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Redhead vs Metro - which 2x10 combo should I get?

eaglemachine

eaglemachine

Oct 11, 2007
715
806
#1
I was wondering what you guys thought was the best 2x10 combo out of the SWR Redhead and the Eden Metro. I'm want to pick up one of these used to replace my head and cab that I'm currently trying to sell (too big and heavy)

Have any of you owned both and care to compare? Any issues or things to watch for with either one?

I play a 4 precision bass and an active 5 string with an aggie pre. I'm looking for a hi fi modern tone, but not too sterile. I have played an SWR and loved it but have heard great things about the eden, so I'm going see if I can find one to test out soon.
Thanks!
 
#2
IMO these two amps are totally different beasts tonewise. Ideally you really should try 'em both out before deciding for sure which one fits your needs the best. In case you don't have that option, read on...

Featurewise the Metro (2 footswitchable channels->solid state and tube) smokes the Redhead (single tube channel). You can dial in the SWR tone (or practically any other tone) on the Metro as it's voiced pretty flat across the spectrum and it has three bands of semi-parametric EQ. The Redhead is more of a one trick pony due to its single sweepable midrange control and its unique voicing (the 'SWR sound'). If that's the sound you want, the Redhead does it very well. If you want more options and prefer to hear the uncolored sound of your bass, the Eden is the better way to go. The Metro also cuts through WAY better in a live environment.

If you want to get a better idea if how the Redhead sounds with a jazz bass, there's a nice demo on Link Removed (basses and gear-> gear preview-> SWR Redhead).

Hope this helps.

Cheers,
Duff2
 
#3
Metro. But if you think a head and cab are too heavy, then sorry to burst your bubble but the Redhead and Metro are anything BUT easy to lug around. Big, heavy, awkward, etc. Find yourself a nice little Markbass rig.
 
#4
I was seriously considering a Redhead & now I'm slightly disappointed. I checked out that Bass player TV Redhead link & I'm not so crazy about the tone. Sounded too tight & clinical - for my ear anyway.

I suppose you could dial in a more phat & thick sound?

Redhead owner comments would be appreciated.
 
#5
Had a red head. Replace the speakers. PAS are POS. Theres a company called sica. Awesome replacement speakers. As for clinical sounding..thats what the redhead excells at, major tone tweaking is needed for a more"earthy" tone.

Redhead is lighter then metro...at least it felt that way. I have a 210 cabinet thats heavier than the redhead.
 
#7
I have owned and gigged both. I preferred the Metro by FAR. It could do everything the Redhead did and had better compression and a nice tube preamp that could give a little grind.

As much as I liked the Metro. It is not an easy combo to lug around. If you are looking for convenience, I would encourage you to check out a some of the more modern lightweight stuff. Little Mark II and Euphonic Audio (EA), gear have really impressed me recently. Or just get yourself and Eden WT550 head and a 1x12 Eden cab. I think you will thank yourself in the long run.
 
#8
Thanks for the opinions guys and comparison by funkytoe and duff. I will definitely seriously consider the metro then. I'm looking to downsize to a 2 x10 combo from a 100lb 4x10 and a 40lb rack case..it will be a little smaller and easier to transport with casters...I hope :)
 
#9
bassfrenzie said:
I was seriously considering a Redhead & now I'm slightly disappointed. I checked out that Bass player TV Redhead link & I'm not so crazy about the tone. Sounded too tight & clinical - for my ear anyway.

I suppose you could dial in a more phat & thick sound?

Redhead owner comments would be appreciated.
Click to expand...

While I like both of those combos, I would also suggest that you check out the Fender TB 600 combo. Especially if you want a more phat & thick sound. I am reviewing one of these for BGM issue #3, and IME/IMHO, it's equally good, though different, from the Metro and Super Redhead.

Tom.
 

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