GK 1001RB II or MB Fusion 800, what are your thoughts?

[bjeans79]

I figured I'd post this in the bassment because you guys probably know more about bass amps than the general amplifier questions in the other forum. My dilemma is picking between the two amps above mentioned. I just wanted to get some opinions of people that have experience with both of these amps and just tell me which amp would give me more of the authentic GK sound. From what I can tell the RB 1001 would be the way to go between these two, but I do like the idea of having more tube tone in my amp. This is totally about your opinion between these two particular apps and nothing else just let it rip.

I've also heard a lot of talk about the "growl" of the GK amps not being authentically produced at lower volumes on the 1001RB because you have to crank it, so opting for the 700RB is better suited. However, I would think that cranking up the gain would illeviate that dilemma of the 1001RB only having the growl at lower volumes, and also give me the option of additional headroom should I need it? Thoughts?

Also I'm a little bit retarded so if one of you could point out how to search through posts and threads in the basement that would help a lot! Thanks!

 

[ginormous]

Re: GK 1001RB II or MB Fusion 800, what are your thoughts?

AFAIK, there's no way to search through individual forums... it's just keywords.

I will defer to others with more specific experience for the amp comparison.

 

[trevorus]

Re: GK 1001RB II or MB Fusion 800, what are your thoughts?

I honestly don't think you can go wrong. I have owned a 1001RB, a 1001RB-II, and a mislabeled 1001RB that had 700 on the front. I also have had an actual 700RB, and I now use a 400RB-III. That's the black face one. It's not super heavy on the watts, but it's plenty loud! I have always wanted to compare their Class D stuff, but haven't ever had the chance. The thing is, I have never been disappointed in a GK head.

 

[AdamR]

Re: GK 1001RB II or MB Fusion 800, what are your thoughts?

Long time GK user. I havent tried any of the MB amps, But if your after that classic GK grind its the RB series you want. Ive owned a 1001RB, Ridiculously loud. I currently own a 700RB and a 800RB. The 800 is my favorite. Depending on what cabinet you are running, I would look at one of the lower powered heads. If your running a big cab, 4X12 or 8X10, Either a 400RB, or 800RB will be plenty. the 700RB through my Neo 412 will rip your head off. If you want a cleaner tone the 1001 would be the way to go.

 

[BlueTalon]

Re: GK 1001RB II or MB Fusion 800, what are your thoughts?

If it was me spending my money and my choices were the GK 1001RB II or MB Fusion 800, I'd get the Fusion. I like the combination of power, tonal flexibility, and light weight.

 

[Falloffthebonetone]

Re: GK 1001RB II or MB Fusion 800, what are your thoughts?

I have a 2001RB and the Fusion 550. Both of which use the preamps for the amps you are deciding between.

Right out of the gate, the MB Fusion is way lighter and more portable. It takes only 1 frickin rackspace. In order to achieve this size and power, the MB Fusion 800 uses a digital power amp, which runs more efficiently than the analog solid state poweramps in the RB series, but also sounds different. As you already know, it does have an all tube preamp as well, which will probably make the biggest difference. The overdrive from the fusion preamp is great. It can get fat and fuzzy or remain crystal clear. It will also get you the growly tone GKs are known for, so don't worry. The MB Fusion also has footswitchable or selectable gain and master volume controls that you can switch between quickly. I believe the MB fusion series is assembled in China with American parts.

The RB analog solid state preamp DOES have a boost control which lets you get the GK type of growl and saturation at lower volumes. It is also totally made in the USA. It also does have the analog power amp I've mentioned. I am not certain of the tonal differences between the power amps, but, and this is just hearsay, I have heard that the analog poweramps sound fuller than the digital ones. The 1001RB also has only one channel, so there will not be much on the fly switching, but it DOES also have a presence knob for an extra degree of brightness control. I believe the RB series is 100% USA as well, but I'm not certain.

Both have DI capabilities. So whichever preamp appeals to you more will be the choice you make for there. I prefer the Fusion preamp overall.

Overall, I would say it depends what music you play and what other gear you have. If you already have an overdrive or compressor pedal you like and appreciate the headroom, I'd recommend the 1001RB. If you want a more vintage sort of overdriven tone from your amp and maybe you don't have/want to use a compressor or overdrive or anything, then the Fusion will do you right.

If I was choosing, I'd lean Fusion.