ChunkyMunky Posted October 23, 2015 Share Posted October 23, 2015 Just saw my dream amp head out in the US for a dream price. However, I'm a little bit unsure if I'd need to watch out for transition for voltages and all sorts. Any advice? [url="http://s173.photobucket.com/user/mrmatt_photo/media/SWR/Bass%20350/DCP_6198.jpg.html"][/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EssentialTension Posted October 23, 2015 Share Posted October 23, 2015 Some amps are switchable for voltage but some require a transformer. When you look at the dream price don't forget to add shipping and then add another 25-30% for customs duty plus VAT plus handling charge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChunkyMunky Posted October 23, 2015 Author Share Posted October 23, 2015 [quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1445582791' post='2892481'] Some amps are switchable for voltage but some require a transformer. When you look at the dream price don't forget to add shipping and then add another 25-30% for customs duty plus VAT plus handling charge. [/quote] £450 still isn't bad! Then again, I have no idea about the transformer cost. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted October 23, 2015 Share Posted October 23, 2015 There's an SM-400S on Ebay in Brighton, for £300. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SWR-SM-400S-Bass-Amp-Head-case-/221903380064?hash=item33aa78de60:g:pcoAAOSwgQ9V01HZ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chienmortbb Posted October 23, 2015 Share Posted October 23, 2015 you would need a tansfomer costing minimum of £50. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JapanAxe Posted October 23, 2015 Share Posted October 23, 2015 [quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1445603053' post='2892742'] There's an SM-400S on Ebay in Brighton, for £300. [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SWR-SM-400S-Bass-Amp-Head-case-/221903380064?hash=item33aa78de60:g:pcoAAOSwgQ9V01HZ"]http://www.ebay.co.u...coAAOSwgQ9V01HZ[/url] [/quote] That's my nightmare amp: Aural enhancer - no!!! Graphic - no!!!! Semi-parametric - no!!!!! Bi-amped - no!!!!!! Stereo - no!!!!!!! Each to their own of course... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexclaber Posted October 23, 2015 Share Posted October 23, 2015 I've always felt the SWR 350 and 750 were rather disappointing - surprisingly lacking in oomph. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andydye Posted October 23, 2015 Share Posted October 23, 2015 [quote name='JapanAxe' timestamp='1445603838' post='2892758'] That's my nightmare amp: Aural enhancer - no!!! Graphic - no!!!! Semi-parametric - no!!!!! Bi-amped - no!!!!!! Stereo - no!!!!!!! Each to their own of course... [/quote] [quote name='alexclaber' timestamp='1445609437' post='2892823'] I've always felt the SWR 350 and 750 were rather disappointing - surprisingly lacking in oomph. [/quote] Not my dream amp either but hey, one mans' dream is another mans' nightmare innit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassBunny Posted October 23, 2015 Share Posted October 23, 2015 Also watch out for warranty terms. Some are worldwide, some just the country of purchase. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChunkyMunky Posted October 23, 2015 Author Share Posted October 23, 2015 Personally, I've never been a fan of the MarkBass stuff. What works for some, I guess! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andydye Posted October 23, 2015 Share Posted October 23, 2015 Importing amps is a potential minefield! For all the reasons stated above, if it's cheap enough to make it worthwhile after import duty and vat have also been paid and once you've got a transformer for it that you'll also have to lug everywhere as well as your new 'amp baby'...dude it better be cheap! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexclaber Posted October 23, 2015 Share Posted October 23, 2015 [quote name='ChunkyMunky' timestamp='1445610437' post='2892834'] Personally, I've never been a fan of the MarkBass stuff. What works for some, I guess! [/quote] It wasn't an observation regarding SWR amps, it was the Bass 350 and 750 specifically vs other SWR heads. If you haven't gigged it, bear in mind it's quite a lot less powerful in practice than an SM400 despite the similar power rating. I gigged an SWR Grand Prix for years, it was a great sounding preamp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChunkyMunky Posted October 23, 2015 Author Share Posted October 23, 2015 [quote name='alexclaber' timestamp='1445612573' post='2892856'] It wasn't an observation regarding SWR amps, it was the Bass 350 and 750 specifically vs other SWR heads. If you haven't gigged it, bear in mind it's quite a lot less powerful in practice than an SM400 despite the similar power rating. I gigged an SWR Grand Prix for years, it was a great sounding preamp. [/quote] Considering the quality of your cabs, that's a hell of an endorsement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.