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Your favorite light amp

Slpbass81

Slpbass81

Dec 16, 2010
1,310
791
Orlando, FL
Disclosures
Endorsing: GHS Strings
#1
I have read previous posts about this but figured I would get an updated opinion. After years of saying lifting an Ampeg SVT-CL is no big deal I finally blew my back lifting it while twisting. This is the first time I will consider leaving the tubes at home and bring a smaller/lighter solid state. The only tube amp I am keeping in the conversation is the Mesa Prodigy because of how light it is for an all tube. But it may lack the booty I'm used to. Let me know what you guys like and why.
 
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#3
Goatrope said:
Similar back problems and I went to a lighter rack setup with a pre and power amp. Not light enough.

Went to a GK MB Fusion 800.

Solved my problem. Sounds plenty warm and has that GK bite. It's not the end-all-be-all, but it sounds damn good and it can be damn loud.

Sits atop a CN212 and it's just wonderful.
Click to expand...

I purchased the Ampeg 212AV but I have been reading up on the CN212. It's not much of a difference in weight but I might pick one up. I would take a pretty hard loss money wise because my Ampeg cab has taken a beating over the past year so resale would be much less.
 
#8
The most volume, punch, and versatility I ever got, out of the least amount of speaker weight and space, is my current setup. 2 Carvin MB15 cabs (30 lbs each), and my MB700 head (about 5 lbs.). This comes after years of using a Berg NV610, and while I absolutely LOVED that cab, I don't miss it a single bit.
 
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#11
it really is a matter of taste - there are some great class D amps these days. I'm a true believer in the class D amps though - so much for so little weight.

I play a Genz Benz Shuttle 9.0 - 900 watts at 4ohms, huge bottom, very flexible, great EQ, serious authority, reliability, and a sound that I like a lot - hifi and modern- at about 5 lbs or so. If you like a more old school sound their Streamliners fit that profile. If you need to be able to go to 2 ohms, the Shuttlemax series can do that at about twice the weight. GB is out of business but they are readily available on the used market and service, if needed, is still available through one of the former owners. The other owner, Jeff Genzler, is beginning a new company called Genzler that is releasing cabs this month with heads following in another couple of months. I would look seriously at one of them. Others I would consider that are currently available are Trickfish and Tecamp Puma.
 
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#12
I know you mentioned the only tube amp you're considering is the Mesa Prodigy - if you're looking for that SVT tone in a lighter package, the Ampeg V4B is a monster (at less than half the weight - 41lbs). I find SS/Hybrids underwhelming by comparison. If that's too heavy, there's the Ampeg SVT 7Pro. The best sounding micro head I've heard was the Aguilar TH500. There are lots of options out there...
 
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#13
Alexander said:
I know you mentioned the only tube amp you're considering is the Mesa Prodigy - if you're looking for that SVT tone in a lighter package, the Ampeg V4B is a monster (at less than half the weight - 41lbs). I find SS/Hybrids underwhelming by comparison. If that's too heavy, there's the Ampeg SVT 7Pro. The best sounding micro head I've heard was the Aguilar TH500. There are lots of options out there...
Click to expand...

I tried the V4B and it was not enough power. Great tone but it was missing the punch behind it. I'm sure the SS amps will as well but for 800-1000 watts I'm expecting them to do better than 100 watts tube. If they don't then the Aguilar db751 would become a consideration as well
 
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#18
I have used several micro amps ( various Markbass, Tecamp Puma, Tonehammer 500) and my favourite by some distance is the cheap and cheerful Kustom KXB500. Really punchy and a beautiful creamy tone. Tons of headroom as well. I use mine with the Berg CN212 and they are a terrific match
I understand Kustom have recently ceased production of these, but one would be a terrific buy second hand if you can find one.
 
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#20
I have owned : Genz Benz Shuttle 6.2 & Ampeg PF800

I have played : Aguilar TH500 & GK MB500

All are good but have different characteristics. For me the closest to an SVT tone was when I used the MB500 with a SansAmp VT pedal.
 

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