New head search...

[James Hart]

Carvin BX 1200 for $599!

The BX1200 dual mono block bass head offers rich tone generated from discrete Class A preamps and the extensive equalization features. The EQ starts up front with the contour control going from a flat mid response to a heavy scooped mid response for slap bass players. The 5-band tone control section features three semi-parametric EQ controls and high and low shelving controls. The EQ includes a footswitchable 9 - band Graphic EQ. To warm up the sound, the preamp DRIVE can push the Class A preamps to a slight warm growl. The BX1200 provides the ultimate in tone.

Hmmmm... WAY too much EQ in the signal path AND 21.6" Wide

 

[Lowbrow]

I was going to suggest the Carvin BX1200 at first, too -- but while the power (and price) is right it's a good bit wider than what you wanted -- but the B1500 = 19" wide, much simpler EQ, and more power than you need.
Link Removed

 

[James Hart]

but the B1500 = 19" wide, much simpler EQ, and more power than you need.

The B1500 is just overkill... I wouldn't mind the littler one if they were still around (B800 I think it was).

Do the rack ears come off? I really can't justify 1900 watts! I know Carvin exaggerates specs... but still, that is an insane amount of juice. Like I said, if that B800 was still out, I'd jump on one.

 

[Lowbrow]

Do the rack ears come off? I really can't justify 1900 watts! I know Carvin exaggerates specs... but still, that is an insane amount of juice. Like I said, if that B800 was still out, I'd jump on one.

I heard some guy playing through a Peavey Tour 700 a while back and that sounded pretty mighty (even though he was killing the bass room with endless bippity-bappity-slappity) ; 700rms at 4ohms, 19", perma-ears, simple enough graphic EQ.

It's looking like GK is going to be your best bet for power + size fit, though.

 

[alembic5]

Perhaps an EA iAmp 800? I've got one... nice head. And they're going pretty cheap on the classifieds... most likely mine will be posted there soon, but only because my LMII does everything I need!

 

[James Hart]

Perhaps an EA iAmp 800?

not heard many of them... but wasn't impressed with the tone from ones I've heard. I was at their site earlier today though.

 

[tbrannon]

Don't hide, I am not a Hartke hater! I A/Bed my old Schroeder cabs with a Hartke and GK hear... Hartke smoked the GK to my ears

I'm not a Hartke hater either and I'm not a total GK fanboy- I really didn't like my other GK head w/ GK cabs or the Ampeg cab I had, but from my experience there is some serious magic that happens when you put a GK head w/ a BE cab. 1+1 does not equal 2 in this case (IMO).

If you have access to a GK head give it a try before you pull the trigger on something else.

 

[James Hart]

If you have access to a GK head give it a try before you pull the trigger on something else.

will do! thanks for the recommendation... which model do you use?

 

[4Mal]

A wt 400 was not enough juice to get one of my D10BX-D cabs excited. Sweet tone just not enough juice. I ran a pair of D10BX-D's, in series for 8 ohm's from a GK 1001 RB II for a summer and never felt that I was lacking headroom.

I took this year off of bands and gigging. I've been out front a lot listening to other folks play and generally taking the bus drivers holiday. I've heard a bunch of heads, a bunch of cab's and have come to the conclusion that - there isn't a heck of a lot of difference from 20 to 40 feet out front, particularly in the context of a band mix. Heresy in these gear crazed parts, I know ... but it's true. Once you reach a given level of qualiy it has so much more to do with the player's ears and hands and sensibilities...

 

[Chef]

Hey James; take a look at this:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
might work really well for you.
initial reviews are real positive.

 

[peterpalmieri]

Hey James; take a look at this:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
might work really well for you.
initial reviews are real positive.

I don't think that will meet the 18" width requirement.

I honestly can't think of any amps besides the AI and EA that run 2 ohms and are not in a rack mount box

Edit: Eden too..

 

[Chef]

wt550
mesa walkabout

 

[James Hart]

wt550
mesa walkabout

even the wt800 & wt1205 are 17" wide.

 

[tbrannon]

will do! thanks for the recommendation... which model do you use?

I've used the 1001RB before and currently have 700RB- they both seem to have that distinctive GK voicing (which I don't like with some cabs)- for some reason though I really, really like them with Bag End cabs.

You might shoot 4Mal a PM- he bought 2 S-15's from me and I think he's run them with his 1001RB as well. He could probably give you another opinion on how they sound.

 

[MascisMan]

I know this goes against your master plan but couldn't you just put the 2 Bag Ends side by side rather than stacked?

Then you would have no limitation on the amp width.

Just an idea.

BTW-that natural BE cab looks great!

 

[Rickett Customs]

James,
That measuring constraint is gonna leave alot of the mentioned out. That sucks. Only thing I use any more is a 'mo bass (450x2) much too big in size for what you're looking for.

 

[nysbob]

If I were going for a modern amp, I'd look at GB.

 

[Spinal Tapper]

I stand by my SWR350x (chromeface) as a great modern sounding SS head. Never had a single problem with it - got it for $1 per watt (used). Maybe a 550x or 750x if you need more wattage. Best value IMO.

 

[Vinny D]

Eden WT405
Simple EQ, great sounding compressor, 620watts @ 2ohms.
Fits in a amp bag

 

[Chef]

The 550 at 12"W x 3.5"H x 12"D is actually a lil smaller than the 405

the swr bass 350 is full rack size. that's outz for James.