Carvin BX500 vs. Peavey MiniMax 500

P

PaulErik

Apr 3, 2000
60
19
4,541
New Jersey
#1
Hi all,

I'm looking for a back up head, currently using a Genz Benz Shuttle 6.2 into two Hartke 112 Hydrive cabinets. I'm a belt and suspenders kind of guy, so I'd like to have a second head on hand just in case. I'm currently playing mostly classic rock with a P bass, so I just need a solid punchy sound, nothing too fancy. Looking at the Carvin BX500 and Peavey MiniMax heads, at 500 watts both have enough power, and with the current Carvin Black Friday promotion, both are about the same price. The Carvin has more bells and whistles, but is also larger and heavier.

I'd appreciate any thoughts from anyone who has used one or both heads regarding their sound and EQ flexibility. Or any other characteristics that would be worthwhile to know.

Thanks in advance!
-Paul
 
#2
PaulErik said:
Hi all,

I'm looking for a back up head, currently using a Genz Benz Shuttle 6.2 into two Hartke 112 Hydrive cabinets. I'm a belt and suspenders kind of guy, so I'd like to have a second head on hand just in case. I'm currently playing mostly classic rock with a P bass, so I just need a solid punchy sound, nothing too fancy. Looking at the Carvin BX500 and Peavey MiniMax heads, at 500 watts both have enough power, and with the current Carvin Black Friday promotion, both are about the same price. The Carvin has more bells and whistles, but is also larger and heavier.

I'd appreciate any thoughts from anyone who has used one or both heads regarding their sound and EQ flexibility. Or any other characteristics that would be worthwhile to know.

Thanks in advance!
-Paul
Click to expand...


I've not played either head but the P.V. is getting good reviews here at T.B.

But just to throw a wrench in the works.....if you are happy with the Shuttle 6.2's tone, power, size, why not consider another 6.2 as a back-up since your familiar with it?
(Unless your just looking for a different head for a different tone and feel along with it being your back-up.)

Recently there's been several used 6.2's pop-up in the T.B. classifieds at VERY reasonable prices.

(This is how I handled my back-up head needs.....My ears are REALLY happy with the Mesa M-6 head I gig with, went with another M-6 for a back-up.)




.....
 
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#4
shoot-r said:
I've not played either head but the P.V. is getting good reviews here at T.B.

But just to throw a wrench in the works.....if you are happy with the Shuttle 6.2's tone, power, size, why not consider another 6.2 as a back-up since your familiar with it?
(Unless your just looking for a different head for a different tone and feel along with it being your back-up.)

Recently there's been several used 6.2's pop-up in the T.B. classifieds at VERY reasonable prices.

(This is how I handled my back-up head needs.....My ears are REALLY happy with the Mesa M-6 head I gig with, went with another M-6 for a back-up.)




.....
Click to expand...
That's what I was going to suggest as well.
 
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#5
I had a MiniMax as a backup amp and was very happy with it overall. It's really loud and can get a wide range of tones. It's especially talented at shaping the low end - lots of options there. It features built-in overdrive, but I didn't need to explore that much. I was able to get some good old-school sounds from it. The only complaint I've heard is about the full-time fan operation. If you're a bedroom or basement bassist, this might be an issue. Live it's a non-issue, and the amp sure does run cool. Oh, and a built-in tuner is a cool feature. I'd recommend it for the price.
 
#6
Thanks for the replies. Getting another shuttle used is probably the reasonable thing to do, if the price was right, it's a great amp. But the temptation to try something else is always strong. Plus I love that new amp smell. :-)

Thanks again!
 
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