The Fishman Loudbox Artist or Carvin AG200

[Mking]

My buddy is trying to choose between the Fishman Loudbox Artist or the Carvin AG200. What do you all think? Thanks.

[Ed-in-Ohio]

Enthusiastic vote for the Carvin AG200 from me. I absolutely love mine, and see no reason to ever go to another acoustic amp. It's basically a wonderful 3 channel 'personal PA', and it's 'Hi Z' feature allows passive pickups like the K&K Pure Mini to perform beautifully through the amp even without the help of a pre-amp.

Also, I've found the third channel to be invaluable, as it allows me to "dual source" my guitar by running the pickup into one channel, micing the guitar (with an A-T Pro 37) into another channel, and still having a third channel for my vocal mic. Wonderful.

[rrgguitarman]

I own the AG300 and I think its fantastic, love the 12" speaker. And its cheaper than the loudbox artist.

[JohnDWilliams]

Have owned the Fishman and still own an AG300. No experience with the AG200 but the AG300 is way more flexible and useful in far more situations, for me, than the Fishman. The AG300 also sounds much better to me. Lots and lots of gigs with the AG300.

This is all my opinion, of course.

[Mandobart]

Also a Carvin AG300 fan. Let's look at the specs:

(Rated) Power - Fishman 150 W. Carvin 200 W (250 W if you add an extra cabinet)
Number of channels - Fishman 2. Carvin 3.
Phantom power - Fishman 24 V. Carvin 48 V
Weight: Fishman 25 lbs. Carvin 30.5 lbs. (for AG200, 29 lbs.)
Mount on a speaker pole? Fishman no. Carvin yes.
Cost - Fishman $575. AG300 $480 , AG200 $400

Both brands are well respected and have their fans. Both will sound great. Both have decent on board effects and an effects loop for more. IMHO I got a lot more for my money with the Carvin.

[dannyg1]

I'll go out on the limb: Fender Acoustisonic 100 ($399 street) or Bugera AC 60 ($250) are also worth looking at. If it has got to be Bren the Loudbox and the Carbon, I vote Loudbox. It just sounds lucious and weighty.