Orange is way over priced. It’s because their handmade in the UK then they have to poopie them to Atlanta Georgia. They gotta recover that cost somewhere.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
NEW Orange AD200 and Cabs
- Thread starter PleyswethSqwerl
- Start date
-
- Tags
- bass amp orange amps
It's funny you mention the Reeves 225. I had one of those, and I found it to be way too clean (tonewise) for my particular preference. You might think that by me saying that, that I'm into lots of grind and distortion. I'm not. I just found the Reeves tone to be too sterile for my taste. I like tube tone when it's just on the verge of breakup with a just a touch of hair.
Agreed on both... I just brought up the Reeves because it's a highly renowned and well-built custom tube amp for the same $$.
There's other options besides pricey new tube amps and the lightweight stuff. I have one tube amp, a Peavey VB2 at 225 watts that's outstanding bang-for-buck (got used for $600). You might also find an SVT for $1200-1500 used, same with a Mesa Prodigy or Fender Super Bassman. But if/when I'm going for a new tube amp, I'd be looking first at Reeves. All my other amps are Class A/B (GK, GB, Eden, Hartke) which have all the slam but not quite the warmth/character of all tube amp.
Interesting, thanks for that tip. While I often like clean but with tube "sheen" and fatness, other times I too prefer that edge of breakup that only tube power stage gives you. Maybe a good pedal in front would help get one there with the Reeves, if not I may look elsewhere.
I also had a Fender Super Bassman. Awesome sounding amp!!! I kinda regret selling it, but the 65 pound weight was getting to me, and I'm not getting any younger.
I paid $1400 for my Mk III in 2015. It was used but the only mark I found on it was some black marks on the back panel that came off with a little Goo Gone. I felt like I got a good deal, but I believe the current used price is lower.
Definitely a different sound. The Mk III reminds me a lot of a vintage Fender Showman. Of course the Reeves is closely based on a vintage Hiwatt. Both are mid scooped, but in different ways.
The Fender Super Bassman 300 can do both between its two channels!
If I were to buy an all tube amp, it would be the FSB300, but then I like clean and solid and run it with some sealed Bergatino's (or a pair of Barefaced Super Compact).
Never played an Orange, but…
As a couple of people have mentioned, the Fender Super Bassman 300 is a killer amp. Incredible punch and quite versatile. For me it beat out my SVT and Mesa Strategy.
As a couple of people have mentioned, the Fender Super Bassman 300 is a killer amp. Incredible punch and quite versatile. For me it beat out my SVT and Mesa Strategy.
I’m with you on all of this. Not sure the OT upgrade is really necessary or worth the price increase. Used mk III prices have been dropping for a while, same with a lot of other tube heads. I got mine a couple years ago in mint condition with the hang tags for $1400, which was a solid deal at the time. Many of them are selling around that price now, but that predated the launch of the 2024 update so likely unrelated. Though they may continue to drop with a new model.
With the V2 model of the terror having the clean switch I do wonder if they’re aiming to capture folks who find the amps too “dirty” in the original design. Or more pessimistic view, I wonder if a change in materials availability or manufacturer precipitated a spec change. I recall ampeg going through some struggles with getting transformers wound in the late SLM/early Loud days.
Likely Orange needed to increase their prices due to inflation but offered some changes to justify it to the consumer. I appreciate that more than other companies just raising the price without any change to the product.
As a former 1972 pics only OR120, AD200B MK3, OBC410, OBC115, and TB500mk2 Owner and frequent user i suspect the changes are due to the following:
AD200 - graphics change was needed, the pics only look is more iconic Orange, better looking, and just cooler (and now matches the bass terror mk2). The transformer upgrade was needed as well, some folks used to send their AD200 to Mercury Magnetics for an OT upgrade due to this issue. The tube access is more a quality of life upgrade, costs them very little and is another bullet point to add to the sales sheet. KT88 now standard, i'm guessing they can get those cheaper or something and is a way to save some bucks, this is a nothing-burger. Clean switch is nice, i used it on the TB500mk2 it was a nice addition and adds more tonally. All in all quality upgrades/updates that are worth it.
Celestion speakers - The old cabs sounded great, so IMO this is just a money saving thing. Instead of importing eminences and paying fees/tariffs and shipping, they get UK made celestion so save money on all that but can use it to say "it's better" while increasing price.
As a former 1972 pics only OR120, AD200B MK3, OBC410, OBC115, and TB500mk2 Owner and frequent user i suspect the changes are due to the following:
AD200 - graphics change was needed, the pics only look is more iconic Orange, better looking, and just cooler (and now matches the bass terror mk2). The transformer upgrade was needed as well, some folks used to send their AD200 to Mercury Magnetics for an OT upgrade due to this issue. The tube access is more a quality of life upgrade, costs them very little and is another bullet point to add to the sales sheet. KT88 now standard, i'm guessing they can get those cheaper or something and is a way to save some bucks, this is a nothing-burger. Clean switch is nice, i used it on the TB500mk2 it was a nice addition and adds more tonally. All in all quality upgrades/updates that are worth it.
Celestion speakers - The old cabs sounded great, so IMO this is just a money saving thing. Instead of importing eminences and paying fees/tariffs and shipping, they get UK made celestion so save money on all that but can use it to say "it's better" while increasing price.
I was using the AD200B into 1-2 of the 115’s. For a good rock tone it’s probably my favorite of all time. If I was in a serious band, or had a lot (and I mean a LOT) of disposable cash I’d keep it. But I’ve moved onto a Mesa D800+ and a pair of decently light weight Ampeg 112’s.
My thoughts: I gig a fair amount and at most of my gigs that rig would be way overkill. When I play festivals and big stages 8 out of 10 times there is backline provided. I have a hard time keeping the big rigs year after unused year, other than they look damn cool in my studio. I've recently sold an Ampeg SVT-VR and matching AV 810 cab, an Acoustic 360/361, a Marshall 400 watt tube head and matching Marshall 810 cab, and finally an incredible sounding 1970's Ampeg V4B with matching 2x15" folded horn cabinet. I just wasn't using those amps anymore and after 5 - 10 years of just looking at them I decided to sell while I might be able to find someone who wants them... the market is getting smaller and smaller. That being said, I sure would love to have the AD200
. My "big" rigs now are a MESA Subway WD800 and two Subway 115 cabs, and a a newish Ampeg V4B head and Ampeg 410HE cab.
Holy smokes! You've had some incredible amp rigs! With that type of rig history, I can understand why the new Orange AD200 amp interests you. I had an SVT-VR. That amp had a fantastic tone IMO. I never played through the classic Acoustic 360/361. I had a Marshall VBA-400 back when I was playing bass in a YES tribute band. I thought that amp sounded good (but IMO not as good as the SVT-VR). I also had a 70's V4B. I liked the tone of that amp. I'm not in the market for bass gear, but if I was, I would be very interested in the new Orange AD200. I've never been a fan of how much all-tube amps weigh, but I've always been a big fan of the tone and "feel" of all-tube amps. I would much rather play through an all-tube amp than anything else.My thoughts: I gig a fair amount and at most of my gigs that rig would be way overkill. When I play festivals and big stages 8 out of 10 times there is backline provided. I have a hard time keeping the big rigs year after unused year, other than they look damn cool in my studio. I've recently sold an Ampeg SVT-VR and matching AV 810 cab, an Acoustic 360/361, a Marshall 400 watt tube head and matching Marshall 810 cab, and finally an incredible sounding 1970's Ampeg V4B with matching 2x15" folded horn cabinet. I just wasn't using those amps anymore and after 5 - 10 years of just looking at them I decided to sell while I might be able to find someone who wants them... the market is getting smaller and smaller. That being said, I sure would love to have the AD200
A kindred spirit. I agree the VBA400 didn’t sound as good as the VR. IMHO the old V4B with the matching folded horn cabinet was the best sounding amp I ever had. But, that cab was bigger and heavier than the fridge.Holy smokes! You've had some incredible amp rigs! With that type of rig history, I can understand why the new Orange AD200 amp interests you. I had an SVT-VR. That amp had a fantastic tone IMO. I never played through the classic Acoustic 360/361. I had a Marshall VBA-400 back when I was playing bass in a YES tribute band. I thought that amp sounded good (but IMO not as good as the SVT-VR). I also had a 70's V4B. I liked the tone of that amp. I'm not in the market for bass gear, but if I was, I would be very interested in the new Orange AD200. I've never been a fan of how much all-tube amps weigh, but I've always been a big fan of the tone and "feel" of all-tube amps. I would much rather play through an all-tube amp than anything else.
VBA400 is it's own beast if you ask me. It will easily bury an SVT in regards to volume. Whether it sounds better or worse; each person will have to decide based on their own taste and goals. My impression is the VBA excels at big, clean tones...which is a bit counterintuitive for a Marshall.
I can't say which was louder I'll take your word on that
, both crazy loud. I felt I could control my tone better with the SVT VR, but perhaps I was just more comfortable with it? I also was on the hunt for a vintage Marshall bass rig and I bought a late 1960's Marshall Major (bass)... now that head was a beast! I never used it on a gig, but it was the loudest 200 watts I've ever experienced.
I will say, costs for gear has pretty drastically dropped over the decades. For example, a Sunn 2000s and matching cab was $1995 in 1969, or roughly $17,700 in 2024. That said, $6000 is still a damn expensive rig. Personally, if I was looking at the Orange, I'd also take a look at the Matamp GT200 or GT150. They offer the MkI tonestack that was used on Matamp/Orange amps in the 70s instead of the Fender tonestack (MkII is a Fender tonestack, I believe). And other than that, pretty much equivalent features to the updated AD200.
From my experince, I was not particularly fond of the AD200 MkIII. I use Sunns, Acoustics (360 & 370) and Hiwatts, and the Orange was...not really in the same league. Very dark and muffled, even with the bass rolled back, treble and mids cranked, and roundwound strings. I think on the new version, the clean switch is a smart move, I couldn't really get a decent clean sound out of the MkIII, even with the gain way down. The lows just seemed like mush and farts. This was paired with the matching Orange 8x10. And this could just be bad luck, but both times I've had the opportunity to play one live, they've failed. First one simply wouldn't power on, so it was swapped. Second time, the backline was provided by Orange from SIR here in LA. The headliner had just picked the amps up from service at SIR with a clean bill of health that day. I was told not to bring my gear to minimize clutter and to use the AD200 and 8x10. Less than 10 minutes into the set (we were the opener), second song, the AD200 just died. Sound stopped. Checked both fuses, they were fine, hadn't blown. Checked power cabling, all good, IEC plug was fine when connected to another amp. Light came on on the front, but the tubes didn't light up/seem to receive power. I ended up having to sit out 2 songs until a substitute head could be found, a Marshall MG100. Can't say I was particularly pleased nor impressed. Could be poor servicing, but it had just come from SIR, and I'd trust them to go over the amp well before sending it out. Maybe it was a bum tube that wasn't caught, no idea. But after the first one just not turning on, and the second just giving up the ghost. I'm wary of any of the MkIIIs. The experience certainly reinforced why I usually bring my own gear, if that fails its no fault but my own.
All that said, I'm still interested in trying the new one, sounds like they put some effort into improving them, and I'd give it a shot.
I can't say which was louder I'll take your word on that
IMHO, The SVT tone stack is definitely a bit more functional and intuitive. The voicing is essentially flat, but you can adjust the controls to get a range of sounds
The VBA uses a Marshall tone stack. A rotary contour control is added to select different component values. The voicing favors the low. The Contour control allows you to modify the basic voicing a bit, but all three options feature huge lows, which IMHO can be problematic on stage. However, it sounds incredible in my basement
.I haven't done a direct AB, but the VBA seems most similar to my Aguilar DB751....another clean amp known for huge lows.
