any experience with Ibanez Promethean heads?

[JvJazz83]

Hi, guys!
I'm just trying to figure out if a Promethean head might be the right amp for me.
I currently own a GK MB200 head, playing to a GK MBE 210 cab (1. gen. with neo elements). This amp sound a little harsh and boomy to me playing my JV Jazz Bass. (Have to cut back the bass and treble a lot)
An Ibanez Promethean head (P500H) has surfaced on a sales-page here in Norway for about the equivalent of £130. I have read many good things about this amp, but nearly nothing newer than 2015 or something. ( I know it's discontinued). I also read about the slow start issues, and will ask about that if I contact the seller.
So. Is it fair to believe that the Promethean might give me a different sound going through the same GK cab?
Can the eq and "vibe"(?) knob make it a little "warmer" sounding, with less of a mid scoop?
Does anyone have these anymore? experience With both would be awesome.

PS. Other amps i have been looking at in the 500-800w range, cost from £300 up used...

Thanks in advance.
Halvor

[Teebs]

Not sure about the Promethean head, but I recently bought the little P20 practice amp & it's brilliant. Very well-but with a good range of sounds from such a little monster.

If the head is anything like, I imagine it's very good.

[jrixn1]

I used to have a GK MB210 (the 500W combo version with the 2x10).  I also still have a Harley Benton BA500H which is pretty much the same thing as the Promethean.  It is my back-up amp and it sounds really nice with a P bass with flats through an old 1x15 cab and my particular playing style.  I would say yes, it's easier to dial in a warmer tone compared to the GK.  But there are so many variables involved.  To take a different approach - how about a Zoom MS-60B, B3, or B1 pedal?  You can plug this into your GK.  It has many amp emulations built in, and flicking through them and tweaking is a lot quicker and cheaper than buying & selling heads when you are searching for your best sound or experimenting with all the options.
 

[JvJazz83]

Thank you for your replies.

I am looking for a second amp head anyway, so I thought I might try the Promethean. Get a little more power as well as have the ability to rehearse together with my 15 year old, who is just starting to learn. I play only as a hobby, so budget is tight. No paying gigs at the moment...

[eude]

I used to have the original Promethean combo, which featured the head you're talking about.

It's an awesome piece, very loud with a nice warm tone. The graphic EQ is very useful and all in, if I'm honest, I wish I'd never sold mine.

I have no idea why on earth they stopped making them, but it was a bad move. The newer ones are a bit pants...

If I was you I'd go for it 😎

Eude

[Walliebal]

I remember the warm and round tones and power coming from a 15" combo I used on a gig once. I was impressed by the sound of this little Ibanez. I think it's a good amp for the price. Good luck.

[KarlM]

I've owned one for over 10 years and have gigged with it extensively. The only issue I've ever had with it is the clip light at higher volumes. I play through two cabs (1x15 and 2x10) at 4 ohm, getting the full 500 watts worth of power. I feel as though I'm pushing the limits of it and it will die on me (though it never has). The environments I play in are mostly clubs and outdoor events, with very LOUD drummers. So everyone has to adjust to that volume. I sometimes feel as though I need another 300-500 watts of headroom just so I'm not putting so much of a burden on it. It once rumbled right off the top of my speaker cab and onto the floor. Still worked!

Aside from the clipping issue, its a great little beast. The tone is really good through my Jazz bass...smooth and rich with a good bottom and crisp highs. It comes with these funky feet posts that screw on/off. I use a foam pad without the feet to keep it from vibrating off my cabinet. It has been a steady and reliable workhorse for me for many years. 

[Aliwobble]

I had a Promethean P5110 combo for a while. Sounded absolutely fantastic for a about 12 months, and then it started spending its life at the repair shop. I still have the 1x10 cab it came in. If you find one of the old 500 watt heads that still works then grab it.