New amp for my Acme's?

Will Kelly · #1 03-20-2011, 12:23 PM

I just received two Acme Low B 2's (4 ohm), and now I have to find something to power them with.

I am trying to stay with just a head unit, instead of going with separate pre and power amps.

I am thinking about the Ashdown Little giant, the 1K watt version that's 500 watts per side each at 4 ohms.

Acme users, what say you? I'm pretty sure wattage wise this is fine. Any negative reactions to this amplifier?

Zooberwerx · #2 03-20-2011, 12:33 PM

Sounds good to me. I believe the Epifani PS 1000, amongst others, has similar specs. 500 watts per side at 4 ohms should do the trick. As for me, I'm still using the pre / power configuration with two B-2's and a single B-4.

Riis

BassmanPaul · #3 03-20-2011, 12:59 PM

I use a carvin BX1500 to drive my pair. It's a superb combination. it's about $600.

mntngrown · #4 03-20-2011, 01:00 PM

I really liked the Genz shuttlemax 12 through 2 4 ohm B-2's.
I had the LG1000 as a back up to the above.
By the way, I got it from Thomann in Germany as a web order dirt cheap. The LG 1000 is a little light in the preamp output with a passive bass. A bass with active pre will boost the overall output to drive the 2 4 ohm acmes.

Bluesy Soul · #5 03-20-2011, 02:14 PM

I generally like 600-700 watts per side for Low B-2s. I am so impressed, however, by how good the new Gallien-Krueger MB series heads sound with Andy's cabs that I would seriously consider a G-K MB 800 (and maybe look for a used Acoustic Image Focus SA to provide 800 more watts at 4 ohms) or a G-K MB 500 with some sort of 500-watt additional slave.

I've tried the Series II Low Bs, as well as a pair of new Flatwounds, with Genz Benz Shuttles, all-tube heads (which truly love), Acoustic Image, and various pre/power rigs and nothing sounds as good, IMHO, as the G-K MBs. Sometimes certain amps just match certain cabs very well, like beef and Bordeaux.

Will Kelly · #6 03-20-2011, 02:19 PM

Funny you mention that. I'm currently running a GK MB500 for just one cab and it does not have the juice required.

Zooberwerx · #7 03-20-2011, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluesy Soul

...Sometimes certain amps just match certain cabs very well, like beef and Bordeaux.

Is the Bordeaux tube or solid-state?

Riis

Bluesy Soul · #8 03-20-2011, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zooberwerx

Is the Bordeaux tube or solid-state?

Riis

For beef and wine, I like both the all-tube, old school Bordeaux and the newer solid-state cabernets (almost slipped and said "cabs"), depending on the beef recipe/preparation.

There's no question about the G-K's pedigree, however. It's pure solid-state--one of the deepest and warmest varieties I've found.

mntngrown · #9 03-20-2011, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Will Kelly

Funny you mention that. I'm currently running a GK MB500 for just one cab and it does not have the juice required.

If you feel that way, even though I have no experience with the mb 500 I would steer clear of the LG1000, as mentioned a little weak for 1000w, and go with Bassmanpaul's recommendation or a used shuttlemax12 or bluesysoul's call.
They have been playin Acmes a long time.
However if Thomann still has their deal it's under 300.00 for the LG1000 and you just need to switch in a US cord and a lower rated fuse. A possible backup.

Popps · #10 03-20-2011, 08:00 PM

I use a Genz Benz shuttle 9.0 with a single 4 ohm Acme B2, it sounds fantastic, though that doesn't help you with 2 cabinets, Just saying...

AMJBASS · #11 03-21-2011, 09:12 AM

I just picked up one of the inexpensive Hartke LH500 heads to use with my Acme Low B2. Its a wonderful combination. I have never really been hip to the Hartke amps. But this particular model sounds just great! Warm and deep, with a very pleasant midrange. Similar to the Alembic F1X.

jeff7bass · #12 03-21-2011, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

I use a carvin BX1500 to drive my pair. It's a superb combination. it's about $600.

Best option right there. 600 bucks gets you dual 450w amps (at 4 ohms each) plus all the pro features you'll ever need.

The X-OVER function (bi-amp mode) is a very unique control. I haven't seen anything else like it.

lo-freq · #13 03-21-2011, 11:26 AM

Mesa M6 or M9, Carvin B1500 or B2000, or EA iAmp Pro if you want real lightweight.

BassmanPaul · #14 03-21-2011, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lo-freq

Mesa M6 or M9, Carvin B1500 or B2000, or EA iAmp Pro if you want real lightweight.

Both the Carvin models you mention put out too much power at 2Ω for a pair of 4Ω B2s to safely handle. That's the reason I went for the BX1500. Its twin 450W amps keep the power down to safer levels. Plus each amp can handle a 2Ω load so I can run all four of my cabinets if the need should arise.

jeff7bass · #15 03-21-2011, 04:22 PM

Plus you can turn the tweeters off (or dial them down) on the bottom ACME and use it to handle more low frequencies while letting the top ACME handle more mids and highs. This is accomplished using the X-OVER knob in bi-amp mode. Once you set the cutoff frequency (low to high), you also have two volume controls, one for the top cab and one for the low cab.
Ultimate flexibility.

zombywoof5050 · #16 03-22-2011, 07:23 AM

I use an Acoustic Image Clarus+ into a pair of 4 ohm B-2's, and love it. The Clarus+ is rated for 1000W into a 2 ohm load.

WingKL · #17 03-22-2011, 10:49 AM

I auditioned the Mesa M6 and M9 with my B2. Jeebus! Low end thunder. Hit like a freight train. I think they'd pair well with the Acmes. Unfortunately the amps also weighs like it sounds.

lo-freq · #18 03-22-2011, 11:13 AM

Quote:

BassmanPaul
Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Toronto Ontario Canada

Quote:

Quote:
Originally Posted by lo-freq
Mesa M6 or M9, Carvin B1500 or B2000, or EA iAmp Pro if you want real lightweight.

Both the Carvin models you mention put out too much power at 2Ω for a pair of 4Ω B2s to safely handle. That's the reason I went for the BX1500. Its twin 450W amps keep the power down to safer levels. Plus each amp can handle a 2Ω load so I can run all four of my cabinets if the need should arise.
__________________
Paul

Just because the power is there doesn't mean you have to use enough to damage the driver's (..., but I understand it makes some people uneasy to risk it ...esp. w/Acmes).

Will Kelly · #19 03-22-2011, 08:56 PM

Hmm. Thanks for the responses so far guys.

Here's what my impressions are:

-The Ashdown LG1000 will probably not have enough kick to run both 4 ohm cabs. Plus, after my initial bad experience running my GK MB500 into just ONE of my 4 ohm Acme's, I am in general skeptical of class D amps with these cabs.

-Carvin Amps might do the trick, like the BX1500. Class D though. Anyone else having problems with iffy voltage shutting these down when pushed?

-Acoustic Image. I actually have an older Clarus 2 and love it, but it is woefully underpowered for this application. The Clarus + looks great, but is also $1K.

-Mesa, I have no experience with, other than I have never seen a Mesa guitar product work for one complete gig.

So... I guess Carvin, AI, or some sort of massive transformer based amp like a Sunn 1200s or some such.

Jazzdogg · #20 03-22-2011, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

Both the Carvin models you mention put out too much power at 2Ω for a pair of 4Ω B2s to safely handle.<SNIP>

I don't understand this comment.

I've used my B1500 with every cabinet I own, and I've never had a problem related to "too much power."

Then again, I have a V8 engine in my car, and I haven't received a moving violation since 1983.