Overall, I found the D-600 and Neo-Power 8B to be an ideal reference rig for
hearing the true tone of each instrument.
Can you hear me now?
Excited to hear how well this newfound
clarity would work in a live setting, I took
the Phil Jones rig to a blues gig. Competing
with the drummer and guitarist in this
high-volume setting, the rig’s great charac-
teristics did not quite come through in the
overall mix, even when I pushed the amp to
its limits. Though the rig’s volume did not
quite hang on its own in this particular live
setting, mic’ing the cab and sending a signal
from the DI proved to be a good option
for sharing the Phil Jones sound with the
masses—a successful venture that pleased
my ears and also those of the soundman.
When Piranhas Attack!
Although the D-600 and Neo-Power 8B
rig seems best suited for medium- to lower-volume applications, Phil Jones Bass also has
plenty of options for more volume-intensive
situations. Their M-500 amp contains 750
watts of MOSFET power, and the D-4000 is
a digital power amp that delivers 4600 watts
in one rack space. Their neo cabinets vary in
size from the 6B (six 5" speakers), up to the
mighty 21B (with 21 speakers). And for those
who prefer ceramic drivers, Phil Jones also
offers the Piranha line of cabinets, though they
are about 20 pounds heavier per enclosure.
the verdict
The D-600 and Neo-Power 8B are nice
additions to the Phil Jones family and it’s
an ideal rig for the studio or medium- to
lower-volume gigs. Those who prefer bass-heavy tones may not fully appreciate the
balanced sound of the 8B cabinet, but its
responsive, transparent-sounding speakers
are unlike anything else on the market.
The D-600 is simple, portable, and
very versatile. Its superb EQ-voicing and
thoughtful features work well with a wide
variety of instruments and would please the
most discriminating gearhead. While it may
seem pricey, this amp is a highlight of Phil
Jones’ ingenuity and a symbol of evolution
in class-D amplification.
RATINGS
Pros: Easy to use. Flexible features. Spectacular EQ-shaping capabilities. Excellent tone.
Phil Jones Pure Sound, D-600, $1, 195 (street), philjonespuresound.com
Tones
Ease of Use
Build
Value
Pros: Very responsive and trans-
parent sounding.
Neo-Power 8B, $949 (street), philjonespuresound.com
Tones
Ease of Use
Build
Value
Cons: Pricey.
Cons: Can only achieve moderate volumes. Not as portable as some
neodymium-speaker cabs.
