shafty2.3

A D rated valve amp that has an output rated in both 8 and 4 ohms. What are the advantages/disadvantages of pairing with 8 or 4 ohm cabs?

I used valve heads 40 years ago and other than one catching fire on stage I loved the sweet tone. In those days solid state sounded tinny in comparison. I'm obviously old school but I'm amazed by how good the new solid state heads are.......but.......can't get my valve experience out of my head (pun). Just need reassurance from players who've been solid state for some time. Most people I talk to still say......you still can't beat valves.

That should be Head for Vanderkley cabs!

Thanks to all for comments to my last post (New head and cabs). Checked out a few combinations and impressed with Vanderkley cabs. Tried with a few different heads, Darkglass M900, Mesa 800, Aguilar 700. Of these I preferred the Aguilar but I'm tempted to go for valves. Would love to try the Vanderkley Spartan but they don't have one yet. Any suggestions? Is it worth the extra for valves being as the new generation of solid state amps sound so good? Thanks again.

[quote name='Kevin Dean' timestamp='1503494963' post='3358694'] A good friend of mine does Amp repairs & He said that he would avoid MB stuff , He said they don't have a lot built in protection & has just repaired 3 in a row for a local Hire company . [/quote] Is MB Mesa Boogie or Markbass?

Anyone tried the Genzler Bass Array cabs?

[quote name='Kevin Dean' timestamp='1503494963' post='3358694'] A good friend of mine does Amp repairs & He said that he would avoid MB stuff , He said they don't have a lot built in protection & has just repaired 3 in a row for a local Hire company . [/quote] Interesting!!!! Thanks.

[quote name='Steve Browning' timestamp='1503491510' post='3358656'] When you say large venues, I wonder what size you mean and do you also mean without PA support? [/quote] Can be any size really. Last big one we did was about 2000. I never DI the bass with our own (small PA) but with venue PAs they always want to DI everything, especially bass. Most of the time the idiots at the desk make a mess of it, too deep and booming and I like to know exactly what the audience are hearing....so if I can avoid DI I will. Having a rig that has enough on-stage volume and only using the PA for tweeking and drummer foldback is ideal. My guitarist has the same problem with sound men, he likes to use feedback whereas they often want as little on-stage volume as possible. Hope that makes sense. Thanks

Been playing bass on and off for close to 50 years. Played double bass for a few years and recently returned to electric after reforming my 1977 band and now looking to upgrade my current rig. Over the years Ive tried many different combinations, good and bad, but my knowledge of current gear needs updating. I want a powerful head that can handle large venues, with 2 or 3 cabs that can be split for smaller venues and more easily transported. Mostly play a Ricky 4001 but also a vintage Fender Jazz and a dobro. Been chekcing out the obvious suspects, Ampeg, Ashdown, MarkBass and Mesa Boogie. I'd appreciate advice and suggestions, no cost restrictions....Im treating myself! Thanks.