Super-Clean, Powerful Head Poll: There Can Be Only One

[Frank Miller]

Lol! That company is defunct. Gary says he'll do some repair work, but I bet it will be a long wait if something goes wrong and you don't have a qualified amp repair person to work on that.

The good thing is that Euphonic Audio preamps are nearly bulletproof. If an EA amp fails, it's probably the ICEpower amp module. Those are easy enough to acquire. Fifteen minutes is all it takes to swap out the amp module with no soldering necessary.

 

[frankie5string]

The good thing is that Euphonic Audio preamps are nearly bulletproof. If an EA amp fails, it's probably the ICEpower amp module. Those are easy enough to acquire. Fifteen minutes is all it takes to swap out the amp module with no soldering necessary.

As long as it’s newer than the iAmp350s which had a tendency for randomly blowing the input buffer by just plugging in (according to Gary and my experiences).

 

[Joebone]

The best sounding amps I've ever heard or played are the Aguilar 751 - which ain't portable! - and the Trickfish Bullhead 1.0. Only reason I don't own the 1.0 is that I'm using one or two 4-ohm cabinets, so way too much power with one, and unable to drive two. Warm, clean, articulate - incredibly useful for chordal playing.

 

[Frank Miller]

As long as it’s newer than the iAmp350s which had a tendency for randomly blowing the input buffer by just plugging in (according to Gary and my experiences).

Agreed! The iAmp350 didn’t utilize an ICEpower module, nor did any iAmp through the iAmp800. I was referring to the Micro/Doublers or the iAmp Pro and Classic. Even the short-lived iAmp1000 can have its Anaview amp module replaced by an ICEpower module.(It was even drilled out to retrofit an ICEpower 1000ASP.)

 

[Nebadon2000]

Or just take his Phil Jones amp he says it's the clean sound he likes but not enough power. Jack that preamp out/DI post into his most powerful amp he already has, like the Mesa D 800 power amp input and see how that sounds. Won't cost anything to try. Might be fun.

To Bad the Subway + DI/PRE is nowhere to be found it has the features to get what he wants and easier carry
Maybe Andy and Jeff's Preamp by Genzler

Seems OP has New Amp on his radar and can't be distracted' I have been there

 

[Thegreatzambini]

I had no idea this company even existed. Pretty fascinating, but they seem to be difficult to find in Europe, and apparently they've ceased trading which would make any potential warranty/support an issue... shame!

Just a heads up, EA is out of business

 

[Thegreatzambini]

Genzler Magellan 800 can do clean & hi-fi. Definitely not a one trick pony either.
Magellan 800 - Genzler Amplification

I vote for the Genzler as well don’t understand why they’re not on more of these polls , as they have a better rep then some on the list

 

[Pacman]

Aguilar DB751

 

[Medicine Man]

Quilter BB is loud, light, small and mostly clean. I use it with the tone controls at their most neutral like a power amp. At high gain setting it compresses a bit, but has a ton of headroom so it's not an issue to run clean. Not too pricey and fits in luggage.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

I have a WD and love it.
Sounds like his is looking for less tubie, more modern, clean like PA amp, Bergantino sound.

He writes, "My Mesa D-800 is an absolute tank, and has never failed me. It's my go-to touring amp. However, I'm after something a little more hi-fi and less old-school sounding (I will keep ahold of it of course, for projects needing that kind of sound)"

Or just take his Phil Jones amp he says it's the clean sound he likes but not enough power. Jack that preamp out/DI post into his most powerful amp he already has, like the Mesa D 800 power amp input and see how that sounds. Won't cost anything to try. Might be fun.

That sound like a pretty good idea to me. Save a ton of bucks!

I’ve run my Eden Navi preamp into the WD-800 and or an effects pedal into the effects return with great results. The power amp section of the WD-800 is pretty solid.

You know, I’ve had a number of tube amps, SVT, Hiwatt, Sunn, Fender, Eden (yes they had an all tube amp), and I’ve haven’t come to the conclusion my WD-800 is overly tubie. In fact with the power amp dampening up all the way it can get pretty clinical, if you get my drift.

One point on the subject is the crab used is going to have a lot to say about the overall sound. My Eden D-210 XST produces more of a a HiFi sound than that XLT cabs.

The OP is relying on back line cabs a lot which I’m going to guess is the main reason he is looking for more of a HiFi sound. A standard so to speak.

All that said, I like your idea better. Have a good one.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

Not having tried any of the amps you mention, but reading what you want and what you have experience with, I'd go with the Phil Jones Bass BP-800. I do not think there is much risk for you with that choice.

Otherwise, I can attest to the goodness and reliability (since early 2017) of the Genzler Magellan 800. If it got stolen today, I would replace it with the same thing tomorrow.

 

[dave hope]

Bergantino, a really great amp

 

[hooky_marr]

Harley Benton Block 800B, a simple clean preamp with a clean IcePower AS700 poweramp stage.

Came here to recommend this. I’ve heard nothing but good things about it.

 

[kerrycares]

Markbass lil Marcus 1,000

 

[DrThumpenstein]

You might want to take a look at the Markbass Big Bang. It's really loud and clean. Sounds a lot louder than the rated 500 W suggests. It was too clean for me. I'm thrilled with the tones from my WD 800 and TT 800 (which can also do clean, but that's not how I use them). Sounds like you like it a lot cleaner than me, so that might be worth considering.

 

[Lava]

Bergantino Forte HP

 

[tb-player]

One of the best I've ever owned.

 

[rmayer]

I voted “other”. My choice would be the Bergantino Forte HP. 1200/600 watts @ 4/8 ohms and $1499, right at your budget limit. Also runs 1200 watts @ 2 ohms.
Too much power? Then try the Forte D. 700/350 watts @ 4/8 ohms and comes in at $1199. It also bumps up to 800 watts at 2.67/2 ohms.
Both are solid amps and you can go from clean to dirty with the Drive circuit.

 

[MarkA]

If your Phil Jones Bass BP-200 already delivers your favorite bass tone, why not give the BP-800 a shot?

No affiliation: For Sale - Phil Jones BP-800 BP800 PJB

 

[dland]

Bergantino B|Amp