TecAmp amplification club.....is there such a thing yet

[nostatic]

+2 Brilliant amps. Though I have yet to even make my Puma 500 break a sweat on a gig. The 900 never comes out of the bag. I think we've bought into the "more is not enough" philosophy a bit wrt micro amps.

[J.Wolf]

Great report Virgil, sounds like you chose wisely!! I'm eager to try one of those out, but with the exception of a Demeter powered Monique, am amp gas free with my 900.

Nostatic, I saw that you're unloading your xs112 cabs.. What are you running now??

[nostatic]

I'm in transition

I've got two cabs on order - TC212 and Big E 4x6. Going somewhat experimental. I've also started messing with running into a QSC K10 and it sounds amazing in the home studio. I'm not sure about a gig though - probably will work on jazz hits.

I actually have the M212 up for sale as well. I love the sound but I have only used it on two gigs as I haven't needed to push that much air, and I want a bit smaller form factor. I still have the Puma 500 and 900 (though I never run the 900 - the 500 is plenty loud) and I haven't found anything else that really interests me other than the Monique/Demeter combo. In reality that isn't what I need for my gigs though...the Pumas are a better fit.

[Hou]

Why go with the Black Jag over the Puma 500? What is the biggest different?

[KJung]

Originally Posted by Hou

Why go with the Black Jag over the Puma 500? What is the biggest different?

Dual mono power amps (so, you can handle 2 4ohm cabs), some semi-parametric capability (frequency switches on the mid controls), I believe an onboard compressor and a 'drive' type 'grind' control.

Most would not find those benefits worth the larger rack mount form factor and the much higher price, but it seems like a killer offering.

[J.Wolf]

Thanks nostatic. It sounds like you're on to something good. I'm in a similar boat not needing the horsepower of the m212 but loving the sound. These days one or two vl110s is keeping me very happy. I would love to hear your impressions of the TC212 vs M212 when you get a chance. Also would love to hear your impressions of the arnopold cab compared to the tecamp cabs at some point. Best of luck with the flux, and happy holidays!

[Stephent28]

Welcome to the club Virgil. You have just entered another dimension of power and pleasure!

[monsterthompson]

Originally Posted by KJung

Dual mono power amps (so, you can handle 2 4ohm cabs), some semi-parametric capability (frequency switches on the mid controls), I believe an onboard compressor and a 'drive' type 'grind' control.

Most would not find those benefits worth the larger rack mount form factor and the much higher price, but it seems like a killer offering.

it was right on my indifference-curve in my cost/feature analysis. in the end, i'm very happy with my choice.

[Virgil]

Originally Posted by Hou

Why go with the Black Jag over the Puma 500? What is the biggest different?

My situation is probably different than most. Because I previously used an Epifani 902, I own 4ohm cabs. The 902 has two power amps that allows you to run, 2, 4ohm cabs. Therefore, the Puma line of amps would only allow me to run only one cab. Because, especially during the summer months, I play at outdoor festivals, I need two cabs, and I need the headroom that the Black Jag provides. In addition, I like the compressor, and the bass boost, and especially the mid controls and switches. It is a very musical amp. It's not for everyone for a lot of reasons, but I really like it. Don't just read specs, try one out.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by Virgil

My situation is probably different than most. Because I previously used an Epifani 902, I own 4ohm cabs. The 902 has two power amps that allows you to run, 2, 4ohm cabs. Therefore, the Puma line of amps would only allow me to run only one cab. Because, especially during the summer months, I play at outdoor festivals, I need two cabs, and I need the headroom that the Black Jag provides. In addition, I like the compressor, and the bass boost, and especially the mid controls and switches. It is a very musical amp. It's not for everyone for a lot of reasons, but I really like it. Don't just read specs, try one out.

+1 You really didn't lose any 'capability' moving from your Epi902 to this amp. Perfect, and you get the additional bells and whistles!

[Robin Ruscio]

Virgil, that's great to hear you like it.

I will also be moving from an Epi, the smaller 502, and going to the Puma, probably the 900 once I sell a Fodera I've got for sale. I don't need the extra capabilities of the jag but glad to hear the tone sounds so promising.

[Virgil]

Originally Posted by Robin Ruscio

Virgil, that's great to hear you like it.

I will also be moving from an Epi, the smaller 502, and going to the Puma, probably the 900 once I sell a Fodera I've got for sale. I don't need the extra capabilities of the jag but glad to hear the tone sounds so promising.

I still have my Epifani 902c, but have used it on more than 400 gigs, so I have received great service from it. I hope you enjoy the Puma.

[Hou]

Originally Posted by Virgil

My situation is probably different than most. Because I previously used an Epifani 902, I own 4ohm cabs. The 902 has two power amps that allows you to run, 2, 4ohm cabs. Therefore, the Puma line of amps would only allow me to run only one cab. Because, especially during the summer months, I play at outdoor festivals, I need two cabs, and I need the headroom that the Black Jag provides. In addition, I like the compressor, and the bass boost, and especially the mid controls and switches. It is a very musical amp. It's not for everyone for a lot of reasons, but I really like it. Don't just read specs, try one out.

I see your needs! I use my Bonafide for the two cabs solution

[Hou]

I really like the Tecamp amps. Would love to add the Black jag or of the Pumas to my collection.

BTW - I read on Bona's Facebook page that he stopped using their amps but they broke down all the time. He was back to his WW amp

[Virgil]

Originally Posted by Hou

I see your needs! I use my Bonafide for the two cabs solution

I have those cabs too. Nice combination.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by Hou

I really like the Tecamp amps. Would love to add the Black jag or of the Pumas to my collection.

BTW - I read on Bona's Facebook page that he stopped using their amps but they broke down all the time. He was back to his WW amp

The Bonafide was a problematic amp (as was the original 1000). I believe that is one of the reasons they moved the new Puma's from the Powersoft power amp to the more 'road rugged and tried and true' ICE modules. The new Puma line seems solid as a rock.

Most of the Bonafide issues came when bridging into 4ohms, which generates (even with the class D power amp) a LOT of heat in that little box. Combine that with the very poorly designed bags that were designed to stay on the heads when being used, but that restricted air flow, and you have real trouble.

Zero issue not with the new Puma500/900 and the Jag amps.

[Virgil]

Originally Posted by Hou

I really like the Tecamp amps. Would love to add the Black jag or of the Pumas to my collection.

BTW - I read on Bona's Facebook page that he stopped using their amps but they broke down all the time. He was back to his WW amp

The true test to any gear is how it performs over time. I have nothing but love for my Epifani gear because since 2007 I have used my amp in the worse environments and it has never let me down. Only time will tell whether my Black Jag can handle what my Epi did. Next summer I will play for several outdoor wedding receptions. It promises to be at least in the 90's, and will be carrying a 2 or 4 ohm load for several hours. Some other high profile amps that I owned in the past withered on the vine in those environments. They sounded great in the first hour, but in the last hour of a 4 hour gig, my notes were mushy, lost all definition and dynamics and just ran out of gas; one of them just started smoking and died. Glenn assures me that the TecAmp gear is the gear of choice of many touring musicians and built to withstand grueling schedules. I will see and report back. But for now, I am just going to enjoy it.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by Virgil

The true test to any gear is how it performs over time. I have nothing but love for my Epifani gear because since 2007 I have used my amp in the worse environments and it has never let me down. Only time will tell whether my Black Jag can handle what my Epi did. Next summer I will play for several outdoor wedding receptions. It promises to be at least in the 90's, and will be carrying a 2 or 4 ohm load for several hours. Some other high profile amps that I owned in the past withered on the vine in those environments. They sounded great in the first hour, but in the last hour of a 4 hour gig, my notes were mushy, lost all definition and dynamics and just ran out of gas; one of them just started smoking and died. Glenn assures me that the TecAmp gear is the gear of choice of many touring musicians and built to withstand grueling schedules. I will see and report back. But for now, I am just going to enjoy it.

You shouldn't have an issue. Interestingly, the Epi amps were not known for reliability in general.

One of the things the Epi heads really lacked was midrange control. With the rather 'scooped' tone profile of the 410UL cabs, the Puma/Jag lower mid control is voiced just beautifully to punch those cabs up a bit, and the strong dip in the upper midrange of the UL cabs can be plugged pretty nicely with the upper mid control.

Really nice match with the Epi410UL's. I assume you are noticing the much improved articulation and 'space between the notes' with this amp, like a blanket coming off those speakers.

[phillybass101]

Virgil. welcome to the world of tecamp. We're trend setters. not followers :-)

[Virgil]

You know Kjung, I have noticed how articulate the amp is. It takes a minute to get accustomed to.