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Reliable solid state heads with plenty of power

Bodiczek

Bodiczek

Feb 25, 2019
22
32
Stuttgart, Germany
#1
Hi Bass-swarm,

I am looking for a reliable solid state head with plenty of power / lots of headroom for touring. Something like the Aguilar DB751 (but less expensive) or a Peavey FB800 (but less antique). Could be all solid-state or hybrid with a tube pre-amp. Tone and weight of the head and power-handling of the cab are secondary here. ... and I don't want to start a general discussion about valve vs. solid-state power stages. :)

Every recommendation is very welcome!
Thank you!
Bodiczek
 
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#3
I have a Traynor DynaBass 800H: 800 watts into 4 ohms and stable down to 2 ohms, 5-band eq, preamp can run solid state or single tube (switchable, not blendable), overdrive that can blend onto the dry signal, limiter, compressor... you can look up the rest.

I got mine 2nd-hand in basically new condition after upgrading my pair of 2x10 cabs. I honestly can't think of anything else I could want with this piece of gear. I haven't had to lug it around to a lot of gigs yet and I know that it's much more hefty than a shiny new class-D lightweight, but zero objections so far.
 
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#4
Reliable would be anything that's not rack mounted and says Ampeg on it lol

Likewise not putting heads into bouncing rattle bucket trailers when touring.

Transport in foam lined cases or at least on some foam in the van or actual tow vehicle.

I'd literally buy a pair of any known reliable cheap lead sleds. One for stage ,one for back up.
 
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#5
groove pump said:
I have a Traynor DynaBass 800H: 800 watts into 4 ohms and stable down to 2 ohms, 5-band eq, preamp can run solid state or single tube (switchable, not blendable), overdrive that can blend onto the dry signal, limiter, compressor... you can look up the rest.

I got mine 2nd-hand in basically new condition after upgrading my pair of 2x10 cabs. I honestly can't think of anything else I could want with this piece of gear. I haven't had to lug it around to a lot of gigs yet and I know that it's much more hefty than a shiny new class-D lightweight, but zero objections so far.
Click to expand...

Was thinking about getting one of those Traynors at one point in time. Likewise was looking at few Used Mesa M9 Carbines. Never got them lol
 
#9
there are so many choices, many with the same specs more or less but different tone characteristics. your desired tone would be a good way to narrow it down...

in my experience (which is limited since i spent my first 20 years in music playing guitar and i've only ever owned class-D heads) the GK MB 800 is very dependable and those 800 watts are legit--you will have plenty of headroom, but it's got a very extended high-end (even with the treble knob down) which might not suit you. you mentioned the DB751, have you checked out the AG 700? probably doesn't have all the magic of the DB751, but it has just about as much power at a fraction of the price. TH 700 might do you well too if you like Aguilar and want something with a little more grit and character.
 
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#12
When looking at older products like what have been suggested, be aware that many no longer have the manufacturer's support and may have limited to no parts availability. While many common parts can be sourced by a resourceful tech, some have become unobtanium and may make a broken amp unrepairable.
 
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#13
Are you actually touring? What kind of gigs and how large are the places you are playing? Do you usually have PA support? What kind of cabs do you have? What amps have you had in the past where you really liked the tone? What kind of music are you playing? What kind of basses are you playing? What is your budget? Definitely not enough information to give a good answer for me, personally.
 
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#14
I wouldn't touch a Thunderfunk with a barge pole after reading about an absente owner.
New is good as far as freash componants and reliable.

GK, Mesa, GB, or Peavey have all been proved to be reliable and many are available with high power.
On the used market a GL 1001 RB II is a bargain and super loud.
SVT 4, 5, and 6 Pro are all reliable and super high power.
Many like the Ampeg 7 Pro but I do not; read up on which main board is the reliable one.
The Aggie TH500 is powerful and reliable but not my cup of tea.
db751 is a monster; but you knew that!
 
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#15
I haven't subjected it to the rigors of touring, but my GBE 1200 has been reliable (worst I've experienced was a scratchy pot or two). Powerful, 2 Ohm capable, 2 channel (FET/tube) preamp. It's 3U and 40-ish pounds, but my favorite of the Genz Benz heads I've played. Relatively affordable used, these days, and I am pretty sure that @agedhorse still services them (but he can confirm).
 
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#17
(no affiliation
built like a tank, made in Canada, from long time reputable gear company....500 watts, 4lbs, tons of power ( I have the 200watt version and it is loud) and $499 CDN new with 2 year warranty

see @bebass for US distribution....(no affiliation)

Traynor Amps

sb500h_lg.png
 
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#19
Several that are tried and true and have many fans on this forum (I've owned all 3, the last is my current favorite): Mesa Subway D800 and D800+; Genzler Magellan 800; Bergantino Forte. All three are built like tanks, have power to spare. Do a search on each in TB. I could happily live with any of the three. All can be had new for well south of $1k.
 

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