Design Philosophy, Technical Stuff, Features

Design Philosophy -

With experience designing and manufacturing both bass guitar speaker cabinets and amplifiers, it became obvious that there is a large market for a bass amplifier that reproduces the natural tones of the instrument itself. With many amplifier manufacturers hyping their “distinctive” sound, it seems forgotten that the player has chosen his instrument for it’s feel, playability and tone. Why then, should the amplifier manufacturer feel compelled to change this sound?

As with our speakers, Genz Benz amplifiers strive to maximize your instrument’s natural tone and feeling without imparting additional coloration. This resulting sound will not become obsolete with changing fads but will always be true to your instrument’s natural qualities.

The circuit design, features, physical construction and speaker selection have been carefully calculated to give you, the experienced player, the best performance and value in bass guitar amplification. Featuring sturdy jacks and controls, blendable Tube-Fet front end, a balanced direct output and an industrial duty bipolar power amplifier with toroidal power transformer, the Genz Benz 250/500 series bass amplifiers and combos will give you the tools necessary to sound your very best on stage.

Technical Stuff -

The first stage of the 250/500 preamp uses a low noise bi-fet linear scaling amplifier with a low cut point at 23 Hz to prevent excessive speaker cone excursion and intermodulation distortion. There is a smooth first order high pass boost network starting at approx. 2.5kHz with a passband gain limit of 6 dB. Additional bandwidth roll-off is provided at 20 kHz for RFI suppression. The variable gain stages are a feedback-divider type control, one of which is all solid state and the other utilizing a cathode follower (tube) each providing a maximum gain of about 30 dB. On the tube stage, variable non-linear loading creates a smooth and natural sounding overdrive rich in second harmonics. These blendable gain stages feed the 4 band active equalizer which is composed of 4 discrete bandpass filters combined in a current summing arrangement. These filters provide 9 dB of boost and cut, with center position flat. The output amplifier feeds the master volume control and fully protected power amplifier. A low noise differential output amplifier is provided for the direct output (switchable pre/post eq) and is phantom power protected.

The power section consists of a low distortion bipolar power amplifier with integrated limiter which allows gradual overload without sudden loss of feedback control of the speakers. In the model 250, output is rated at 175 watts RMS at 8 ohms and 250 watts RMS at 4 ohms. In the model 500, output is rated at 275 watts RMS at 8 ohms, 400 watts RMS at 4 ohms and 525 watts RMS at 2 ohms. The amplifier topology is low feedback class A-B with servo control of bias and DC offset. Also provided is on board output limiting, dual slope integrated VI limiting, solid state thermal protection, short circuit load protection, dc fault protection and RFI suppression. All amplifier status points are indicated on a dual color led array.. This amplifier uses heavy duty copper based polar power transistors directly mounted to a hefty extruded aluminum heatsink. The output section sports a combined rating of 1600 watts and 128 amps to insure a conservative and reliable design. An important and not commonly discussed specification is the power amplifier’s ability to deliver rated power into a reactive load. All speakers present a reactive load to the amplifier which reduces real world driving ability. The power sections of all model 250 and 500 amplifiers are rated to deliver full power into a reactive load with a 45 degree (leading or lagging) power factor phase angle. This is one reason Genz Benz amplifiers sound so big.

Features -

The following feature set is included on all 250/500 Bass Amplifiers. These features were included based on usability and are the result of the input of veteran players around the country. It is important for an amplifier to reflect the real needs of the players using them. We feel that this amplifier series does just that.

GENZ BENZ - Model 250/500 Bass Amplifier

(Page 2, Rev: 1/14/2006)

250, 500 specifications

The Genz-Benz 500 is a powerful and highly regarded bass amplifier that has made a significant impact on the music world, especially among bass players seeking reliability and flexibility in their sound. Known for its exceptional tonal quality and performance, the Genz-Benz 500 is a versatile amplifier that caters to a wide range of musical genres and playing styles.

One of the standout features of the Genz-Benz 500 is its innovative design, which includes a lightweight and compact chassis that makes it easy to transport and set up. Weighing in at just over 6 pounds, this amplifier is an ideal choice for gigging musicians who need an amp that won’t weigh them down on long nights of traveling. Despite its lightweight construction, the Genz-Benz 500 is built to be robust and durable, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of regular use.

At the heart of the Genz-Benz 500 is its impressive power output, delivering up to 500 watts of solid-state power. This high wattage allows the amp to produce deep, powerful bass tones while maintaining clarity and definition, even at higher volumes. The amp features a variety of tonal shaping capabilities, including a 3-band EQ with a sweepable midrange frequency, allowing players to sculpt their sound to meet specific musical demands.

The Genz-Benz 500 is also equipped with a range of advanced technologies that enhance its usability and performance. One such feature is its onboard digital signal processing (DSP), which includes built-in effects and various presets that allow users to further refine their sound. The amp also boasts a direct output for easy integration with recording equipment and sound systems, making it an excellent choice for both live performance and studio recording.

Additional characteristics of the Genz-Benz 500 include a fan cooling system that ensures optimal performance without overheating, as well as a rugged, roadworthy construction that promises longevity. The amplifier also has an intuitive control layout that makes it user-friendly, letting players focus more on their playing and less on technical adjustments.

In summary, the Genz-Benz 500 is an exceptional amplifier that combines power, portability, and versatility. With its advanced features, robust construction, and superior sound quality, it remains a top choice for bass players looking to elevate their performance in various musical settings. Whether on stage or in the studio, this amp delivers the reliability and tonality that every bassist craves.