Anyone used or using an ashdown MK 500 head(mark king model). Am curious to hear views and opinions as am considering getting one.

Hi,

I had one last year, but really was unhappy with it ; very noisy buzz when the graphic eq. is turned on.
I even had to replace the toroïdal transformer that broke down while on stage !!
And honestly, for a 500watts amp, I 've found that it had less power and dynamic than my Trace Elliot 250 watts RAH 250 SMX !! So I went back to my Trace Elliot amp head which never failed me in 17 years.

In my opinion ,Ashdown amps are far from being totally reliable. I've even seen Mark King himself having issues on stage with his MK500.

About the sound, I would say it's not as "organic" as a Trace Elliot for the mids frequencies are lacking a bit of warmth, delivering a clear but somehow synthetic sound, especially when high frequencies are pushed up.

So Ashdown amps are no longer for me.

I hope this "helps"... ;)

Try one for yourself m8. Its the only way to know. I used to be supplied by trace elliot, now by ashdown, i think theyr better but thats my opinion. Certainly a great company to deal with

I used to have a MK500, but I got rid of it as I also have a Ashdown Superfly 500 which I prefered the sound of. Having said that, I went through 3 Superfly's before I got one that actually functioned properly. The first two I had worked first time, then just wouldn't switch on again, totally dead !! The Superfly I have at present has played up once or twice, so I'm about to get shot of it and buy the TC RH450 Combo, then add the extra 2x10 cab at a later date. :D

Guys, trust me, and all the other top players who have been Ashdown users for years, the equipment and the company are quality. Ask anyone who uses them or has had dealings with them. My mates ferrari broke down last weekend.... enough said ! Anyone want to take me up on a bet as to MK's return to using Ashdown ? Put the company and the gear to the test. All the 'names' cant be wrong. In my opinion a perfect partner to Status and hey an all british line up !!!

Bought me an Ashdown MK500 head, after much deliberation. ........ and I love it!!!!

C i told ya:)

I had one for a week and then got rid of it..... for my purposes I found it utterly disappointing, lots of noise issues.... Saying that I know a few people who have one and love them. I get the feeling with Ashdown (having used and owned several of their amps) they are a bit hit and miss with QC. Having listened to MK through the TC equipment I think he now has a fuller sound.... Guess it depends on how much free kit he gets.... ;o)

I'd have to agree, had my ear right up on stage at Ipswich, his bass sounded so round but crisp at the same time, heavenly...made it pretty difficult to concentrate on gettimg the pictures! (MK seemed to like it too)

...and gigged it last night, and it blew me away.
Bought it on a bit of a risk as got it for a steal of a price. Suffice to say, I shall be holding onto her.