I admire all of the effort that has gone into emulating all-tube amps (the Mesa WD-800 is the best, IMO), but there is simply no substitute for big iron transformers and vacuum tubes.
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NAD: Ampeg V4BH
- Thread starter Lovep
- Start date
I admire all of the effort that has gone into emulating all-tube amps (the Mesa WD-800 is the best, IMO), but there is simply no substitute for big iron transformers and vacuum tubes.
Yeah, I had those B15 cabs made by Mark at Vintage Blue. Unfortunately, he is not making cabs at the moment.
Yes, the WD800 is phenomenal. It can certainly do things the V4B cannot, however I couldn't get it to sound like a big tube amp. I owned both the WD800 and the TT800 over the last couple of years.I admire all of the effort that has gone into emulating all-tube amps (the Mesa WD-800 is the best, IMO), but there is simply no substitute for big iron transformers and vacuum tubes.
I've been 'spoiling' my ears for years by playing through a Reeves C225 nearly every Sunday. The sound and feel of the WD can get so close, it is amazing. I just don't have the vocabulary to describe that something extra that the big iron and vacuum tubes bring.
As I type, I am awaiting delivery of my next foray into tube land - a 100 watt version of Micah's (Arkham Sound) Ultra-linear amplifier. Basically, it is his vision and revision of the venerable Ampeg B-15. What's not to like about a B-15 with the power of a V-4B? 
Nice! I would love to hear your thoughts when it arrives.I've been 'spoiling' my ears for years by playing through a Reeves C225 nearly every Sunday. The sound and feel of the WD can get so close, it is amazing. I just don't have the vocabulary to describe that something extra that the big iron and vacuum tubes bring.
I'll be posting pics & opinions, for sure. Micah is using a 'beefier' power transformer than in the original run of Ultra Linea 70's which is powering a pair of KT-120 power tubes. They are kicking out a hundred watts with a conservative bias setting (not running hot). Tapping my toes while patiently awaiting delivery by FedEx today...
I've tried many different amps, and while some get close.... there's none that actually get the cigar... imo
But that's cool. It's fantastic to have such a wide variety of GREAT quality bass amps that all have their attributes.
As I said before, I don't find most of the 100w tube amps to be too heavy.
So, for the gigs that they'll handle, they're for me
Sadly Mesa amps are fudging well expensive out here in Australia
and from what I've read, the TT800 might suit me really well.I did own a GB Shuttle, which I loved and should'nt've got rid of.
For now the Bergantino B|Amp and TH500 Aggy do me just fine
How'd you find the TT800, especially the TT channel?
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A suggestion if weight isn't an issue; a Hartke LH1000 will give you rubble bouncing loudness at a great price. I still miss mine but, sold it after about 12 years and many, many hours of practicing, rehearsals and hundreds of gigs in all those years. The LH doesn't have much in tone control but, if you're using any stomp boxes or rack stuff, it'll get you there.Sadly Mesa amps are fudging well expensive out here in Australia
I did own a GB Shuttle, which I loved and should'nt've got rid of.
For now the Bergantino B|Amp and TH500 Aggy do me just fine
How'd you find the TT800, especially the TT channel?
Currently running the WD-800. Quite happy but it was 2x the price of the LH. I bought it to reduce weight, no other reason.
I ended up with a V4B-AV, which is a V4BH with a silver face made to look more like the ‘70’s non curved blackline V4B. I like it a lot, I use it with an SVT212AV. This on its own is a great combination, and just loud enough for my situations.
However:
This is how I use it now. The top head is a ‘73 Ampeg V2 50W that has been modified to be able to use 6550’s, and it puts out a clean 72 watts on the scope. It’s plugged into the top cabinet which is a SVT-48E, running 4 x 8” 16 ohm Eminence drivers. The bottom head is the V4B-AV (BH), and the bottom cab is the SVT212AV. I use an A/B/Y box to get the signal to both. I have the V2/4x8” set tonally a little higher, with a HPF cutting lows out at around 100hz. The V4B-AV/2x12” is setup tonally quite a bit lower and an HPF cutting at about 40hz just to get the mud out. I had run all the effects only through the V2/4x8, but some pedals flipped phase and created a problem.
This only sits in my studio and will never see a stage, but it’s a lot of fun to fiddle with.
However:
This is how I use it now. The top head is a ‘73 Ampeg V2 50W that has been modified to be able to use 6550’s, and it puts out a clean 72 watts on the scope. It’s plugged into the top cabinet which is a SVT-48E, running 4 x 8” 16 ohm Eminence drivers. The bottom head is the V4B-AV (BH), and the bottom cab is the SVT212AV. I use an A/B/Y box to get the signal to both. I have the V2/4x8” set tonally a little higher, with a HPF cutting lows out at around 100hz. The V4B-AV/2x12” is setup tonally quite a bit lower and an HPF cutting at about 40hz just to get the mud out. I had run all the effects only through the V2/4x8, but some pedals flipped phase and created a problem.
This only sits in my studio and will never see a stage, but it’s a lot of fun to fiddle with.
That's absolutely killer! I bet it barks like a mad dog on an August night!
