Phil Jones Bass M-500

This is going to be a rough review to write, since it is difficult to review perfection.
I just recently purchased the M-500 amp along with a 9B and 6T PJB speaker enclosures. It is an '05 model.
I play mostly rock, but this thing will cetainly handle any style of music you're playing. It is almost too versatile, if you can imagine that.
The M-500 features separate inputs for active and passive basses (which I love since I use both). I don't use it, but there is a compressor on the front as well.
The largest section of the unit is devoted to the graphic and parametric EQ's...yes, it has both, and you can use both, one or the other, or neither.
On the back you'll find XLR as well as 1/4" outs for running to a PA. You can choose if you want the signal to be pre-or post EQ as well. Another really cool thing about this amp is that they include a spare fuse that is actually in it's own compartment - not just snapped on there with some cheezy holder. Oh yes, there is a headphone jack as well.
The 700 watts the thing puts out feels like much more. It drives the fifteen 5" speakers in the cabinets with no problem, delivering super-punchy bottoms and crystal clear highs. No hiss, noise, or fuss about it.
The M-500 is completely first-class in its design. You can tell that there are absolutely NO corners cut on the manufacture process. This is easily by far the best product line out there for bass amplification. You can tell the moment you start playing through one.

I use a bunch of different basses..some active, some passive. It handles everything perfectly. It suits my music style (rock) perfectly, but one can tell by playing around with it that it can work with any style, no problem. There is no noise from this baby, no matter how loud you go - and it goes LOUD. I was using a custom built rig before which had a Yamaha PB-1 going into a 400 watt QSC, and the signal went to two cabinets - one with an EV DLX 18", and the other with 2 EV Force 10" speakers. This rig crushes all of that with ease. You won't get speaker flapping or other weird noises. You won't find areas where your notes just don't seem as punchy.
The biggest trick in working with one of these is the EQ section. Having SO much to work with, you'll soon find that you can EQ yourself into a corner. I had to re-think my whole approach and in my case - realize that more is not always better.
With all this being said, you have to take to heart that this is a different kind of animal. Phil Jones thought this through from scratch and succeeded in "building a better mousetrap". Yes, the first time you see a bass rig that is nothing but 5" speakers, you'll think that it can't rumble...but it can, and so much more.

Since this is virtually brand new, there have been no issues. I'd trust it without a backup in live gigs with no hesitation. It is almost hard to imagine anything breaking down unless you REALLY neglect it or do something silly like dump a soda into it.

I have dealt with the company by phone and email - not with problems, but questions - mainly about the EQ's and my lack of decent training in sound shaping over the years.
They are the most help of any company I have ever dealt with, period. That's all I can say. I believe the warranty on this is two years.

I have been playing bass for 25 years and this is something that I'm glad I am around to see and use. The idea sounds weird when you hear about it. The rigs look strange when you first see them, but once you play through a PJB amp (any of them) you'll have a very hard time looking at another brand of amp. The PJB line sets the bar so incredibly high, it is probably not attainable by anyone else.
If any part of my rig was stolen, I'd replace in an instant. I love everything about it and there is really nothing else that I wish they included. They thought of everything and have succeeded in creating something that jumps WAY out in front of the pack.

cool line in... versatile EQ

perfect!

great on the road!

You call you get Phil!

On my first pro tour, I used an Ampeg 3 pro with a 410 and a 15. Never had a problem with the gear! With my latest band venture, I upgraded to an AMPEG 4 pro and pro series 410-HLF and pro 15. Loved it? awesome stuff. Great sounds but always fighting with the singer over volume issues. When I would get my amp loud enough to be a dynamic player it was too loud for the rest of the band. When I made them happy, I found I was digging in just a bit too much and affecting my playing. Then I tried the Phil Jones Bass equipment. From the first gig I was blown away! What my band mates and I have noticed is a very clean stage. I am able to go to the other side of the room and still hear my own playing with clarity. It?s amazing but I can hear the high end of my bass from the side of the cabinet. It?s also not cheap plastic horn driven high end? it?s hi-fi stereo full range speaker high end. Because of the clarity of the amp, I am playing with a more relaxed ?studio? feel live, in fact?. That ?s the best way to describe the sound? just like when I?m in a top recording studio hearing my bass through a great set of monitors. There will always be people who love the sound of a good ol? fender through a B-15 or even 810. But in my opinion, those guys out there who buy Foderas, Warriors, Pedullas? (insert high end instrument of choice)? want the best clean representation of their $4- $8,000.00 instruments as possible. (On that note though, I must say my fretless jazz bass sounds incredible through the rig, and just noticed Phil picked up Motown artist Bob Babbit as an endorser.)

Another thing to note is the E-Q section of the amp. It is the cleanest smoothest EQ that I DON?T NEED!!!!! The best way to dial in my tone is to turn the EQ off! On the road lately I?ve been letting other bands use my stuff and I?ve converted about 99% to PJB worshipers. Especially the soundmen! There was the one guy in the punk band that said ?There?s just not enough mud for me!? Can?t help ya there bro! Anyone trying to e-q all of the extra 100 ? 40 hertz back into the amp to make the floor rumble like the other stuff is missing the point entirely. The whole reason for purchasing PJB equipment is to have an honest flat representation of my bass as loud as I want it, and that?s exactly what I?m getting. I actually have sold my 1600W Ampeg 4 pro and 410hlf pro cabinets that I replaced with the M-500, 8T and 16b. I am finding even in outdoor venues, I have more headroom than I had before.

I think when performance and clarity with regards to the bassist and his dynamics are concerned; this is where the PJB product shines. Anyone wanting that killer tone they got on their last studio recording will love this stuff!