Sparky Mark

This is the model of 410 combo I tried and loved. Series 6 GP12.

It was using a Trace Elliot GP12 410 combo in a rehearsal studio that convinced me how great they sounded. The 410 combos, although heavy, aren't as deep (front to back) as the separate 410 cabs, so are bit easier to transport in a car. I think Trace Elliot gear was initially designed for professional use, and assumed a team of roadies and trucks would normally be on hand. They gradually introduced smaller format amps, cabs and combos as they needed to increase sales.

The problem with the TE410 cabs for me is their weight (100lb ish) and bulk. So I spent some time finding the compact 15" cab that is same width and depth as both series 6 AH200 and SMX250 heads. Not as powerful as the 410 but loud enough for most of my needs nowadays. If you can find the 210 compact cabs, they're worth a look too.

And the heads with UV black lights at the front looked even more spectacular on dark stages. Genius and practical.

Agreed you can only discover the true settings for your gigging tone at a decent volume. The below settings give serious overdrive fuzz with my TB v2 at very low volumes, but I know it wouldn't sound the same at gig volume.

They're only set that way for low volume home practice, like an old fashioned "Loudness" control. I only use the mid pre shape shape 1 button live with my Bergantino HD210 cabs; sounds brilliant.

Jeff bought a bass from me in a hassle free transaction. I'd recommend anyone to deal with Jeff; a trustworthy and lovely Basschatter indeed. Thank you Jeff.

My collection of "big iron" amplifiers. All still working perfectly. The Hartke was my gigging amp throughout the 90's and if my circumstances changed, I'd happily use it again, until death do us part.

Interesting that you found the BF cab to be significantly less efficient than the Trace.

I think I understand what you are saying, but with the amp gain, master output and volume control on your bass (plus any other pedals if used) any volume can be obtained from any rig IME.

Congratulations on an interesting TE amplifier system. One thing confused me from the photos; why aren't the left and right line out patches connected to the left and right line in sockets of the RA300? I really hope they aren't connected to speaker outputs!

I think it's just a pre amp, hence why it's paired with the RA300.

I'd hold out for a 12 band graphic head.

Pink!!!

My Bugera SVT CL clone is still going strong (at home) and keeps me convinced tube power has a certain something special. Unfortunately, unless I play a gig in my own back garden, I doubt it'll be used in anger (in my lifetime!).

It could also be worth considering the Total Harmonic Distortion level at both those stated RMS outputs. If the Trace output was increased so its THD matched the other amp, it may be closer to the 500 watts. (I wonder if an amplifier expert could comment please?).

That's the only Warwick I'd be tempted by in addition to my Thumb.

Do you still have the Dolphin?