Which Amp head would you buy?

[SJan3]

Between all the 500+ watt options like the genzler megellan, Mesa subway, quilter block, darkglass, orange options, and pretty much any other bass amp that can be had for under $1000, which would you go with and why? Sound? Weight? Aesthetic? Any that I’m missing that should be considered?

For me, MarkBass Ninja 1000 or
Aguilar AG700. Simple to operate, BIG POWER and both by nature produce the tone I'm looking for.

 

[Joebone]

Concurring with all the Mesa Subway love. I was an early adopter of the 800+, and now have the WD800 in a second location. Have to add the Trickfish Bullhead .5 for the pricepoint. But the WD800, in particular, has a lot of tricks up its sleeve.

 

[johnnynitro]

Ampeg SVT 7Pro

 

[Marty Forrer]

They're all different in their characteristics. None is better, it's what gets the tone you want that counts. And there's only one way to find what suits you best... try them. They can all get clean, some of them can get dirty, some of them are more defined in the mids, some are softer, almost tubey. My pick for all-round ability to do it all is the Genzler Magellan. Having said that, I've only had the GK, Quilter and Genzler.

 

[Smurf-o-Deth]

One you didn't mention is the EBS Reidmar 502, which I have and really like. It is clean and very articulate, and 2 ohm stable.

 

[ELG60]

1. Build quality
2. Sound quality
3. Versatility
4. Built-in HPF
5. Available power
6. User friendliness
7. Aesthetics
8. Company reputation
9. Reliability

 

[WarwickE36]

Mesa TT800 cuz I did and its awesome. Also it's 2 amps in 1.

 

[fishdude101101]

I went with the Mesa WD-800, as they are tried and true. You just can't go wrong.

Plus the things that Mesa has over most others:
Made in USA.
Best Warranty.
Best service.

Mesa is great. Aguilar, GK, Bergantinio are all made in the USA too.

 

[rickwebb]

I just scored a NIB Ampeg PF-800 at a price i literally could not pass up.
I'd owned one previously and sold it it to finance some other purchase.
I'm an Ampeg snob, i guess...

 

[IamGroot]

Insufficient data.

What cabinet, what speaker impedance?

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

Between all the 500+ watt options like the genzler megellan, Mesa subway, quilter block, darkglass, orange options, and pretty much any other bass amp that can be had for under $1000, which would you go with and why? Sound? Weight? Aesthetic? Any that I’m missing that should be considered?

Tt800

 

[chris_b]

I could easily live with any of the amps on the OP's list, but my preference is Aguilar. I've owned a TH500 for about 8 years and an AG700 for about 5 years. Several amps have come and gone and these two have beaten off the competition. The tone is what makes me keep them. I use my PJ5 with the TH500 and my J5 with the AG700. They compliment each other perfectly.

 

[74hc]

Of that list, Aguilar and Forte would be the top for me. Followed by Markbass.

 

[JohnnyBottom]

Staying in your price range you could get 2 flavors by getting the Quilter Amp and the Mesa Subway plus preamp (D800+) . win win. I have these 2 and they pair great. Using the Quilter alone is very viable as well. Disclaimer : I also have the TT800 which is my primary setup.

 

[Ihaveshingles]

The minute I saw a mesa in that line up I knew this thread was just going to end up being a Mesa lovefest once again Lol

 

[TonyP-]

I'm a bit biased (but for damn good reason)

The GK Legacy 500

 

[dbsfgyd1]

Between all the 500+ watt options like the genzler megellan, Mesa subway, quilter block, darkglass, orange options, and pretty much any other bass amp that can be had for under $1000, which would you go with and why? Sound? Weight? Aesthetic? Any that I’m missing that should be considered?

I’m a stickler for the ability to shape the tonal characteristics, especially the midrange. For my money, the Mesa WD-800 is what I would buy.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

I put all your inputs into my supercomputer, and the solution is the TT800. One SS Subway channel, and one Tube channel. #versatility

View attachment 4451657

I like this one too.

 

[Rolling Thunder]

GK MBF500 for under $800...new

https://reverb.com/item/33194276-ga...are&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=33194276

 

[JohnnyBottom]

I put all your inputs into my supercomputer, and the solution is the TT800. One SS Subway channel, and one Tube channel. #versatility

View attachment 4451657

I may be wrong, but usually dont say that unless Im sure Im 100% right , both amp sections are solid state and both preamps use tubes. I guess you could say one channel is tubier.