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Looking for a 500W+ amp recommendation < $2K

bassgasbassgas

bassgasbassgas

Jun 11, 2023
16
25
#1
Hey folks,

My Little Mark II is on its last legs, and I’m looking to replace and upgrade it.

I have two Bergantino 112 cabs from ~2007, an HT112 and an EX112. I mostly gig with my Sadowsky (4 string), but my passive Fenders get a lot of love as well.

I’m looking for something clean, maybe a bit on the warm side. A natural tube sounding drive would be nice to have, although I just picked up a Darkglass Vintage Deluxe pedal that totally kicks ass so not a necessity. If the amp’s overdrive provides a great overdrive, I might consider selling the pedal and consolidating the rig. The DG amps worry me re. reports of overheating.

Weight is not super important, but it would be ideal to keep it under 20 lbs, and I don’t need a bunch of bells and whistles like a built-in compressor. Simple is good.

There are a ton of options < $1000, finding it a bit overwhelming. I haven’t yet plunged into the $1-2K range yet, so thought I’d come here and ask for advice first.

Thanks!
 
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#3
Yes, Mesa and Bergantino are obvious.

Jad Freer Sisma would also be a great option - clean and warm, with a tube preamp and a passive EQ inspired from the Ampeg B15, you can keep it super clean or push it to distortion (my review here, product page there)

But you probably won't be able to try it before ordering - it is sold online only, from a small Italian company. I'm super happy with it, and it corresponds to your description, but if I was American I would probably buy a Mesa or Bergantino.
 
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#7
Darkglass Microtubes 900 V2, it can do whatever you want and do it well! I always leave the Vintage Microtubes circuit on and use the blend to get that warm, yet articulate heft.
It’s also good for 2 ohms, IRs, aux in, headphone out, built in compressor which is great especially for me to smooth out and polish but primarily use as a limiter for the madness that goes on on my pedalboard prior to going into the amp, has 2 XLR DIs for Pre and Post
Has the Vintage Microtubes and B3k circuit that has a blend for your clean channel. So you can run it either/or and together. I run mine has a single channel.
It is so much more than “just a metal amp” which is funny because I don’t play the heavy music that Darkglass gets typecast for, it obviously does that but it’s like saying you can only play Jazz on a Jazz bass.
 
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#10
bassgasbassgas said:
Hey folks,

My Little Mark II is on its last legs, and I’m looking to replace and upgrade it.

I have two Bergantino 112 cabs from ~2007, an HT112 and an EX112. I mostly gig with my Sadowsky (4 string), but my passive Fenders get a lot of love as well.

I’m looking for something clean, maybe a bit on the warm side. A natural tube sounding drive would be nice to have, although I just picked up a Darkglass Vintage Deluxe pedal that totally kicks ass so not a necessity. If the amp’s overdrive provides a great overdrive, I might consider selling the pedal and consolidating the rig. The DG amps worry me re. reports of overheating.

Weight is not super important, but it would be ideal to keep it under 20 lbs, and I don’t need a bunch of bells and whistles like a built-in compressor. Simple is good.

There are a ton of options < $1000, finding it a bit overwhelming. I haven’t yet plunged into the $1-2K range yet, so thought I’d come here and ask for advice first.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
You're used to mark bass. Get a big bang
 
Last edited:
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#16
bassgasbassgas said:
Hey folks,

My Little Mark II is on its last legs, and I’m looking to replace and upgrade it.

I have two Bergantino 112 cabs from ~2007, an HT112 and an EX112. I mostly gig with my Sadowsky (4 string), but my passive Fenders get a lot of love as well.

I’m looking for something clean, maybe a bit on the warm side. A natural tube sounding drive would be nice to have, although I just picked up a Darkglass Vintage Deluxe pedal that totally kicks ass so not a necessity. If the amp’s overdrive provides a great overdrive, I might consider selling the pedal and consolidating the rig. The DG amps worry me re. reports of overheating.

Weight is not super important, but it would be ideal to keep it under 20 lbs, and I don’t need a bunch of bells and whistles like a built-in compressor. Simple is good.

There are a ton of options < $1000, finding it a bit overwhelming. I haven’t yet plunged into the $1-2K range yet, so thought I’d come here and ask for advice first.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Have you considered the AGUILAR AG700?
Warm and clean, lots of power, simple to operate, everything you need, nothing you don't. American made and meets your price point @ $999.
 
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#17
bassgasbassgas said:
Hey folks,

My Little Mark II is on its last legs, and I’m looking to replace and upgrade it.

I have two Bergantino 112 cabs from ~2007, an HT112 and an EX112. I mostly gig with my Sadowsky (4 string), but my passive Fenders get a lot of love as well.

I’m looking for something clean, maybe a bit on the warm side. A natural tube sounding drive would be nice to have, although I just picked up a Darkglass Vintage Deluxe pedal that totally kicks ass so not a necessity. If the amp’s overdrive provides a great overdrive, I might consider selling the pedal and consolidating the rig. The DG amps worry me re. reports of overheating.

Weight is not super important, but it would be ideal to keep it under 20 lbs, and I don’t need a bunch of bells and whistles like a built-in compressor. Simple is good.

There are a ton of options < $1000, finding it a bit overwhelming. I haven’t yet plunged into the $1-2K range yet, so thought I’d come here and ask for advice first.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
One man's opinion.
 
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#19
31HZ said:
Under $2k? Arkham Beast Of Both Worlds. 1200w, hand-wired tube front end, delicious.

Arkham Sound - the Beast Amplifier
Click to expand...

+1 to this. I have an Arkham Oracle and it makes all my basses sound like a million bucks through a cheap Behringer audio interface. If I ever started needing an amp for live stuff again this will be top of my list.

Other recs in the thread are great, too, I’ve just had hands on experience with Arkham’s stuff and it’s unreal how great it sounds.
 
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