What head would you buy and why?

[chris_b]

On your list I'd only go for the Genzler. IMO it's a cut above the others. Then you'd better start saving because you'll need a better cab, maybe the Genzler bass array BA123.

Why are there no Aguilar amps on the list?

 

[MatchFive]

I wouldn't mid having that Darkglass 500..

 

[jlepre]

I have been playing the MG800 for the past 3 years, and it's great for gigging. With 2 channels that are foot switchable, it gives me the most on the fly flexibility of any amp I've ever owned. Plus the ability to go down to 2.67 ohms is very nice. I have been gigging for the past 30 years, and if this amp ever failed, I would purchase another.

I checked out some of the amp heads that you have on your list, but went with Genzler because of the features, and amazing customer support.

 

[CTBassGuy]

Unfortunately despite living in a major city I cannot find these amps locally. Well one or two I probally can find. But it's quite a shame.

Understand; try to go with an online retailer with a good return policy then. I’ve never bought from them, but Sweetwater has a good return policy. Guitar Center does too. Assuming you have one near you, order the amp to be delivered to the store. You can use/try it for 45 days and then return it for a full refund within that time.

 

[MattZilla]

None of those make my top five list. You're currently ampless and your town has limited stock for you to choose with your own ears with your own cab.

I'm confused why threads like these don't have the cab in the beginning of the title and, in the body of the op, a list of amps which are available for you to try in town and buy right on the spot to solicit "don't bother with h, i, or j, but do try x, y, and z with your CRXsi Type R cab" responses.

How many people in this thread have or have had that Peavey 112? I'm guessing that it's a small fraction.

For some tTB, though I'm an Ampeg guy, I recommend a GK 800Rb or 1001rb ii as they sound better than good enough with almost any cab.

 

[Deleted member 271037]

Personally I would rule out the Bugera but that's just because of my own personal negative experiences with Behringer and their products in the past.

 

[spufman]

For my money, it would be the Genzler. Everything about a Genz__ product screams quality, from tone to power to components to complete design to support - love my Streamliner.

 

[MaxSpinrun]

I have Mesa D-800+, super versatile. HPF, Extensive EQ, I/O flexibility, made in USA, SUPER customer support. Then more flavor from WD-800, there you go!

 

[Koog]

Of those you listed, I would choose the Quilter BB 800. It is simple and easy to set up for driving, punchy tone. I also like the option of setting wattage output. It sounds great with a 4x10.

As long as you're looking at class D in this price range, other considerations I would encourage you to look at are the Aguilar TH500 and the Bergantino Forte. I have owned all three of these heads, and, although a bit more expensive, settled on the Bergantino as most desirable for my taste in set up and tone. It is also very simple. It is transparent and if set up properly will deliver some of the grit you're looking for. It has plenty of power for just about any application. Very much worth the additional money in my opinion.

Hope this helps....good luck with your search.

Koog

 

[ELG60]

None of those move me in any way except for the Bass Block because of its size, to keep in my gig bag as a backup amp.

 

[Eddie LeBlanc]

Just bought this one, Bergantino B Amp. Most versatile amp on the market. And BTW will take the place of my Genzler MG800 as my gig amp. Plenty of tight sounding power too.

 

[arbiterusa]

Can I suggest a bunch of amps you didn't list? That's the Talkbass way.

 

[bass40hz]

Well since GK is not on your list, I vote for the Darkglass.
Rock on.

 

[punchclock]

I'd vote Bassman. Tube Pre, light, 2 channel, vintage headcase, etc.
Only other on the list I'd consider would be the Orange but I had some real trouble with Orange Terror Bass heads before. I hope they straightened it out.
Off the list Class D? Aguilar Tone Hammer 500 (or 700) - no question.

 

[Paulabass]

I'll just leave this lying there like a beached flounder- The Veyron is still built by Behringer.

 

[2strings2frets]

I would say the Bulgera; I have a T 50 ,nice amp. I don’t own the Veyron but it is on my G A S list. I do have the Berringer 3000h, full size, light weight, the 7 band eq will sonically fit any room. I think I have had it 10 years on three different stacks with no issues.

 

[DWBass]

Work, the peavey sounds fine but it died on stage. It's currently on a amp tech's bench. I'm waiting to hear back. I'm going to fix it if possible but I need a backup apparently.

Shame. Peavey's used to be indestructible. Also, the Peavey cab is decent albeit a very subtle tweeter.

 

[hennessybass]

If it were me, the Genzler would be the obvious choice from that list because of the extra power and better preamp than the Quilter.

I really like the preamp section of the Quilter. The MG800 has built in drive, and a more familiar layout, but not sure that makes it better. Both amps have the same 800w power. I did an A/B with the Genzler and Quilter and picked the Quilter.

If you want breakup, scratch the Quilter.

True story. The quilter is all clean. Great amp if you get your dirt from pedals.

------
Agree that even in a major city it can be hard to find amps to demo. One approach to that is to buy what's available locally and not what's available on the wide world of the internet - limiting your choices can make choosing easier.

 

[interp]

The only one on the list I’ve played and can recommend is the Quilter. The front end is a bit quirky, but once you get used to it it kills. Or you can add a tube preamp if you want breakup.

 

[ThudThudThud]

Not that this adds anything, but if I were to replace my gigging rig now (I lost everything in the fire. Yeah. I know!), I'd probably go back to a good power amp, plus a rack preamp (I had a Tech 21 RPM) in a small rack.
I know this goes against the current vogue for smaller, and lighter, but here's my thinking:
* The RPM had an almost perfect tone FOR ME. YMMV
* If I lose confidence in one or both parts I have the option to change either.
* Many power amps have a lot of flexibility with impedence, and output where some heads don't.
* I wouldn't run out of headroom.
That said, it's also possible I'd get a good, lightweight powered combo.