Stance Posted September 21, 2012 Share Posted September 21, 2012 Hey guys I´m tired of breaking my back carrying my GK 700RB-II /Ampeg 1X15 every weekend from gig to gig! I´m thinking on getting a lighter amp that would give me the sound I get from my GK. I´ve tried the Aguilar Tone Hammer, but it´s way to expensive. Tried the EBS, but didn´t liked it at all! For the money I want to spend I´m stuck with the PF500 or the MB500-the former I can try it here, but the GK doesn´t get imported to Portugal . Any thoughts on both of these class-D heads. I´m trying to maintain the sound I get from my GK700, but without all the Kgs! Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
voxpop Posted September 21, 2012 Share Posted September 21, 2012 (edited) I've not heard your GK amp but I bought the ampeg head a few weeks back. I've had class D amps before, the SWR and Genz and found them to be too clean with no soul. I then went back to good old linear amps with all the weight problems but with a better sound. Now my back is getting old and tired so I was forced to take a second look at class D amps. I tried the Ampeg thinking I would hate it as I have never been a fan of Ampeg except the mighty SVT. The sound is very transparent without the sterile sound I found with the SWR and Genz. It has a warm punchy sound. If you drive the input into clipping it does not sound very natural , it breaks up like a broken drive unit. Best to use an out board effects unit if you want it to distort. I really like the compressor as it works well and has a sound I really like. At high settings it allows a lot of the start of the note through and then clamps it down, it's not transparent but has bags of character. The eg is good. It seems to do very little until turned passed the 3 o'clock position then comes in very strong. I boost the bass to 3 o'clock, mid frequency set to 800hz with a little boost and top set flat. Perfect for a P bass. For a jazz I just punch in the bass and top boost switches which adds bass and top with a lower mid frequency cut. I was also very impressed by the 1x15 portaflex cabs, these sealed cabs partner the amp really well. They have a similar sound that compliments each other. Warm with punch. Now for the good bit.... Cost. I can't believe the cost of the amp and cabs, around £350 each. I have owned very high end and expensive kit from glockenklang and the excellent Warwick Helborg rig and find the Ampeg to punch well above its weight in both sound and cost. I'm very impressed. Edited September 21, 2012 by voxpop Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truckstop Posted September 21, 2012 Share Posted September 21, 2012 Likewise. I got my PF500 for £250 and it'll do for many many years! Lovely Ampeg sound, fits into a laptop bag and has all the mod-cons you'd expect these days. As mentioned, the compressor sounds natural and unobtrusive (if you like that sort of thing) and using the full 500w gets some serious volume! I've always been a 'leave the amp flat and fiddle with the onboard EQ to get your sound' kind of guy so I can't really comment on the EQ. The Deep button adds a little sub if you need to fill a room with lovely creamy bass. Lozz196 will be by soon, he's owned both. Truckstop Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bassman Steve Posted September 21, 2012 Share Posted September 21, 2012 +1 for the PF500 and 1x15. I have been slightly wary, given the numerous doubts over reliability, but mine is great and the sound is terrific - loads of bottom end. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted September 21, 2012 Share Posted September 21, 2012 [quote name='Truckstop' timestamp='1348253137' post='1811555'] Likewise. I got my PF500 for £250 and it'll do for many many years! Lovely Ampeg sound, fits into a laptop bag and has all the mod-cons you'd expect these days. As mentioned, the compressor sounds natural and unobtrusive (if you like that sort of thing) and using the full 500w gets some serious volume! I've always been a 'leave the amp flat and fiddle with the onboard EQ to get your sound' kind of guy so I can't really comment on the EQ. The Deep button adds a little sub if you need to fill a room with lovely creamy bass. Lozz196 will be by soon, he's owned both. Truckstop [/quote] Here I am, I really am that predictable As above for the PF500 really, Alex has really nailed the description there. Re the GK MB500, great amp too, gets the classic GK sound, crisp and biting, with that grind if you push it. Pair it with the right cab and it really does that Duff McKagan sound very well, Of course, the crispness can be rolled back, and then some surprisingly warm old-school sounds can be coaxed from it. But of course, doing the GK sound is where it excels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
police squad Posted September 23, 2012 Share Posted September 23, 2012 +1 for the ampeg. I tried it side by side with the MB500. I prefered the ampeg but the bass player in my pub band (my Mrs.) prefered the GK. Ampeg broke after 6 gigs but I got another one and (so far) its perfect. I suspect if you want to keep the GK sound then go for the GK MB. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nibody Posted September 23, 2012 Share Posted September 23, 2012 +1 again for the PF500. They got a bad pres a while ago, only ever had an issue with a dodgy cab at a dodgy rehersal place. It's portability is great - I shove the head in a bag and use it for rehersals through the studio's Peavey 1x15. Not tried the GK but I love my PF-500 to bits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xgsjx Posted September 23, 2012 Share Posted September 23, 2012 I've not tried either, but going on what folk are saying, if you want the GK sound, get the GK (a bit of "stating the obvious" for ya ). I'd go & try a few & see what you like. You might find you prefer the Ampeg to the GK, or maybe something different again. Try several amps is my only advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pikeman Posted September 23, 2012 Share Posted September 23, 2012 I use a PF500 and run it through a Barefaced Compact and I'm very happy with the pairing. I've never had any issues with the amp. It produces a sound I like. However, if you're looking for the GK sound, then get a GK. Try out the PF500 if you can and cross it off your list if you don't like it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buff Posted September 23, 2012 Share Posted September 23, 2012 I loved mine till it packed up, traded up to a MB500. Never lack's output like my PF did, use it with a sansamp. And it gives me reliability with that ampeg sound. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stance Posted September 23, 2012 Author Share Posted September 23, 2012 Thanks everyone for all the input! I´m really concerned about Ampeg reliability nowadays... Never did anything I had from Ampeg left me down (but then again, I´m talking about american made products). I have my doubts about this China thing... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirky Posted September 23, 2012 Share Posted September 23, 2012 I've got a PF500 and never had any problems with it, running 4 or 8 ohms. I also have a GK MB Fusion. They're both great amps, the GK is more "my sound" so I'll probably be moving the PF500 on, but I would be happy to recommend both. If you like the sound of your GK combo, a GK micro amp is going to get close, probably closer than the Ampeg. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
voxpop Posted September 23, 2012 Share Posted September 23, 2012 I've not had any problems with my Ampeg, must of got a good one. Just come back form a four hour rehearsal using the two cabs and the sound was fantatsic. Punchy, loud and with great drive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gsgbass Posted September 25, 2012 Share Posted September 25, 2012 (edited) I'm using the GK 700RB-ll, with an Ampeg SVT410HLF. My cab is 85 pounds. For me the head is worth every ounce, or what ever weight measurement you go by. I'd stick with the GK 700RB-ll. Edited September 25, 2012 by gsgbass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delberthot Posted September 25, 2012 Share Posted September 25, 2012 I wouldn't worry about the made in China thing - these guys are making some scarily good quality products. As someone who's owned many a GK amp, if that's the sound you like then go with the GK. As soon as I get the cash together I will be selling my Hartke LH500 and going back to GK as its the only amp that can give me my sound. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stance Posted September 25, 2012 Author Share Posted September 25, 2012 [quote name='gsgbass' timestamp='1348531806' post='1814986'] I'm using the GK 700RB-ll, with an Ampeg SVT410HLF. My cab is 85 pounds. For me the head is worth every ounce, or what ever weight measurement you go by. I'd stick with the GK 700RB-ll. [/quote] I don´t plan to sell my GK- I´m just tired and getting old lol so a little less weight to carry around would be great! Thanks again for all the answers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
molan Posted October 20, 2012 Share Posted October 20, 2012 The Carvin BX500 is pretty cool. 300W at 8 ohms & 500 at 4ohms but will also go down to 2ohms (where it's limited to 500w). Reason for stating this is that it means you can run a single 4ohm cab for smaller gigs and get the full 500w but also have the option to add a 2nd 4ohm cab for bigger gigs - no extra power but the additional air movement will definitely make it feel louder & give more throw etc. Not sure about portuguese pricing but the Carvin is about £350 over here - it's also USA made as far as I know (and it doesn't have that rep, undeserved or not, for cutting out like the PF series does). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stance Posted October 20, 2012 Author Share Posted October 20, 2012 (edited) Thanks for th tip, but I played with a Carvin a couple of months ago, but I was put down by the amount of knobs I had to tweak to get the sound I normally pay with... (Altough I can´t say that it was th model you were reffering to.) Edited October 20, 2012 by Stance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gsgbass Posted October 22, 2012 Share Posted October 22, 2012 [quote name='Delberthot' timestamp='1348557392' post='1815037'] I wouldn't worry about the made in China thing - these guys are making some scarily good quality products. As someone who's owned many a GK amp, if that's the sound you like then go with the GK. As soon as I get the cash together I will be selling my Hartke LH500 and going back to GK as its the only amp that can give me my sound. [/quote] I did what you are saying you want to do. I changed out a Hartke LH500 head, for the GK 700RB-ll head. The LH500 was fine. It just wasn't the sound the GK 700RB-ll puts out. I'm sold on GK heads. Best of luck with your move. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kurosawa Posted October 22, 2012 Share Posted October 22, 2012 If I wanted a lightweight 500w amp with a tube preamp, I'd buy the Carvin BX500 sight unseen. I once bought a Carvin power amp online without ever having seen one because the price was right, and the quality, sound, and reliability were all I'd hoped for. Specs and a link to a BP review are at http://www.carvinguitars.com/products/BX500 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monckyman Posted October 22, 2012 Share Posted October 22, 2012 I have a trouble free PF500 that I use with an assortment of cabs including SVT 15, SVT 410, HLF410 and an Ashdown mini 48. It always nails the sound I need whatever size room or cab I`m using and it fits inside a small peli case with room for cables etc. It`s the one thing I have that I haven`t considered selling since I bought it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
voxpop Posted October 22, 2012 Share Posted October 22, 2012 [quote name='Monckyman' timestamp='1350892719' post='1844624'] I have a trouble free PF500 that I use with an assortment of cabs including SVT 15, SVT 410, HLF410 and an Ashdown mini 48. It always nails the sound I need whatever size room or cab I`m using and it fits inside a small peli case with room for cables etc. It`s the one thing I have that I haven`t considered selling since I bought it [/quote] +1 I'm forever selling amps because either the sound is just not what I was expecting or the thing is so heavy. The Ampeg has the right sound and fits in a gig bag... perfect to my eyes and ears. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghost_Bass Posted October 22, 2012 Share Posted October 22, 2012 [quote name='Stance' timestamp='1350758218' post='1843243'] Thanks for th tip, but I played with a Carvin a couple of months ago, but I was put down by the amount of knobs I had to tweak to get the sound I normally pay with... (Altough I can´t say that it was th model you were reffering to.) [/quote] Stance, if you're interested in hearing the Carvin there's one for sale not too far away from Lisboa [url="http://www.baixistas.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=2049"]http://www.baixistas.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=2049[/url] Abraço Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stance Posted October 22, 2012 Author Share Posted October 22, 2012 [quote name='Ghost_Bass' timestamp='1350905059' post='1844788'] Stance, if you're interested in hearing the Carvin there's one for sale not too far away from Lisboa [url="http://www.baixistas.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=2049"]http://www.baixistas...php?f=16&t=2049[/url] Abraço [/quote] It´s a small worls! Ihad just talked to him! On sunday I´m going to try his PF500 and since I´m there, that Carvin. Thanks for the tip though abraço Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghost_Bass Posted October 22, 2012 Share Posted October 22, 2012 [quote name='Stance' timestamp='1350905379' post='1844792'] It´s a small worls! Ihad just talked to him! On sunday I´m going to try his PF500 and since I´m there, that Carvin. Thanks for the tip though abraço [/quote] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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