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New home amp advice - combo or micro head?

E

EstusFlask

Guest
Feb 17, 2014
17
0
#1
Hi,

I really need some advice on what I should buy. I do not gig, I do not jam, I do not play in a band, I do not move my equipment. I play bass at home by myself for fun. However, I still care about sound quality and my Behringer 60w combo is not cutting it anymore.

I currently play an LTD-B205 (5 string) with a Behringer BX600 amp and I just ordered a Zoom B3 multi effects pedal. I want to replace my amp with something nicer.

I don't need 500w, I probably don't even need 100w, but I want something nice that will give me a good sound - not a crappy combo practice amp.

What I am currently considering:
1) Ashdown MAG 300 115 EVO-II - I found this for a good price used, and it looks very nice aside from the fact that its a single 15" speaker and I may not get good mids/highs.

2) A microhead (GK MB200 maybe?) with a cab. I was looking at the Acme Low B2s. I've read that they require a lot of power because they are inefficient, but if I'm playing at home, I'm not going to be pushing these speakers at all - would an MB200 be enough?

Ideally, I'd want a 2x10 setup, but the low B string is very important to me too which is why I was looking at the Acme's. Any recommendations? Is this a huge waste of money because I won't be cranking the volume up at all? Does anyone know of other 2x10s that can do the low end justice?

If anyone wants to talk me down "omg you don't need 2x10 if its just for home", etc. that's also appreciated! :)
 
#2
Before you buy anything else, try the Zoom B3 through your Behringer. You may be pleased with the results.

If not, I think there are a lot of combo options which would suit you. GK MB series, Carvin MB, TC BG250, etc.

Separate cabs and heads are nice, but wouldn't be my first choice for playing at home.
 
#3
The mb-200 is sweet. I have a ton of gigs on mine. For your situation I might consider it driving something like the Avatar 2x10. GK and Avatar go together nicely...

Another option would be the GK 115 combo. Kinda large but a nice sounding amp...

If you can deal with the size of a decent 1x15 and cost is not a big deal... Old Fender Bassman driving a 1x15 ... Somethimg like a TL-606. A classic beautiful sound.
 
#4
I guess it depends, first, on how much space you have at home. The micro amps are ideal for portability, but if your equipment is just going to sit down at the same place and space is not an issue, you can go with whatever sounds good to you.
The other thing I would consider is what type of sound you are looking for, try different heads and see which one you like; if you're buying online and have no access to amps you can check out, then mention what type of sound you want and I'm sure you'll receive lots of advise from fellow Talk Bass members.
By the way, the Zoom B3 has very good amp syms, check out the many threads here at Talk Bass, it has helped me get more out of this great pedal.
 
#5
The fact that I bought a zoom b3 is part of why I don't care too much about getting a specific sound out of an amp. In fact something flatter without too much character would be good so I could use the zoom to get the sounds I want.

I have room at home, I guess I don't need a micro head, I just figured they were cheaper and I'm not looking to spend more than $800 (but I don't mind used).

I'm sure the Behringer I have is good enough, I just want something with better sound for the sake of it. Ideally a 2x10 that can handle the low 5th string.
 
#8
I have a B3 and stand by the Bassman recommendation... The B3 is cool but not as cool as a classic 50 watt tube amp. Not even close, though the B3 does sound way cool when running through a good tube power section.

In my case I have 2 old Music Man tube amps. (solid state front end, tube power section) Very, very Fender like and I run a 2x15 with them. The B3 synth, flange and chorus patches take on a whole new thing when running theough some hot tubes...

You really don't need more than 50 watts at home even with the 5 string... Just a nice 1x15 with an efficient driver... You can do this inside your budget even having the Bassman re tubed. Or find a Music Man like one of mine. They go for stupid cheap considering what they are and how they sound. I'll put the HD-150 up against a vintage V4B and I have $350 in it... You might like one or the other but it is going to be close...

Not to mention that the Bassman or Music Man will probably increase in value as opposed to decrease...
 
#13
The ACME B2 is overkill for home use, IMO. Since you apparently have some money to spend, I'd look at the ACME B1 and top it with a Carvin BX250, which is 250w @ 4 ohms (200w @ 8 ohms), has a semi-parametric EQ section, a DRIVE control (grit) and a very good limiter. I rehearse with the BX250 and it easily keeps up with my rock band. Paired with the B1, smokin little stack!

If you want more, the ACME Full Range is a smokin 12", 2-way cab which can be pushed hard with amazing deep and clear tone. The Carvin BX500, a 500w (300w @ 8 ohms) head can be had new now for 329.00. Bear in mind that ACME's can be ordered at either 4 or 8 ohms, which is a great option. The BX500 + ACME Full Range (4 ohm version) would absolutely kill, and you could always add another cab since the Carvin is 2 ohms safe.
 
#16
EstusFlask said:
I do not gig, I do not jam, I do not play in a band, I do not move my equipment. I play bass at home by myself for fun. However, I still care about sound quality...

...and I just ordered a Zoom B3 multi effects pedal.
Click to expand...

That all being the case, I don't believe you could reasonably get better sound quality than with a good pair of headphones...hell, even a mediocre pair of headphones :bassist:

With the B3, you could just go nuts using the various amp and cabinet simulations. As you describe your situation, headphones would give you the maximum benefit of those.
 

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