Trickfish Bullhead 3k or Berg HP Ultra?

[BassSaxMan]

Anyone play both of these? I've had both the Bullhead 1k and an HP Forte 1 (which I was not a big fan of thought it was bland) but am currently on an Epifani 901c which is overall great. But I am interested in higher power of these models, mostly to try and get the depth and punch of a "lead sled" in these light weight heads. Don't know if that's truly what you get because I haven't tried either, but am curious if someone has played both and has some strong opinions on the comparison.

 

[gtirard]

I can't think of a scenario where all this extra power would be useful?
You're going to be obliged to lower the master volume in order to avoid damaging the cab, it won't sound better?
I'm curious to see if any member have such a monster and if so, what's the practical benefit?

 

[pepj]

I too was not a fan of the HP.
Haven't come across a Trickfish in earnest but if they have a Pope pedigree, I'm definitely keen.
Didn't land the 901 I wanted but did go for an Eich T900.
This gives me the overhead I want..but never needed to use.
I think its 900/2... but as said never get near to even needing to load it, so I've forgotten about that spec.

I'm not a huge fan of class D but the Eich goes out before my EBS and SWR old skools and before my Demeter.
Haven't got tired of it yet so although I wouldn't say its retired those amps..it is always the one I load up.

I'd say the Eich T is the best Class D I've come across and I have played through a few fair.

Tiny form factor, but not lightweight on the gig.

 

[Nebadon2000]

First let me say I am not a Clas D by design is inferior to Led Sled/Big Iron but it is about Quality of Amp, Voicing and Personal Taste not type/class of Amp

Saying that not sure tons of power is the answer

The New Mesa B 800D seems to please the Led Sled/Big Iron Tube lovers in a Class D Amp

 

[LowWay]

I thought the HP through.a couple NXT 112s was pretty close to the slam and impact of my TE stack from the 90s. I had the gp12smx pre, a crown power base 2, and 2 trace 4x10s. I liked the eq voicing too.

 

[emjazz]

Wait until after NAMM to make a decision

 

[NeonVomit]

I can't think of a scenario where all this extra power would be useful?
You're going to be obliged to lower the master volume in order to avoid damaging the cab, it won't sound better?
I'm curious to see if any member have such a monster and if so, what's the practical benefit?

I think the idea is headroom, to avoid any of that class D-style compression on peaks and transients.

Then again I play crust punk so don't take my word on anything.

 

[J.Wolf]

Wait until after NAMM to make a decision

this

 

[J.Wolf]

I'll have to be careful because I work with Trickfish, so I'll just say, I also love the T900.

 

[RGerhart]

I'm curious about the 3K, too. I have a Bullhead 1K and am pretty pleased with it. I'm kind of surprised there aren't more 3K users out there--most that I've seen have been pro players performing with big names (Paul Turner from Jamiroquai, for example), so I'm sure they are getting these at cost, or for free.

I like the idea of the extra headroom and separate inputs/outputs, plus the HPF and LPF on the 3K. The only thing that is making me hesitate with purchasing it is the top-end "sparkle" that is missing on the 1K. I've noticed the highs are a little subdued compared to the other amps that I use. Otherwise, it's a great amp that has a great set of controls (and awesome D.I.).

 

[J.Wolf]

I'm curious about the 3K, too. I have a Bullhead 1K and am pretty pleased with it. I'm kind of surprised there aren't more 3K users out there--most that I've seen have been pro players performing with big names (Paul Turner from Jamiroquai, for example), so I'm sure they are getting these at cost, or for free.

I like the idea of the extra headroom and separate inputs/outputs, plus the HPF and LPF on the 3K. The only thing that is making me hesitate with purchasing it is the top-end "sparkle" that is missing on the 1K. I've noticed the highs are a little subdued compared to the other amps that I use. Otherwise, it's a great amp that has a great set of controls (and awesome D.I.).

A lot of players told us they want the headroom/wattage and the filters of the 3K but dont need the extra channel or the 3u size, so the 1.5K is about to drop. Its basically a one channel 3K with the filters, and its the size of the 1k.

 

[emjazz]

I'm curious about the 3K, too. I have a Bullhead 1K and am pretty pleased with it. I'm kind of surprised there aren't more 3K users out there--most that I've seen have been pro players performing with big names (Paul Turner from Jamiroquai, for example), so I'm sure they are getting these at cost, or for free.

I like the idea of the extra headroom and separate inputs/outputs, plus the HPF and LPF on the 3K. The only thing that is making me hesitate with purchasing it is the top-end "sparkle" that is missing on the 1K. I've noticed the highs are a little subdued compared to the other amps that I use. Otherwise, it's a great amp that has a great set of controls (and awesome D.I.).

Each company has a tone goal that they're shooting for. I've read that there is a high frequency roll off with the Bullhead. Works for many thankfully, but it won't for others. Just like an Ampeg won't work for everyone. I sold my 1K to a friend and he loves it.

 

[emjazz]

A lot of players told us they want the headroom/wattage and the filters of the 3K but dont need the extra channel or the 3u size, so the 1.5K is about to drop. It's basically a one channel 3K with the filters, and it's the size of the 1k.

This is what I was alluding to with my "wait for NAMM" comment

This seems like a great choice for many

 

[J.Wolf]

As a point of clarification, the top end on the bullhead preamp (1k, mini500, 3K) is flat; there is no attenuation built into the head or preamp.

Perhaps the perception is based on the fact that there is a slight but wide boost on the low end of the preamp, which could make it sound less sparkly to some. I like a nice wide, open top end, and I have good luck with the 1k and 3K, and rarely need to boost the 4 or 8k treble on the amp, but I also tend to play bright-ish active basses.

 

[emjazz]

As a point of clarification, the top end on the bullhead preamp (1k, mini500, 3K) is flat; there is no attenuation built into the head or preamp.

Perhaps the perception is based on the fact that there is a slight but wide boost on the low end of the preamp, which could make it sound less sparkly to some. I like a nice wide, open top end, and I have good luck with the 1k and 3K, and rarely need to boost the 4 or 8k treble on the amp, but I also tend to play bright-ish active basses.

Thanks for the clarification, Jake!

 

[fast slapper]

The Ultra has satiated my desire for power from a bass amp (previously using a rack pre/poweramp setup). I permanently use the vintage voicing as it has more harmonic content than than the modern voice. Filters, eq, compression to taste.
Comparable to a good transformer loaded studio channel strip. Works for any style of music.

The built in drive with the 7khz bright switch engaged works perfectly when I want a bright aggressive rock tone.

The Trickfish stuff is great too. A high quality blank slate. I would use external pedals/preamps for color.

It's hard to beat the Ultra for its combination of power, tone options, and simplicity in a compact package.

 

[logdrum]

Awesome amps for coffee shop gigs with a singer song writer and acoustic guitar.

 

[chopthebass427]

Anyone play both of these? I've had both the Bullhead 1k and an HP Forte 1 (which I was not a big fan of thought it was bland) but am currently on an Epifani 901c which is overall great. But I am interested in higher power of these models, mostly to try and get the depth and punch of a "lead sled" in these light weight heads. Don't know if that's truly what you get because I haven't tried either, but am curious if someone has played both and has some strong opinions on the comparison.

 

[chopthebass427]

I had a Forte D and an HP (not ultra). Both great heads. But I decided to go in a change of direction just for the hell of it and got a 3K head and GR610.
The big thing I noticed is the eq on the 3k is more flexible and more noticeable. The hp and lp filters are fantastic too. So far I have only used the main amp on the 3k and haven't experiment using the second. Not sure why they call it 3k, as it's 1500+1500w each into 8-ohm.
Saying all that, I have only used at home. Big changes in my life mean I am forced to sell all my gear and basses.

 

[DWBass]

I can't think of a scenario where all this extra power would be useful?
You're going to be obliged to lower the master volume in order to avoid damaging the cab, it won't sound better?
I'm curious to see if any member have such a monster and if so, what's the practical benefit?

I agree. That is an insane amount of power for a stage. I get the application but I don't see a need for that amount of power. But hey, whatever floats your boat. @$2500.........whew!!