TC Electronics RH750

Neverender · #1 11-01-2011, 09:14 PM

Once more I reach out to TB's infinite well of bass wisdom in search of some help. In my hunt to upgrade my rig, a few amps have piqued my interest. The GK MB Fusion, the GK MB800, and the RH750.

I have done my best to research both TB and elsewhere for solid info on these amps, but the RH750 is (as we all know) the subject of heated debate and misconceptions/misinformation.

Over the last week, and after finding MUCH better quality videos that display some of the awesome punch and depth the RH can dig up, its jumped to my #1 in interested. I feel out of the 3 it is the most versatile, and feature packed.

I do have some questions I am shaky on, and I hope a TC vet can help me out!

1. At what Ohms are they claiming the 'perceived' 750w output? 8? 4? 2? I haven't been able to find much in the ways of its ohm handling, I need it to be able to run at both 8 & 4 Ohms, is this possible? If someone knew the output at its respective Ohms that would be fantastic.

2. I've heard some people have complained (and one TB user not long ago) that the RH450, when cranked, loses a fair bit of its oomph, and breaks up with 0 tube tone. I love that broken up tone, but I can see myself wanting both that broken and loud clean, both at command. Is there truth to this break up? And does the RH 750 run 'cleaner' at louder settings?

3. Footswitch optional? Does that mean shelling out more $$$, or when you purchase the amp, does it come with it if you like?

4. I typically buy used, rarely new; however, I am very interested in buying this new, as I want it to be a long term, warranty covered investment. I SUCK at finding new deals, special sales etc. Could any of you sales/deal gurus offer me any help or tips in finding this as cheap as possible new, from reputable and safe dealers?

I realize this is a lot to read through and answer, but either way I VERY much appreciate anyone whom at least takes the time to read this!

Munjibunga · #2 11-01-2011, 11:33 PM

1. 4 ohms. It'll run just fine at 8 ohms, too. A little more than half of the "perceived power" at 4 ohms.

2. The amp will "break up" with 0 tube tone if you crank the input gain too much. Pretty much like most other amps. I've cranked the hell out of mine into an AE410, and was clean and too loud for my ears. This with volume around noon, gain at 10 o'clock.

3. Footswitch optional, more $$$.

4. Try Bass San Diego. They may cut you a deal. Tell them Munji sent you.

Here's 940+ more posts on the RH750.

slawie · #3 11-02-2011, 12:00 AM

I recently bought mine on ebay (Spectrum Audio) and paid less than $1000 shipped to Australia.

slawie

Neverender · #4 11-02-2011, 11:39 AM

Muji and Salwie, thanks for the responses! Munji, I will definitely talk to them per your suggestion. I was checking out that RH750 forum as well before I posted, its a wealth of info!

I was just reading up on power amps (completely in the dark when it comes to them). I don't particularly feel like I will be in a situation where I have to push the amp hard enough to break up like that in a live situation. The grind is fantastic for certain parts of our songs, but I'd like to have the clean of SS and grind of tube on command at volumes I may need (which is the point of these amps I thought). And it scares me a little that I might not be able to do that.

Do any of you know if the RH750 has more headroom than the 450, can it be pushed more before buckling in? If that is the case, that should be fantastic and golden!

If not, is it possible to to use this head in conjunction with power amp to take some of the load off of the amp itself? I am pretty sure I can, but I like to ask first before I make some terrible mistake! I would definitely play out multiple times sans power amp to get a feel for the 'giving point'. If that is a possibility then it would be convenient that so long as the amp doesn't give out on me, I just need to worry about bigger and badder cabs!

Neverender · #5 11-02-2011, 12:00 PM

Slawie* haha

And never mind the 450 vs 750 headroom question, that was already answered!

GrowlerBox · #6 11-02-2011, 12:37 PM

This is a good place to start regarding the power output -- it's TCE's explanation regarding their APM module.

Donovan Bankhead is a TBer and TCE dealer, AFAIK. I got my RH450 shipped to NZ by ProAudioStar in NY (before the 750 was released) -- they were good to deal with, quick and offered the best available price at the time.

The power-ratings fiasco was a shame and entirely of TCE's own making, but whatever the numbers, all their amps are loud. They will also function with an impedance down to 2.67 ohms. I find the 450 louder than I will ever need for stage monitoring, the EQ and on-board extras are fantastic and well worth the money, in my view. Not for everyone, to be sure, and I remain divided on it for amplifying my double bass, but I keep coming back to it for EUB and porkchop bass.

**Chef** · #7 11-02-2011, 02:04 PM

They will function below 4 ohms with TC cabs only.
Be careful...

GrowlerBox · #8 11-02-2011, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chef

They will function below 4 ohms with TC cabs only.
Be careful...

Not according to the document linked to above. I think the issue is that they won't guarantee that a competitor's stated impedance will reflect its actual average impedance. Kind of ironic, really ...

Neverender · #9 11-02-2011, 02:29 PM

Hmm, Chef, but 2 4x10s at 4ohms with non TC cabs will work just fine right? Just have to worry about sub 4 ohms?

**Chef** · #10 11-02-2011, 02:32 PM

2 8 ohm 410s, 4 ohm load, should be fine.

Three 8 ohm non-TC cabs...dunno...

BurningSkies · #11 11-02-2011, 02:42 PM

It depends...which is always a GREAT answer to any question. It depends upon the accuracy of the impedance rating of the cabs you're using. Impedance isn't an exact science, so if the maker of said cabs fudges a bit lower or a bit higher than otherwise it could be in trouble.