Poll: What Class D Amp? (~500W)

[BassAndReeds]

Hello,

I'm interested in a new Class D Amp Head to go with my Tecamp M212 (which is 4 ohms, 600 watts). I've been unhappy with the low end of my rig, which consists also of an Eden WTX-500. I am in 2 country bands, a Rock/Blues/Top 40 band, and am auditioning for Wedding/Corporate bands (which I may not use this head for, as many go DI to the PA). So effectively I need a good class D amp with good low end that'll handle country, classic rock, and Top 40. I'd like it around 5 lbs, I don't feel like lugging heavy equipment anymore.

Thanks,
BT

 

[bassbooty]

I recommend a TecAmp Puma 900 or Puma 500 (depending on your budget) to pair with your TecAmp M212. Used ones come up semi-regularly here in the TB Classifieds as well as on Reverb.com. I have a Puma 900 which I use with either a TecAmp S212 Classic or M212 Classic cab and there is no shortage of low end IME. Good luck with your quest!

 

[shoot-r]

I'd suggest your auditioning the class "D" heads that are reported here at T.B. as having GREAT low end and heft to the notes.

Mesa Subway D-800 or their 800+, Genzler M-800, Quliter 800, and Aguliar's AG700.

The Mesa and Aguliar is said to have the better low end heft.

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

Check out the Fender Rumble 500. As it is the best selling bass amp in the world, I'm surprised it isn't on your list.
Go over to the Fender Rumble Club in the Amps & Cabs forum. Lots of good info and nice people that will gladly answer your questions.

 

[High Camp]

There are a lot of 500 watt amps about, my personal favorite would be the Ampeg PF-500.
It's versatile and loud, and has that lovely signature Ampeg sound.

YMMV, IMHO, IME,

 

[HauntedDave]

Trace Elliott ELF puts both my 410 and 810 to work.

 

[JGbassman]

Any current class D minis are good, just depends on your individual preference.

I’ve personally had good luck with GK and Mesa, but all are fine choices you would be happy with if you like their voicing

 

[Gearhead17]

Could it be a combination of the Eden head and your current cabinet that is giving you terrible low end quality? Definitely try the head with your cabinet to confirm. Might simply need two identical cabs here and/or you hate the Eden tone

 

[FMBassist]

Hello,

I'm interested in a new Class D Amp Head to go with my Tecamp M212 (which can handle 600 Watts). I've been unhappy with the low end of my rig, which consists also of an Eden WTX-500. I am in 2 country bands, a Rock/Blues/Top 40 band, and am auditioning for Wedding/Corporate bands (which I may not use this head for, as many go DI to the PA). So effectively I need a good class D amp with good low end that'll handle country, classic rock, and Top 40. I'd like it around 5 lbs, I don't feel like lugging heavy equipment anymore.

Thanks,
BT

I use an Ampeg PF350 with two vintage B15 cabs, both are single baffle. Eminence Delta 15LFA equipped. Loud as hell and a lot of thunder.

 

[Wicked G]

Of your 4 choices, I would pick the GK MB500 easily over the Markbass and Aguilar. I have no experience with the Traynor. Although the GK can be sparkly, it still puts out a ton of low end. Good luck.

 

[zon6c-f]

Bergantino forte’ or BI
Forte is a little lighter (@ 5 pounds ) of the 2 heads

Either will give results you require as well as out to PA for more power if needed

I recently bought forte’ and 1-12 HDN
Which weighs @ 25 pounds ; a one handed for me and I’m older

Bought this rig specifically for traveling with small footprint ; won’t take up much valuable luggage space

Overall I’d say Berg Head n cabinet is a very transparent system; what you put in...it puts out without coloring of its own

More expensive than some others

Good luck and please keep us posted

 

[1bassplayinfool]

Too many choices out there for class D amps right now. Go try a few out and make your choice... good luck!!!

 

[Timmy-Watts]

I recommend a TecAmp Puma 900 or Puma 500 (depending on your budget) to pair with your TecAmp M212. Used ones come up semi-regularly here in the TB Classifieds as well as on Reverb.com. I have a Puma 900 which I use with either a TecAmp S212 or M212 cab and there is no shortage of low end IME. Good luck with your quest!

I have the m212 and my amp of choice is the Puma 900. I have tried to replace it with other amps with more bells and whistles but no small amp thumps and sounds as good or clean as the Tecamp. It's ok to use a higher powered amp with any cab. Just watch how loud you turn it. Mine has not even broken a sweat and it is a fantastic pair with the Puma 900.

 

[Spent]

I voted for the GK as I’ve had two in the past, both MB500 and Fusion. I picked up a Quilter bass block 800 a few months ago and IMHO it is the single best amp I’ve played, class D or not. I can’t possibly list all of the amps I’ve had over the years, but a few of my favorites are my GK 1001 RB, 800 RB, Genz-Benz ShuttleMax 9.2 and pre amps Yamaha PB1, Tech21 RBI and Demeter VTBP-201s to name a few. None of these are slouches by any measure, but I haven’t touched one of them since I got the Quilter. It’s a different kind of amp, but worth a look. In the end, it’s up to your personal preference.

 

[jaymelewis]

+1 for the tonehammer. I love mine!

 

[jalapejoe]

I use a Ampeg PF-800 and two PF115HE sealed cabs, sounds fantastic, loud!

 

[lookiel]

I voted “other”.
If you want low end goodness check out the Quilter BB800.
Just keep the master a bit below the 800 mark

 

[andruca]

Tech21 Bass VT500

 

[interp]

Quilter 800

 

[Relsom]

Thats a really short list considering all thats available these days. Widen your radar and try some if you can. Good luck !