What other amp sounds like a GK?

[agedhorse]

From the Legacy Manual:
Legacy 500:
Specifications
190W @ 1% THD+N, 8Ω
300W @ 1% THD+N, 4Ω
450W @ 1% THD+N, 2.7Ω
300W @ 1% THD+N, 2Ω

That's not a class D issue.

 

[DWBass]

IME, nothing sounds like a GK. Their Countour is the bees knees, IMHO.

 

[Nebadon2000]

Everybody says a watt is a watt. For whatever reason

On paper yes but as you know many don't tell you method of getting the rating or under what circumstance it will deliver; some say at 1K along with a distortion rating but not if peak or continuous etc.

The better designers IME seem to understand what is needed in the 'Whole Design' to deliver proper power in real world conditions
also distortion and frequencies can mess with our perception of loudness so overall its tricky and hard to generalise

Saying that companies like GK and Mesa I find trust worthy in power ratings but I am far from understanding all that goes into delivering that trust

Usually when it comes to questions like this AI answers are very questionable but I can live with this one


"Why amps with the same power rating can sound different (louder and cleaner)

It's common for two amplifiers with the same wattage rating to exhibit noticeable differences in loudness and sound clarity. This disparity arises from various design choices and performance characteristics that influence how an amplifier processes and delivers audio signals.
Therefore, simply comparing the wattage rating of two amplifiers isn't enough to determine which will be louder or cleaner. It's crucial to consider a combination of factors related to the amplifier's design, the speakers being used, and even individual listening preferences. Ultimately, the best way to evaluate an amplifier's performance is to listen to it in person with your chosen speakers and trust your ears. "

 

[Lo_Basserson]

That's not a class D issue.

Nope, it isn't a class D issue. It's just the way that one works. It's a good amp and more than enough power for most folks. The power ratings at different ohms are just off from the normal expectations, and I don't know why.

The 800 is 400 at 8 ohms and 800 at 4, which is more of what is expected.

 

[wyleeboxer]

Nope, it isn't a class D issue. It's just the way that one works. It's a good amp and more than enough power for most folks. The power ratings at different ohms are just off from the normal expectations, and I don't know why.

The 800 is 400 at 8 ohms and 800 at 4, which is more of what is expected.

That's a good point in regard to why the 500 drops off wattage at a 2ohm load? I play through my single Baer ML112 8ohm for most gigs and 190 watts might loud but I'm curious if there's a compromise in tone and headroom?

 

[pbass2]

That's a good point in regard to why the 500 drops off wattage at a 2ohm load? I play through my single Baer ML112 8ohm for most gigs and 190 watts might loud but I'm curious if there's a compromise in tone and headroom?

For smaller gigs (when I don't use my 4ohm 2x12 Neo IV) I use my 8ohm 1x12 Neo IV. Sounds the same (the tone doesn't change aside from the expected differences in using 2 drivers vs 1). Again, to me, it's a loud 190 watts. The amp just seems way louder than the specs would suggest. It's also extremely detailed and clear sounding, in that GK way--the midrange definition is killer, and on what I suppose you could call the "aggressive" side, but that's everything set flat. One of the few amps I've owned where I roll down the mids pretty regularly. Very flexible. No idea what it would be like through other non-GK cabs.
Robert Gallien explained that the Legacy 500 was intended to be a modern update to the 800RB(it's actually a little more powerful running at 2.7ohms), which is what intrigued me about it. It certainly has that kinda sound.

 

[agedhorse]

That's a good point in regard to why the 500 drops off wattage at a 2ohm load? I play through my single Baer ML112 8ohm for most gigs and 190 watts might loud but I'm curious if there's a compromise in tone and headroom?

Design choice, or component/design limitations.

 

[Topkat13]

What other toilet paper feels like Charmin? Sorry…I just had to.

 

[baxter_x]

So what other around 500watts amps are out there that can sound like a GK without the problems?

Mesa Carbine series. I owned the M9 and always thought it was a GK amp.

 

[Al Kraft]

Mesa Carbine series. I owned the M9 and always thought it was a GK amp.

I couldn't agree more. Many of us who had Carbines in the earlier days bought the original GK MB heads as lightweight, easy to carry, very powerful back-ups. The voicing is quite similar IME as well.

 

[pbass2]

I couldn't agree more. Many of us who had Carbines in the earlier days bought the original GK MB heads as lightweight, easy to carry, very powerful back-ups. The voicing is quite similar IME as well.

The MBs do sound pretty different from the Legacys IME. The Legacy has more of that RB flavor. To me the MBs are more "modern" sounding, less midrange grunt. I have an MB200 as well, mainly as a backup but sometimes I'll use it for its different character.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Have you tried the fusion?

 

[TonyP-]

If I may assist…I have had just about ever GK head.

In random order.

- I have the very first Legacy produced. It's still going strong, hundreds of performances. (800)

-The 500 is fine in moderate standard 4 or 5 piece environment. I have used that before plenty of times.

-Nothing sounds exactly like a 400 or 700 RB (the 800RB is its own thing).

- The Aguilar AG with the boosts on gets closer to the game, BUT it does not touch what a GK mids or grind does. Like not even close.

-If you need more then L800 or 700RB onstage then there is a problem of some kind. I'm not saying that sarcastically, but legitimately. Speak to a seasoned but not overly grumpy/biased FOH engineer, I will not even begin to speculate but I bet my house on it. There is a solution…(Again dead serious).

-I define the Legacy is that a MB and older RB had a child. (It's my personal favorite at this time).

-If you like the MBs there is a very good chance you will like the Legacy. (I can't see a reason why not). However I can easily see if someone preferring the Legacy over MB. (Both are great, but I'm biased)

- The 800RB has a cult following, it's my least favorite.

-GK has its own thing. In general…I don't think the modeling had nailed it. Feel free to disagree, that just my opinion.

If you like the sound of Gallien Krueger.
Then all I can say, get one and regret nothing.

 

[comfortstarr]

It's wild that this thread started yesterday! I just opened up Talkbass to ask: what's a new amp that most closely approximates the 400 RB?

When I was an actual musician that was my head. Loved it loved it loved it. Stupidly sold it decades ago. Bought an EA iAMP 350 way back in the early 2000s which I… like? Okay? But, it's been acting wonky of late (had a tech open it up, he didn't see anything but did some maintenance here and there) and I think I just miss that GK thing.

Anyways, I'd like to get something similar. I don't need the 1k watt thing they sell now (nor can I justify a $1500 amp head at the moment). I supposed I could watch out for a used 400RB in good/great condition… but I haven't seen many.

 

[pbass2]

If I may assist…I have had just about ever GK head.

In random order.

- I have the very first Legacy produced. It's still going strong, hundreds of performances. (800)

-The 500 is fine in moderate standard 4 or 5 piece environment. I have used that before plenty of times.

-Nothing sounds exactly like a 400 or 700 RB (the 800RB is its own thing).

- The Aguilar AG with the boosts on gets closer to the game, BUT it does not touch what a GK mids or grind does. Like not even close.

-If you need more then L800 or 700RB onstage then there is a problem of some kind. I'm not saying that sarcastically, but legitimately. Speak to a seasoned but not overly grumpy/biased FOH engineer, I will not even begin to speculate but I bet my house on it. There is a solution…(Again dead serious).

-I define the Legacy is that a MB and older RB had a child. (It's my personal favorite at this time).

-If you like the MBs there is a very good chance you will like the Legacy. (I can't see a reason why not). However I can easily see if someone preferring the Legacy over MB. (Both are great, but I'm biased)

- The 800RB has a cult following, it's my least favorite.

-GK had its own thing. In general…I don't think the modeling had nailed it. Feel free to disagree, that just my opinion.

If you like the sound of Gallien Krueger.
Then all I can say, get one and regret nothing.

I've used my Legacy 500 and Neo IV 2x12 (sometimes a 2x12 and 1x12) on big outdoor stages and casino gigs in a 5 piece modern country rock band and with proper monitoring still never had it up past noon. I was kinda worried when I ordered it, thinkin' I'd kick myself later and want the 800, but so far, it's plenty.
Love the L500 and my MB200. But I feel like I can get my Legacy into MB territory by messing with the mids and maybe contour, but not the other way 'round.

 

[Geepers]

What a great thread. And the answer is clearly "nothing".

 

[TonyP-]

If you folks like there is a group on Facebook called the GK Owners group.

I'm the admin and feel free join and get more detail.

 

[avi]

You might want to consider looking into the Traynor SB500, made in Canada, and by all reports sounds very similar to the GK MB line. I have not played one, but over the years I have always had great luck with Traynor/Yorkville products in terms of performance and bulletproof reliability.

That said, the 700RB GK heads are iconic for many reasons and one of them is reliability IME. I would look for a reasonable deal on one that is in good shape... and be sure to specify in your will who gets the honor of inheriting it.

He said he has a SB?

 

[LiptonJigglers]

What a great thread. And the answer is clearly "nothing".

Thank the Gods for that!!

 

[groovaholic]

Really missing the tone and punch from my GK MB500. I had two

I don't have THAT much experience with the MB series; I had an MB800 for about six months and an MB210 combo for about a year.

To me, the MB series are too big in the lows and too bring up top, which gives them a scooped vibe.

I prefer the voicing of the RB and Legacy amps.

If you like the MB voice, I'd recommend a Legacy with the contour switch on.

That said, I picked up a Genz-Benz Shuttle 9.0 recently and have been REALLY happy with it.

I shared my enthusiasm with @shoot-r, who's spent a LOT of time with the MB heads - he picked up a Shuttle 9.0 and is LOVING it.