Markbass R500 initial impressions

[Red Planet]

i knew someone was going to say that... here ya go.

Nice Pic, nice gear.

 

[Red Planet]

I was thinking the same thing - maybe a stereo head with two of the 500 watt power sections that could be bridged mono... or I'm sure they could figure out how to build a more powerful version of the current 500 watt. The whole line is small and light enough that a few pounds more wouldn't make a difference IMO - the R500 is one of their biggest and heaviest amps, and it's still so small and light.... I think we've reached a point of diminishing returns with the whole small/light thing.

JR

That would do it for sure. These amps are so stupid light they could make a heavy weight and it would still be lighter than anything in it's class.

I'm not much of a dirt player but I'm sure the R sounds good.

 

[Red Planet]

BTW you aint helping me here. I have been trying to get one really nice rig together and here you come with all ya bling bling.

 

[X Wolf]

Nice review!

I played the R500 at the 2006 Winter NAMM, and at the time, it was my favorite sounding of the Markbass heads I tried (and I tried them all).

I was recently able to gig with the Classic 300 (which will be reviewed in issue #2 of BGM), and it was a really awesome experience. I'd love to take the R500 for a spin, too, but like you guys, I am watching for the R800 and the MoMark.

Tom

+1....Played through an R500 yesterday and liked it. There's a bit more warmth and what I would describe as sweetness that I didn't hear in the LMII that I a/b'd it with.

George

 

[brobot]

hey JGR,

thanks for all the info. how does the R500 sound with the NV610 vs. the NV215? I'm so torn between those two cabs...

Also, can you get a decent clean sound out of the amp? I generally prefer some dirt, but need to clean once and a while.

justin

 

[ljazz]

I'd be interested in hearing how the R500 sounds with an Epifani PS115 and 112 stack.

I'm jonesing for a tube pre right now, and have thought about the GK Fusion, but the 20lbs weight difference is difficult to overlook.

Ljazz

 

[JGR]

hey JGR,

thanks for all the info. how does the R500 sound with the NV610 vs. the NV215? I'm so torn between those two cabs...

Also, can you get a decent clean sound out of the amp? I generally prefer some dirt, but need to clean once and a while.

justin

I liked the R500 better with the NV610 - the R500 doesn't have a lot of low or high end frequency content so the NV610 utilizes the R500's frequency range better than the NV215 did. I don't think you can go wrong with either, and I am now convinced that everyone should own both since they are such an awesome pair (610 +215).

I wouldn't get the R500 for clean - I'd recommend the TA503 for that as it does both very, very well IMO.


JR

 

[JGR]

I'd be interested in hearing how the R500 sounds with an Epifani PS115 and 112 stack.

I'm jonesing for a tube pre right now, and have thought about the GK Fusion, but the 20lbs weight difference is difficult to overlook.

Ljazz

I think the GK will have more headroom and punch at higher volumes which may or may not be a factor depending on your cabs and how loud you like to play. I really wish MB would beef up their power sections because I can make the 500 watters run out of steam pretty easily.

JR