Agree with everything you said there.rodl2005...I can't say enough good things about the fender SB, it's that good! The versatility of 2 channels gives you so many options tone wise. The heft behind every note is just awesome, not much compares to this head that I've played. The fender cabinets are no slouch either, they sound really really good!
The 500 is super light...not sure how it's that light...lol. The 500 is a great sounding hybrid it mostly lives at my practice space with the 115neo although the 115 has been getting some gig time. The 500 records amazingly well running it post di, for recording practices our drummer that mixes everything down does not have to add anything to the signal its that good. It's a very versatile amp tone and weight wise...but it's no SB...so the SB gets most the gig time. If you ever get time to try the 500 do it, I would be interested in your take on it.
Let's not forget about the v4b-reissue...best sounding 100w amp there is but sadly it just sits and looks pretty these days as the SB is just that good!
I use my V4B for smaller gigs ... but. .. you're right, it doesn't have the heft behind each note that the 300w Super Bassman has. And that's just gawjus 4 me.
I will give the 500 a run. ..in store tho. .. unless I find one out somewhere.
I'll let ya know