Keep or replace EBS HD350?

[sgh]

Been using my EBS HD350 for a few years now and love the bright clear defined sound I can get. I fancy a change though and love the look of the Mesa TT-800, but not having used a Mesa before, I don't think this will give the same EBS sound? I don't like the look of the Reidmar btw and wondered whether to go for the TT-800 or if there is something else I should consider?

[Tompox]

It sounds like you love the bright, defined sound of your EBS HD350, and while the Mesa TT-800 is a fantastic amp, it has a different tone more mid-focused with some grit so it might not give you that same clarity. If you're looking for something fresh but still clear, you might want to check out Markbass for punchy clarity or Aguilar for a smooth, defined tone. If you're after more versatility, the TT-800 could be fun, but it might not be the perfect match for your EBS sound. Definitely try it out first if you can!

[ern500evo]

Keep the EBS. I had its bigger brother, the TD650, absolutely fantastic amps. 

[sgh]

13 hours ago, Tompox said:

It sounds like you love the bright, defined sound of your EBS HD350, and while the Mesa TT-800 is a fantastic amp, it has a different tone more mid-focused with some grit so it might not give you that same clarity. If you're looking for something fresh but still clear, you might want to check out Markbass for punchy clarity or Aguilar for a smooth, defined tone. If you're after more versatility, the TT-800 could be fun, but it might not be the perfect match for your EBS sound. Definitely try it out first if you can!

Correct, loving the bright, defined sound as you say. I hear what your saying regards the TT-800 on all counts, and am alo wondering if a Glokenlang might be similar to th TT-800 but a bit brighter?

[lowregisterhead]

I've had both, and the first comment is correct IMHO - the Mesa is good, but grittier and lacks the glassy sparkle of the EBS. I've had HD350s and TD650s over the years, and moved them on as I tried out some Class D lightweight thing that didn't really do the job anything like as well. I currently use a EBS Reidmar 502, which is pretty close to the big boys tonally, and light as a feather, and recently splurged on an EBS 802, which is glorious, but only gets an outing when I know I don't have to carry it too far!

 

Stick with the HD350. Or get an 802!! 😁

[BassmanPaul]

In my mind, if you want to sound like you're using an EBS then use one. If you want sound like you're using a Mesa amplifier then buy one. Every amp has it's own voice and you have to learn how to get the best out of it sometimes by trial and error.

[agedhorse]

If you are looking for a brighter tone with a little sheen on it, the TT-800 will get you there by using the bright switch on the front. That's exactly what it's there for.

[EBS_freak]

I wouldn't necessarily ignore the Reidmar. Yes, it's not going to win any prizes for the nicest looking amp - but sonically it pretty much apes what the HD350 - without the weight.

[LeftyJ]

I've been using my HD350 as my main amp since 2010 and still love it. In more recent years I've often put an Ampeg tube preamp into the FX return to use it as just a power amp, but every time I use it stand-alone it puts a smile on my face. In yesterday's rehearsals I used the Ampeg because I like the grit and the darker tone in my doom band, but I had a little noodle through the EBS stand-alone before the rest of the band were in and the clarity and punch of the EBS are just so nice! 

[ebenezer]

Had an HD350, loved the tone, layout etc, but found it underpowered for my needs.

[thodrik]

I love EBS and Mesa amps (I have a Fafner, Walkabout and Big Block 750). You can't really go wrong with either brand.

I did have an M6 Carbine for a while, which was a much more 'modern, clean, aggressive' tone which I understand is not a million miles away from the sounds that can be had with the Subway channel on the TT800. I did end up selling the Carbine because it was actually 'too clean' for me and I needed to sell the M6 to get the Big Block, which had been my dream amp for about a decade.

The two channel flexibility of the TT800 would be deciding point for me, though I would probably be on the Boogie channel 90% of the time. 

If going the Mesa route I would certainly consider the WD800 as well.

[EBS_freak]

1 hour ago, ebenezer said:

Had an HD350, loved the tone, layout etc, but found it underpowered for my needs.

It needs to be run at 2 Ohms. 

[kuetsum]

Let me know if you switched to mesa

Looking for a hd350

[BlueMoon]

On 05/12/2024 at 16:12, EBS_freak said:

It needs to be run at 2 Ohms.

Totally agree………unless it’s one of the very early ones, which only run down to 4 Ohms.

[EBS_freak]

2 hours ago, BlueMoon said:

Totally agree………unless it’s one of the very early ones, which only run down to 4 Ohms.

Yup - for those wondering - it says the loading on the back... and from the front, if the lettering is black on the bottom band across the bottom of the amp, it's the 4 Ohm version... otherwise if white, it's 2 Ohm (assuming the power board hasn't been replaced at any point in its life.)

[Burns-bass]

On 05/12/2024 at 10:10, EBS_freak said:

I wouldn't necessarily ignore the Reidmar. Yes, it's not going to win any prizes for the nicest looking amp - but sonically it pretty much apes what the HD350 - without the weight.

I went from the HD350 to the Reidmar and I love it. 60-80 gigs a year and it never misses a beat.