which Power amp should I choose

StipeC · #1 01-09-2011, 10:54 PM

I currently have the Hartke Hydrive cabinets 4x10 and 1x15. I have the hartke LH1000 amp head and am displeased with the sound. So i want to switch to the fender tbp-1 preamp, and my queastion is which power amp would be the best to use with it.

walterw · #2 01-09-2011, 11:02 PM

wrong forum, try "amps".

anyway, the answer is "the most powerful amp of a good brand that you can afford". crown, QSC, crest, even peavey, yes; samson and behringer, not so much.

they don't really "wear out" as long as they aren't abused, so used is fine.

you could even use the hartke head as a power amp, plugging the other preamp into the effects return.

MNAirHead · #3 01-10-2011, 08:48 AM

power amps get ugly before they wear out (usually)

calmb4tehpwn · #4 01-10-2011, 09:14 AM

I'm in a similar situation. I would suggest asking a more specific question. Like what is the ideal wattage for each of these amps. Then find a power amp that can atleast support them. You don't have to spend much. Chances are a qsc1450 will be more than enough And you can often find one for 200.

Don't worry about having too powerful a power Want either, since you can just dial the power down. Just make sure no one touches your rig And that You also check it before firing it up

Without knowing the specifics I suggest a qsc1450. If you're worried about the power I can gaurantee a 2450 is more than enough for you. Which you can usually get for 250-300.

Bob Lee (QSC) · #5 01-10-2011, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by calmb4tehpwn

qsc1450.

You probably mean an RMX1450.

jmac · #6 01-10-2011, 10:32 AM

I used the QSC PLX1804. I recommend it.

Son of Bovril · #7 01-11-2011, 12:35 AM

the new Crown Drivecore series is very light, powerful and affordable. There are a few other nice new light poweramps available from other brands too. I think my fender TBP-1 might be heavier even than the Crown XLS1500 I'm pair it with!

calmb4tehpwn · #8 01-11-2011, 08:52 AM

I did mean the QSC RMX1450, yes.

AlexanderB · #9 01-11-2011, 04:33 PM

I am very happy with the QSC PLX 3602 and RMX 5050 amps I use in both my PA and bass rig, and strongly recommend them to anyone.

By the way; please keep us posted about the results! I am looking into the Fender TBP-1 myself and have not had a chance to try it out.

Growly Lytes · #10 01-11-2011, 05:22 PM

RMX-5050 looks like a beast & thats what i want.
I love big builky heavy-duty amps.

msmucr · #11 01-11-2011, 05:36 PM

Hello StipeC,

i'm far from saying, which amp is best, but i was really pleased by following Yamaha (definitely worth of try). Not so common here between TB bassists, so at least for more colorful discussion.. :-)

My short review and comparison here:
Yamaha P3500S - pleasant surprise

Best regards

Michal

gregbackstrom · #12 01-11-2011, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StipeC

I currently have the Hartke Hydrive cabinets 4x10 and 1x15. I have the hartke LH1000 amp head and am displeased with the sound. So i want to switch to the fender tbp-1 preamp, and my queastion is which power amp would be the best to use with it.

For light-weight, inexpensive, massive power, the new Peavey IPR-3000 is impossible to beat. It's less than 8 lbs and less than 10" deep. It absolutely crushes! I think I paid about $405 for it, brand new, with Peavey's 5 year warranty.

Lot of other great choices too, but all of them are much heavier! Peavey's doing great things with amplification -- both for bass (VB-3 and VB-2) and live sound!

Good luck!
Greg

low2groove · #13 01-11-2011, 09:34 PM

Whatever amp you get that Fender pre isn't going to help your sound.

If you really want to get in touch with your bass the preamp is where the sound starts and your power is coming from your amp, great speakers can't hurt either

In the eyes of many people these are great preamps.

Demeter HBP-1, Alembic F1-X, Yamaha PB1

StipeC · #14 01-13-2011, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Son of Bovril

the new Crown Drivecore series is very light, powerful and affordable. There are a few other nice new light poweramps available from other brands too. I think my fender TBP-1 might be heavier even than the Crown XLS1500 I'm pair it with!

That is the exact setup I was planning on buying. Have you had any problems, and how's the sound.

Plstrns · #15 01-13-2011, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gregbackstrom

For light-weight, inexpensive, massive power, the new Peavey IPR-3000 is impossible to beat. It's less than 8 lbs and less than 10" deep. It absolutely crushes! I think I paid about $405 for it, brand new, with Peavey's 5 year warranty.

Lot of other great choices too, but all of them are much heavier! Peavey's doing great things with amplification -- both for bass (VB-3 and VB-2) and live sound!

Good luck!
Greg

+1

warnergt · #16 01-13-2011, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by low2groove

Whatever amp you get that Fender pre isn't going to help your sound.

What do you mean? I don't understand this comment.

I would figure the other way around: the preamp will set your tone;
the amp will give you power. These amps are essentially flat; they
don't affect the tone.