Trace Elliot GP12SMX different models

I think that the first one pictured is the older model.

I've had the second one and it was one beast of an amp. Very heavy, but LOUD LOUD LOUD!!! I miss it's tone, but not the weight.

 

Since it is non-defeatable, it certainly does add a lot of high-end content that can be tamed with the EQ. But no, if you ask me, the horn is not that important.

 

I had a friend that owned one like in the second pic. I used it on a couple of different occasions and thought it sounded nice. I'm a tweeter guy so I liked having it as part of my sound. Plenty of flexibility EQ wise, but like stated above that thing was heavy!! Glad I didn't have to move it around all the time.

 

Other way round, the top one is the later model. The first SMXs had the vinyl covering and the later ones the carpet and slightly face lifted panel.

 

I remember playing a gig in Japan where I had a Crate Bx160 combo amp. We (American) were the warmup band and the Japanese group that played after us their bass player had one of these amps. To say the least, he blew me away. I couldn't make any excuses and had to give props to the Japanese bass player. He kicked major booty that night. I'll never forget that experience. To date whenever I play out, I never slack off in terms of my attitude, my playing, or my gear. I'm presently running an old Trace head gp7 sm 300 with an Eden 2x12 cabinet. I love the Trace in your face punch.