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trace vs. ashdown

jnightmare

jnightmare

May 12, 2004
273
1
42
Carson, CA
#1
i did a search and couldn't really find enough info. on this. but i was wondering has anyone AB'd the 2 companys amps before. i remember reading on the forms that some of the trace engineers went to ashdown so i wanted to know how closely related they sound? i currently have a TE AH500X but i alwasy wanted to get a ashdown 500 EVO II head. so i was wondering how they compare?
 
#2
i once had a TE ah 400 (i think that was the model) for a very very brief period of time. i thought it was junk. im sure the amp was probably really awsome, but i have an idea that it wasnt tip top when it came to me. in any event, i didnt like it very much.

so after playing through... i dont know maybe 4 or 5 more amps all within a months time i ended up gettgin an ashdown abm 900. AWSOME. i love mine. if anything ever happned to it id be crushed. and its pre EVO II days so its not likely ill find another like it. i love the ashdown stuff.
 
#5
From what I understand, there isnt much difference (sound and quality-wise) between the pre-gibson trace stuff and the ashdown stuff.. Now, there is a big different between the post-gibson trace and ashdown.

I'd say, if your equiptment is a pre-gibson, stick with because going to ashdown isnt really an upgrade. Its going from one great product to another. Now, if your stuff is post-gibson, I'd say going to ashdown would be an upgrade.
 
#7
bobbykokinos said:
From what I understand, there isnt much difference (sound and quality-wise) between the pre-gibson trace stuff and the ashdown stuff.. Now, there is a big different between the post-gibson trace and ashdown.

I'd say, if your equiptment is a pre-gibson, stick with because going to ashdown isnt really an upgrade. Its going from one great product to another. Now, if your stuff is post-gibson, I'd say going to ashdown would be an upgrade.
Click to expand...


thing is i hate the weight of the trace thats why i've been considering maybe an ashdown and selling mine off.
 
#9
I went from a Trace AH250 head and TE 4 x 10, to a Trace AH500 with TE 4 x 10 and 1 x 15......then, after developing back trouble to an Ashdown ABM500 EVO with Mini48 and Mini15 cabs!


Sound quality and reliabilty between Pre and Post Gibson to me was exactly the same - can't say I noticed any significant difference. However, I did miss the UV lamp to illuminate the front panel! The AH500 also had the built in 2 band compressor which was nice!

Moving to the Ashdown rig, I found a huge reduction in weight - almost 40kgs all in, no reduction in volume (that I could detect - although I've never had all of the rigs up full!!!), and the tone is fine with the Ashdown - possibly more versatile, as dialing in the pre-amp valve gives more warmth than my Trace AH500....

Weight wise, the Ashdown is a winner, and to me tonewise and volume wise there are no problems!
 
#11
jnightmare said:
i dont really play a 5 stringer but just curious how the ashdown handles the low B? i usually though only play as low as drop D. but just curious if in the future i ever do decide to get a 5'er.
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Not a problem! I have 3 5 stringers just now and they all sound fine through it (in fact I also have an Electric Blue 130 with a 15"speaker whihc also works well with the 5 stringers!)


I also had a 4 stringer with a hipshot D tuner, which sounded good - so down to D or down to low B you should be fine! :bassist:
 
#12
I had some 350w trace head and 4x10"+1x15. and now i have Ashdown ABM 500 evo and i couldn´t be happier.
And soundvise they´re completely different animals..
But if you run them both flat, they will sound not so different.
Ashdown has much more bottom end and warmth than TE.

I personally think that u can´t go wrong with ashdown.
But then again it all comes down to personally preferences..

Best regards.
 

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