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Trickfish Bullhead 1K vs .5K

B

Bergerac

Jul 20, 2011
60
25
AUTRICHE, EU
#1
What difference can I expect soundwise from these 2 models (at moderate loudness). As I read, just the class-D power amp is different, so they won't sound exactly the same.

And do you know, is the power amp in the .5K model the same as in the Glockenklang Steamhammer and/or the same as in the Mesa 800+ ?
 
#3
Hello guys, you are correct that they wont sound exactly the same but they do share the same front end EQ so the DI out will be very similar. The Bullhead 1K has a Pascal Power amp that we have customized with additional capacitors with the goal of increasing the speed of recovery when hit with heavy transients. The result is a power section that is very quick, clear and detailed when hit hard and pushed. This is most evident with players playing faster passages or dynamic slap styles as they demand a quick transient recovery to sound clear at louder volumes. Overall this results is a slightly deeper dimension to the overall sound at all volumes.

The Bullhead .5K features the 700 watt ICE power module. This is the same power module found in many amps in this same classification and has proven to be a very reliable design that we have enjoyed working with.

To answer your question more specifically, at a moderate volume the differences are minimal. The difference to me come in when the amps get pushed a little. To me the Bullhead .5 is a little more predictable in how it seems to warm up a bit when pushed while the 1K keeps it precise clarity.

Physical differences are the toggle switches for the EQ section, Pad and Mute on the front of the Bullhead .5K along with a simpler back panel.

The Bullhead 1K's back panel has 2 speakon combo jacks, series/parallel FX loop, mute FS output, Tuner output and DI with adjustable level control, pre/post and ground lift.The Bullhead .5's back panel has a speakon combo jack, FX loop, DI output with level control, ground lift and pre/post switch.

Both amplifiers are convection cooled and therefor don't need a fan.

Thanks!
Ryan
 
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#4
ryanowens said:
Hello guys, you are correct that they wont sound exactly the same but they do share the same front end EQ so the DI out will be very similar. The Bullhead 1K has a Pascal Power amp that we have customized with additional capacitors with the goal of increasing the speed of recovery when hit with heavy transients. The result is a power section that is very quick, clear and detailed when hit hard and pushed. This is most evident with players playing faster passages or dynamic slap styles as they demand a quick transient recovery to sound clear at louder volumes. Overall this results is a slightly deeper dimension to the overall sound at all volumes.

The Bullhead .5K features the 700 watt ICE power module. This is the same power module found in many amps in this same classification and has proven to be a very reliable design that we have enjoyed working with.

To answer your question more specifically, at a moderate volume the differences are minimal. The difference to me come in when the amps get pushed a little. To me the Bullhead .5 is a little more predictable in how it seems to warm up a bit when pushed while the 1K keeps it precise clarity.

Physical differences are the toggle switches for the EQ section, Pad and Mute on the front of the Bullhead .5K along with a simpler back panel.

The Bullhead 1K's back panel has 2 speakon combo jacks, series/parallel FX loop, mute FS output, Tuner output and DI with adjustable level control, pre/post and ground lift.The Bullhead .5's back panel has a speakon combo jack, FX loop, DI output with level control, ground lift and pre/post switch.

Both amplifiers are convection cooled and therefor don't need a fan.

Thanks!
Ryan
Click to expand...

Thank you Ryan for the detailed explanation. I have the .5K and am absolutely thrilled with it. I'm sure that the 1K is even more awesome.
 
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#5
I thank you too, Ryan!
had a chance to test the Glockenklang Steamhammer which has the ICE module afaik, and will go with this one. The Class A Pre with a tiny little bit of the drive channel is soundwise unique! I checked it besides a D800+ and although its EQ is more versatile, the Steamhamer is more "real". (And my Portaflex Blue Diamond is my overall personal reference)
 
#6
Bergerac said:
I thank you too, Ryan!
had a chance to test the Glockenklang Steamhammer which has the ICE module afaik, and will go with this one. The Class A Pre with a tiny little bit of the drive channel is soundwise unique! I checked it besides a D800+ and although its EQ is more versatile, the Steamhamer is more "real". (And my Portaflex Blue Diamond is my overall personal reference)
Click to expand...
IMHO, the (Mike Pope) preamp in the Trickfish can't be beat. It's the most musical preamp built into a head that I've ever used...
 
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#8
Hello there ;)
For the moment i'm using the Trilobite preamp bypassing the preamp of my GK mb fusion 800.
Can someone tell me the power rating @ 4 ohms of the 1k please,since i have 2 cabs @ 8 ohms
Tkx
 
#9
Hello everyone !
For those of you playing Trickfish heads or preamp...How would you define the EQ and the global color of the sound ? Can you compare with well known brands ? Would the eq change the sound in a drastic way?

Thank you for sharing,
Cheers :)
 

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