Ashdown EB vs Ashdown MAG

[offmybass]

I've recently decided to upgrade my rig so would like some advice if possible?

I had an Ashdown EB180 for years and in all fairness I was impressed with it, especially for the price. My only real issue towards the end was that it wasn't the most interesting sounding of amps, maybe I got just got bored of it over time, but I sort of hit a wall with it. I've been offered one of the red MAG 400's for a decent (I think, £160 sound any good?) price and was just wondering if anyone has any experience with them and most importantly wether they sound anything like the EB or if they have a bit more to them?

The EB I had was a 1x15 combo, with the MAG I'll probably pick up 4x10 and 1x15 Ashdown MAG cabs.

[RandomBass]

I've had an EB180-15, a MAG 600 head and now an ABM. I'd say the EB and MAG are close in their circuit topolgy - just different power capabilities. Tonally I found them to be quite similar, but the MAG head sounded astonishing when paired with decent cabs. Loud, tight (believe it or not for an Ashdown), and totally reliable. I think the weak point is probably the speaker section on the EB, and separate cabs work wonders with the MAG head - depending on which ones you go for of course. Certainly gives you more versatility.

I reckon the EQ frequencies on the EB and MAG ranges are pretty much perfect - and in some ways better chosen than those on the ABM. The big one for me is the 100Hz Bass control on the EB/MAG. I found this gave a significant oomph to the sound, without wasting lots of energy on unnecessary low frequencies.

As ever the only way to know for certain is to try for yourself. I think £160 for a MAG400 might be a bit on the high side - but if it sounds good to you, is loud enough for your needs and is not battered, then it's probably worth it.

Cheers

Geoff