Eden CXC-212C4 Combo

Bought this amp new in Spring 2000 based on my own listening tests. I primarily play blues-based music with occasional dabblings in rock, jazz, bluegrass, etc. This amp suits all of those styles extremely well and then some. A powerful, honest, unfettered sound that cries "NO EQ!". Features include 1 coaxial 12" on top of 12" woofer, built-in/bypassable compression, mega-versatile EQ, limit LED, tuner out, effect loop, external spkr. jack, DI w/pad control & ground lift, headphone jack, back casters, top & side handles, corner guards, and black fabric covering. Nice package overall. At 78 lbs. it can be lifted into the van but I may add pop-out casters for more versatility. Amp is 400W solid-state FET and really turns heads with its clarity and no-nonsense punch (I add an Eden CXM-110 coaxial box on top in larger venues). Plenty of efficient power and the 12" speakers have incredible range, recreating the clarity of a pair of 10's with the bottom of a 15. This is the total package for me.

My arsenal includes a wide variety of instruments that warm-up to the Eden combo quite well. Main sticks are Fender Jazz V Deluxe, Fender Jazz Std. fretless w/Basslines Quarter Pound PU's, Godin A4 Fretless a/e, '84 Ibanez Roadstar II, Washburn AB20 a/e, Music Man Sterling fretless and a late 60's Kay Swingmaster double bass. I run these through a Tech 21 Bass Sansamp, an Alesis Nanocompressor and into the Eden. Even with nothing in the loop, it still sounds great. The CXC-212C4 EQ is nearly infinite with aural possibilities, but high-quality axes will need very little tweaking for superior sound. My average gig (small & med. clubs) uses 30%-40% of this amps' potential power.

Reliability for Eden has been high since they kicked-in to mass production some years ago. This was important to me in my purchase. I have a G-K 400RBIII in my rack (just in case) but I've never had to use it due to failure of the CXC-212C4. I don't neglect my equipment (nor do I baby it!). This box instills confidence when I play. Time will tell regarding ultimate reliability.

I spoke to the factory once during the ordering process to get a lead time. They were friendly and approachable. My local Eden dealer agrees, although receipt of the amp took an extra three weeks due to demand and production scheduling snafus. I'd advise buying from a reputable dealer in case service work becomes necessary.

After 27 years of playing I feel like I have finally found an amp that meets my needs and maintains reliability. I've played most of the major brands and have met with dissappointment on a number of occasions when it came to performance. Spending a little extra on the Eden products is well worth it.