In addition, I know the best way is to try them but I want to base my choice on more real-life experiences.
Well, here's the problem. You don't know what our experiences are. I for example am new-ish to bass. Piano was my principal instrument in college. I've also attempted other instruments but I think bass is sticking (I'd still play piano if I could but RSIs prevent me from doing so). I have plenty of experience playing with other bass players but I've never gigged playing bass myself.
So... maybe my experience shouldn't matter as much.
Then again... I worked for one of the biggest names in digital reverberation products and later for a company that made very large format mixing consoles (in the $250k to $1 million range) so maybe that experience counts for something seeing as a I have lots of experience with critical listening? If it does count for something it's that I know this (from direct experience)... Put a dozen engineers in the same room and ask them what the best near field monitors, tracking console, mixing console, outboard compressor, A to D converter, mic pre, mic for trumpet/guitar/vocals/kick drum/pocket whistle is and you'll probably end up with a dozen different answers for each item.
So with that said, I put my vote in for the MB F500 because that's what I just bought. Ultimately though, what I like, and what you like are bound to be different. I recently tried out a TC RH750. I was absolutely convinced I was going to love it (and I wish I had because I'd have save myself some $$$ over the MB rig I ended up with (the MB rig is new, the TC stuff would have been used)) but I didn't. It just wasn't the sound I was looking for. It's still an awesome head and I don't think anything else on the market has the feature set it has. It has a really great sound, it's just not the sound I want to hear when I play.
It's the first really nice head I've every bought. I'm nearly certain though that it won't be the last. Experience or a change in playing style or preferences may mean I'm changing my mind 5 years from now (or maybe even 5 months from now).
Maybe you could try to organize a get together in your area with a bunch of bassists via TB and Craig's List. You could throw a gear gawking party and invite everyone to bring their rig over. Great way to check out a bunch of gear.
Cheers, Joe
