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Thunderfunk TF420 vs. Aguilar AG500

#101
Roscoe5 said:
Awesome review David. Very well written as well. A somewhat telling question would be: "Having compared both, are you still selling your AG500?" If the answer is yes, the nod goes to Thunderfunk.
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Not really, I'd decided by the time the TF got here that the AG500 was going. I listed my reasons for that @ the start of the review. The TF is going to be easier to hook up once in a while to a power amp - I have an 8ohm cab which I can't power 100% using either the TF or AG.
 
#102
IvanMike said:
It's interesting that you commented on the mids on the aggie having "more going on" than the tf. from what i can hear, the tf has more mid character than either swr or eden. But in comparing the ag500 to my old eden i found them to be quite similar tonally.
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My comment was more along the lines that the AG has a bit more of a color by default whereas the TF sounded much more hi-fi flat in comparison with eq centered. Nothing wrong with that: the db680 preamp is my favorite preamp ever and that's certainly colored. The TF got plenty warm fast with a smidgen of eq / timbre.
 
#103
I've been reading that it's a loud amp for it's specs.
Do you think that the TF can be heard in a band context with only one 8 ohm cab?
I'm not talking about 2 guitarists, loud rock & roll drums,etc.
In a pop band, playing in a small bar, can you still hear yourself with the TF and a high sensitive 8 ohm cab?

Pedro
 
#104
For me "the switch" is just a subtle change (not an overall voice change...as the amp is still thunderfunk in either position). Toggling the switch to the new setting makes the tone slightly clearer and a little more airy (would probably be suited for URB???). I tend to like the regular thunderfunk tone position of the switch better as it has a little more meat on it (I guess that would be a little more tube-like tone). But it is nice to have the option if needed.
 
#106
pedroferreira said:
I've been reading that it's a loud amp for it's specs.
Do you think that the TF can be heard in a band context with only one 8 ohm cab?
I'm not talking about 2 guitarists, loud rock & roll drums,etc.
In a pop band, playing in a small bar, can you still hear yourself with the TF and a high sensitive 8 ohm cab?

Pedro
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one Tb member (brad johnson) uses his with an 8 ohm bag end 1x15 and says its loud enough for quite a few gigs that way. that cab has a sensitivity of 103 dB
 
#107
Well, I got my AG500. Ordered a Modern Case Rack bag to go with it. I would have ordered the Aguilar bag, but they were back ordered, and the Modern Case's 12" depth will fit it better, and its nice and lightweight... But I hope I won't regret not ordering the Aguilar Protec Bag. I got the 3 space for my Korg DTR2000 tuner to fit in it as well.

Overall impressions:
Well, this amp is nice and lighweight. It definitely has that signature "Aggie tone". Compared to the DB359, I think the 359 definitely sounds better, but not that much different. The 359 cuts more in the band situation, but the AG500 is so much lighter in weight I don't care. I think I couldn't be happier with my tone, the mids are cutting like a knife, and there is more bottom than I need. As for everyone that didn't like the 2nd channel, I think it's great. I can get a clean tone, it sounds like a tube amp with little or no saturation. Not as heavily distorted as everyone made it seem, but it can be if you want it. I think it gets good lows on the 2nd channel, but I do see where it's not as strong as the 1st channel, but I think that's because of the nature of the EQ being passive instead of active. I think the amount of bottom is very usable. I did find there is a big power difference from 8 ohms to 4 ohms, but I guess that was to be expected. I almost blew up my 8 ohm Acme B-1, so that was surprising. I don't think I'll have those problems with the new Accugroove cab when it arrives the middle of next week. Overall, I'm very happy with the amp. I still have yet to try the Thunderfunk, but I don't think I'll be changing amps anytime soon.

On another note, the new Linc Luthier bass is getting wired this weekend...... :hyper:
 
#109
Kael said:
Hey Dave, let me know how clean the AG500 is on upright when you get your DB wired?
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I'll do it!!! I'm a big Acoustic Image advocate, but I found the cabinet on the Contra is not tight enough for electric, and the Aguilar preamp sounds better for electric too. Once I rack it in the bag (when it gets here) I'll be taking the B-1 and the AG500 to my next jazz gig.... I'll let you know if I'm keeping my beloved old Contra. PS--I'm not knocking AI, they're great!!! Wonderful company too! Different strokes for different folks, it was a really tough choice between the AG500 and the Focus....
 
#110
Does anyone in the Daytona Beach area have either/both of these amps? I've been eyeing up the AG-500, and now I'm intrigued by this amp as well. I'd really like to give one (especially with "the switch" but it doesn't have to have it :)) a shot to see if I like it or no. I'd try the 7 day try out, but I don't have $1025 to put down initially, and if I wanted to keep it... it wouldn't be pretty :D

Ray
 
#111
I got the Whappo Jr. today, and the Modern Case rack bag showed up just in time too. My initial check on the Whappo Jr. was pretty good, I did not yet try the Aguilars (DB359 and AG500) with it. But I did rack the AG500 in the bag with my Korg DTR2000, and man it looks really sharp. I got the 12" deep model, 3 spaces, and it fits perfectly. There is only 1" between the back door and the back of the amp, and enough room in front. I think Protec makes a slightly nicer bag, but the Aguilar Protec bag is 14" and will leave a big gap in the back. This was the way to go for the best overall fit, and the Modern Case rack bags aren't too bad, or I wouldn't have both my amps in one (I have one for the DB359 too). So I will test out the AccuGroove and get back to yins guys.....(that's Pittsburgh lingo, go Steelers!!!) :bassist:
 
#112
Hey there my bottom dwelling brothers. The Whappo Jr. is fantastic. This cab is the most natural sounding cab I've ever heard. When they said flat, they were not kidding. You hear your instrument. It is very warm and organic with the 12" speakers, more natural than 10", IMO, but I still like 10's, I just think this is way better. I'm not side by side with a Berg or a Schroeder, but I've heard the HT322 and the 21012 and I think the Whappo Jr. has a more unique sound. The others sound more like your Goliath III 4x10. With the Aguilar head, either the AG500 or the DB359, it sounds great. The AG500 is more versatile and punchy, and the DB359 is very warm and fat sounding. The tubes pick up more room noise, and it can get a little buzzy, the AG500 is quieter in that regard. The DB359 does sound great though, nothing like a tube amp for sure. That's all I have to say at this point in time.
Dave :D
 
#113
I gigged the Thunderfunk for the first time at a three hour show last night, using my EA NL-210. I took the MTD and Lakland DJ 5.
The sound was amazing, I think one of the best I've ever had. The AG500 doesn't lack for low end, but the Thunderfunk just felt warmer on the low end the whole time.
 
#114
davidmwilson said:
I gigged the Thunderfunk for the first time at a three hour show last night, using my EA NL-210. I took the MTD and Lakland DJ 5.
The sound was amazing, I think one of the best I've ever had. The AG500 doesn't lack for low end, but the Thunderfunk just felt warmer on the low end the whole time.
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Thanks for the great "live gig" review on your 500W Thunderfunk David. Everytime I read a review like this, I realize a TF will likely be my next amp. Do you think there is any noticeable difference between the 400W version versus the 500W? I realize it amounts to just a little extra headroom but it also provides more power into a single 8 ohm cab which is good for smaller gigs. A bit more headroom for the low B string notes with the 500W TF might give me a little more peace of mind. (unless it's not needed) I might not need the extra 100W from what I've read. (Everyone says the 400W TF is huge performer and the 400w power rating belies its performance in the real world) More power is never a bad thing however. - Gary
 
#116
Well, I've had the AG500 a while now. I'm definitely sold. It sounds wonderful. I can't imagine the TF is better, but I'm sure it is equally as good, and very different too. I have one definite observation about the AG500. The AG500 is definitely a colored tone. It always has that "Aguilar Sound". Personally, I thinks its great. So much bottom, it's unbelievable, and it's very warm and wooly. But my other observation is that it's not a "flat" sound. I definitely think Acoustic Image nailed it for a flat sound. I know one thing, these are all great amps, different strokes for different folks, but right now I'm very stoked on the AG500. I'm not trading it for nothing (at least anytime soon). ;)
 
#117
Hey DaveAceofBass,
Thanks for keeping this thread updated every so often. I've enjoyed reading through it. These two heads were pretty much the finalists in my search for a new head. I should be recieving the Aggie ag500 soon. I too, owned a db359 and have since been longing for that Aggie sound. Hopefully the 500 will cure that for me. I'll post a review when I get it.
 
#118
Lots of good info here.
I have been searching for a new amp for a long time now, and I've finally settled for the Thunderfunk. Mainly because of the name.
No, seriuosly. As I live in Norway I cannot try many amps out. But searching the net I am yet to find ONE negative review of the TF. The fact that Dave Funk seems like a very likeable and helpful guy is also important.

And, off course, you cannot underestimate the power of FUNK!

My teacher loves the Aggie, and I from what I've heard you can't go wrong with that either. It's just up to your taste then, I guess.
Hopefully, my TF will ship tomorrow. I can't wait:)
 
#119
Norwegianwood said:
...As I live in Norway I cannot try many amps out. But searching the net I am yet to find ONE negative review of the TF. The fact that Dave Funk seems like a very likeable and helpful guy is also important.

And, off course, you cannot underestimate the power of FUNK!..
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That's what I've been thinking. There are all sorts of varying opinions out there on the world's finest amps, exept for TF - the TF reviews don't vary much at all, do they?

Why shouldn't we pick an amp that the most BASSISTS say sounds good? We all know that wherever we play, when there's one bassist in the audience, we're playing for the bassist!

I live in the strange and exotic land of Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA, which is like only a couple hours from the ThunderFunk World Headquarters! I'll get to shake hands on the deal with Mr. Funk himself!

..and the name IS so cool.

Oh yeah.

Joe
 
#120
Norwegianwood said:
Lots of good info here.
I have been searching for a new amp for a long time now, and I've finally settled for the Thunderfunk.
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Congrats. From the glowing reviews i've read as well, you've made a great decision. I'd love to play one someday, but in my case, I long for that Aggie sound... hopefully I'll find it in their solid state head. And unlike some people here, I can't wait to hear the distortion channel.
Anyway, congrats on the 'Funk and make sure to post a review here.
 

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