Markbass: LMTube vs. LMTube 800?

[RobOK]

Hi all,

How do you compare the Markbass LMTube 500w with the 800w? I'm interested in all facets - tone capability, features, reliability, headroom, any hidden issues. It seems the membership here really knows its stuff, so I'd like to hear all thoughts.

After comparing several of the newer lightweight heads out there, I think I've narrowed my search to these two, but I won't get a chance to compare them in-store for at least a week. I'd like to go in knowing what differences I should pay attention to.

Thanks!

Rob

 

[JimmyM]

i like the class ab 500w little mark platform better. it's more tubey sounding. the lm800tube has a good sound for solid state and even better sound once you engage the tube, but i just think the 500w lm's sound better.

 

[leftintherough]

i like the class ab 500w little mark platform better. it's more tubey sounding. the lm800tube has a good sound for solid state and even better sound once you engage the tube, but i just think the 500w lm's sound better.

+2 for the LMtube

 

[JxBass]

Searching should provide you with a lot of comparisons between these two amps, to each other and to other manufacturers. There are several threads but here's a start:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=507381highlight=lmtube+versus+800

 

[KJung]

Features and size are identical, weight is similar.

The 800 has a class D power section, and is basically a 'smaller SD800' with different features. Deep, VERY bright and modern up top.

The LMTube is just an LMIII (500 watt class A) with a more features.

The tube pre setting does very little IMO with either of these. It really isn't a full tube pre like Genz or GK MBFusion. They use some sort of mini tube, and quite frankly, it doesn't do much to my ear.

Unless you need the second channel input with volume control, I'd stick to either the F500 (small, massive features, loud, punchy) or the LMIII (relaxed, warm, and a bit tubey but totally clean). If you want tube grind or whatever, look to GK or Genz Benz, or possible the LMRocker (haven't tried that one).

 

[lbwdog]

I have the Tube 800, and so far I like it just fine.I haven't used it in a variety of situations or cabs though. I play about every five weeks at a casino lounge with a classic sixties, Motown type band, powering a Carvin LS1503 with the 3015LF mod, and a Jazz Bass four string.

I've been able to EQ the tone to my liking by cutting a wee bit of treble and adding a wee bit of VLE. I run the Tube/SS mix at 50% but haven't experimented with it that much. Actually, the only time it's come out of it's bag is at the gig. It seems to have plenty of power too.