Thunderfunk 550b on the way...

[Vic]

+1 on your Eden comments. In A/Bing the WT550 with the Thunderfunk550, the Eden does sound a little 'sweeter' when played solo due to the more open low end and warmer treble response of the tube in the pre. However, I find these difference translate to a more penetrating punch and cut through for the TF on the gig.

+1

 

[Vic]

I believe the lights staying on with the 'switch' is normal. Dave explained it to me once, but I forgot the reason... something to do with the voltage switching or something.

Nah, it's just that he's using bigger filter caps to improve the tone and reduce noise in the amp. When you shut the amp down, caps, especially big ones, basically behave like batteries, and since that LED circuit draws so little current, it can actually run for a long time before it "bleeds off". Totally no big deal, but it is kinda' odd looking.

My 550a model is ultra quiet though, so not sure about the background noise. I actually have a 550b on the way, and will compare the noise between both of them. However, TF's are known for very, very quiet operation. You might want to check with Dave on that.

I don't recall much noise on mine, but I can check it out tonight to see. I just know my EBS was a lot noisier by comparison for sure.

 

[MikeBass]

Nah, it's just that he's using bigger filter caps to improve the tone and reduce noise in the amp. When you shut the amp down, caps, especially big ones, basically behave like batteries, and since that LED circuit draws so little current, it can actually run for a long time before it "bleeds off". Totally no big deal, but it is kinda' odd looking.

I don't recall much noise on mine, but I can check it out tonight to see. I just know my EBS was a lot noisier by comparison for sure.

A cap basicly helps release current at a given/constant rate.
And depending on the cap itself (ratings and what not) it will store energy (current) will "fade" as it depleats the remainder of energy. Thus, the LED's fade out.

You can design it to avoid this, but usually not necessary for our purposes really.

 

[MikeBass]

So Ken, you ordered a 550B???

 

[Mr_Dave]

I expect that the LED(s) staying on are just related to a capacitor gradually discharging after you power down. I kind of like the effect. It's like a jet engine powering down.....My TFB550B is dead quite though. Even the fan runs pretty much in stealth mode. If you check your bass, all cableling and the A/C circuit and it's still a problem, I'd give D. Funk a call or e-mail. He'll fix you up. You don't hear about many problems with the TFunk amps but I had a problem with the first 550B I purchased. Before the sun set that day, Dave had built up another unit, shipped it and e-mailed me the tracking number. Customer service second to none!

Cool, explains the LEDs...

Only problem is i've bought this unit 2nd hand (its only 2months old and mint, got a good deal!) and i'm in melbourne, Australia so i don't really have a reference for how quiet its supposed to be. I'm pretty sure its as least as noisy if not a little noiser than my old GK400RBIII but i'd have to do a direct AB - Probably still worth me firing of an email.

Cheers.

 

[Thunderfunk]

You can design it to avoid this, but usually not necessary for our purposes really.

Yes. The LEDs are actually in series with the preamp supply. So if there's energy in the power supply, the preamp will drain it off, which means current will be flowing through the LEDs. But those LEDs aren't power indicators, although they double for it. When you turn the amp off "The Switch" is still in SS or Tube position, and the LEDs are still indicating that.

If the fan is on it will drain the high voltage supply (Tube/Red), but there's no drain on the low voltage supply (SS/Green). So, if you turn the amp off in the Red position, and the LED goes out, you can still switch to the Green position hours later and the Green LED will light. It was the simplist way to implement the circuit without a complicated (hard to get) switch or additional circuitry.

 

[Mr_Dave]

Yes. The LEDs are actually in series with the preamp supply. So if there's energy in the power supply, the preamp will drain it off, which means current will be flowing through the LEDs. But those LEDs aren't power indicators, although they double for it. When you turn the amp off "The Switch" is still in SS or Tube position, and the LEDs are still indicating that.

If the fan is on it will drain the high voltage supply (Tube/Red), but there's no drain on the low voltage supply (SS/Green). So, if you turn the amp off in the Red position, and the LED goes out, you can still switch to the Green position hours later and the Green LED will light. It was the simplist way to implement the circuit without a complicated (hard to get) switch or additional circuitry.

Thanks for the answer - and thanks for the fantastic amp

 

[KJung]

Nah, it's just that he's using bigger filter caps to improve the tone and reduce noise in the amp. When you shut the amp down, caps, especially big ones, basically behave like batteries, and since that LED circuit draws so little current, it can actually run for a long time before it "bleeds off". Totally no big deal, but it is kinda' odd looking.

I knew it was 'switch specific' and not due to bigger caps, etc., but couldn't come up with the specifics. Dave addressed this above, and now I remember!

 

[Lync]

I have the 420 and have yet to run out of headroom (I have played in a 2 guitar rock band against two 100 watt tube heads and each guitarist used a 4x12 cab).

I am convinced that the head makes any cab sound good.

That being said, I used the timbre control and also add some low mids to feel that punch.

 

[Vic]

That being said, I used the timbre control and also add some low mids to feel that punch.

+1, and you get a super punchy bass like a Skjold hooked up and it's downright frightning!

 

[CaptainWally]

Very cool. I always describe the sound of the TF as a 'refined, boutique GK type tone'.

Those upper mids sound really good in a gig situation, so don't work too hard to get those out yet! Also, very slight adjustments of the Timbre control and the enhance control (which is a much nicer, more subtle circuit than the Eden enhance IMO) can go a long way, along with setting the switch in the SS mode to make the high end a little more 'airy and crisp'.

+1 on your Eden comments. In A/Bing the WT550 with the Thunderfunk550, the Eden does sound a little 'sweeter' when played solo due to the more open low end and warmer treble response of the tube in the pre. However, I find these difference translate to a more penetrating punch and cut through for the TF on the gig.

Enjoy!

I can't say that the desciption of "boutique GK sound" makes me want to run out an buy one. Keep in mind I have yet to hear the TF in any capacity.

So emphasis must be on the "boutique" I guess?

I can get a new GK1001 with 750W for $599 shipped. Given that data point, what do I get sonically for my $500?

Is it possible to describe the differences?

 

[matito]

I can't say that the desciption of "boutique GK sound" makes me want to run out an buy one. Keep in mind I have yet to hear the TF in any capacity.

ditto! i'm not a fan of the GK amps, too SS and sterile for my liking, but can understand why people would like them.

I prefer a tubey sound thats why i went for the ashdown, i think my next amp would have to be a all tube amp.

Mr Dave, glad you like the amp, i think its better off you got it then me, after hearing its similiar to a GK, enjoy!

 

[Vic]

I can't say that the desciption of "boutique GK sound" makes me want to run out an buy one. Keep in mind I have yet to hear the TF in any capacity.

So emphasis must be on the "boutique" I guess?

I can get a new GK1001 with 750W for $599 shipped. Given that data point, what do I get sonically for my $500?

Is it possible to describe the differences?

I'll initially qualify my response to say, I have nothing against GK... in fact I like them, and think they're a great value, but IMHO, the TFB is easily significantly better in pretty much every way...

First, I had a GK 1001RB-II... for a while at the same time as I had my TFB, and the TFB is at least as loud as the 1001-II, so this is just a classic case of "the numbers game" and how different manufacturer's ratings can really be misleading, and are so dependent on exactly how they measured what.

Second, you'll get a "quicker" power amp, which translates to more punch.

Third, you get a WAY more powerful EQ section, and that INCREDIBLY useful "timbre" knob, which is like an ultra-fast way to basically tweak your tone for a given room without having to go through all your EQ each time. This is a feature that REALLY sets this amp apart from others, and is pretty specifically geared for gig situations... when EQ'ing and getting a full and cutting tone with definition is so darn hard to do. I always found the GK EQ to be a bit frustrating in the mids... especially in certain rooms.

Fourth, you get BOTH pre AND post DI outs, each with individual ground lifts, which can actually be used simultaneously, if you like.

Fifth, you get the SS/Tube "switch". It's a control that seems subtle on the surface just listening to it in practice at home, but is deceptively useful. This is another control that really shines at a gig.

Sixth, you get a deep and rich heritage all the way back to the coveted "Amp" heads, which means more years of practical experience probably been compiled into this design than just about any other head, which really becomes evident when you gig with it. These just have that certain "something" without having to work for it with the EQ.

Seventh, you get a darn cool name on the head.

Don't get me wrong, I think the GK's are great values. I just consider them second class and significantly limited in features compared to the ThunderFunk. IMHO, $500 more is easily a bargain for all you get for it.

 

[Mr_Dave]

I'll initially qualify my response to say, I have nothing against GK... in fact I like them, and think they're a great value, but IMHO, the TFB is easily significantly better in pretty much every way...

First, I had a GK 1001RB-II... for a while at the same time as I had my TFB, and the TFB is at least as loud as the 1001-II, so this is just a classic case of "the numbers game" and how different manufacturer's ratings can really be misleading, and are so dependent on exactly how they measured what.

Second, you'll get a "quicker" power amp, which translates to more punch.

Third, you get a WAY more powerful EQ section, and that INCREDIBLY useful "timbre" knob, which is like an ultra-fast way to basically tweak your tone for a given room without having to go through all your EQ each time. This is a feature that REALLY sets this amp apart from others, and is pretty specifically geared for gig situations... when EQ'ing and getting a full and cutting tone with definition is so darn hard to do. I always found the GK EQ to be a bit frustrating in the mids... especially in certain rooms.

Fourth, you get BOTH pre AND post DI outs, each with individual ground lifts, which can actually be used simultaneously, if you like.

Fifth, you get the SS/Tube "switch". It's a control that seems subtle on the surface just listening to it in practice at home, but is deceptively useful. This is another control that really shines at a gig.

Sixth, you get a deep and rich heritage all the way back to the coveted "Amp" heads, which means more years of practical experience probably been compiled into this design than just about any other head, which really becomes evident when you gig with it. These just have that certain "something" without having to work for it with the EQ.

Seventh, you get a darn cool name on the head.

Don't get me wrong, I think the GK's are great values. I just consider them second class and significantly limited in features compared to the ThunderFunk. IMHO, $500 more is easily a bargain for all you get for it.

+1.

 

[matito]

just when i thought it went away, now my GAS for a thunderfunk is back, thanks Vic!

dave funk should hire you as his spokesman

 

[Vic]

just when i thought it went away, now my GAS for a thunderfunk is back, thanks Vic!

Hey, just tellin' the truth for my honored buds at TB. Besides... I refuse to GAS alone...

dave funk should hire you as his spokesman

Not necessary. All of Dave's customers would say the same thing. I just happened to be the first one to speak up this time.

 

[CaptainWally]

right on...thanks very much!

 

[MikeBass]

I'll initially qualify my response to say, I have nothing against GK... in fact I like them, and think they're a great value, but IMHO, the TFB is easily significantly better in pretty much every way...

First, I had a GK 1001RB-II... for a while at the same time as I had my TFB, and the TFB is at least as loud as the 1001-II, so this is just a classic case of "the numbers game" and how different manufacturer's ratings can really be misleading, and are so dependent on exactly how they measured what.

Second, you'll get a "quicker" power amp, which translates to more punch.

Third, you get a WAY more powerful EQ section, and that INCREDIBLY useful "timbre" knob, which is like an ultra-fast way to basically tweak your tone for a given room without having to go through all your EQ each time. This is a feature that REALLY sets this amp apart from others, and is pretty specifically geared for gig situations... when EQ'ing and getting a full and cutting tone with definition is so darn hard to do. I always found the GK EQ to be a bit frustrating in the mids... especially in certain rooms.

Fourth, you get BOTH pre AND post DI outs, each with individual ground lifts, which can actually be used simultaneously, if you like.

Fifth, you get the SS/Tube "switch". It's a control that seems subtle on the surface just listening to it in practice at home, but is deceptively useful. This is another control that really shines at a gig.

Sixth, you get a deep and rich heritage all the way back to the coveted "Amp" heads, which means more years of practical experience probably been compiled into this design than just about any other head, which really becomes evident when you gig with it. These just have that certain "something" without having to work for it with the EQ.

Seventh, you get a darn cool name on the head.

Don't get me wrong, I think the GK's are great values. I just consider them second class and significantly limited in features compared to the ThunderFunk. IMHO, $500 more is easily a bargain for all you get for it.

I'll agree with everything here, except the "GK...second class" part.
After gigging a bunch (tonight as well) with a loaner 550a (thanks KJung) I can say that they stinkin' rock in every way and are versitle as any thing out there.

But having GK on backline gear on a number of tours, I can say that they too are truly killer amps in their own right.
But in the end, the flexability of the EQ, having extensive DI out options and power up the wazoo (don't be fooled by the 550 watt rating-I put this thing up to my AI Focus-800 watts and a Eden WT 550 and WT 800, and it went toe to toe with all of them with ease).
That timber knob is really all I need to adjust.
I run the timber at about 10 o'clock and bump the treble up about 2 o'clock and I'm set pretty darn close.
Boosted the bass to about 1 o'clock and dimmed 1K a bit tonight.

Now, the switch. Up is what setting and down is what??
Mine will have the little push button switch, so I'm OK there, but on KJung's- what is what??

 

[Vic]

Don't get me wrong, I think the GK's are great values. I just consider them second class and significantly limited in features compared to the ThunderFunk.

I'll agree with everything here, except the "GK...second class" part.

Just to clarify, I didn't mean second class in a general and unqualified way. I meant specifically when compared to a TFB. IMHO, GK makes great stuff... especially for the price... it just ain't no TFB.

 

[KJung]

right on...thanks very much!

+1 to Vic's description. My comparison to GK was meant to communicate the quickness and SS tone of the Thunderfunk, and the general tone family of that amp (versus Aguilar, Eden, etc., etc.). I greatly prefer the TF over the GK line, which I also agree are great heads for the money.