A huge pot of experience and information been given here,all of which I agree with.The main thing for me is a bass with great playability,which you would think for 700 of your hard earned would be easy(second hand bargins etc).Classic example is going to a large shop(no names mentioned) and tryin loads of Fender Jazz basses(money wasnt an issue,I wasnt buying lol),apart from the set up,each one played and sounded different,weather due to age,set up,woods necks or pick ups fitted etc.I suppose what I am trying to say for me is,if you have a great bass,a different sound can be achieved by pick up or circuitry mods or whatever.At one time I loved Mec's but Mrs Warwick doesnt get wined and dined much now,then big fat split MM style pickups,seems I am turned on by Emgs.Ive tried sooo many basses,amps and cabs combinations same as most of the good people on here.Suppose we all strive for a perfect sound.Will we find it,who knows.Thats why I will probably always try or buy even more Basses.