I have two heads now

[smallequestrian]

Was in Austin for the weekend to jam with my Brother and I saw an ad posted on TB for a Genz Benz 500. Took my cab and Bongo to test with and walked out with it for 320. Its 285w@8ohm vs. my Ashdown which is 200w@8ohm, but there seems to be a lot more headroom on the GB. The Bergie cab I have isn't the most effecient, so I think it is enjoying the additional power. The tones are actually kinda similar, but the GB has a tube pre and Fet pre that you can individually adjust the gains on. You can also work some overdrive in with the tube pre.

In general the GB feels like it has a more substantial build quality to it, but then again I think it typically went for 700ish new vs. the Ashdown which goes for 300 new. At this point I need to spend some more time comparing. Kind of fun though, never had two amps at the same time before. I had heard that Genz Benz amps were rather conservatively rated power wise and so far I tend to believe it.

Oh, and here is a pic.

 

[maddog]

Very nice acquisition Paul.

 

[syciprider]

Nice head. So this thing has a tube and fet section like the M Pulse?

 

[phatduckk]

sweet! congrats on the score

ive got two heads too now. i think im gonna sell off my svt soon tho

 

[flywheel]

that Ashdown sure is a cool looking head!!! I like the UV meter and the knobs...nice vintage vibe.

 

[smallequestrian]

Nice head. So this thing has a tube and fet section like the M Pulse?

Yeah, seems like a good idea, although I can't tell a whole lot of difference, but then I also don't have the most discriminating ears for that type of thing. I think if I was cranking it up a bit louder it would be more apparent. It is cool being able to dial in some overdrive though.

 

[smallequestrian]

that Ashdown sure is a cool looking head!!! I like the UV meter and the knobs...nice vintage vibe.

The UV meter looks cool, but it does next to nothing. I have the input/gain at about 65% and I am driving with perhaps one of the hottest onboard preamps available and the needle barely moves. Even when I plug into the passive jack there isn't even that much movement. I am sure it is doing its job fine, but its definitely there for decoration more than it is for utility.

 

[Figjam]

I tihnk the needle doesnt move that much because of your EQ settings. When i used to boost a lot of stuff (think crank the mids/bass a bunch) it would max out often. Now that im nearer to flat eq, it moves less unless i dig in.

Its a good head for the money, definitely. Mine will be for sale this summer, ill probably put it up for sale here to let you guys have first dibs, as well as my avatar b212.

 

[roballanson]

The Ashdown MAG is a decent old head. I use the ABM series and the needle definately moves.....boost the bass on my SR5 and off it goes....lovely lovely amps, and the UV meter in the dark is grand but just dont stare at it for too long incase you hypnotise yourself

 

[smallequestrian]

I really do like the MAG and I actually prefer its tone to the ABM series that I have played through. The MAG series are just teriffic for the money. I think at some point I might end up with the MAG 600.

 

[roballanson]

Yeah the MAG is great value and you get a lot of umph for your pounds....sorry bucks.

I have had my ABM since the company first started up and love it. Even with the Hartke cab on the bottom the sound for me is spot on - obviously in my humble opinion....