Micro Amps / Reliability. ELF, Gnome, Bam, +

GR Bass One350 here, essentially a Mini. Nice, decent amp. No problems experienced.

 

Markbass Micromark 801 here with no problems whatsoever. Mind you, I only use it at home and run it at low volume.

 

I have been using the Elf for several years without any issues…

 

I have been using the ELF for more than 2 years now, often at 'full blast' into a 4 Ohm cab without any issues whatsoever.

The GK MB 200 seems to be quite popular too, and I can't recall any threads about reliability issues.

 

I lost the ICE module in my MB200 , but got it to an authorized tech . The fan was gunked up , probably why the chip failed . Cleaned out the fan , replaced the power module and works like a charm again . I love that little amp !

 

It doesn’t surprise me at all that the BAM is failing on people. Anything built to that kind of price point is going to have some serious weaknesses.

No issues with my Elf or my MB200 or my TC BH250. They are usually just used around the house though.

 

Traynor SB-200H here, for a few months now. No problemo, no sir.

 

Used a BH250 regularly at rehearsals without a glitch. Also pushed an ELF in the same way on a side project into an 8 ohm 15" cab with excellent results. Used both for two years. I trust both amps.

 

I have two Euphonic-Audio Iamp micro's: 550 & 300. Had them both for close to 20 years and have never a problem with either.

 

TE elf user here just about every week for the past 4(?) years. With a six piece and 1-2 vox loud band (4hr) rehearsal in large warehouse studio and a bar/restaurant gig, I have not had any issues.
If I had to choose a different head for the purpose, GK MB200 would be a consideration, too.

 

Thomann has the TC Electronic BQ500 for $230.(USD) and I ordered that from them. I have not heard of any reliability issues with the BQ line of mini-amps.

 

I had TWO Elfs a few years ago. They both had issues out of the box.

 

I bought a used SB200H about 8 years ago? Gigged with it frequently. Re-sold it on EBAY after most of the front panel markings had rubbed off approx 2 years ago & it went back in service to the next bassist. Well designed & well made !

 

Yeah, I suspect they'd sell a lot more if they did a makeover on the cosmetics. I've been contemplating having a custom fascia plate made for mine, actually.

 

The appearance was secondary to me. I went to using combos for my gigs. I would have been fine marking the knobs with a sharpie pen if I was still using it. Honestly I miss it somewhat!

 

It's pretty easy to get faceplates fabricated for small money these days, so I think my Dymo label/sharpie days are behind me at this point!