400rb vs 400rb vs 400rb vs 400rb

[waltdogg]

there's been a lot of versions of the gk 400rb over the years. i guess i could make a poll but thats too talkbass. i'm mainly more curious if anyone has any experience with the newer and older models. the price of a new 400rb-iv is rather enticing with no tax and free shipping from sweetwater. but how does it sound compared to the later 90s model or the iii? or the original? which can all be had much cheaper on craigslist and would be just as reliable. going to be using in home with a late 70's SVT 810 that sounds like pure sex, when i'm playing out it's a gamble.

edit: just noticed a 400rb-iii locally for dirt cheap. anyone have anything good to say about that version?

[rfurtkamp]

Newer stuff is generally lighter, runs cooler per watt, etc. Solid state that's solid is reliable, and I never played one that sounded bad if I wanted that sound (had them as backline amps a couple times or at jam sessions).

If you've got a line on a good used one locally for cheap, just grab it if that's the amp you want!

[D.o.S.]

I definitely didn't realize GK made a new 400rb.

If you gel with them the old ones are fucking rad, though.

[Jwar]

Yea I love me old GK for sure! Man, you reignited my gas for one. Maybe I should get one. They are stupid cheap usually.

[psychic vampire.]

Old 400rb's still hover around $150. It's stupid how cheap that is for how loud and good GK stuff sounds.

[waltdogg]

i've had a couple 400rb-iis and loved em. i just thought more power and a reworking of an obsolete switching ic are some nice upgrades made on the iii and iv.

[amnesiac305]

I got a new 400RB a few months ago. It a solid, well thought out amp. It is perfect if it is the sound you are going for. Mids pop. When I was looking at them used I thought it was interesting I generally found the 700rb for the same or cheaper than the 400rb. But the 400 is plenty enough power for my current needs.