Reeves 400 vs 225

[Zanderwestcoast]

I am looking for input from people who have played both these amps and how they compare. I am not looking for feedback from players who have only played the 225's (lots already online). Sounds like a great amp...

I am considering the 400 for the additional headroom it should provide over the 225, rather than just the obvious advantage the 400 should have in driving larger, multiple cabinets configurations at higher volumes. Do they sound the same at lower or mid levels?

Cheers Zander

 

[FFTT]

Wish I could help, but the 400 wasn't yet available when I bought my 225.
The 225 is 225 watts RMS into 8 Ohms, but 256 watts RMS into 4 Ohms, and if you can find reliable KT-120's you can boost power another 14% to near 290 watts RMS.

 

[CL400Peavey]

For accurate power ratings, and a full review, Invalid Link Removed

 

[FFTT]

Since that article, the newer 225's & 400's are switchable 2/4/8 Ohm.
The original for that test, like mine was all purpose 4/8/16 Ohms output.

Today with IEM's you'd have to be playing some mighty big venues to justify a 400.

Part of the popularity of the 225 is that it has plenty power, while also being 25 pounds lighter
than a vintage SVT.

With the 400, sure you get more headroom, but you're back up to SVT weight.

 

[nysbob]

I had an easier time dialing the 400 in. Fantastic head.

The 225 has plenty of gas, but the 400 is a sledgehammer.

 

[Bassmec]

The Answer is yes 2 X 225 is louder than a single 400, so it's obvious what the most flexible and reliable engineering package is.
Would you cross the Atlantic in a single engined plane.?

 

[FFTT]

Gee, you could slave a 225 to a 400

 

[Zentner]

If the Reeves sounds anything like the amp its based on, it should sound pretty spectacular The DR405 has a ton of headroom, but can get very gnarly with the volumes linked and running hot!

 

[FFTT]

The Reeves will sound like the guitar you put into it.
Just all grins today playing my '64 Jazz with Nylon Wraps.

Exploring and really liking the tones with Neck Wide Open, Bridge Off, Tone Up about 75% , Especially with a pick.
The tone actually has a fatter, fuller, earthier tone that way than all pots open.
The action is just effortless and smooth, no string squeak and wicked fast and slippery.

 

[Zanderwestcoast]

I had an easier time dialing the 400 in. Fantastic head.

The 225 has plenty of gas, but the 400 is a sledgehammer.

Thanks for all the feedback everyone. Do you currently own the 400? If so, what cabinet(s) are you running with it? cheers

 

[Zanderwestcoast]

The Reeves will sound like the guitar you put into it.
Just all grins today playing my '64 Jazz with Nylon Wraps.

Exploring and really liking the tones with Neck Wide Open, Bridge Off, Tone Up about 75% , Especially with a pick.
The tone actually has a fatter, fuller, earthier tone that way than all pots open.
The action is just effortless and smooth, no string squeak and wicked fast and slippery.

Sounds great....I just bought a 65 Jazz...

 

[Zanderwestcoast]

Since that article, the newer 225's & 400's are switchable 2/4/8 Ohm.
The original for that test, like mine was all purpose 4/8/16 Ohms output.

Today with IEM's you'd have to be playing some mighty big venues to justify a 400.

Part of the popularity of the 225 is that it has plenty power, while also being 25 pounds lighter
than a vintage SVT.

With the 400, sure you get more headroom, but you're back up to SVT weight.

I have an SVT VR and 8X10. My only consideration is tone. Any extra weight is not a big deal to me...

I spoke to the guys at Reeves about the 400 vs 225. He mentioned the 400 was a bit edgier sounding compared to the 225 if running at the same low to mid volumes. Seems strange as I would have thought the additional headroom of the 400 at lower levels would be cleaner than the 225.

 

[FFTT]

I'm running my 225 into my vintage SVT AlNiCo 8X10

Since I never ran my SVT above 4.5 in any live situation, I'm not feeling any want for power.

Wish I could be more helpful on the 400.

Reeves does offer a 10 day, no hassle return policy.
At worst you risk return shipping costs.

 

[nysbob]

Thanks for all the feedback everyone. Do you currently own the 400? If so, what cabinet(s) are you running with it? cheers

I did a little beta testing on both of them when they were in pre-production. Played through 2 JBL 15" K145s

 

[CL400Peavey]

Thanks for all the feedback everyone. Do you currently own the 400? If so, what cabinet(s) are you running with it? cheers

This is how I would run a Reeves.

 

[FFTT]

This is all scratch study, but '64 Jazz Bass, Nylon Wraps, Reeves 225. .60 Dulop Nylon
AT4050 & TAB SM57 on AlNiCo 8/10 into DAV BG-1.

Updated



Re-Quantized Kick for some improvement on pocket, added new lyric.

Absolutely digging these strings.

 

[Tom Howland]

The Reeves 225 is my dream amp.
The 225 paired with a Bergantino NV215, is my desert island rig.

 

[Zentner]

I'm running my 225 into my vintage SVT AlNiCo 8X10

Since I never ran my SVT above 4.5 in any live situation, I'm not feeling any want for power.

Wish I could be more helpful on the 400.

Reeves does offer a 10 day, no hassle return policy.
At worst you risk return shipping costs.

Sounds great....I just bought a 65 Jazz...

Sounds like I'm playing your rigs...

65 Jazz -> Hiwatt DR405 -> Alnico loaded Ampeg Fridge

 

[Korladis]

Since that article, the newer 225's & 400's are switchable 2/4/8 Ohm.
The original for that test, like mine was all purpose 4/8/16 Ohms output.

Today with IEM's you'd have to be playing some mighty big venues to justify a 400.

Part of the popularity of the 225 is that it has plenty power, while also being 25 pounds lighter
than a vintage SVT.

With the 400, sure you get more headroom, but you're back up to SVT weight.

Or a really loud genre.

Bassist for Yob was rocking a Reeves 400 into a 2x15, plus what looked like an old Road amp into an 8x10, last time I saw them.

Though I doubt there were IEMs being used, lol.

 

[FFTT]

Sounds like I'm playing your rigs...

65 Jazz -> Hiwatt DR405 -> Alnico loaded Ampeg Fridge

Works For Me!