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Opinions on GK 800RB

#41
Axtman said:
Isn't the GK 800RB a bi-amp only amp? That is, don't you have to run it with 2 separate speaker cabinets (high and low)?
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That is not true at all. You can run it bi-amp, or full range, and it's always been that way.
The only real stickler with these amps is you absolutely must NOT run the 100 watt side at anything less than 8 ohms.
I think you can still download the manual from GKs website, if you're interested.
 
#46
SwamiRob said:
Saw Todd the Rod from Propagandhi using a 800RB with an Ampeg 8x10 and it sounded pretty awesome for the kinda sound he goes for nowadays. The only thing that makes it seem a little unappealing to me is that it's only 300W, probably a very honestly rated 300W but I can't imagine getting much volume without getting rid of quite a bit of low end in any kind of loud rock setting.
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Yeah the the rod uses an 800rb, saw propagandhi live a couple of months ago and they were awesome... he gets an awesome aggresive tone with his stingrahy...

The 800rb is 400watts. but sounds really loud. I had one for about two months that i messed around with pushing my mesa powerhouse 1000. really awesome amp.
 
#48
JCM800 said:
Although I am an unapologetic tube snob, last year on the road I used a few GK's as backups when the SVT was under the weather. And I must say I was pleased with the way they sounded once dialed in.

The build quality I was not impressed by at all. All plastic and felt like a toy.

If you're going to take one on the road get a heavy duty case to protect it, and cause it looks cool.
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I'd beg to differ on the build quality. Think about it. Which amps were working and which one wasn't? :smug:

It is a bit of a bulky amp at 3 spaces, so a case is a good idea, IMO. But if you look at all those pictures of scratched up still-running amps, it gives you an idea of their toughness.
 
#49
Standalone said:
I'd beg to differ on the build quality. Think about it. Which amps were working and which one wasn't? :smug:

It is a bit of a bulky amp at 3 spaces, so a case is a good idea, IMO. But if you look at all those pictures of scratched up still-running amps, it gives you an idea of their toughness.
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+ totally. This thing was used by robots for field goal practice and it still rocks the block.

100_0754-1.jpg
 
#51
Wait, what?

The GK800RB is still available as new?
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It seems like the European GK distributors don't carry it. :hmm:

(Benelux, Wils import does not have it in their price list, Germany, Thomann also does not offer it.)
 
#52
The only quirk I have with the 800rb is that I and probably most,never use the 100watts for highs. So you tote around 100w of extra weight and bulk that you can't put to use. Unless,ofcourse you want to haul around an extra cab too.
Wow, imagine if it was a full range 400w from it's inception!
Still, the amp is legendary.

Wouldn't that be an interesting developement. If GK kept the same casing, eq design and simply make it a full range 400watts. Through an advertising campaign behind it and I'd bet they would be quie popular. Why wouldn't they be?

Look at all the responses to this thread already with people recalling how much they love/loved their 800rb,wishing they has one again? Easy for me to say. I'm sure electronic design wise it's probably a bit more involved. But removing the 100w components must free up a substantial amount of space in that already big casing.
 
#54
Standalone said:
Pushing a small, inefficient cab, I can imagine the 800RB not being enough. But in what situation would a tower of 3 decent 8 ohm twelves NOT be enough with this amp?

vocal PA only outdoor Dub festy? Heck, I bet you could even do that with a few folded horns and an 8ohm 410!
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:)
Or 15s & 10s...I've never actually gigged the full stack, but the 15 & 210 get used every time.
th_mesa1x15-2x10.jpg

th_mesastack-rrf-1.jpg
 
#55
René_Julien;8098858 said:
Wait, what?

The GK800RB is still available as new?
Invalid Link Removed


It seems like the European GK distributors don't carry it. :hmm:

(Benelux, Wils import does not have it in their price list, Germany, Thomann also does not offer it.)
Click to expand...

The rear heat sink gets too warm with a 4ohm load for European standards, at least that was stated by a G-K rep.

I now have a Fusion 550 but my 800rb stays with me. I don't plan on saying I wish I had it back ;) Still does outdoor duty fed from the Fusion's preamp into 4 15"s the Fusion pumping a 412. :):bassist:
 

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