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I want a monster amp...... which one? That is the question..

#21
KJung said:
I have not played that big SWR, but have played the SWR750 that it's based on. From what I understand, it's basically two 750's in a huge, heavy single box. IME, the SWR750 is a VERY unimpressive amp, and in no way reaches 'lead sled' performance. Having two of these duds in a stupid huge and heavy box at a very expensive price point does not really appeal to me:D IMO.
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I'd say that is largely due to the preamp voicing, which if this head is the same, would indeed be one stupidly huge expensive box!

I do have two SWR Power 750's and they are very much lead sled.
 
#22
kosmicwizard said:
Glad you are keeping the 400+, my first thought was to go with the G-K 2001RB because you love their sound. However, you will only be getting 360 watts per side at 4 Ohms, and it isn't safe to mono-bridge down to 2 Ohms. I honestly don't think it will be enough juice for 2 big 4 Ohm cabs.
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Very good point on the GK - I had a 2001RB and it is a monster in bridge mode, but I was never wooed by it in stereo mode and I would want more juice for those big cabs.

I had an SVT VR but returned it - sounded good in the store but it was underwhelming when I got it home.

You may want to add the M6 carbine (or the M9) to your list - my Fathom (M6) drives two of my berg NV's very, very well.

If you want ultimate power, get a Crest CA9 and a preamp of your choice (I highly recommend the Tech 21 RPM for killer rock and metal tones). If you pick up a used CA9 and a new RPM, you can have THE most powerful rig out there for under a grand.

JR
 
#24
KJung said:
Since you are keeping your Mesa, which sounds like a great head for the tone you are going for, you might want to consider the Carvin B1500. It's smaller and lighter than most lead sled amps, has the best spec's per price in the business as far as I can tell (check out the testing and review in the new Bass Gear Magazine... it actually does put out over 1000 watts into 4ohms), very high quality, and it won't break the bank (I believe they are under $700 new).

They are more on the clean side, but the drive control can warm them up quite a bit, and it would give you a really different flavor, be loud as heck, and serve as a great backup to you 400. IMO!
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+1 Yet another Amen. Good advice. Check the Bass Gear review and do a search. You will get a good picture of what many bassists think of the B1500. I have a soft spot for Carvin, but heck, this head is a classic AND a bargin, IMHO.
 
#25
I own a marshall VBA 400 with a 412 cab. Its louder than anything else I have used, and I have used SVT wit 810s. I really love the tone...but it is too loud for me. I like the sound of the amp breaking up, but I am going to have to buy a nice small cab like an acme B2 so I ca get the sound of the amps output tubes breaking up without killing myself and band mates.

best of luck in your search.
Johnny Rhum
 

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