Commercial AMp vs. Power Amp

[Geddabass]

Hello Fellow Bassers,

I`ve discovered, after years of playing, that in general I`m not pleased with most brand name, bass-specific amplifiers. I switch between a 4003, a Fender P-SPecial, & a T40 ran into a Sansamp DI, which gives me all the tonal diversity I feel I need. When I use my own speakers I switch between a 2-15 or a 210/18. Both cabs are rated 200w @4ohms.

With this in mind, I`m looking for a power amp, no tonal variations whatsoever. But since I`m relatively new to this concept, I`m looking for any suggestions on an amp that is reliable, but won`t break the bank.

Any input would be appreciated.

[Zoa]

I'd look at the Peavey IPR series.

[Selta]

"won't break the bank" is too ambiguous. QSC, Crown, Peavey...

[Geddabass]

Trying not to sound like the tight-ass that I am. Let`s just say somewhere in the $2-400 price range.

Any personal experience with the IPR`s?

[BurningSkies]

Yep.

I have an IPR 3000, which is probably twice as much amp as you need. I got it last spring and have used it alone since, for all practices and shows. Its been a solid performer, and I have no complaints. The 3000 cost me $379, the IPR 1600 would run you 300 or less.

[DigitalMan]

Crown XLS1500 is worth looking at. It hits the price point, has ample power, and is lightweight.

[BurningSkies]

I'd say that your first bet is to check the input sensitivity of whatever amps you're interested in and make sure that your Sansamp provides enough output voltage...that may weed out some choices.

[seamonkey]

Power amps sound all the same.
Just a matter of gain matching.
Maybe tweaking some EQ

Look for features, these are some I'd recommend:
RMS, EIA, or best FTC ratings on the wattage
Lightweight
Good warranty - 3 years or better, no hassle exchange. Transferable warranty for resale value.
High Pass Filter, AKA Rumble Filter, should be 40hz of possibly up to 60hz. variable is best.
For a little extra $$ you can usually add a DSP. Which gives you all kinds of extra EQ, and built in crossovers. And much easier to interface to various pre-amps to iPads
Speakon connectors
Low impedance stability
Bridge to 4 ohms

Feb 1st Behringer goes to 3 year warranties, so this will be a sweet deal.
Behringer iNUKE NU1000 | Sweetwater.com
iNuke 1000 actual RMS ratings are listed at Behringer.com
Bridged is
750W @ 4ohm
430W @ 8ohm


Peavey IPR DSP is the only brand with "Waves" plugins built in. Like MaxxBass. MaxxBass can really get the most out of a weak cabinet. Or if you just wanted to carry smaller cabinets.

[BurningSkies]

Originally Posted by seamonkey

Power amps sound all the same.
Just a matter of gain matching.
Maybe tweaking some EQ

Look for features, these are some I'd recommend:
RMS, EIA, or best FTC ratings on the wattage
Lightweight
Good warranty - 3 years or better, no hassle exchange. Transferable warranty for resale value.
High Pass Filter, AKA Rumble Filter, should be 40hz of possibly up to 60hz. variable is best.
For a little extra $$ you can usually add a DSP. Which gives you all kinds of extra EQ, and built in crossovers. And much easier to interface to various pre-amps to iPads
Speakon connectors
Low impedance stability
Bridge to 4 ohms

Feb 1st Behringer goes to 3 year warranties, so this will be a sweet deal.
Behringer iNUKE NU1000 | Sweetwater.com
iNuke 1000 actual RMS ratings are listed at Behringer.com
Bridged is
750W @ 4ohm
430W @ 8ohm


Peavey IPR DSP is the only brand with "Waves" plugins built in. Like MaxxBass. MaxxBass can really get the most out of a weak cabinet. Or if you just wanted to carry smaller cabinets.

I have a Waves Maxxbass 103 that I use at home with my Alesis powered studio monitors (M1 520's) and its a really awesome little unit. Didn't work for me in my bass rig (the 107 was designed for MI use, and if you have speakers that go deep already, it's an unnecessary redundancy). The first time you use it and go between activated and bypass, it's pretty stunning.

For anyone who uses 'standard' bass cabs or bass cabs that roll off above 50hz (aka many production cabs) this should be considered.

My next step is to research their plug-ins for recording.

[wcriley]

Originally Posted by Geddabass

Any personal experience with the IPR`s?

I have an IPR1600 in my PA rack. I've also used it a few times for bass. Good little amp. Haven't had any problems.

I know there's at least one other TBer with IPRs in his PA rack.

[marantz10]

I own a Crown XTI2000 and purchased it for $350 used here on TB. It's louder than anything I could ever want, has all kinds of nifty features (programable with a USB interface), and at around 20 pounds, I'm definitely not complaining. From what I've read about the amp, I could run it stereo to two 810's, but for now, I just run it bridge mono @ 2000 watts into my 810. I love that company (Crown) though.

[pacojas]

i recently made the move from Micro-Amp to a racked component system. it takes over where the Micro left off in terms of useable wattage. the added headroom is worth the added poundage, FTW.

[Coolhandjjl]

Originally Posted by BurningSkies

I'd say that your first bet is to check the input sensitivity of whatever amps you're interested in and make sure that your Sansamp provides enough output voltage...that may weed out some choices.

+1

[Geddabass]

Thanks to all for your advice. Got a helluva lot more to think about than I previously considered. My mind is still stuck in late 80`s technology.