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Which Micro Head?

Which Micro Head?

  • Genz-Benz Shuttle 3.0

    Votes: 6 1.8%
  • Genz-Benz Shuttle 6.0

    Votes: 93 27.3%
  • Eden WTX-260 (or 264)

    Votes: 7 2.1%
  • SWR Headlight

    Votes: 17 5.0%
  • Gallien-Krueger MB500

    Votes: 75 22.0%
  • TC Electronic 450

    Votes: 51 15.0%
  • Aguilar ToneHammer 500

    Votes: 38 11.1%
  • MarkBass Little Mark 250

    Votes: 46 13.5%
  • Phil Jones D-200

    Votes: 8 2.3%

  • Total voters
    341
If you go for the Markbass, go for an actual LMII or III and not the 250.
+1
I would definitely spend the extra $$ (not much as a % of the price) and get the extra watts. Even if you don't need all the power now, someday you might want it, and the amp will be easier to re-sell if you decide you no longer need it.

Of the amps listed in the poll, I have owned the Eden, the GK, and an LMII. They are all pretty darn good and I could live with any of them. I think I liked the Markbass the best in terms of requiring the least knob-tweaking to get a good sound; in fact it was almost impossible not to get a good sound out of it. The GK probably has a wider range of tones available, especially for rock.
 
Don’t forget the Carvin BX250, 200w @ 8 ohms (250w @ 4) on sale for 269.00 right now. Great little amp, especially for "tweekers" who like extensive EQ. I have one built into my MB10 combo, which I stack with an Avatar SB112 and it sounds great. Plenty loud for gigs.

A simpler head, the Ampeg PF350, is a dynamite head for 300 bucks. 250w @ 8 ohms, 350w @ 4. Built solid, with a strong metal casing. I want one.

Many of the heads on your list are in the 500-700 dollar range and for driving a single 12" cab, that's a bit much IMO.

:bassist:
 
I'm an Ampeg fan and refuse to give up my SVT but if there was ever a small head that would make me think twice about it it's the Ampeg PF-500. Closest sound I've found to an SVT without getting into pedals and such. Great price too. I don't own one so I can't comment on how well they sit in the mix or how durable they are, but they sure sound sweet for a small, cheap SS amp.
 
I've been looking for the same kind of set up.

Ive just got myself the Micro Ampeg 2x10 cab and have been taking a look at their new portable series to complete the set up.

They dont seem to expensive and they have both a 500 or 350 Kicking out full power at 4 ohms and about half at 8. Plus they look pretty swish.

Does anyone have experience with this?

Ampeg: Portaflex Series - PF-500

Big thread on those heads here.

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f15/ampeg-pf500-pf350-722043/

I have the PF500 and love it.
 
The one I'd really like isn't in your poll, the ShuttleMax 6.0, over the Shuttle 6.0. I'd also want to hear the smaller Streamliner.

If you really only need ~200 watts, the Eden sounds really good. I currently use the WTX-260, the original one, and the tone is very good. It's pretty quiet though. Also, it's not like it's really better than the ShuttleMax and LMIII, which also both sound really good. Not to imply those 3 amps sound the same, but they all seem to provide a reasonably warm tone that is highly tweakable. Also, I haven't gigged with GB or Markbass stuff like I have with the Eden. I can assure you the Eden carries on the gig, really punches above it's weight, but w/ only ~130 watts @ 8 Ohms it can still come up short even in only moderately loud settings.
 
I've voted for Shuttle 6 for its performance, flexibility, panel simplicity and generous IO options. Attractive pricing is important too.

The Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0 is really hard to beat, but if you don't mind a little extra girth (but no more weight), then the shuttleMax 6.0 is OUTRAGEOUS. Tube AND solid state preamp channels, switchable AND blendable (either by hand or with an included [but not required for use] 5-button foot switch), with 4 band eq (with dual sweepable mids) for EACH preamp, plus controllable tone shaping.

I had been playing MAX in a studio at occasions... It's really great dual preamp and I've found that setting a bit overdrived tube for highs and clean punchy FET for mid/lows get so distinct and powerful tone.

However getting MAX just for that one setting would be kind of waste. If only Genz would make frequency split tube FET hybrid with minimal but functional controls...

Through the Genz NeoX 2x12 it's absolute AUTHORITY (and does great as stage volume for 3000 seat auditoriums), and through a Bag End 1x15 it's pretty awesome as well, even as low as you made need the volume to be for small rooms/intimate settings. Awesome, powerful, flexible, and very roadworthy.

Neox 2x12 has other perks as well; it's light and has small wheels what if great if you can not carry weights (like I am, sight...).