Low volume from a GK 2000RB?

Webtroll · #1 03-22-2010, 10:01 AM

I tried out a 2000RB (yes I know they're problematic) and I was way underwhelmed by the power output from both channels, bridge mode was not tested. One channel was connected to an 8 ohm Aguilar 1X12 and the other to a 4 ohm Carvin 1X15. With the volume knobs at the 1 o'clock position and the EQ set flat it had a barely okay volume, but not loud. In a small room we didn't even have to raise our voices to talk, which means with a live band it would be barely audible if at all. He had purchased the unit used and had to get a fan replaced (wrong fan was in the chassis and it was loose). While tone was fine, the output was very uninspiring for dual 500W channels.

So my question here is any idea why the volume output was so low? Are there trim pots in the system that could turn the power output down if the customer fears overheating? I ask about the trim pots because I had a friend who altered the sound of his 250ML with some internal pots so I know GK uses them.

RickenBoogie · #2 03-22-2010, 06:22 PM

Isn't that a poweramp? If so, you'd need a pre for starters, and also, volume is more about speakers than wattage. 1x whatever's just won't cut it. If you have a good preamp already, make sure the output of the pre is hot enough for the input on the GK, and try using a 4x10 or something.

dmusic148 · #3 03-22-2010, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

Isn't that a poweramp?

No, it's a head. Knob positions have almost no meaning. Turn it up more. +1 to more speakers, too.

RockBobby · #4 03-22-2010, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

Isn't that a poweramp? If so, you'd need a pre for starters, and also, volume is more about speakers than wattage. 1x whatever's just won't cut it. If you have a good preamp already, make sure the output of the pre is hot enough for the input on the GK, and try using a 4x10 or something.

NO, It's a complete amp and a touchy one too. That amp will go very loud, but if you run 2 cabs at 8 ohms each in stereo, it only puts out about 350 watts. I use 1/2 of mine at practice into a 4-10 Eden and it is very loud. I know a 1-12 is small but that thing has a lot of push! There is probably something wrong with it and DO NOT think you will be able to get it fixed, YOU WON't. No one will work on it successfully and you will have to part it out like my first one. I don't think there are trim pots inside for attenuation.
I'll say this, If it works, they sounds better than their newer amps in my opinion.

Eric Moesle · #5 03-22-2010, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RockBobby

NO, It's a complete amp and a touchy one too. That amp will go very loud, but if you run 2 cabs at 8 ohms each in stereo, it only puts out about 350 watts. I use 1/2 of mine at practice into a 4-10 Eden and it is very loud. I know a 1-12 is small but that thing has a lot of push! There is probably something wrong with it and DO NOT think you will be able to get it fixed, YOU WON't. No one will work on it successfully and you will have to part it out like my first one. I don't think there are trim pots inside for attenuation.
I'll say this, If it works, they sounds better than their newer amps in my opinion.

Agreed. GK was unable to fix my 2000RB despite lengthy attempt, then they scrapped the model and redesigned with the 2001RB. They're inability to handle the situation (fix it or give me a new working amp) is why to this day I won't buy another GK product.

Webtroll · #6 03-22-2010, 09:16 PM

sounds grim

RockBobby · #7 03-23-2010, 04:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Moesle

Agreed. GK was unable to fix my 2000RB despite lengthy attempt, then they scrapped the model and redesigned with the 2001RB. They're inability to handle the situation (fix it or give me a new working amp) is why to this day I won't buy another GK product.

What I did was harvest the good power amp module from the broken amp and bought a second used 2000RB. So I got backup!