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High End Bass Amps- What do you like?

#142
Getting back to the original post which emphasized amps and what is current in relation to what he has which is an EDEN.(Not sure he mentioned the model). I think as in the last 10 years not only is sound a consideration but weight also. The small/light class D amps became popular. Easy to carry. Can have Hugh amounts of watts at 3 or 4 pounds. Wow. Reminds me of the relationship with listening to a CD or Record of the same song and artist. Both overall will be different. I have not played every Class D, A or AB amps so therefore I am not an expert and can only give an opinion based on my own experience. But the big and heavy amps generally sound better to me. The lighter side to the heavy amp is the EDEN which I think is a great amp. Class D many sound very clean and very usable and a favorite to many here. But when I play my GK or Ashdown class d, to me My Eden and Crest C6 Power amp and alembic F2B combination sound better. When I bought the crest we put it up against the QSC light power amp. Big difference. Who wouldn't want an old B15 at 35 watts. Not so much to gig with but just for the sound. But class D seems to be the future and I am sure it will get better.
 
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#143
My current go-to amp is the Trickfish Bullhead 1K. More power than I need, and it uses Mike Pope's MPP preamp, which I've loved for years. My newest backup is the incredibly cheap and surprisingly powerful TC Electronic BQ500. These amps both do a great job driving my Audiokinesis and Bergantino cabs!
 
#145
Back in the days when racks ruled, players enjoyed the modularity and flexibility of easily swapping preamps. That flexibility is still available today, in a much lighter form factor. Using a Quilter BB802 (or any other micro head with an FX loop), any preamp in pedal format can easily be piped through it. Although my Mesa head is my main low frequency engine, the updated modular approach is becoming my GAS outlet..... stomp boxes store easily and provide great tonal variety. I am waitin' on an Arkham Oracle I scored in the TB classifieds to sit on top if the Quilter....
 
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#147
DJ Bebop said:
I'm into lite gear right now however, I'd be proud to haul that around :)
Click to expand...
Guess that's true love ... even so, sounds like you still have a fantastic setup!
Despite getting older I keep following my heart rather than my head ... maybe because I always thought that was how the best music was made? That is, til I started reading this thread.
All these years later I finally discover it's all just physics. :eyebrow:

(Just quietly, I have some concerns about the terminal velocity of this thread!) :facepalm:
 
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#149
Not sure if I read every page, but...
Seriously? No love for Euphonic Audio?
They're still in business, and EA stuff rules.
You guys are some fickle b*stards! :-)
7A7CD04E-C83C-4D82-997C-D2575E8A6C0E.jpeg
 
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#150
George Dennis said:
.
All these years later I finally discover it's all just physics. :eyebrow:

(Just quietly, I have some concerns about the terminal velocity of this thread!) :facepalm:
Click to expand...
It's always been all about physics!

If a designer uses the physics to get the basics done well, it opens more opportunities for voicing and flavoring options.

The combination of physics/science and art is what makes good musical instrument amps and speakers work the best. Same for instruments.
 
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#152
klyph said:
Not sure if I read every page, but...
Seriously? No love for Euphonic Audio?
They're still in business, and EA stuff rules.
You guys are some fickle b*stards! :)
View attachment 3973474
Click to expand...

My last amp, which was stolen, was an iAmp800. Love the tone shaping section in concept, but never got out of it exactly what I was looking for. I'm sad it was stolen, but thrilled with the Forté HP that replaced it.
 
#153
agedhorse said:
The combination of physics/science and art is what makes good musical instrument amps and speakers work the best. Same for instruments.
Click to expand...

I love this. EVERYBODY gets to choose the point where their own personal tastes, feelings, budget, loyalty, talent and experience- interfaces with physics and science, to come up with their own conclusions. This kinda reminds me of the "speaker wire" discussion.
 
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#154
I agree with @Rockbobmel. This thread -- and many on TB -- remind me of the Dr. Seuss book, "Oh, the Places You'll Go." Here we got not only the requested recommendations, but interesting journeys into audio engineering and brand cultism.

But to answer the OP, I like Aguilar and Markbass.
 
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#156
Not sure what qualifies as a high end bass amp anymore!
* A new SVT is pretty pricey but really hasn't changed much since 1969; I have one and love it; it stays home due to weight
* My SWR SM400 was advanced & pricey for the time (1980's) but not so sure it would be called high end by today's standards
* My old tube Ampeg pre-amps were bought used for $300 and $350 and run through the effects return of Class D MI amps. I currently love these but NLA on the new market

For cabinets I STILL really like the GB 2x12 NeoX
I never really considered GB as high end although you can't argue with the sound
My Bergantino HT322 is NLA and too heavy but a company I really like and respect

Future?
I still want to try a Streamliner and an Aguilar DB750 / 751 someday
Bucket list trial includes Mesa Subway gear
Curious what Yamaha might come up with too
 
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