Barefaced Big Twin II and What Class D Amp?

[Super Bass]

Ampeg SVT 7 Pro! I love mine...

 

[monsterthompson]

Thanks monster, I have been researching different amps that are more off brand than what everyone else plays and there are quite a few companies out there that the mainstream have no idea exist. Really before I got on TB I had not heard of most either. The biggest problem is that you can't just go to a local music store and sample all these combinations of different heads and speakers so it is difficult to make an educated decision on exactly what is going to give you the sound you are looking for. I thought long and hard about what Barefaced was going to be best for me and I won't really know until I have it and gig with it. I just want to love my sound and am pretty close with my current setup but something is still missing.
Thanks again monster.

It's tough flying blind on expensive, fancy option. Since switching to Barefaced gear (from Mesa, with a few pieces inbetween), I've had no real interest in other cabs. The same goes for the Demeter head. I've been interested in others for curiosity, but not in search of a replacement for the Demeter. You've got a good selection of head out there. You can't make a bad choice, with what you've listed. Good luck finding the best fit.

 

[Gizmot]

I've never seen or heard this cabinet, but I've played through a number of these amps. If I was buying another amp, I'd get a Trickfish. Its simply faster and has more punch than any of the others.

 

[Eckie]

Fender Bassman 500. The dual channel gives you such a lot, especially the Overdrive. The combination of the blendable overdrive circuit and the sweepable mids really give you endless possibilities.
A full sized head that's really lightweight

 

[Hambone 70]

I'm new to this, but doesn't some of the sometimes-desirable bass "coloration" (dirt, speaker cone breakup, etc) comes from the speakers and the speaker cab?

As such, I read that hi-fi cabs such as the BB2 don't achieve that coloration. So is this achieved with the pre-amp or amp, or maybe a pedal?

 

[monsterthompson]

I'm new to this, but doesn't some of the sometimes-desirable bass "coloration" (dirt, speaker cone breakup, etc) comes from the speakers and the speaker cab?

As such, I read that hi-fi cabs such as the BB2 don't achieve that coloration. So is this achieved with the pre-amp or amp, or maybe a pedal?

Yes. If you want cab voicing/coloration then this isn't the best cab for that. I have a BB2 and a very transparent Demeter head. I definitely rely on pedals for voice/color.

 

[fast slapper]

I've never seen or heard this cabinet, but I've played through a number of these amps. If I was buying another amp, I'd get a Trickfish. Its simply faster and has more punch than any of the others.

I tried the Bullhead 1K for awhile. Very nice amp with a pretty stout power section. A Prolite did put out a little more bridged at 8 ohms. Both were pushing the cab to the limits though.

 

[Dave W]

I don't have the Big Twin but I do have two Big Baby II's.

From your list I've played them with the Genzler, Darkglass, and a Demeter Minnie with a few different preamps. All of them sound fantastic, as had every other amp I've put into them.

 

[TemplesOfSyrinx]

I've become a convert to the 212 portable rig. Gone are the days of humping around my 90lb SVT-II non pro head and equally heavy cab.

I love the line of TC Electronic BH heads. I have a BH250 for small gigs and as a backup. Also have a BH550 that will be soon powering my RevSound RS212T. The TC Electronic heads can dial in an excellent tone, have power enough to spare, especially if you get the BH800, and are just a few pounds. Add to it that they have a built in tuner and can store toneprints so you no longer need to bring a pedal board if you are so inclined. I love having the SpectraComp n' Drive effect available as well as an Old School Octave effect if the moments strikes.

 

[Mosfed]

I have three Barefaced cabs - a 69'er, 810 and 110. While I have tube amps (2 SVTs) I tend to gig with my Genz Benz Shuttle 6.2. The 600w into 4 ohms has been more then enough for any size venue that we play. Way more than enough in fact. I put an old Mullard in the preamp and it sounds amazing now. Good enough that I really don't bring out my SVTs often.

I bought the Genz Benz years ago at this point in London with their matching 12" cab. I don't use the cab often at this point - especially with the free Barefaced 110 that I got when I bought my 810. But the amp is my number 1.

When I bought it, the main competition that I tried out was MarkBass, G&K, Orange, Ampeg and Hartke. I came away with the Genz because it was the best sounding, most neutral, the controls were logical and made sense, the construction was solid and it had a tube preamp. I haven't had a single problem with it since.

 

[el murdoque]

Since you have a cab that really brings out the amp and a nice head in the Tonehammer,
i'd suggest you get something to compliment that set nicely. The Tonehammer has that warm, soft sound.

Get a head that sounds more direct and dry, so you have more choice of sound. I've been looking at the Mesa myself a couple of times but never had the chance to A/B it with a Tonehammer. My second amp to compliment the TH ist a Markbass.

 

[Mosfed]

I admittedly would love to try a Mesa Boogie.

 

[stevecaronna]

Ampeg SVT 7 Pro! I love mine...

I have an SVT6pro, 46lbs but is about 1100 watts. Just too damn heavy to lug around. I am sure it would push the cab pretty good but road crew would kill me.

 

[bassstation]

I am in the same boat my friend, I recently got my hands on the 1x10 and am trying to find the right head for. Good luck in your search.

I just ordered a Barefaced Big Twin II and was wondering which Class D amp I should pair it up with. I do currently have a TH500 but am looking for a backup or to have the TH500 as a backup. The Barefaced Club has many pages and plenty people commenting daily so feel free to comment here and help me with this decision, please. Aguilar is also coming out in April with the AG700 that I can't wait to hear. I have listed most of the amps that I found to be in the $1,000.00 and under range which is about where I would want to stay.
I am also open for suggestions of some that I may have left off.
Thanks in advance for all of your comments and choices.

 

[nostatic]

For cabinet coloration, I really like the Barefaced 2-10. Tried it at monsterthompson's place and that tone has stuck with me. Not hi fi at all, but nice thick grind.

 

[Whippet]

Puma 900
or
Markbass Multiamp

Actually that is my setup so I only know that. Both sound good.

 

[HolmeBass]

I ended up using a Genalex Gold Lion in V1 (preamp) and a Tungsol 12AX7 in V3 (mids / hi). The Genalex had perfect impact - added refinement to tone while keeping liveliness. Tungsol seemed to add definition. Sorry - all vague words. Only ones that come to mind. I worked with tube guy from Chicago who listened to what my goal was and nailed it 1st try. Can dig up name if you're interested. Very reasonable as well. There's also a good SL900 tube rolling thread on TB. Will tell you ending - put a Philips JAN 5751 in V1. Tried but didn't like as much as the Gold Lion. Best of luck!

Excellent, I will search for the TB thread as well. Thank you.

 

[BassmanPaul]

I would take a look at the Carvin bass amps. They have a good choice of models.

 

[stevecaronna]

I want to thank everyone for commenting and voting. Looks like the Mesa came in as the most popular and I am not surprised, the Genzler came in second and the TH had a 3 way tie. I have a lot to consider here while I try and sit patiently waiting for word from Barefaced on the progress of my BTII. By the time I get it I will hopefully have a better idea of what I will pair it with. The guitar player in my band makes tube amps and has offered to build me one of his but the weight, that is what I am trying to stay away from. We shall see.

Thanks for all the replies

Steve

 

[alexclaber]

I want to thank everyone for commenting and voting. Looks like the Mesa came in as the most popular and I am not surprised, the Genzler came in second and the TH had a 3 way tie. I have a lot to consider here while I try and sit patiently waiting for word from Barefaced on the progress of my BTII. By the time I get it I will hopefully have a better idea of what I will pair it with.

If you already own an amp I always recommend sticking with that amp with your new Barefaced cab(s), until you get to know the cab(s). Once you have experience of loud rehearsals or gigs with your TH500 and Big Twin 2, then it'll be far easier to accurately advise you on the best choice of amp. It may be that you don't need to change the amp at all!