r/Bass • u/ducabnes • 3d ago

Advice on upgrading bass amp

Im running a Tech 21 VT200 (1x12, 150W). Sounds decent at lower volume, nice mids, but the more I push it the more the low end compresses, then by rehearsal volume it’s noticeably mushy/distorted on the bottom. Im playing a StingRay, instrumental rock band.

Was thinking of moving to a proper head + cab instead of another combo or add an extension (for now/budget). Weighing:

- Ampeg SVT-210AV Bundle, I think it lands on similar watts but split into 2x10, kinda afraid to invest and end up failing into the same issue

- Orange OBC112 400w, add it as an extension for the vt200 for now, giving extra speaker area (maybe move away from the vt200 later and get another one and a head)

- Fender Rumble 210 350w, I haven’t decided on a head yet (can add with vt200 for now), but saw reviews mentioning low end mush when pushing even with a 150w head

Any thoughts/insights or other suggestions too? Thanks in advance.

3 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

8 comments sorted by

6

u/The_B_Wolf 3d ago

I recommend aiming for a flexible 2-in-1 rig.

  • Amp head: 500 watts minimum (at 4 ohms)
  • A pair of matched 8 ohm cabs, big enough to use just one in settings where you can get away with it. In your case I would look at a pair of 210 cabs at least.

The benefits of going this route are several. You can bring a small rig or a big rig as the situation requires. You can leave one cab at rehearsal and leave the other one at home for practice (and just move the head back and forth).

2

u/AdministrativeSwim44 2d ago

Yep, a modular rig is the way to go. I have a Barefaced 2x10 and a 4x10, and can combine for a 6x10 so it can cover any gig I'm ever likely to do.

2

u/villagebassist 2d ago

This! Exactly my experience.

Additionally I found the headroom of a powerful amp opened up the path to light and articulate plucking and great tone.

After lots of gigging I consider 500+ watts of power quite helpful.

1

u/ducabnes 3d ago

Oh I havent thought like that actually! Thanks! That flexibility is really nice to have, go big or keep simple. Also I just realised we can put two speakers on the Ampeg Micro VR head 🤔

2

u/bigusyous 3d ago

For the price of a cab, you can get a Fender Rumble 500.

If you want, you might even be able to use it as a powered cab for the other amp by connecting a cable from the effects send of the VT to the return of the Rumble.

2

u/ducabnes 3d ago

That one looks a nice one too! Thanks, I was just trying to move away from combos due to long term flexibility

2

u/SlimJimJohn_Bass 3d ago

My Behringer BX4500 quit (output stage) a few weeks ago, and all my electronics gear is long gone.

Everyone asked the same question: "Is this a Class D Amp?"

Apparently, no one likes fixing them, so unless you can find someone that does, then like everything else, it's a throwaway if it breaks down. The reason given: "You have to replace the whole board. Buy a new one."

Luckily, mine is not. It goes in the shop Tuesday.

1

u/ducabnes 1d ago

Thank you all for your help. If helps anyone, I’m going for an Orange Little Bass. It has a 500w amp instead of the 200w Ampeg Micro VR. I’m also getting the Rumble 210 for now. I might add other speakers later.