you.
You'd probably need a very efficient cab, or power 2x12 cabs the least with this kind of amp.

I personally am not for any of the other amps. But then again, I love either a scooped slap sound, or an old school sound. I never play rock.
 
#99
I would definately try them out before buying..
There seems to be a big difference in feel and sound between class D amp from different brands..
As someone wrote regarding some class D amps. They are loud but seem to lack the krang, attack and feel of a heavy loud class AB amp like the hartke LH1000.
 

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