Quilter Bass Block v803

[flshmtrnks]

Used the v803 at a rehearsal last night, and it sounded great.

Empress Bass Comp -> Sushibox Slampegg -> Sushibox Nobellium -> v803 scoop input & warm setting, all eq @ 12 o'clock -> Warwick 284 cab

It was a bit laid back and low volume. The 284's sound with the v803 really defies the size of the rig.

Tonight is the show. It's outdoor. I'll use the same setup but switch the 284 out for two Bag End 15's--an S-15 atop the bigger S-15B. Using the Bag Ends has generally had me reaching to cut treble on the v803. I expect to do that, and maybe use the flat input. It's a small show, so I probably won't be using DI.

 

[pisces_bass]

I usually use my Tone Hammer DI in front of the V803 but today at rehearsal I just plugged straight in. I pushed the gain up to noon to see if I could replicate the feel of the AGS circuit. Scoop input and warm voice sounded a little boomy through my SuperTwin so I cut bass and boosted low mids. That got me a thick, punchy sound with some grit. Totally useable if a bit different than what I dial in usually. The TH/AGS has its own vibe …but I'm happy I can get into that ballpark with the V803. It's not a sound the BB800 does without additional gear.

 

[ebozzz]

I am thoroughly confused. The headstock to head comparison between the BB800 and V803 isn't as easy of a decision as I thought it would be….

 

[pisces_bass]

I am thoroughly confused. The headstock to head comparison between the BB800 and V803 isn't as easy of a decision as I thought it would be….

Looking forward to details, when you are ready to share them. It's always interesting to hear what people expect and need from their gear.

 

[ebozzz]

Looking forward to details, when you are ready to share them. It's always interesting to hear what people expect and need from their gear.

I guess what I was hoping for is that the V803 was essentially the BB800 with some additional voices. To some degree it is but in my opinion, there are some slight differences in the tone. I'm still playing around with both amps but the only thing that I've clearly been able to determine is that I like both amps. I don't need the additional amp but if I were forced to make a decision on one or the other at this moment I'd opt for the BB800. I've still got more time before I have to decide so the comparison will continue…

 

[libekgz]

What cabinet would you pair this amp with? I am looking into options of switching from current setup.
Now I play:
GK MB Fusion 500
GK CX210 and GKCX115

 

[Hnz]

Phil Jones Bass works great with Quilter amps. But I'd try the G&K cabs first if I were you.

 

[gtirard]

What cabinet would you pair this amp with? I am looking into options of switching from current setup.
Now I play:
GK MB Fusion 500
GK CX210 and GKCX115

I love the Barefaced Super Compact + Quilter V803 (but I would try the GK cabs first like Hnz).

 

[pisces_bass]

I haven't tried GK cabs. But my Quilter amps sound great with older cabs, like SWR and Bag End, and newer stuff like Audiokinesis and Barefaced. I've also run the DI out without a cab for small rooms.

 

[ebozzz]

I haven't tried GK cabs. But my Quilter amps sound great with older cabs, like SWR and Bag End, and newer stuff like Audiokinesis and Barefaced. I've also run the DI out without a cab for small rooms.

My BB800 sounded great with some older Genz Benz cabs (GB410-T & a pair of GB-12Ts) that I owned at the time…

 

[John D Harris]

What cabinet would you pair this amp with? I am looking into options of switching from current setup.
Now I play:
GK MB Fusion 500
GK CX210 and GKCX115

I'd second the Barefaced Super Compact (with or without Tweeter).

The GK Neo IV 115, 112 (pair), or 212 are great cabs as well.

The Genzler BA2-115-3SLT or NC-115T would be great.

The GRBass AT 212+ is awesome at only 29 lbs.

 

[induction]

+1 for pjb cabs

 

[Jim C]

+1 for using older GB cabinets like the NeoX 2x12

 

[John D Harris]

I'd second the Barefaced Super Compact (with or without Tweeter).

The GK Neo IV 115, 112 (pair), or 212 are great cabs as well.

The Genzler BA2-115-3SLT or NC-115T would be great.

The GRBass AT 212+ is awesome at only 29 lbs.

... or if you need to get ridiculously loud, the Barefaced Super Twin (with or without Tweeter) at 40 lbs or a pair of the Super Compacts.

 

[pisces_bass]

I recommend the BF SuperTwin even at reasonable volume. I rarely push the master above ~150 watts, even for outdoor gigs. Depth, heft, oomph, etc but also nuance and detail.

 

[gtirard]

I recommend the BF SuperTwin even at reasonable volume. I rarely push the master above ~150 watts, even for outdoor gigs. Depth, heft, oomph, etc but also nuance and detail.

I'm sure it's true, and also it's taller so it's closer to the ears and the amp is closer to the eyes. And it looks even better. I'm sure I would buy one without hesitation if I had a car. But I take the subway to go to all my gigs, so I'll keep my SC. And I'm glad I never tried the ST because I don't know what I'm missing.

 

[libekgz]

I would love to try Barefaced but my current playing level does not justify buying expensive cabs. Few mentioned GK and I actually thought of Neo 212 recently since I want to replace my current CX cabs.

 

[John D Harris]

I would love to try Barefaced but my current playing level does not justify buying expensive cabs. Few mentioned GK and I actually thought of Neo 212 recently since I want to replace my current CX cabs.

There is an 8 Ohm GK Neo IV 212 in Classifieds, but it may be a zombie post - last comment by OP was Feb or 2024 offering it for $880 + shipping (supposedly new condition).
I'd assume most people want a 4 Ohm in a 212.

GK Neo IV 212 - 8 Ohm

New ones are currently $1049 at Sweetwater.

 

[pisces_bass]

Gratuitous photo from rehearsal yesterday

 

[libekgz]

There is an 8 Ohm GK Neo IV 212 in Classifieds, but it may be a zombie post - last comment by OP was Feb or 2024 offering it for $880 + shipping (supposedly new condition).
I'd assume most people want a 4 Ohm in a 212.

GK Neo IV 212 - 8 Ohm

New ones are currently $1049 at Sweetwater.

Yup, 4ohm would be better. I would be satisfied with Older silver series as well.