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Need help choosing my next combo amp (Hartke, GK, Ashdown)?

#21
Cyborg said:
That's very disappointing to hear. I figured a single 15" with 300W RMS would be pretty nice.

Interesting on the Hartke. I have a small Rumble right now. The tone is fine but I don't think it's a modern, clean and clear tone, which is what I'm looking for at this time. Although, I realize the voicing on the 500 may be different with the different 10's and horn/tweeter.

From MF on the RM500C210v2 - Weight: 39.68 lb. (18kg)

Weight is very important to me. I want to be able to carry my bass in with one hand and the amp with the other if needed.
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Thanks.
 
#22
LoveJackBruce said:
I just tried out the Ashdown Studio15 for home use at 300W RMS it still wasn't enough for me. Distorts on the low A at 40% and the middle A, playing on the D string, was way over powering. Going back. On a budget so I'm probably, 90%, going back to the Rumble 500v3. Your thoughts..
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I haven't had any experience with the Studio series. Bummer to hear about it distorting. I play down to a low G# at times. I was thinking of grabbing the Studio 8 since it's pretty inexpensive for quiet home practice. I might still give it a try, but I'm not getting my hopes up. I've played through a Rumble 210 combo before. Wasn't too thrilled, but I didn't mess with it much, it was a friend's amp and I didn't want to mess with his settings. Another friend plays through a full Rumble 810 stack and he sounded great, just not the tone I personally go for.

LoveJackBruce said:
I love what I saw on RM500C210v2. Have you tried it? What does it weigh? Not listed. I just may have to order one and check it out. PS. I'm 3 hours from a dealer.
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I have not tried it. The old one was about 38lbs. They shaved off 5 lbs or so from the head so I would think the combo would be about that much lighter. I've considered getting the new head, but to just get a lighter version with a matte finish on the face plate isn't worth the price difference of what I paid for the RM500. I'm assuming it would sound exactly the same.
 
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#23
CoR Bass said:
I haven't had any experience with the Studio series. Bummer to hear about it distorting. I play down to a low G# at times. I was thinking of grabbing the Studio 8 since it's pretty inexpensive for quiet home practice. I might still give it a try, but I'm not getting my hopes up. I've played through a Rumble 210 combo before. Wasn't too thrilled, but I didn't mess with it much, it was a friend's amp and I didn't want to mess with his settings. Another friend plays through a full Rumble 810 stack and he sounded great, just not the tone I personally go for.



I have not tried it. The old one was about 38lbs. They shaved off 5 lbs or so from the head so I would think the combo would be about that much lighter. I've considered getting the new head, but to just get a lighter version with a matte finish on the face plate isn't worth the price difference of what I paid for the RM500. I'm assuming it would sound exactly the same.
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Input appreciated. I'm hoping you'll love the Studio....Was probably me doing something stupid...ha
 
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#24
I've had the Legacy 500 from week one when it went on the market. If the Legacy Combo is as flexible and fun to play thru as the stand-alone head, I'd wait until it comes out. Not sure about the volume levels it has, but I can get 180 watts, 300 watts, or 450 watts depending on my cabs. The Legacy Combo may only be 500 watts into a 12" speaker. I've gigged mine with just one 200 watt cab about 3 or 4 times and it sounds very nice with plenty of punch at 180 watts (8 Ohms).
 
#29
I'm a big fan of GK stuff. There are a fair number of MB212s floating around used. Reverb has a couple, and I'd bet that Guitar Center's online used site has a few as well. I use a GK head with 2 of their 112 cabs for more or less the kind of thing you're talking about and it works great. I'm sure the combo would too. Personally, I prefer to go modular (which is why 2 cabs and a head), but that will go way over your budget
 
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#30
Some good comments today!!!

I've also added the Fender Stage 800 into the mix. Although I said early on I don't need 50 amp models, after listening to some of the samples enough of them have piqued my interest over the straight Rumble 500.

It's really down to the:
MB212 - Big modern, 2x12's!
Stage 800 - Versatile, powerful, can add another cabinet
HD500 - Unknown, never used a Hartke but intrigued
Ashdown RM500 - Good features at good price, never used Ashdown either
 
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#31
Cyborg said:
Some good comments today!!!

I've also added the Fender Stage 800 into the mix. Although I said early on I don't need 50 amp models, after listening to some of the samples enough of them have piqued my interest over the straight Rumble 500.

It's really down to the:
MB212 - Big modern, 2x12's!
Stage 800 - Versatile, powerful, can add another cabinet
HD500 - Unknown, never used a Hartke but intrigued
Ashdown RM500 - Good features at good price, never used Ashdown either
Click to expand...
NOTE. For the cost of the GK MB212, you can get the Rumble 500C plus a 1x15 ext cab...Actually for less.
 
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