Single Unit power amps - need your thoughts

sxride · #1 11-05-2010, 04:13 PM

Hi,

Just wondering if you would like to give me suggestions for 1U power amps. I'm considering buying one to down size.

If you know of one for sale, I'd appreciate the lead too.

Thanks

MrDOS · #2 11-05-2010, 04:40 PM

They are not very common for bass - what cab are you running? I used a Carver for a few years on a 2X15" cab, but it just didn't have enough headroom for many gigs.

sxride · #3 11-06-2010, 04:45 AM

Hi MrDOS, thanks for the response. its going to be hooked up to a 410 or 210, so im hoping to find around a 600w and up amp, at 4 ohms.

Steveaux · #4 11-06-2010, 09:48 AM

1U amps tend to be VERY deep ... like 15" or so, and relatively heavy.. I've been using one for a few years, and I'm switching to one of the lightweight 2U amps.

I'd much rather go up 1U and use an 8 - 12 lb. amp that's only 10" deep in a shallow "Effects" size rack.

YMMV, Batteries not included, etc.

ErnieD · #5 11-06-2010, 09:57 AM

I just started my first pre/pwr amp setup using a F1-X pre and a new Crown CoreDrive XLS1500, 2U, less or so than 8lbs. Very nice, you can go up to XLS2000 or 2500 if need be. At this weight I can def live with a 2U amp. Fits in my shallow 4 space Gator rack, breeze to schlep.

Batteries included. ;>)

Art Araya · #6 11-06-2010, 10:06 AM

SWR - AmpLite. Not quite the wattage you're looking for but small and light.

http://www.swramps.com/products//sea...tno=4415050000

Steveaux · #7 11-06-2010, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Art Araya

SWR - AmpLite. Not quite the wattage you're looking for but small and light.

http://www.swramps.com/products//sea...tno=4415050000

Those are very cool and certainly small/light.

However, for $150 less, I get great, steaming piles of headroom ...

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com...Amp?sku=485460

craig.p · #8 11-07-2010, 04:26 PM

Found something else over at Parts Express. Just not sure if it's got the steam you need for your application. Also make sure to read the reviews.

BurningSkies · #9 11-07-2010, 04:31 PM

You may want to consider the Peavey IPR 1600. While its 2 rack units, it is under 7 pounds and would fit in a standard (non-deep) rack. My experience is that it's not always the size but weight that makes the difference.

Steveaux · #10 11-07-2010, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craig.p

Found something else over at Parts Express. Just not sure if it's got the steam you need for your application. Also make sure to read the reviews.

That's what I've been using. Great amp.

I'll trade half the weight and about half the depth for 1U up and twice the power.

behndy · #11 11-07-2010, 07:22 PM

yeah, i've been thinking about the IPR (if they're ever available) too. i use a SWR Amplite for home and small gigs where i just need 1 or 2 GS112's and a racked 2U QSC GX5 if i'm also bringing a GS115. also a GX3 for my PA speakers out of a Motu 828 mk II for my singer's soft synths and sequenced stuff.

sxride · #12 11-10-2010, 08:09 AM

Hey Guys,

Thanks for the feedback and opinions. I think Im going to end up with the 2U Light weight, way of approaching this.

So far all the 1Us I see are either discontinued or still has some weight on them, or a bit under the power I was hoping for.

All of you guys helped, and this thread helped a lot. Thanks!

@Steve: Sweet setup

Tronographic · #13 11-10-2010, 09:10 AM

I'm in the market for something similar... I've been looking at the SLA-2 for a while now.

I've been lugging around a Traynor PM-100 for a few years and it's almost enough power for me.

I figured the ART would be sufficient... but maybe not. Also, I guess 1U isn't all that convenient if it weighs a ton and is almost as deep as it is wide.