Post/Pre Fender SWR sm-900

bellis1 · #1 07-22-2010, 09:07 AM

So i'm looking into purchasing a SM-900. However, i'm not sure which amp is PRE fender and which one is POST.

I believe both are 800 watts into 4 ohms. Correct?

However, I keep seeing multiple pictures of the amp. On some of the amps, the SWR logo is flat, and white. On others, the SWR logo is chrome, and jutting out from the amp.

Which is which? And which would you prefer?

Tim1 · #2 07-22-2010, 01:24 PM

There is a post or thread on this somewhere. Basically it boils down to where it says it was manufactured on the back - something to do with SWR Engineering or something else and perhaps the facility. Sorry, I am not at home to check it for you but I will check later if no-one else tells you first.

bellis1 · #3 07-22-2010, 03:34 PM

That would be awesome. Thanks

Alper Yilmaz · #4 07-22-2010, 03:40 PM

I had a pre-Fender SM-900 back in 2004. I was never able to dial in the tone I was looking for on that amp; so I sold it and never looked back. I think the power specs are significantly exaggerated on that amp. So, unless you are positive you would love to play through one, I would not recommend it...

Best,

Alper

Quote:

Originally Posted by bellis1

So i'm looking into purchasing a SM-900. However, i'm not sure which amp is PRE fender and which one is POST.

I believe both are 800 watts into 4 ohms. Correct?

However, I keep seeing multiple pictures of the amp. On some of the amps, the SWR logo is flat, and white. On others, the SWR logo is chrome, and jutting out from the amp.

Which is which? And which would you prefer?

Kenner · #5 07-22-2010, 03:50 PM

It says on the back.....I love mine immensely. It took a while, but I finally accidentally found the tone I want....

chicago_mike · #6 07-22-2010, 05:54 PM

The poweramps on the Fender ones are over engineered from the pre fenders. The pre fenders tended to get way too hot and shut down.

The fender ones sounded a little cleaner to me, but thats my take.

BigOldHarry · #7 07-22-2010, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alper Yilmaz

I had a pre-Fender SM-900 back in 2004. I was never able to dial in the tone I was looking for on that amp; so I sold it and never looked back. I think the power specs are significantly exaggerated on that amp. So, unless you are positive you would love to play through one, I would not recommend it...

Best,

Alper

Agreed. I bought one new back in the mid '90s and never was very happy with it. I thought the SM400 sounded better, truth be told...

Anyway, it seemed to have barely enough juice to power my two SWR Triad cabs... which seems odd for something rated at 800W... So I sold it, got an amp rated at about 1/2 the power that actually *over* delivers (my Ashdown ABM500) and have been happy since.

In fact, I have not seen a single post on TB from anyone who was thrilled with their SM900. You might want to consider that before you buy...

Andyirvinebass · #8 07-22-2010, 07:48 PM

I am completely thrilled with my SM900 from mid 90's and will never switch to anything else.Bridged at 4ohms it brings 900watts hence the name. It has a killer variable compressor and ultra tweekable EQ that can be chained together.If you can find one for a decent price say $600-$750 depending on condition you will be happy for ever.A external cooling fan is recommended while running it bridged at loud volumes do to the heat that is generated.I run either 2 8ohm Goliath 4x10's, or one Goliath Sr.6X10 cab which is 4ohms depending on the gig.

www.swramps.com

Richard G · #9 07-22-2010, 07:57 PM

i have owned the swr sm900 pre-fender it has the logo that looks etched on it....i think its very powerfull but very difficult to get a good punchy funky-ish type sound, takes a lot of work i have been replacing some of the pots, because of scratchy dirty pots, i keep it as a back up, i use my markbass little mark 2 that is absolutely awesome for me!

skb5string · #10 07-22-2010, 08:00 PM

I own a Pre Fender SM-900 from the 1990's. My Fav Amp of all time. Clean and awesome sounding. Mine is VERY Loud. The Pre Fender ones are louder IMOP than the Fender. Mines a work horse. Look for a Flat White Logo..thats a dead giveaway, but yes the Manufacture city is the tell tale.

bellis1 · #11 07-25-2010, 12:49 PM

Its just very difficult to decide. I get one guy saying "they are awesome!" get another one saying "they are terrible"

Basically, I just love SWR's sound. I have a 750x, but I need more power, and the 900 is the next step up. I have considered adding a power amp to my rig, but I would then have to buy a new rack case, and I just honestly don't feel like carrying around another 20-30 pounds. You catch my drift?

**B-string** · #12 07-25-2010, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bellis1

Its just very difficult to decide. I get one guy saying "they are awesome!" get another one saying "they are terrible"

Basically, I just love SWR's sound. I have a 750x, but I need more power, and the 900 is the next step up. I have considered adding a power amp to my rig, but I would then have to buy a new rack case, and I just honestly don't feel like carrying around another 20-30 pounds. You catch my drift?

So add a 7lb Peavey IPR1600 power amp? Or a new Crown light weight?

Jeff Scott · #13 07-25-2010, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bellis1

Basically, I just love SWR's sound. I have a 750x, but I need more power, and the 900 is the next step up. I have considered adding a power amp to my rig, but I would then have to buy a new rack case, and I just honestly don't feel like carrying around another 20-30 pounds. You catch my drift?

The SM-900 is barely more powerful than the 750x in real world terms, certainly not enough to make any difference in your volume.

lbwdog · #14 07-25-2010, 02:52 PM

Every October I play a classic car festival that features daily and nightly music at different outdoor locations. Backline is supplied, and I'll play anywhere from one to three times. This gives me the opportunity to experience a variety of head/cab combinations in a real gig situation, which IMO, is a much better way to try gear than in a music store showroom.
One of the stages always has an SM900, and I've never been impressed at all. It seems like it's very underpowered compared to the specs, and dialing in a usable tone is frustrating (at least for me). This is playing through cabs ranging from Goliaths, Triads, Hartke, etc. I'd much rather have my G-K 700RB II or 800RB.

I think that this year I'll bring my new MarkBass LMTube 800 and give it a good outdoor workout.

bellis1 · #15 07-25-2010, 03:14 PM

So in your opinion, what are some good (light, cheap) power amps? One of my buddies bought a crown and hated it, so i'm kind of iffy going that route.

chadds · #16 07-26-2010, 05:46 AM

If you love the sound get a used Grandprix pre. and any power amp of your liking. There are ways of getting more volume out of SWR amps. Start flat, reduce the lows, dial back tweeter a hair, crank the pre til light flashes, then back off, then crank master.