Small modern sounding amp - ideas and suggestions?

[Inconnu]

Hi!
I’m a long time Ampeg user. I currently own an SVT Classic with an 8x10 and a Micro VR with its 2x10. That sounds feels like home.

BUT…

I’m interested in having access to a modern sound. You know, that clear, almost hi-fi, punchy and not too rumbly sound? I wonder what currently made, small footprint amp would fit the bill. Speaking of bill, I’d keep that bubble in my head idea under $1000. No need to be extra loud, could be in the range of the Micro VR or a bit less. My first thought is the Trace Elliot Elf because they’re cute, but I might be mistaking.

So, any ideas and suggestions?

 

[Neon Blues]

How small? I’d recommend a GR Bass 110 Combo.

 

[Inconnu]

I’d say a 1x10 would be the smallest.

 

[brianrost]

The ELF cabs have no tweeter which is typically part of the “modern hi-fi” recipe.

GK is worth looking into but keeping it under $1000 new is a problem, you’d have to go used.

I see used Bergantino cabs coming down in price, you can find a 1-12 in the $400 range, then add the head of your choice.

 

[gtirard]

How small? I’d recommend a GR Bass 110 Combo.

Yes, GR Bass AT110 should make it.
Also Phil Jones. I'm not sure what model, but they sound clear, delailed and articulate (what I call "anti-mud") like GR Bass.
I have the Double Four, it's incredible for the size and weight. Bigger models and modular rigs (head + cab) are probably excellent too.

 

[Geepers]

Warwick Gnome iPro 300w head through 300w 210 cab (with tweeter). Small footprint, big sound, totally bullet-proof construction, no fan noise, very affordable. I offload other amps but never this one or my GK.

 

[Aloe]

Phil Jones amps are great, at least the ones with the 5-band EQ (D-400, BP-800; BG-450 if you're looking for a combo): modern, clean, hifi, flexible, able to dial out the boom due to separate 70Hz and 160Hz bands.

if you're looking for not hifi, but 'almost hifi', many other options arise. MarkBass is clean, bright and on the warm side, EBS Reidmar is something in between of a modernish transparent amp and a classic lightly overdriven bass amp. I'd say, Reidmar is the closest to the Ampeg or Elf of those, but more modern.

I've had or have all three brands I recommended, so if you have additional questions on them, ping me.

 

[shoot-r]

Modern, clear, hi-fi, punchy (also with a feeling of a fast transient), "to my ears" = G.K.

 

[Saetia]

Yes, GR Bass AT110 should make it.
Also Phil Jones. I'm not sure what model, but they sound clear, delailed and articulate (what I call "anti-mud") like GR Bass.
I have the Double Four, it's incredible for the size and weight. Bigger models and modular rigs (head + cab) are probably excellent too.

The double 4 is impressive for how tiny it is and sits nice in the living room.

 

[6thplanet]

Maybe something from Hartke? They're one ten combo sounded pretty clean/clear to me. I'm a bit biased, the old school HA series is well know for clean and punchy.

 

[sheesh]

My GK MB200 (currently $399) with the Peavey Trace Elliot 1x10 (currently $399) is a great set up. You can get another PTE 1x10 later.

 

[Steve Park]

The double 4 is impressive for how tiny it is and sits nice in the living room.

It's worth noting that the PJB Double Four (Plus) was just updated with a slight bump in power and added bluetooth. I have the previous/orginal 70w double four for quieter living room use, and it does sound full and articulate. If I had to do it all over, I might have stretched the budget to get the BG-120 which has 5" drivers and a bit more power while still quite small.

For a tiny amp+cab setup, I enjoy my Revsound RS8 (8") cab with a Darkglass Microtubes 200 - it sounds terrific (clear, full, etc)! More presence and shaping than the Double Four. irrc cab, amp, cable was under $800.

 

[Reedt2000]

I know they get mixed reviews around here, but I've been gigging a Markbass cmd 121p for nearly 10 years now without issue. It is very clean and transparent with 4 band EQ, mid scoop (which I don't use) and LPF. It's 300 watts to 1 twelve in speaker and a horn, 500 watts with an added 8 ohm extension. Works great as a stand-alone for smaller gigs, has a clean and quiet DI to run to FOH. I've been very happy with it.

 

[Old Blastard]

I'm loving my Genzler MG 350 combo with a 10-inch bass array. It's about $1,300, but man, is it awesome.

 

[bigdaddybass12]

I have a Hartke HD210 cab that would be perfect. Loud, clean, nice punch. The HD112 are great cabs also

 

[Aidenn7]

try a countryman active di.. plugged into the effects loop of your ampeg..

 

[Killing Floor]

That describes PJB. Clear as a bell.

 

[fergbassplayer]

Phil Jones BG400 - great, portable and loud...can always add a c4 cab.

 

[Pings Bass]

My GK MB200 (currently $399) with the Peavey Trace Elliot 1x10 (currently $399) is a great set up. You can get another PTE 1x10 later.

I picked up an GK MB200 used and paired it with a GK neo 112ii (also used). Considerably under $1k invested, and it does everything I need it to do.

 

[LowendG]

Hard to beat the GK MB stuff. The 200w 1x12 combo has what I'd call a clean "modern" sound. And it is LOUD for it's size and very low weight. I have the powered extension cab for mine and rarely need it.