My PF 800 is cutting out again & i'm sick of it (not to mention i have no back-up head). Looking for suggestions on a new one that will sound good with both my Ampeg 8x10 & BFM Omni 12. I'm open to just about anything & i'm aware of the obvious 1st choice, an SVT (LOL) as well as the fact most any quality head will go well with the fridge. Just curious what insight my bass brethren might be able to offer.
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Looking for a new amp
- Thread starter mwbassace
- Start date
Bass player in my band has been using a Trace Elliot ELF for a lot of gigs. He was recently playing it through an 8x10 cabinet at our rehearsal space and it sounds really good. It's small enough it can be your backup head that fits in a gig bag etc. but he's had no problem gigging it with three different bands (using a variety of cabinets).
The Trace Eliot Elf has a built in compressor (200W continuous into 4 ohms / 130W continuous 8 ohm's) that's tied to the volume control, so as long as you're happy with that than it's a great bargain.
I have an Elf and personally it couldnt keep up in my band (metal cover band with 2 guitars). I still have it but its strictly a practice amp. I should also note not only do I hate the tone of it, my band hates it. The only time they've complained about my tone. Ive been running a Hartkey 500w the past year. Its a little too clean for my taste and lacks sculpting options but a fine budget amp thats a tank. I definitely prefer it over the ampeg PF series amps. Ive got a GK MB fusion 500 on the way. This will be my 2nd one, huge fan of the GK fusion amps. I'd check one out if you can.
Mesa, GK or Aguilar is what I would be looking at
Can't go wrong with the Mesa D800+ or the GK 800 Fusion. Both will make your cabs scream for mercy! 
I just sold my 210 x2 bass cabinets, and really have no use for my Hartke LX8500 head. (850 watts). Shoot me a message if your interested.
I’m hoping to grab a Mesa Subway 800 or 800+, but life keeps getting in the way. Hopefully by the time it snows up here
Ok. I'm as simple as it gets, Bass - amp - cab. Prefer OD over distortion (& would be nice to add some via the amp), compresion is nice but not required. As for size/weight, something comparable to the PF 800 (paying $2k for an new 80 lb head isn't at the top of my list, but wouldn't shun a good deal on a used one). A good DI is a definite plus. Open to y'alls experiences on EQing (flexible mids are nice, I do boost 800 Hz some on the PF800) & other features of amps you've used.
A wish list item would be an aux input that will play thru the cab as well the headphone.
Can't go wrong with the Mesa D800+ or the GK 800 Fusion. Both will make your cabs scream for mercy!
Wow you have a generous budget for the new head. I would be looking at the Ampeg SVT 7PRO or the excellent Aguilar DB750 that is currently for sale in the classifieds and a great deal at $1200 since a new Aguilar DB751 is like $2500 .
The Mesa Subway amps get a ton of praise and seem to have everything you want. The D800+ and WD800 have very flexible mids. Bergantino B Amp has even more flexibility, but some are put off by all the features.
There are honestly a lot of amps that do what you want, and you’re going to hear a lot of suggestions. It’s hard to go wrong though, lots of great amps around.
Traynor Small Block head. Either 200 or 500 watts. I have the 200, sounds killer. It's also 1.5 lbs, fits in a gig bag, made in Canada, affordable, and is the only amp I've ever had where leaving the EQ flat always produces a great tone.
This is what I'd buy with your stated budget.
