2 Ohm Amps

**Lazarus.Bird** · #1 08-16-2010, 08:55 AM

Hi TB :> I've stalked here a bit but this is my first post.

I am looking at getting an amp that runs at 2 ohms. I've read that running an amp at 2 ohms is very harsh and will decrease the life, but this seems silly when some amps are listed to support a 2 ohm load.

I currently have an SVT-3 Pro. I am ditching my SVT-610HLF and want to run 2 EarCandy BassBombs, both are 4 ohms so I will need a 2 ohm amp.

I'm currently looking at getting an SVT-4 Pro, as I've really liked my SVT-3 and dig the tone so the 4 seems to be the logical step, plus I could send 600W to each 212 for what I anticipate to be a monstrous sound :>

Are there any other powerful amps that can run at 2 ohms that I should consider? I do like the Ampeg tone but am not restricting myself to it. I play primarily death metal/doom/stoner etc. I like tube preamps, but am not sure I want to bother myself with tube power amps.

Son of Bovril · #2 08-16-2010, 09:10 AM

there are plenty of power amps that do 4 ohm stereo operation at varios different power ratings if you aren't opposed to running a pre/power rig, otherwise there are several bass heads that can handle a 2 ohm load or do 4 ohm stereo operation: the EBS TD650 comes to mind for 2 ohms, the Fender TD 1200 will handle those cabs as will the newer eden WT800

there are loads more amps to add to this list I'm sure guys will chime in soon

**Lazarus.Bird** · #3 08-16-2010, 09:14 AM

Honestly I don't know much about running a pre-power rig. Seems like a nice idea in concept as it adds some diversity to your rig, but I took a look at sites like musiciansfriend and guitarcenter and was underwhelmed with the selection of power amps and pre amps. Is there somewhere else I should be looking?

And this might sound stupid, but what exactly would 4 ohm stereo be? In normal terms you obviously have a left and right channel for stereo. In terms of a bass power amplifier, does it just send the same signal to two outputs? I guess the power amp would have two separate power amps like the SVT-4. Each output could support 4 ohms and I would be able to connect a 4 ohm cabinet to each output. Is this correct?

KramerBassFan · #4 08-16-2010, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lazarus.Bird

I've read that running an amp at 2 ohms is very harsh and will decrease the life, but this seems silly when some amps are listed to support a 2 ohm load.

I've never heard that personally, and don't really believe it.
If it can do 2 ohms, it can do two ohms!

That said, look into SUNN coliseum 300's, Ampeg SVT's, Ampeg V4, and so on.

Warfender · #5 08-16-2010, 09:15 AM

Ampeg B5R
Genz Benz GBE Series (750 and 1200)

MyMusic · #6 08-16-2010, 09:25 AM

Carvin BX500, BX1500, and B2000 are all 2 ohm capable.

RNV · #7 08-16-2010, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyMusic

Carvin BX500, BX1500, and B2000 are all 2 ohm capable.

And the beauty of the Carvin BX series is that they are bi-amps. So you can run each amp at 4 Ohms and not worry about venturing in to the 2 Ohm zone if you are worried about it. The BX1500 will give you 750W @ 4 Ohms, but it will do it out of each of it's two amps. WIN WIN WIN!!!!
I'm in a Trash/Death band and I use the BX1500. BTW, the B2000 is a beast and will safely give you 2050W at 2 Ohms, but the BX 1500 has better tone, IMO.

**Lazarus.Bird** · #8 08-16-2010, 09:33 AM

I like the idea of looking into a Sunn head... They're rather elusive though!

How is the tone on the BX1500? I have always been under the impression that Carvin made transparent heads. While this isn't a bad thing, I do like to get some color from my amp. However my main bass has some Bartolini MK1's so they do a good job of coloring my sound as well.

5StringBlues · #9 08-16-2010, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lazarus.Bird

Each output could support 4 ohms and I would be able to connect a 4 ohm cabinet to each output. Is this correct?

Yes.

Some of the Peavey heads are 2 ohm capable.T-Max for example.

Jim Carr · #10 08-16-2010, 09:39 AM

Get a used SWR professional series 750, 550 or 350. They are solid, especially the pre-Fender chrome-face models, and are quite cheap lately. I think a 750 recently went on Dallas Craigslist for $450.

BassmanPaul · #11 08-16-2010, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RNV

And the beauty of the Carvin BX series is that they are bi-amps. So you can run each amp at 4 Ohms and not worry about venturing in to the 2 Ohm zone if you are worried about it. The BX1500 will give you 750W @ 4 Ohms, but it will do it out of each of it's two amps. WIN WIN WIN!!!!
I'm in a Trash/Death band and I use the BX1500. BTW, the B2000 is a beast and will safely give you 2050W at 2 Ohms, but the BX 1500 has better tone, IMO.

While the BX1500 is capable of bi-amp operation this is not what you are describing. Bi-amp means that one power amp receives the high frequencies and the other the low. You are talking about parallel operation where both power amps receive the same signal. This is how I run mine with a 4Ω 2x10 on each channel.

Paul

RNV · #12 08-16-2010, 09:43 AM

The BX1500 takes some time to find your sound, mainly because there is almost too many options to tweak. This is a pic of the front so you can see the options you have. The Graphic EQ can be turned off or on by hand or footswitch if you chose to dial in a different setting.

This is my head, but not my settings. I don't run scooped like the guy I invited to try it out one day. If you live in FL, you are more than welcome to bring your cabs and try it out. I believe in them that much that I'll let anyone come and give it or the Carvin BRX410 cab a try.

**Lazarus.Bird** · #13 08-16-2010, 09:44 AM

So the BX1500 could send 750W to each 4 ohm cabinet? Bare with me as I'm still grasping the whole multiple power amp impedance thing.

Surprised at the retail price of the BX1500. How does the tone compare to Ampeg, Mark Bass, etc?

I've been in Florida 5 times in the past 2 months, but unfortunately I live in Maryland and won't be going back anytime soon

RNV · #14 08-16-2010, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

While the BX1500 is capable of bi-amp operation this is not what you are describing. Bi-amp means that one power amp receives the high frequencies and the other the low. You are talking about parallel operation where both power amps receive the same signal. This is how I run mine with a 4Ω 2x10 on each channel.

Paul

With the X-over turned off both amps receive and deliver the same goods.

RNV · #15 08-16-2010, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lazarus.Bird

So the BX1500 could send 750W to each 4 ohm cabinet? Bare with me as I'm still grasping the whole multiple power amp impedance thing.

Surprised at the retail price of the BX1500. How does the tone compare to Ampeg, Mark Bass, etc?

I like it way better than the B2RE I had, but that isn't really an Ampeg is it? I run mine set pretty flat. You could always order one and beat the piss out of it to see if you like it and return it if you don't. Carvin has a ridiculously awesome try it, like it, or return it policy.
And to answer your first question.... Yes it can.

Richard Lindsey · #16 08-16-2010, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lazarus.Bird

So the BX1500 could send 750W to each 4 ohm cabinet?

No, actually. It would be 450 W a side into two 4 ohm loads. It's 750 W a side into two 2 ohm loads.

Still a good amount of power.

Stick_Player · #17 08-16-2010, 09:51 AM

VOX Super Beatle runs at 2 ohms.

RNV · #18 08-16-2010, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard Lindsey

No, actually. It would be 450 W a side into two 4 ohm loads. It's 750 W a side into two 2 ohm loads.

Still a good amount of power.

He is correct. Sorry about the error. I run mine bridged at 1500W 4 Ohms, so I assumed 750 each. But that is still some good power.

**Lazarus.Bird** · #19 08-16-2010, 09:58 AM

It seems everyone is jumping on the Genz Benz bandwagon as well. I would like to try out the GBEs. The 750 is about the type of quality head I'm looking for. Unfortunately I'm going to need to buy used and I don't think those have been around long enough to find one!

Richard Lindsey · #20 08-16-2010, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RNV

He is correct. Sorry about the error. I run mine bridged at 1500W 4 Ohms, so I assumed 750 each. But that is still some good power.

The max output bridged at 4 ohms is the equivalent of what you get running each side at 2 ohms. So the bridged 4 ohm rating is double the stereo/dual-mono 2 ohm rating. 1500 = 2 X 750.

Similarly, the output bridged at 8 ohms is equivalent to double the per-channel output when running each channel at 4 ohms. 900 = 2 X 450.

As you say, still pretty sweet, especially for those of us who came up with 50 W amps!