Genz Benz Streamliner 900 vs Gallien Krueger Fusion 550

madjazzbass

madjazzbass

Jan 5, 2014
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#1
I'm considering trading in my Genz Benz Streamliner 900 , for the Gallien Kruger Fusion 550. The GB is a great amp , but I feel is lacking in the "warmth" department. (?) Right now, I'm running the GB with two Avatar 2x10 cabs, but I'm considering going the 2x15 route as well, or better yet, two 1x15 cabs. stacked ... not to get off track here, HA!! Thoughts?
 
#2
I've had my STM-900 since it was first introduced. I have run mine originally with (2) Epifani UL115 cabs, and felt that the articulation wasn't there. So I switched to (2) Avatar B210 Neo Cabs, and was very happy with the combination of definition and lows. I recently sold both Avatar cabs, and bought a Fender Rumble 210. This combo seems to be the best of all.

I can't speak to the GK, as I've never played one, but I've never had a problem getting "warmth" from my STM-900.
 
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#3
I've noticed warmth comes more from how you set your bass and which bass you play and how you eq it. I have zero trouble getting warmth from my P with flats through GK 2001RB. On the other hand, my ray is set for a completely different tone.
 
#4
hmmm , i've never had a problem getting a "warm " tone from my Streamliner 900 ...
i run mine thru one or two LDS 15/6 cabs , depending on the gig .
2015-09-14%2018.03.41_zpsbiuakmqt.jpg
 
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#5
I see, maybe "warmth" isn't what I think it is that's lacking, I think maybe it's a certain "punchyness" (is that even a word? Ha!) that I'm not getting, could be the voicing of the Avatar 2x10 cabs ... ? The Streamliner definitely has enough power, that's for sure.
 
#9
I threw together a couple videos for you. In my trio the band prefers a tighter sound. We don't have that mids of a rhythm guitar all the time. So I'll probably bring the Fusion to that one. The singer prefers the ric so ok. In my cover band the guys like a bigger sound so I'll probably bring the streamliner. But in all honesty I've gotten these amps to sound pretty close. Don't know if you'd notice in a mix. Notice the radical eq differences though. And I forgot to clean the room or wet my bed hair down before doing this quickly.





PS

The knobs being lit up on the gk is really handy. It also doesn't take as long as the tubes to warm up but that isn't a big deal.
 
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#10
I've heard the SL900 called a lot of things, mostly great, but " lack of warmth" has never been one of them. I thought it sounded warm. In fact when you read about them warm is one of the most frequent descriptors. For me when I used one I found it to feel slow for lack of a better word. As stated above not as quick and punchy as I like. And I use a Genz Shuttlemax. For full disclosure I haven't used GK on a regular basis in years. When I want real tube sound I use one of my all tube amps.
 
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#12
tycobb73 said:
I threw together a couple videos for you. In my trio the band prefers a tighter sound. We don't have that mids of a rhythm guitar all the time. So I'll probably bring the Fusion to that one. The singer prefers the ric so ok. In my cover band the guys like a bigger sound so I'll probably bring the streamliner. But in all honesty I've gotten these amps to sound pretty close. Don't know if you'd notice in a mix. Notice the radical eq differences though. And I forgot to clean the room or wet my bed hair down before doing this quickly.





PS

The knobs being lit up on the gk is really handy. It also doesn't take as long as the tubes to warm up but that isn't a big deal.
Click to expand...

wow! the streamliner sounds alot like my Magellan 800
 
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#18
madjazzbass said:
Hmm, Thanks. Do you think there's something wrong with mine? The light is out/off but it still sounds OK ... I guess; It's too late at night to crank it up right now.
Click to expand...
That is a known issue with the STM-900. Intermittent blue internal LED. It has no effect on the performance. They even sent me a replacement LED, but I would need to have it installed for $75. Not worth it for me.
 
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