lowregisterhead Posted September 6, 2017 Share Posted September 6, 2017 (edited) Over the last few years I've slowly slimmed what was once a vast rig down to two EBS 210's (4 ohms each) coupled with a GK MB800 Fusion head, which I like a lot. The only downside is I've had to build a series speakon adapter to bring the impedance of the two cabs up to 8 ohms, as the GK won't run into 2 ohms. I'm looking into what the options are for a lightweight, preferably rack-mountable head of 500 watts + capable of 2 ohms (or two x 4 ohms) to take its place. So far I've found Genz Benz, TecAmp, and Thunderfunk. I haven't tried any of them yet, but what other choices are there out there? Thanks in advance for any and all input! Edited September 6, 2017 by lowregisterhead Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Treb Posted September 6, 2017 Share Posted September 6, 2017 The GK RB2001 can do 2 ohms but at three rackspaces high it's far from compact, not to mention it's weight of 42.5 lbs... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dazlexic101 Posted September 6, 2017 Share Posted September 6, 2017 [quote name='lowregisterhead' timestamp='1504722423' post='3366913'] The only downside is I've had to build a series speakon adapter to bring the impedance of the two cabs up to 8 ohms, as the GK won't run into 2 ohms. [/quote] I'd be interested in finding out more about this cable. I have and EBS 110 250watts at 8ohms and a 115 300watt at 4ohms with an Ampeg PF800 head 400watts at 8ohms or 800watts at 4ohms minimim load. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dood Posted September 6, 2017 Share Posted September 6, 2017 I'm not sure what your budget is, but the Bergantino B|Amp is stunning. It's stable down to 2 Ohms and just sounds superb! There's also a cheaper option, the Bergantino Forte that I haven't had the chance to try but it's essentially a cut down version of the B|Amp but the signal path components are all the same. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raslee Posted September 6, 2017 Share Posted September 6, 2017 Perhaps consider Carvin? Pretty sure they do two ohms, very clean sounding too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete.young Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 A 1U power amp with 2 x 4Ohm channels and a pre-amp? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
obbm Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 Mesa Boogie D-800? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fretmeister Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 Darkglass M900 will run at 2ohms Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vsmith1 Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 The Carvin BX700 amp I have goes down to drive a 2 Ohm load. This is selected with a switch on the back of the amp from 4 Ohm loads. It is lightweight with 2 EQ sections (switchable) and a valve (switchable) in the pre-amp stage. I have mine for sale here on Basschat: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/310949-carvin-bx700-amp/"]Carvin BX700 Amp[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowregisterhead Posted September 7, 2017 Author Share Posted September 7, 2017 [quote name='Treb' timestamp='1504726077' post='3366945'] The GK RB2001 can do 2 ohms but at three rackspaces high it's far from compact, not to mention it's weight of 42.5 lbs... [/quote] Yup, if I could, I probably would, but I'm getting old... ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowregisterhead Posted September 7, 2017 Author Share Posted September 7, 2017 [quote name='Dazlexic101' timestamp='1504726420' post='3366954'] I'd be interested in finding out more about this cable. I have and EBS 110 250watts at 8ohms and a 115 300watt at 4ohms with an Ampeg PF800 head 400watts at 8ohms or 800watts at 4ohms minimim load. [/quote] Here you go... http://speakerimpedance.co.uk/?page=calculator Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowregisterhead Posted September 7, 2017 Author Share Posted September 7, 2017 [quote name='dood' timestamp='1504726501' post='3366956'] I'm not sure what your budget is, but the Bergantino B|Amp is stunning. It's stable down to 2 Ohms and just sounds superb! There's also a cheaper option, the Bergantino Forte that I haven't had the chance to try but it's essentially a cut down version of the B|Amp but the signal path components are all the same. [/quote] Looks very nice Dood, thanks for the recommendation! I was wondering if I could somehow find the readies for a Thunderfunk TFB800-B2, but with duty and tax, it's about 2 grand! The B|Amp looks great though. I will investigate further. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowregisterhead Posted September 7, 2017 Author Share Posted September 7, 2017 [quote name='obbm' timestamp='1504771924' post='3367132'] Mesa Boogie D-800? [/quote] Thanks for the suggestion, but I've never got on with Boogies for some reason, too 'rock' tone-wise in my (admittedly limited) experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dood Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 [quote name='lowregisterhead' timestamp='1504808579' post='3367525'] Looks very nice Dood, thanks for the recommendation! I was wondering if I could somehow find the readies for a Thunderfunk TFB800-B2, but with duty and tax, it's about 2 grand! The B|Amp looks great though. I will investigate further. [/quote] No problem! I've reviewed the B|Amp, but I haven't had my hands on the Forté yet which promises to be very good too. Here's some bloke who seems to like it a lot: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHoNNtuOpsc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowregisterhead Posted September 7, 2017 Author Share Posted September 7, 2017 [quote name='pete.young' timestamp='1504771359' post='3367128'] A 1U power amp with 2 x 4Ohm channels and a pre-amp? [/quote] Makes a lot of sense, but too much of a faff for my purpses I fear, if I could ever decide which power amp and which pre to go for, of course! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowregisterhead Posted September 7, 2017 Author Share Posted September 7, 2017 [quote name='dood' timestamp='1504808756' post='3367528'] No problem! I've reviewed the B|Amp, but I haven't had my hands on the Forté yet which promises to be very good too. Here's some bloke who seems to like it a lot: [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHoNNtuOpsc[/media] [/quote] Yeah, watched it this morning - very interesting! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dood Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 [quote name='lowregisterhead' timestamp='1504808812' post='3367530'] Yeah, watched it this morning - very interesting! [/quote] Ah! Thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowregisterhead Posted September 7, 2017 Author Share Posted September 7, 2017 [quote name='fretmeister' timestamp='1504772080' post='3367138'] Darkglass M900 will run at 2ohms [/quote] I looked at the Darkglass, but I was slightly put off by the emphasis on distortion settings. Not to say it wouldn't do crystal clear, so it certainly warrants more research. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowregisterhead Posted September 7, 2017 Author Share Posted September 7, 2017 [quote name='Raslee' timestamp='1504729727' post='3366989'] Perhaps consider Carvin? Pretty sure they do two ohms, very clean sounding too. [/quote] Yup, there's even on for sale here on BC. Call me a snob, but I'm looking for something a bit more substantial... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowregisterhead Posted September 7, 2017 Author Share Posted September 7, 2017 [quote name='vsmith1' timestamp='1504772250' post='3367142'] The Carvin BX700 amp I have goes down to drive a 2 Ohm load. This is selected with a switch on the back of the amp from 4 Ohm loads. It is lightweight with 2 EQ sections (switchable) and a valve (switchable) in the pre-amp stage. I have mine for sale here on Basschat: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/310949-carvin-bx700-amp/"]Carvin BX700 Amp[/url] [/quote] Thanks, I'd already seen that listing, and although it would probably do the job, I'm looking for something a little more high-end. I'm either just very picky, or a terrible amp snob - you can decide! The truth is I know nothing about Carvin gear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raslee Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 The Eden WT550 is a classic. However don't underestimate Carvin gear, the BX1500 I owned sometime back was a monster....that said I did sell it 😂 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowregisterhead Posted September 7, 2017 Author Share Posted September 7, 2017 [quote name='Raslee' timestamp='1504810350' post='3367548'] The Eden WT550 is a classic. However don't underestimate Carvin gear, the BX1500 I owned sometime back was a monster....that said I did sell it [/quote] Sadly I had a WT550... it blew up! :-( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mykesbass Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 [quote name='vsmith1' timestamp='1504772250' post='3367142'] The Carvin BX700 amp I have goes down to drive a 2 Ohm load. This is selected with a switch on the back of the amp from 4 Ohm loads. It is lightweight with 2 EQ sections (switchable) and a valve (switchable) in the pre-amp stage. I have mine for sale here on Basschat: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/310949-carvin-bx700-amp/"]Carvin BX700 Amp[/url] [/quote] [quote name='lowregisterhead' timestamp='1504809291' post='3367535'] Yup, there's even on for sale here on BC. Call me a snob, but I'm looking for something a bit more substantial... [/quote] [quote name='lowregisterhead' timestamp='1504809498' post='3367537'] Thanks, I'd already seen that listing, and although it would probably do the job, I'm looking for something a little more high-end. I'm either just very picky, or a terrible amp snob - you can decide! The truth is I know nothing about Carvin gear. [/quote] OK, as you asked, you're a snob Seriously, I'd have put the Carvin at least as high end as GK or Genz Benz. I bought mine after a/b testing against the Aguilar Tonehammer and felt the Carvin won hands down. I've got the 500w version, and although I now swap between this and a newly acquired Fender Pro 800 the Carvin's going nowhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrumpymike Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 My Genzler Magellan 800 is switchable down to 2.7ohms to run either 3 x 8ohm cabs (which I do) or 1 x 4ohm + 1 x 8ohm. It's also a blindingly good IMHO and not as expensive in the UK as other popular US amps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrumpymike Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 Sorry, should have read the OP properly (brain-fade) - I'm not techie enough to know whether that 2.7ohm setting also accommodates 2 x 4ohm cabs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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