Need some much needed amp advice

What kind of speakers you playing through?

I know that my PF500 sounded just ok playing through an avatar 1x12,
But then I hooked it up to my GK NEO 4x12 and was amazed! Really just opened up the tone and deep response.

I'll probably sell off my 1x12 for a 2x12 for a better feel.
That being said, try the MB500 with a different cab.

 

I voted for the Ampeg PF500. Love the ampeg tone.
I would also suggest the Aguilar tonehammer 500.

 

i just moved from Markbass to GK MB800....

used at 400.00

Cabs as i just recently learned make more of a difference than you might think...

 

Sounds like you just described the pros of an Ampeg, i think you would really enjoy one.

 

In the past couple years I have owned several compact amps including a Carvin BX500, Ampeg PF350, GKMB200 and Genz Benz Shutlle 3.0.
I recently picked up a used Markbass Little Mark III for $350. IMO it is the best sounding of the bunch. Very loud, clean and easy to dial in a great tone! I had never given much thought to Markbass before I found this head but now I'm a fan and this amp is a keeper!

 

Have you tried the RH450 with your TC cab?

 

You're describing an Ampeg to me.
For $400.00 may I suggest an Eden WT-400.
They are selling as low as $400 here on TB, simple and easy to EQ.
Check the features on this amp.

 

What is it that you dislike about your GK? From your description, loud, light weight, and dependable are a dead on description of every GK I have ever used.

 

I agree. I have the baby brother of both, the aguilar th350 and the ampeg pf350. Both suit my needs well. indoor and outdoor venues, from coffee houses to large rockin' 500 ppl capacity clubs. I use a GS112 and a GS112NT as far as cabinets

Can't go wrong with either ampeg or aguilar- the small class D heads seem to be a great bang for the buck. Tone wise I prefer the aguilar.

 

I voted Ampeg also. Seems it would be the natural choice.

On a side note, I typed in Ampeg, finished the sentence, then I looked up and noticed auto-correct turned Ampeg into "snorted".
Seriously???

 

I remember buying an rb800 decades ago. It was that eras version of a micro amp. Compared to an Acoustic 220 it was less than half the wieght and all the power.

 

What's the word on the Portaflex reliability? I was cruising through the mega thread for the PF350/PF500 and the early pages had a lot of people saying that the amp died when pushed beyond about half gain and half master. Toward the end it had simmered down but there was still some concern. I'd be curious about how the new units handle the demand (if there were any changes made). Surely with the right cabs there would be no need to push it beyond that point anyway.

I don't mean to start any wars over the issue, of course. The PF500 looks like a killer head and I would have gotten one over the TC Electronic RH450 if my paranoia hadn't gotten the best of me (and I really wanted the added bonuses that the RH450 offers). The tales of failure are probably blown out of proportion.

For what it's worth, I really enjoyed the BX500 when I had one. It sounded great and the EQ was flexible. The preamp tube didn't seem to do much but the head performed so well on its own that I hardly cared. Carvin offers some terrific products.The BX500 with two Avatar SB112s sounded awesome and looked gorgeous (my SB112s were burgundy with a gray grill so the gray-faced BX500 fit nicely in the theme).

 

Well for about $400 (USD) I bought here off T.B. a used Carvin B1500....tons and tons of headroom. The head was like in new condition sounds just great with my Eden 410 cab. It is a bit heavy to lug around,,but hey I love it to death.

 

I've been using a Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0. Incredible little amp. Very light. Under four pounds. I'm using it mostly with a Carvin BRX 10.2. That cab is so light. I've got the one with the neos. It's a four ohm cab. I use a SansAmp BassDriver with it. Sooooo easy to transport. Huge tone. It can get very loud. Very punchy.I got the amp used for about $260ish. I've seen Shuttle 6.0s selling for around $300 lately.

 

I know you said youre wanting to get away from GK but have you given the 1001 or 700RB any consideration? They are both awesome amps and have plenty of headroom for what your cabs are. They are voiced slightly different than the MB series and have more tonal shaping options. Plus, you can find a used one of either of those heads for around $400. Maybe it was just me but I thought the ampeg PF500 lacked some balls. Tone was great but I played it through a 210 at a pretty high volume and it seemed to me it didnt quite have it for my tastes. Thats just me though. Plenty other love that amp.

 

This could apply to you possibly. Have you considered different cabs?