Band-aid Bass Amp Shootout - SVT Micro-VR vs Sunn Concert Bass vs (sigh) Peavey Max 450

[keepitsavage]

Hey so I'm currently between major rigs and would like to get something on the cheap, that will deliver enough power to play alongside a metal drummer and 5150 half stack.

The cabs I have are an SVT 410-hlf (4-ohm), and Behringer 115 (actually sounds pretty good, though not super-efficient output, 4 ohm.)

I also have a Fulltone BassDrive pedal, and enjoy driving pre-amps well into clipping.

There's a decent price on all 3 of these heads in my area; the tone of the Sunn Concert Bass or Micro-VR would be preferable, but I think that the Peavey's 450 watts may be necessary to sufficiently deliver the goods at a medium sized metal club, vs their respective 200w.

Any opinions about the comparative power outputs of these amps, given the cabs I have? Tone of the Peavey Max, with compression defeated?

Thanks

 

[High Camp]

Good thing you already have the SVT 410HLF to help you with the volume.
I don't think you'll gain much more volume with Peavey's 450 watts vs the Micro VR's 200 watts.
However, maybe a bit more headroom.
Regarding tone, I'm only familiar with Ampeg, which I like a lot.

 

[keepitsavage]

Trying to stay under 400 for sure

 

[AlexanderB]

I think no-one ever considered the Micro VR to be a loud amp, especially with a powerhungry cab like your's and ESPECIALLY for metal! Personally, I use the same cab for rock/blues with a moderately loud drummer and I use virtually all available output power from my LMII (500W at 4 Ohms) without ever being overpowering the cab or being too loud.

 

[denton57]

For a few dollars more, get a used Aguilar TH500 from the classifieds

 

[mapleglo]

I have a Micro VR. It puts out some volume when I use it with my SVT-810e. However, you won't be able to use both of those cabs at the same time with it. Minimum impedance is 4 ohms, and using both those cabs would equal 2 ohms.

I have no personal experience with the other two heads you mention.

 

[keepitsavage]

Thanks for the replies; ya I ended up going with one of those cheap new 'acoustics' from GC, b600h the 600watt version for $150 (I know they're cheap, but it should do the trick for a year with the $20 added GC pro coverage, ha).

Cool to hear you've tried the Micro-VR with an 810 mapleglo, would you say that was loud enough to play a small rock club?

 

[mapleglo]

Thanks for the replies; ya I ended up going with one of those cheap new 'acoustics' from GC, b600h the 600watt version for $150 (I know they're cheap, but it should do the trick for a year with the $20 added GC pro coverage, ha).

Cool to hear you've tried the Micro-VR with an 810 mapleglo, would you say that was loud enough to play a small rock club?

Yes, it gets plenty loud with the 810. I normally use it with the 2 SVT-210AV cabs, which is not as loud. But even that kept up with 2 loud guitarists and a hard hitting drummer. I was pushing it though. That's when I bought the 810, and then the PF-800. But I've used the Micro VR with the 810 as well, before I got the PF-800, and it held its own. I just like to have some extra head room.