Pondering Some New Ideas, Need Some Input

[HolmeBass]

Yes, I think it's simply not possible anywhere near that price range.

Why? Because there is nowhere near enough players who would be needed to actually buy a product like this to get the cost down to anywhere near even $1500. The cost of developing (AND CERTIFYING) an SMPS like this is very high and it must be spread out among a large number of units to be economical. You still have the costs (and size/weight) of the tubes and output transformer. To do this would cost more than using a conventional power transformer, and would still weigh over 30 lbs even with an SMPS.

Yeah the Peavey “III” tube amp (I can’t remember the name… some letters before “3”) did come in at 35 lbs.

I was hoping with fewer tubes and less output power you could save enough weight in the OT and circuit board to get below 30 lbs, but also realized it’s probably not really possible. The price is a sticking point.

 

[agedhorse]

Yeah the Peavey “III” tube amp (I can’t remember the name… some letters before “3”) did come in at 35 lbs.

I was hoping with fewer tubes and less output power you could save enough weight in the OT and circuit board to get below 30 lbs, but also realized it’s probably not really possible. The price is a sticking point.

All of this is a big sticking point in reality.

 

[HolmeBass]

All of this is a big sticking point in reality.

Yep, makes a lot of sense.

The funny thing is I am by no means a tube amp user. But I did use a Mesa 400+ on a gig with backline provided, going through an old Ampeg 118. I threw my Eden 112 XLT on top for some clarity and it was pretty sweet rig!

 

[DJ Bebop]

This…

Vivid Audio's Moya M1 $450,000 Loudspeakers Might Require a Conversation With Your Accountant

 

[Nebadon2000]

Of course, the TT used some elements of the Bass 400 but included elements that were not as in your face as the Bass 400 because it had to make sense to work well with the Subway channel in a useful channel switching amp.

I am sure that could be a hit if it comes in same or less than TT-800 and is more inspired by 400 than TT

concerns would be although TT is Great for top notch Cover/Original and Pro players having both Boogie and 800+ many may[seem to have] have bought just to get Boogie 400 Channel

That may get those buyers to put TT on market[good for us] wanting a closer rendition and hurt TT sales in general[if 'closer rendition' is what you are saying in quote I posted by you]

For me personally I would like to see 400 inspired Preamp with Aux in and Headphone, your great DI with instrument, Mic and line out Also

Great for IEM ampless users, stage sound into quality powered monitor, and can use with any Amp Rig with series loop [including Mesa]

Maybe a Mesa Power Amp with built in Damping switch and variable HPF for those who's preamp doesn't have one
and 800 or 1200 watt option; might get many current Subway owners to jump on 1200

 

[ProbablyTooLoud]

I'd love to see a Mesa version of the GK Plex.

 

[Shoreline Gold]

This…

View attachment 5413055



Vivid Audio's Moya M1 $450,000 Loudspeakers Might Require a Conversation With Your Accountant

I can only say...exterminate.

 

[LSM07]

This was a carryover from the early legacy designs and was dropped on mesa designs starting about 30 years ago.

The ShuttleMax with an AB switch was a user friendly doubler/electric solution, though in hindsight an onboard AB switch w/ 2 inputs would have been a better option had we had enough space.

Well, on that note, I will say that having the built-in variable HPF on both channels of the TT-800 made me seriously considering buying it for doubling - and that the single-input was a big hangup. I think a built-in HPF is a slam dunk that a lot of manufacturers gloss over. Just a thought.

 

[coy garcia]

I've owned a 400+ since 91 and until a couple yrs ago it was my main amp. It's been in the shop a few times over the yrs and some shops made me wait months for a repair. I gig now with a ampeg pf50t which has plenty of power, It keeps up and is easier to move and maintain.
I enjoyed trying out all the other boogie amps that came out since the 400+ but none of them spoke to me. I'm not much of a fan of any of the tube preamp hybrid amps.
I would LOVE to see it revisited and maybe I will sell a kidney to buy one if I have to. My personal wants...a bias control for the tubes, single channel, no graphic eq, maybe sweepable mid control, about 100 watts give or take (so I can afford to retube it now and then). All the in/out di options of the original. Something that comes with a quality gig bag with shoulder strap to carry into gigs. built like a tank and under 30 lbs. Oh Yes!!! this would be awesome!!

 

[J Posega]

Someday, I'll be buying a head and cab again. Until then, I just ogle all the cool stuff that's come out in the last several years. Been tempte to buy an unnecessary Mesa or Genzler many times, but remind myself that I don't even gig right now.

I have nothing to contribute to the wants/needs out of a 400-inspired modern amp, except that it's cool as hell that an engineer is actually regularly engaging with members of our dorky community to crowd-sources such opinions.

 

[ClusterFlux]

Crowdsourcing amp ideas on TB? What could go wrong?

 

[/\/\3phist0]

Crowdsourcing amp ideas on TB? What could go wrong?

It’s worked out for us and @agedhorse so far! The Subway series benefited from the input from this community, and members contributed to the concept, testing, and the manual for the WD, so : a lot can go RIGHT! ( thanks @Chef (RIP) and @Al Kraft )

I mean seriously, why not give the people what they want, by asking what that actually is.

 

[burgerdj]

How about a single-band parametric EQ, in addition to the usual complement of tone controls. That way people can punch in their preferred smile or frown pattern like on a graphic EQ, using less panel space.

With a selectable Q?

 

[jmattis]

I would love a single channel 400 style amp. The two channel of the TT-800 is cool, but I hardly ever used the Subway channel. I also would definitely love to see it keep the HPF, and wouldn't miss the headphone out at all. I could live without the USB jack, but I did use that to power a wireless, so if that can stay I'm in favor. I also feel like the DI could be simplified, though I have no idea what goes into the design of such a thing. Would it be too much to ask for an original walkabout style DI, but with a level knob if you're using the post-EQ signal?

 

[burgerdj]

I had the privilege of preserving my hearing in front of a 400+ many moons ago. For what it’s worth:

1. Replace the graphic eq with a semi parametric like the Walkabout OR
2. I really like the idea of a single semi parametric mid with adjustable Q for instant smile/frown.
3. Selectable impedance down to 2 ohm OR
4. Maybe a half- or quarter output switch to get all that tube goodness at lower volume
5. Buffered loop
6. Phones/Aux or if you want to get fancy and modern … Bluetooth
7. Bonus points if it slots into a cabinet like the king of combos - Walkabout Scout
8. HPF/LPF

 

[bass12]

I think a built-in HPF is a slam dunk that a lot of manufacturers gloss over. Just a thought.

I agree. I really like having an adjustable HPF built into the amp. Definitely an added selling point - especially with how popular HPFs have become with us bassists (at least here on Talkbass ).

 

[DanAdams]

I miss graphic EQ on amps.
In a split second you can see where everything is.
With a bunch of rotary knobs, It can take time to recognize which knobs are EQ, then you have to be even closer to see where the indicators are, and knob positions can only be focused on one at a time.
I've never understood the trend to abandon the simple intuitive graphic EQ.
I always thought that SWRs design on the semi parametric/ graphic EQ was smart.

 

[agedhorse]

It’s worked out for us and @agedhorse so far! The Subway series benefited from the input from this community, and members contributed to the concept, testing, and the manual for the WD, so : a lot can go RIGHT! ( thanks @Chef (RIP) and @Al Kraft )

I mean seriously, why not give the people what they want, by asking what that actually is.

I've got a pretty good "ideas filter" onboard

I would love a single channel 400 style amp. The two channel of the TT-800 is cool, but I hardly ever used the Subway channel. I also would definitely love to see it keep the HPF, and wouldn't miss the headphone out at all. I could live without the USB jack, but I did use that to power a wireless, so if that can stay I'm in favor. I also feel like the DI could be simplified, though I have no idea what goes into the design of such a thing. Would it be too much to ask for an original walkabout style DI, but with a level knob if you're using the post-EQ signal?

The DI would certainly be simpler because there's no need for a post DI that also tracks channel switching if there's no channel switching.

 

[pbass888]

I like graphic EQ (had a Hartke in the 80's ) and learned a lot about eq points for setting in a particular room. I also like the idea. Now choosing the correct points ....... that may be a longer discussion (perhaps adjustable eq points like source eq). OP, sounds like a great project and thanks for soliciting ideas!!!

 

[Snaxster]

revisiting the Bass 400/400+ concept except in a lighter weight package

It should

• have the irreducible set of inputs and corresponding controls that characterize the Bass 400+

• sound and feel credibly like playing through 4 x 12AX7 and 12 x 6L6 tubes.

An FX loop is optional. (I wouldn't want it.)