Experience with SWR LA8 or LA10?

Pilgrim · #1 11-21-2010, 12:00 PM

I'm thinking about a very lightweight practice amp - just heard about the SWR LA series, especially the LA8 and LA10. Anyone here have experience with them?

I searched TB for info but there hasn't been a lot of discussion about them. The 10 looks pretty tempting at just 26 pounds and having a mix input for CDs.

Any BTDT's?

RickenBoogie · #2 11-21-2010, 12:07 PM

I've test driven both, and to my ears, they're a step down from the Workingman's, (or Workingpro's). The boxes are so tiny, they are unable to produce anything close to "good" bass tone, imo of course.

Pilgrim · #3 11-21-2010, 12:18 PM

I'm sure that's right, and I appreciate the info. The lightest WorkingPro is a 1x15 at 60 pounds, and weight is important. Under 30 pounds is preferable, which is why I was looking in the direction of the LA series. I already have a Fender Bassman 120 combo that's bigger and heavier than I need...and it has only one input and no headphone jack. My gig amp is a Genz-Benz with neo speakers.

Chris K · #4 11-21-2010, 12:23 PM

Played the LA10 many times in a rented rehearsal studio. I'm not thrilled... It lacks punch, tightness...

Gintaras · #5 11-21-2010, 12:56 PM

I had an LA10 and then got a Workingman 10. I highly recommend finding a used Workingman 10 and pass on the LA10. The LA10 did not have a tight sound and farted out easily. Do a search on the Workingman 10 in this forum and you will read a lot of the positive posts for this little amp.

Bennet Pullen · #6 11-21-2010, 01:00 PM

I've owned 2 LA8's and to my ears it's a killer little amp so long as you don't push the volume too hard. I don't really have any experience with the rest of the LA series so maybe they do kind of suck as people are suggesting but the 8 kicks butt for what it is!

main_sale · #7 11-21-2010, 01:04 PM

I had a LA10 for a short time. It did not have anough power and it farted all of the time. I dumped it for a Workingman's 10 and still have that one. It's a great little amp for the money.

Pilgrim · #8 11-21-2010, 01:08 PM

I did some phrase matching searches and did find some positive comments about the WorkingMan's 10. At 32 pounds, 80W it looks like it does indeed have good potential. I'll keep an eye peeled for one of those. There's no second input for a CD player...but I can find a way to live with that.

Thanks for the comments.

chadds · #9 11-21-2010, 03:16 PM

Have an LA-8. If it's for practice fine. I made mine Ultimate. I put a Celestion 8" from a BBII in it. OMG. I can turn it all the way up without farting. The wind coming out of the jacks is tremendous!

It's good for work with an acoustic guitar player.

Chris K · #10 11-21-2010, 11:46 PM

Forgot to mention my own practice amp/preamp/compressor, the Phil Jones Bass Briefcase. Small, versatile (AC & DC operated), great practice amp, the only option for outdoor work with acoustic instruments, killer preamp with 5-band EQ that I use together with my Markbass for gigs.

http://www.google.nl/imgres?imgurl=h...DcmCswbQ_pSQCQ