bass advice please!

novarock

I got a trace elliot RA500 power amp (500Watts) for relatively nothing, in perfect condition with a flight case. Dont have it yet so not sure of all the specs. what would you recommend i get to use with this in terms of EQ and a cabinet. Cheap but good is the key..

Doctor J

Sansamp RBI for the pre-amp and, if you use a 5 string, something with a 15" driver, if not, a 4x10. There are plenty of brands with good quality cabs, Ashdown, Peavey, Hartke, GK, Fender, the list goes on and on. What you could consider would be a Behringer cab initially and save for a better cab in the future. It'd allow you to use the gear without breaking the bank.

novarock

how much would that preamp cost me? I could borrow my friends pod for the moment. I was looking at a behringer cab on thomann, also looking at a gallien kreuger 4x10, about 400 watts. How much would you pay for a 500watt power amp typically?

Doctor J

I've no idea to be honest, all I know is that Geddy Lee uses one live straight into the PA and I really, really dig his current tone. It's amazing.

Edit -> it's fairly pricey on Thomann, though only $295 in the states so I'd say you'd dig up a cheap one in Europe with a bit a bit of effort.

novarock

What about this thing? seems like it could do the job. Also discovered that the amp is actually 250 watts.

http://www.musicstore.de/en/Bass/7_15_BVORSTUFE_73_BAS0001335-000/0/0/0/detail/musicstore.html

so with that preamp and this cab:

http://www.musicstore.de/en/Bass/7_15_BBOX_955_BAS0001910-000/0/0/0/detail/musicstore.html

should it be ok?

Also, could someone clear up the impedance matching thing for me the head is a trace elliot RA250 4 ohms.

Rustar

novarock wrote:

Also, could someone clear up the impedance matching thing for me the head is a trace elliot RA250 4 ohms.

Then you need to use 4 or 8 ohm speakers with it. Do not use 2ohm. I was backwards and upside down on this, but now I am fully trained.

novarock

Excellent. You reckon that rig will be ok for a five string? (frequency responses and so on).

Rustar

novarock wrote:

Excellent. You reckon that rig will be ok for a five string? (frequency responses and so on).

don't see why not.....it's a designed-for-bass unit and I've heard nothing but good things about Sans-amps, although I've never used one myself.

The other things are good enough to create some serious ear damage, looks good to me!

Maybe a trip to the Sans-amp site will tell you about frequency capability.

novarock

Funny thing is I got the power amp for 70 euro's, this is all impulse buying. Ive been bitten by the syndrome...

Rustar

We call it..........GAS!

It's like the seefood diet, you see food and you gotta eat it.

novarock

You know its GAS when your set up is too big to be moved around without a car, but you dont have one, and you cant afford one because you keep buying music equipment. Its a viscious circle.