For my situation, this Laney DB500H Bass Amplifier Head is great! First of all, if looks count for anything, this amplifier looks high-quality and beautifully retro.It has a lot of power, 500 watts RMS it says in the advertising. That is more than enough for my Music Man active bass guitar to drive a Kustom 15" speaker cabinet to house rumbling, window damage levels--which is too loud, so I keep the amplifier volume on 2 which is very satisfactory.The simulated vacuum tube channel does add musical bite and growl and may sound very much like a real vacuum tube tone in performance and mixes. Also, this bass amplifier is used as a pedal platform for my regular 6-string guitar. By adjusting the bass tone control to 0 and mid and treble controls boosted, the response is really good from the sound of an actual high-voltage vacuum tube distortion pedal connected directly to the input--without overdriving the input. The result is very clear and dynamic. (Also has effects loop but I haven't used that yet).Another important characteristic, it's operation is quiet: 1. There seems to be a very effective noise gate built-in. There is virtually no hiss or hum between softly played notes and silent passages; and 2. it is quiet in the studio because it has no cooling fan noise (only passive cooling).After several tries and returns of other amps, I now have this bass amplifier that I enjoy very much for it's good looks, high sonic power, and versatility for regular 6-string guitars and effects… read more and primarily bass!

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