I've always loved the tight,authoritative low end and grinding, biting top end 80's/90's rock tones of bassists like Eddie Jackson (Queensryche), Rachel Bolan (Skid Row), Kip Winger (Winger), Bruno Ravel (Danger Danger), Pat Badger (Extreme) etc etc. What did they have in common? The classic EMG P/J loaded Spector NS2 bass....
Having found one at the old Bass Centre in Wapping (the good ol' days) and LOVED the sound, feel, and look I then purchased various Spector basses! I was almost there, but there was still something not quite right (playing through Trace Elliot, Peavey, Ampeg, Ashdown etc) in my quest for the exact tone I was looking for....
The missing puzzle piece turned out to be the classic Gallien Krueger 400RB/800RB series heads from that period...... A friend invited me to try my Spector through his 800RB and the quest was complete!!
So, to summise..... Active EMG p/J loaded Spector (with roundwounds) through old GK400RB or 800RB head and a suitable full range cab (in my case - currently a GenzBenz 2x12 Neo). Add in a little extra grit when needed from my Tech21 Dug DP3X pedal and I have aural bliss!