Ashdown - Klystron 1000 amp

[Morten_B]

I have just bought an Ashdown Klystron 1000 amp, they are discontinued and are selling cheap now, so I thought I would give a heads up on this clearance sale... (I'm in no way affiliated with Ashdown or the seller)

There is SO LITTLE info to be found on the Internet about these heads, so maybe some of you who has tried it can share your experiences? Would be nice with some info during the looooog days before it get's here from England. Thanks!

Ashdown Classic Series Klystron 1000 Head | Klystron 1000 bass amp by Ashdown | Ashdown Specialist

Ashdown Engineering | Bass Amplification

[grifo]

I´ve never tried it but I´m keen to do it, the only video I found is this one:

Ashdown Klystron part 1 - YouTube

would be nice if you post your impressions (maybe a short demo video) upon receiving it

[Morten_B]

Thanks for getting back... Yes, I also found this video. Too bad the guy is talking more than demoing the amp

From what I have been able to find, then the internals of the Klystron heads are identical to the ABM EVO III, but the Klystrons are made in the UK, they have the funkier look and they come with the footswitch included in the price.

So Klystron 500 = ABM EVO 500 III
and Klystron 1000 = ABM EVO 900 III

This is fine because the ABM EVO's are great heads, but it's understandable that the Klystrons did not sell well considering the price was around double of the ABM EVO... Some say that the Klystrons have higher spec components than the ABM EVO, but I have not been able to find confirmation of this.

I will get back with impressions when I get it

[Morten_B]

The amp is here..!

Only negative, for now, is that the seller forgot to include the footswitch.

When unpacking this one I could not help to think that this kind of amp is like the dinosaurs: Once they ruled, but then they vanished... This amp is huge and heavy, so I can fully understand why the small Class D based amps are so popular. Personally I don't mind the size and I still feel that a good quality Class A/B amp sounds better than Class D. Also: This one I can repair myself once it breaks down... David made it in november 2009, I hope he had a good day

On thing that's a bit stupid: The cab around the amp is much taller than it need to be. Check out the picture taken from the back, the space under the amp is just empty. I will cut away the back panel of the plywood case, so I can access the space under the amp. The I can use it for storing cables etc, at least that will make the space useful.

I did not really have a chance to play the thing yet, but I'm looking forward to do so

[bassguppy]

congrats on a sexy amp.

That thing looks like it can loosen teeth when cranked.

[BurningSkies]

Does each button on the foot switch control one of the four (!) fans?

[Morten_B]

Originally Posted by BurningSkies

Does each button on the foot switch control one of the four (!) fans?

Ha ha... They actually forgot to send me the foot switch, so I can't say for sure I can give you an update when the switch arrives. The reason for the four fans should be to have one on each heatsink, and to have four running slower (more silent) than one or two running faster and more noisy...

[Morten_B]

Originally Posted by bassguppy

congrats on a sexy amp.

That thing looks like it can loosen teeth when cranked.

Thanks, it's a cool amp for sure, and right now they are selling these UK made Klystrons cheaper than the China made ABM siblings.

I only have one cab at the moment (SWR Triad) so just one of the two 575W amps is in use. I would love to get a sub with a 4 ohm 18" woofer to run on the other amp. With both amps running it might be the time for a visit to the dentist

[punchclock]

who is selling them 1/2 off?!

[Morten_B]

Originally Posted by punchclock

who is selling them 1/2 off?!

Se my first post in the thread, there is a linky