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I compared The ELF directly to a friend's Trace Elliot smx gp12 (not in production for decades), the original thing. I am used to the smx's tone, loving it, listening to it every week for years. They do sound somewhat different, but only slightly. Both have that clear yet warm sound. Used the same Trace Elliot 4x10 and 1x18 tower, top of the line at the time, loaded with custom Celestion speakers made for Trace Elliot for these cabs specifically. The ELF has the warmth of the smx, and a very similar tone footprint. The smx has a bit more depth and detail to me, but only by a hair. You have to really look for the differences they are so minor. Still it is a full fledged big Trace Elliot sound with the ELF. I like the simplicity of this small amp. There are so many things that you could put in the ELF, (mute button, etc.) but nothing crucial. This is a good all rounder, having a very well designed EQ, only 3 knobs, but at the right frequencies. The success of this amp is somewhat surprising as most bass forums are based in the US with a natural bias to the local products they know, use and love. Any gear that comes out there is already having an understandable advantage over a former British company that most people never tried. So the ELF started somewhat against the wind. I think the reason for the success is that the ELF just does not sound like a D class amp, it just sounds like a traditional amp should, no digital coldness. An engaging tone easy to love. The ELF does not fit in your pocket unless you have one of those military pants with large side pockets at the thigh, but it really does fit into a gig bag easily. I live on the continent purchased the ELF from the UK (same EU 230V voltage, different plug) and was prepared to use a local cable or fit a new plug at the end of the cable, but came with both cables, what a pleasant surprise. Finally about how loud it is. Very. The ELF drove the 4x10 and 1x18 (4 Ohms together) to deafening sound pressure with ease, volume knob at 25% using a passive bass. Lots of power reserve, I cannot imagine these real 200 watts are not enough except stadium concerts. If you are not loud enough you need more speakers (surface pushing the air) and not more watts.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
It almost feels like cheating. To enjoy a proper Trace Elliot sound I feel I should be lugging around a big cab and a big head. Obviously the Elf doesn’t have the headroom of something with twice the power, but if the venue is much bigger than the Elf can handle, they probably have a PA to plug into. I’ve not had to DI it yet, but apparently they work well, although the only DI option is post EQ. There are many online reviews and they’re almost all overwhelmingly positive. I chose to partner the Elf head with the 1 x 10 cab, but expect I’ll end up adding the 2 x 8 eventually for a little extra ooomph and definition. I’m very pleased with the sound. But best of all it’s just so light and small - if someone had told me years ago I’d be able to get a bass amp and cab in the boot, and a P Bass on the front seat.... of a Mazda MX5.... I’d have wondered what they were smoking 😁 Super piece of kit!Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
No more carrying weighty amp heads. This little baby sounds awesome and nearly fits in my pocket! Very straight forward eq which is easy to set up and use. I've use TE for years and this for me is their best amp yet.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Better than expected and I am used to using a 300w smx combo, this is at least as loud with a really tight sound, you can make growl you can make it punch and you can make it grind. I have owned all kinds of amp over years vox, sound city, Marshall, H/H, Orange, Ashdown, Ampeg and 6 various trace elliot but I have never been as impressed and amazed às what I am with this little amp if you are thinking about buying this amp but worried it wont handle the heat trust me it will do all. And no I don't work for trace.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Amazing sound as I expected, small and compact how tech has changed I used to need an amp five times the size of this to produce the same sound.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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