« Ashdown ABM 500 EVO II RC »

Over the last couple of years I have gone from a combo unit to an Ampeg SVT150H and cabs, to an Ampeg V4BH and cabs, to a SVT-3-Pro and cabs. I was needing more power, and except for the V4BH none of the amps I had or had tried sounded musical. I tried the Ashdown line at Bass Northwest and fell in love with the ABM series. Paid $1065 for it.

The ABM series modestly rates the power they put out. The ABM 300 is way louder than my SVT-3-Pro which is rated at 450 watts. And my ABM 500 is easily as loud as the SVT Classic. Go figure. Besides the power and headroom, the amps have an octaver which really sounds good. It also has a FET and tube preamp that you can blend. The quality is outstanding. This is the sound I have been looking for for so long... thanks Ashdown.

I'm not a big fan of the power switch being on the back of the amp. I would like to see light indicators for some of the button controls.

Very very well built. Two fans blowing cool air through the unit. The RC model has a beautiful chrome front. The unit looks and operates flawlessly.

A great unit, maybe a little more pricey than the Ampeg line, but you get what you pay for.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com