oh wow thank you Andrea! I’m going to do that.
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Jad Freer Sisma Mega Thread.
- Thread starter gtirard
- Start date
oh wow thank you Andrea! I’m going to do that.
Only $616 more for the Sisma? I've had it since early last fall and have used it plenty of times without a hiccup and never struggling to get the sound/tone I've wanted out of it. I have absolutely no problem with that $616 extra. And I have had enough email conversations with JFA to feel comfortable in every way. They have been amazingly quick to respond to questions or concerns before and after ordering both Sisma and Capo. Just like my favorite company here in the US where I live, Mesa. I reckon they have to charge what they do to produce this cool amp. From what I know it is a very small group of dedicated people that come up with some cool stuff for us and I can't imagine they are making a ton of money yet but I hope they do. Right now I feel they are driven by passion and wish them the best.
I don't think anybody can answer this question - Jad Freer don't know how Aguilar measure wattage, and vice versa.
But I think it's not important, because:
A - The volume difference between 700W, 800W, or 1000W is super small - you only get +3 decibel when you double the power in watts.
B - All these amps are so loud that I can't think of a situation where it wouldn't be enough power with a decent cab, even on large stages - you will get PA support long before an amp like this would be lacking. If you don't have enough volume with one of these amps, change the cabs, not the amp.
Voicing is more important than watts in our perseption of volume. I guess what a lot of people refer to when they speak about power is more related to the feeling of "heft" or "authority" that some class D amps seem to be missing, even at loud levels. Unfortunately, that's highly subjective and impossible to measure. But I can assure you that 'heft' is where Sisma excels. You really feel the sound in your guts. Big smile on my face each time. Although I never heard the DB 750 or 751, from what I read about these legendary amps, I suppose it's the reason why Andrea Lo compares Sisma to the DB 751.
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What I meant was: Aguilar says they measure their maximum watt at 80hz or so, while most companies use a sine wave at a higher frequency. So their power ratings are bas(s)ed on bass, and thus their amps tend to be louder and more powerful. From what I understand.
- Feb 12, 2006
- 61,047
- 5
- 221,000
- Disclosures
- Development Engineer-Mesa Boogie, Development Engineer-Genzler (pedals), Product Support-Genz Benz
In general the difference measuring at 80Hz and 1000Hz will be negligible at best. Most power amps will measure almost exactly the same.
One day I’ll get the Sisma, already have the Capo and love it.
As it stands I have the Handbox WB100 which is perfect for my needs, light for an all tube head at about 15kg.
One thing I noticed is that it says the LPF is applied at the preamp stage? Is that the same for the Capo? I’d always assumed it’d be at the end of chain after the post fx loop?
As it stands I have the Handbox WB100 which is perfect for my needs, light for an all tube head at about 15kg.
One thing I noticed is that it says the LPF is applied at the preamp stage? Is that the same for the Capo? I’d always assumed it’d be at the end of chain after the post fx loop?
Andrea Lo
Commercial User
- Feb 21, 2022
- 198
- 847
- 47
- Disclosures
- Jad Freer Audio, Ibanez Guitars, Aluminati Guitars, Citron Guitars, Dogal Strings, Plick the pick
Before Send on Sisma and after return (post) on Capo.
Is it just me? The new look of ashdown amps remind me of Sisma a Capo…
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It's you.
The knobs are the same type, but that's about it, to me. Sisma looks way better, IMO. 
SISMA Bass Head Review: A Tale of Tone and First Impressions
Upon receiving the SISMA bass head, my initial anticipation was met with a slight delay in delivery, extending closer to six weeks rather than the initially expected four or five. While not a significant issue, it would have been appreciated to receive communication regarding the delay without having to initiate it myself. Nonetheless, let's delve into the experience with a positive perspective.
Motivated by a referral from fellow enthusiasts on TB (TalkBass), I was drawn to SISMA's promise of delivering the elusive tone I had been seeking, particularly in a lightweight format that eluded other options, such as valve tones in pedals.
Opting to support a smaller boutique business, I harbored expectations of a personalized touch in the unboxing experience. However, the reality fell short as the packaging lacked finesse, with styrofoam smudges marring the bag and a conspicuous absence of an owner's manual or warranty information. It's moments like these that offer an opportunity for boutique businesses to shine by infusing the unboxing with a sense of purpose and gratitude, perhaps through a simple note expressing appreciation for the support and how you have contributed to their mission. Instead the experience was more like receiving a used bass amp off EBAY or Reverb. Not a game changer but for 1700 euros surely they could make more effort (warranty/link to manual or include the manual? or a note as to where to quickly find the manual?)
Despite these initial hiccups, the true test awaited in the sound and build quality. And here, SISMA impresses. The bass head exudes a remarkable, tube-like tone that immediately commands attention. Its sturdy construction, though a tad weighty, instills confidence, fitting snugly into an over-the-shoulder gig bag.
Exploring its features, I found the headphone jack to be functional, albeit not surpassing expectations compared to other amps. Similarly, the DI Out proved its worth, delivering the promised tonal richness directly into my recording setup. Others may prefer a DI that has pre and post controls, this does not.
However, not all aspects garnered equal praise. The presence of three fans, particularly the intermittently loud ones flanking the unit, detracted from the otherwise immersive experience. Additionally, the lack of preemptive communication about this feature in may deter prospective buyers. As I type the head is turned on, and all you can hear is these two fans turning on and off.. on and off.. Is it going to blow up? I have owned a lot of gear and this is a first for me.
As I continue to explore the nuances of this bass head, my present assessment stands at a crossroads. While the undeniable allure of its tone beckons, the shortcomings in unboxing, fan noise, and lack of response on their return policies when I have asked, temper my enthusiasm. (I know what the website says but there are always other hoops to jump through).
In conclusion, while the SISMA bass head holds promise, my verdict remains uncertain, warranting further consideration for prospective buyers.
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Pros:
- Superb tone reminiscent of tube amplifiers
- Robust build quality
- Functional headphone jack and DI Out
Cons:
- Lackluster unboxing experience
- Intermittently loud fans detract from immersion
- Overpriced: This head would be better priced at £900.
- No modern features such as usb c connections etc you get in newer amps. ( I knew this in advance but its worth pointing out to those who are used to more modern builds)
I will update this review as I learn and experience more during my two weeks of testing it out at home.
Upon receiving the SISMA bass head, my initial anticipation was met with a slight delay in delivery, extending closer to six weeks rather than the initially expected four or five. While not a significant issue, it would have been appreciated to receive communication regarding the delay without having to initiate it myself. Nonetheless, let's delve into the experience with a positive perspective.
Motivated by a referral from fellow enthusiasts on TB (TalkBass), I was drawn to SISMA's promise of delivering the elusive tone I had been seeking, particularly in a lightweight format that eluded other options, such as valve tones in pedals.
Opting to support a smaller boutique business, I harbored expectations of a personalized touch in the unboxing experience. However, the reality fell short as the packaging lacked finesse, with styrofoam smudges marring the bag and a conspicuous absence of an owner's manual or warranty information. It's moments like these that offer an opportunity for boutique businesses to shine by infusing the unboxing with a sense of purpose and gratitude, perhaps through a simple note expressing appreciation for the support and how you have contributed to their mission. Instead the experience was more like receiving a used bass amp off EBAY or Reverb. Not a game changer but for 1700 euros surely they could make more effort (warranty/link to manual or include the manual? or a note as to where to quickly find the manual?)
Despite these initial hiccups, the true test awaited in the sound and build quality. And here, SISMA impresses. The bass head exudes a remarkable, tube-like tone that immediately commands attention. Its sturdy construction, though a tad weighty, instills confidence, fitting snugly into an over-the-shoulder gig bag.
Exploring its features, I found the headphone jack to be functional, albeit not surpassing expectations compared to other amps. Similarly, the DI Out proved its worth, delivering the promised tonal richness directly into my recording setup. Others may prefer a DI that has pre and post controls, this does not.
However, not all aspects garnered equal praise. The presence of three fans, particularly the intermittently loud ones flanking the unit, detracted from the otherwise immersive experience. Additionally, the lack of preemptive communication about this feature in may deter prospective buyers. As I type the head is turned on, and all you can hear is these two fans turning on and off.. on and off.. Is it going to blow up? I have owned a lot of gear and this is a first for me.
As I continue to explore the nuances of this bass head, my present assessment stands at a crossroads. While the undeniable allure of its tone beckons, the shortcomings in unboxing, fan noise, and lack of response on their return policies when I have asked, temper my enthusiasm. (I know what the website says but there are always other hoops to jump through).
In conclusion, while the SISMA bass head holds promise, my verdict remains uncertain, warranting further consideration for prospective buyers.
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Pros:
- Superb tone reminiscent of tube amplifiers
- Robust build quality
- Functional headphone jack and DI Out
Cons:
- Lackluster unboxing experience
- Intermittently loud fans detract from immersion
- Overpriced: This head would be better priced at £900.
- No modern features such as usb c connections etc you get in newer amps. ( I knew this in advance but its worth pointing out to those who are used to more modern builds)
I will update this review as I learn and experience more during my two weeks of testing it out at home.
Agree.
It's not a bug, it's a feature
I think you don't understand how the fan works in Sisma. From the user manual you can download on their website:
"SIDE FANS are triggered by thermal variations in the power amp."
That's why you hear it during 1 second at startup (it's normal, part of the start-up procedure), then it becomes silent again, it only comes back when the amp becomes warm, so basically when the music is louder than the fan noise, so I can almost never hear it. Never at home, and almost never during rehearsals and gigs. I love that feature.
That's your point of view and I respect it, but I think the price is honest.
Maybe you compare the price with a Hartke or Peavey amp, but I don't think it's fair.
- It's made in Italy by a small company (not mass produced in China)
- It's a high end product, very well finished and robust
- The price is comparable to a Mesa hybrid amp
I don't miss a usb c connection or any other modern feature personnaly.
Andrea Lo
Commercial User
- Feb 21, 2022
- 198
- 847
- 47
- Disclosures
- Jad Freer Audio, Ibanez Guitars, Aluminati Guitars, Citron Guitars, Dogal Strings, Plick the pick
Hi Jnes,
thank you for your feedback. I feel sorry for the slight delay and the unsatisfactory unboxing experience. JF is experiencing a big grow in orders and there are just four people in the lab doing everything, we are trying to keep up with a good service but it's not always easy. I also take as a constructive criticism your unboxing expectations and surely will try to fix this, again, we put all the efforts in the product and we can do better with a more enjoyable unboxing moment.
Fans behaviour is normal, honestly this is the first complain about this. They follow the internal heat, when used in the studio is barely noticeble.
Modern features: I am not sure what's modern or not, we are not going to put a usb on a bass head for sure, that's our vision.
I understand that now you have a negative mindset about your purchase but please try to enjoy the amp sound and performance in your trial period, I assure you there will be no problem in returning the unit if you are not satisfied.
a.
I had an opposite experience. Sisma arrived a bit shorter than the four weeks expected and I'm guessing that has increased due to more orders which was just stated, good for JFA. No they don't put a bag of candy in it like ya'll know who but I don't care. It was packed safely. Any instructions are on their website and the amp is very simple to understand. JFA was unbelievably fast to respond about any questions or concerns that I had before and after purchase of both Sisma and Capo. My fans are so quiet that I had to question if they were even working. They are and mine are that quiet. I have only used it live a whole bunch and once in studio. Never found fan noise to be an issue, quieter than most other amps I own. It does cost a bit more than some of my amp heads but I feel it's worth it. I feel bad for you that the beginning wasn't all that you expected and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do. I don't feel that you will have any problems working with JFA, they all seem like very cool dedicated people that are bringing us bassists a slightly different taste in a solid package. If this amp fits your tone taste everything is gonna be fine. Enjoy!
@Andrea Lo When does the Volta demo drop?
I mentioned I’ve been considering an Alessandro Basset to Kevin and he responded, and I quote “the Volta kills the Alessandro.” Bold words… but I trust my boy. So my search is currently on hold. Unfortunately, I’ll be out of town when the Mule plays 420 in Atlanta this year, so I won’t be able to hear him play it live.
I mentioned I’ve been considering an Alessandro Basset to Kevin and he responded, and I quote “the Volta kills the Alessandro.” Bold words… but I trust my boy. So my search is currently on hold. Unfortunately, I’ll be out of town when the Mule plays 420 in Atlanta this year, so I won’t be able to hear him play it live.
Andrea Lo
Commercial User
- Feb 21, 2022
- 198
- 847
- 47
- Disclosures
- Jad Freer Audio, Ibanez Guitars, Aluminati Guitars, Citron Guitars, Dogal Strings, Plick the pick
Hi, the Volta will be out in May. I'll shoot some videos of amps and cabs in studio. I've never heard a D'Alessandro but when developing the Volta we had many great all tube amps in the lab: Ampeg Classic and Heritage, Matamp, Hiwatt 200, Sims Watts, Marshall Superbass (and some all tube bass and studio preamps) and took inspiration from what we most liked from all of them until we preferred our version (we also always record everything and do blindfold tests at home). Tone wise is Ampeg style preamp (like the Sisma) an british style power amp (but it's not a clone).
Hey all, just thought I’d mention I used my Sisma for silent recording on a session yesterday. No speaker connected. I didn’t have a personal cue mix so I patched the headphone box into the Sisma aux in and monitored with the Sisma headphone output. Was able to get a much better mix for myself - excellent feature! And the DI tone was great for the recording.
