I went for the MB CMD 121P last year. I was also looking for something loud and portable and had checked numerous vids on the internet to compare.
At the store I did the A/B test with my 4string and a couple of fivers. In the testing room, there also were TC combos, Ampegs, GK's and what have you. In the loud & portable league, there isn't too much choice of amps that are also compact. Some say MB has bought its fame because of the portability. I beg to differ.
So the bass was hooked up to the Ibanez first (10" version). I almost immediately had a great sound. Crisp, clear, deep bass. Had to check if it really was my bass I was playing. It was. So once I had my sound, I started turning the combo head knobs and played with the equalizer (vintage style slider section). Uhm, the sound turned away from what I wanted.
Plugged my bass into the MB combo. What the ****? Dead, boomy sound compared to the Promethean. All knobs on twelve then. Still that horrible boomy sound. Think. Act. I noticed the amp was put straight against the wall. So I put in on the floor to let the rear port breathe. Yes. There was the sound I was looking for. Warm, punchy bass, clear highs, not too bright. Love sound. I play fingerstyle a lot and always look for that dry, jazzy, burpy sound. Couldn't get it out of the Ibanez.
Could the pre-amp be the cause? Digital vs analogue maybe?
Anyway, I tested both amps with three different basses and although I think for the price, the Ibanez is great stuff, in the end I'm sure you will part with the Markbass CMD 121P only if God says you have to. Unless you're an Egyption king, you can't take it with you when you hit the road to nowhere.
I also bought the NY121 months later. That really makes the difference as it's not only louder but it gives that tight, articulate sound when playing on normal volume in the living room. As a standalone, the CMD121 is already superb as it is. 12" does the trick for me.
Can't say anything about quality yet, but the things feels like a brick, looks great and I like that black carpet around it. The Ibanez looked ok but had kind of a plastic feel and touch. Just too hifi for me in sound as well. Don't care for headphones out, and really no need to use the combo head with other cabs.
I used to have an Ibanez SR1500, well fabricated but I never found that sweet spot (no sound of wood), I think I had the same feeling with the Promethean. Good, not great.
The fact that I'm a great fan of Hadrien Feraud and Evan Marien had no influence. I'm a bass player enthousiast, even the most expensive MarkBass won't elevate me to the level of those guys. But I no longer have to concentrate on the amp settings, all attention goes to improving my playing skills. That's what I see as most important.
Cheers,
Lopi
