Trace Elliot 715x vs Trace Elliot AH150 SMC

[Domcaliss5]

Hey bass folks!

Came across 2 classifieds on FB Marketplace for a Trace Elliot Trace Elliot 715x combo amp and a Trace Elliot AH150 SMC (post doesn't specify anything about the cab, so let's assume it's not included). They are listed as 475 $ and 450 $, respectively.

I'm a huge fan of that signature TE sound. I'm plaving right now on a Trace AH350SMX using the first of two pre-shape EQ settings, which I absolutely love, the perfect balance between powerful bottom ends and metallic attack for my rather agressive finger playing. Only issue is that this amp in particular has been lent to me by a friend, and so, one of these days, I'm gonna have to give it back.

So I'm looking for the best permanent solution possible at a reasonable price. Any advice from TE lovers out there? Have you played on the models in question?

Bonus question : can the new little TE Elfs stack up to the old models? Would I be able to get that awesome sound I love with those recent models? all thoughts welcome

 

[Sparky Mark]

Compared to the 350SMX both of those you mention may be under powered if you play in a very loud band. I much prefer the 12 band graphic EQ TE heads and recommend you consider Series 6 heads also. Series 6 dont include as many features as the SMX but do the classic TE sound in spades, especially great with the mid pre set engaged.

Bonus answer; from what I've read the Elf is a decent micro class D amp but it won't replicate the 350SMX.

 

[Domcaliss5]

Compared to the 350SMX both of those you mention may be under powered if you play in a very loud band. I much prefer the 12 band graphic EQ TE heads and recommend you consider Series 6 heads also. Series 6 dont include as many features as the SMX but do the classic TE sound in spades, especially great with the mid pre set engaged.

Bonus answer; from what I've read the Elf is a decent micro class D amp but it won't replicate the 350SMX.

Thanks for the input, mate. I'm not super well versed in that kind of stuff, but the 715x is 500 Watts. Wouldn't that be sufficient in a band setting? Does it have to do with the size of the speaker included in the combo? Alternatively, wouldn't it be possible to hook up a bigger speaker cabinet to the 715X considerint the amp has a speaker output in the back?

 

[Gurnmagic]

Ditto what Sparky Mark said. Get yourself a used Series 6. The power supplies are far superior to later models, less features but that’s a good thing!

 

[Sparky Mark]

Thanks for the input, mate. I'm not super well versed in that kind of stuff, but the 715x is 500 Watts. Wouldn't that be sufficient in a band setting? Does it have to do with the size of the speaker included in the combo? Alternatively, wouldn't it be possible to hook up a bigger speaker cabinet to the 715X considerint the amp has a speaker output in the back?

Ah, okay. I've never tried TE combos later than the SMX series. There's little chance that the single 15 inch speaker could handle the full output on its own so yes an extension cab would be good. However I would still recommend getting a 12 band EQ TE head over any 7 band TE head. The magic is in the amps not the speakers, so a modern cab linked to a TE head is better (and probably a whole lot lighter weight) than a combo. I own a couple of Series 6 heads and a 250SMX that I use with Bergantino cabs and they sound great IMO.