Linking power amps with heads

[CliffHarrisFan]

Hi all,
I was wondering if it is possible to link a normal amp head to a power amp.
Thanks,
Louis.

[poorbassist15]

Does your head have a preamp out? Or a DI out?

[CliffHarrisFan]

It should do, it's not a head I have yet, but I should be buying the Trace Elliot AH600-12

[poorbassist15]

Take the preamp out into the power amp in.

[CliffHarrisFan]

Sorry, what is the "preamp out"?

[blackba]

Originally Posted by poorbassist15

Take the preamp out into the power amp in.

You got it.

Another thing to keep in mind is that if you have a tube power section, you need a speaker load on it. The Trace Elliott should be SS and thus be fine with no speaker load.

I run my Ampeg SVTIIIpro into a Crown K1 power amp into 2 4ohm cabs. The SVTIII pro can't handle the 2 4ohm cabs in parallel, thus the need for the power amp.

[Planet Boulder]

Originally Posted by CliffHarrisFan

It should do, it's not a head I have yet, but I should be buying the Trace Elliot AH600-12

Just out of curiosity, are you looking at supplementing the TE's power section or replacing it with a higher wattage power amp? Because that TE is loud as HELL!

[blackba]

Originally Posted by CliffHarrisFan

Sorry, what is the "preamp out"?

It doesn't look like the TE has preamp outs.
http://www.basscentre.com/bass-amps/...0-12-head.html

You can use the send of the effects loop or the DI. I would try the DI first.

[CliffHarrisFan]

Hmmm, I'm thinking about tube amps also. Between Laney, Marshall and Ampeg. Opinions?

[mulchor]

If you don't have the head yet, and don't have the power amp yet, either...

I'm left wondering why you'd not choose either the right head (i.e. that meets the power needs), or a preamp + poweramp.

[CliffHarrisFan]

I am unfamiliar with the preamps currently available, some of my favourite manufacturers are not making preamps. The right head is too expensive, I'm thinking I can get a great sounding head now, and then if I need in the future, add a power amp for sufficient power.

[poorbassist15]

Here's some specs for the head


Preshape circuit.
Valve drive circuit.
12-band classic graphic equalizer.
Dual-band Compressor with separate controls for each Hi and Lo bands.
Effects Loop with hi-pass/lo-pass/full range outputs, Left/Right/Mono returns, Series/Parallel switch and Level control.
Output Mute switch, active on all outputs except Tuner Out.
Electronically balanced XLR DI outputs for Pre Eq and Post Preamp Left & Right.
Left and Right Line outputs.
600 Watts (4 Ohms) output stage.
Footswitch allowing control of Preshape, Valve drive, Graphic EQ, Compressor, Effects Loop and Output Mute.
Original classy black ‘pimple' covering.
Metal handles and protective corners.

The DIs should work for plugging into a power amp, you can also use power from the amp too.
But it's 600 watts, I don't see why power would be an option. You could use a just a preamp, like a Sansamp.

[CliffHarrisFan]

Yeah, the Trace has a great spec. What are Sansamp like? Any insight?

[poorbassist15]

Sansamps are some of the best pres out there, IMO. They emulate tube amps, from warm and clean to distortion that sends guitarists running. Geddy used one for a while.

Here is a video of some sounds.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Qi-UQ4jvAs

This is a pedal version of the rackmount ones.

[BassmanPaul]

The DI out of just about any amp ever made will be designed to feed a PA system and will NOT have the ability to drive a power amp.

Paul

[RickenBoogie]

+1, and why are you thinking about poweramps, and not mentioning any speakers. That's where volume comes from, not the wattage of your amp.

[Growly Lytes]

Either go with the T.E or the Sansamp RPM or RBI & a good brand Poweramp.You cannot go wrong with either of these options trust me.I had the Fender TB-600 but sold it because i found a better sound combining the Sansamp RBI & RPM with a mad Poweramp.The system i have now rips the Fender head for options & sound .Sure the TB-600 had tubes & had its own sound but the Sansamps do a great job better to my ears by far.Also i can change the Poweramp to whatever i want in the future without changing my sound.

[poorbassist15]

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

The DI out of just about any amp ever made will be designed to feed a PA system and will NOT have the ability to drive a power amp.

Paul

I didn't know that, this is why I use TalkBass. I feel smarter every day.

[CliffHarrisFan]

Both sound like great options, and RickenBoogie makes a good point. I am looking at a Marshall MBC410 but do not have much feedback about them, so I need to play through one I guess.

[CliffHarrisFan]

Sorry, another question, what is a slave out?