Are there Thermal issues with all D-class amps? seriously

Kirk Bryant · #1 08-18-2010, 06:25 PM

Everyone knows the BX-500 initially had tons of well documented issues that seem to be somewhat resolved. I reviewed all I could find on the SVT 7-Pro some of the same or similar issues, Same for GK micros, Ibanez, as well as some others I can't remember right now. I haven't read up on the new SWR micro.
About the only one I have NOT read much about thermal issues is the Genz Benz stuff... or have they had their share as well ? And maybe Mesa Boogie M6 though I'm not sure what it weighs.
Hear that Mark Bass stuff is great till you need a repair then they get ya in the pocket.

Anyway after a year with a functioning micro (BX 500) it finally died at an outdoor gig that was near 100 degs. Not being even pushed hard though I do play hard at times.
My last favorite amp that lasted about 13 yrs was Glockenklang Soul.
I can't have this crap happening and I don't care if it's "only once a yr! the Glock went 13 yrs w/o a service. Now I would call that dependable.
But now I am in love with the ease use of a microlite and don't want to go back.

So please tell me what bulletproof micro head you are using. I loved the fact that the BX would 2 ohms too since I could mix and match cabs with ease.

peace
Capt Kirk

silky smoove · #2 08-18-2010, 06:36 PM

I've had no issues with any of the micro heads I've owned:
Tecamp Puma1000 (currently using)
Markbass LMTube
GK MB2-500

Kirk Bryant · #3 08-18-2010, 06:41 PM

I realize there are more heads out there that haven't failed than ones that have. It just seems to me there is a far higher failure rate among these types of amps than most others.

Figjam · #4 08-18-2010, 06:41 PM

My Epifani PS600 has needed a resistor replaced and a capacitor replaced.

agedhorse · #5 08-18-2010, 06:43 PM

Let's clear up this issue once and for all...

Any properly designed product should not have thermal problems provided it is operated within it's intended ratings (ie. if it's rated at a 4 ohm minimum load, don't expect it to handle 2 ohms).

On quality products, a lot of thought and design effort goes into thermal management and many other aspects of a bass amp (other than tone) to make them as reliable as possible. As warranties get longer and become transferrable, these products must be trouble-free otherwise the manufacturer is going to bear the costs of failed product.

Not all products have this attention to detail, but there's plenty of product by multiple manufacturers out in the bass amp world that is well designed. Reputation and user satisfaction are some of the best ways to determine this IMO.

Kirk Bryant · #6 08-18-2010, 06:44 PM

I just spoke to local dealer about that very amp today. Check that one off the short list too. LOL

Kirk Bryant · #7 08-18-2010, 06:49 PM

yo Aged ..knew you would be here soon. Yes Properly designed is the operative phrase here, why are so many getting it wrong. By the way I'm looking hard at your 12.0 you'll be happy to hear. I know you guys make an excellent product. I expect a top of the line piece of PRO gear to last decades not months or just a few yrs and I expect it to take some punishment too within reason of course.

Kirk

bassman1185 · #8 08-18-2010, 06:50 PM

I have a Peavey IPR1600, and it's cool to the touch after a loud two-hour practice.

Thornton Davis · #9 08-18-2010, 06:52 PM

My Genz-Benz ShuttleMAX 12.0 with it's 2x600 watt Class D power modules has been as reliable as any amp that i've ever owned over the past 40 plus years of playing and i've put it through its paces during the past 10 months.

TD

JazznFunk · #10 08-18-2010, 06:55 PM

No thermal issues with my WTX-500... Used it at 8 ohms and 4 ohms on long gigs and still cool to the touch at the end of the night.

modulusman · #11 08-18-2010, 06:57 PM

My shuttlemax 12.0 and 6.0 don't even get warm to the touch when I use them.

BartmanPDX · #12 08-18-2010, 06:57 PM

Kirk -- I have a Genz Shuttle 6 that I've used pretty much all the time over the last two years. Even on hot outdoor gigs with no issues. I do have a Mesa M9 coming but that's mainly because I'm an inveterate gear whore and have already found my dream bass and cab and wanted to try something new. But I'm by no means replacing the Genz either. It's a sweet unit. You can borrow mine for a while if you want once the Mesa gets here.

DavidE · #13 08-18-2010, 06:59 PM

I got my Markbass SD800 used from someone here on TB. I haven't played a lot of gigs with it, but in both indoor and very hot outdoor situations, the amp has not felt hot at all and I'm running two 8 ohm cabs to get the full 750 watts. It's in a rack bag.

Febs · #14 08-18-2010, 07:40 PM

I've had an Acoustic Image Clarus since approximately 2000. It failed in November 2009, after what was probably thousands of hours of use. I sent it to Rick at Acoustic Image on a Thursday. I had it back, fixed at no charge to me, the following Thursday. Oh, and he included a new carrying case to replace the old worn out case I shipped it in.

Medford Bassman · #15 08-18-2010, 07:48 PM

I've used my Shuttle 6.0 for almost 3 years now. Never had a problem.
Doesn't really get warm even after being on for about 6 hours.

agedhorse · #16 08-18-2010, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kirk Bryant

yo Aged ..knew you would be here soon. Yes Properly designed is the operative phrase here, why are so many getting it wrong. By the way I'm looking hard at your 12.0 you'll be happy to hear. I know you guys make an excellent product. I expect a top of the line piece of PRO gear to last decades not months or just a few yrs and I expect it to take some punishment too within reason of course.

Kirk

Hey Kirk, glad you had a chance to look at it.

Most manufacturers genuinely want to build a quality piece of equipment. Sometimes, the end result doesn't live up to the expactations of the marketplace, sometimes cost pressure squeezes some of the quality or reliability out, sometimes players choose the wrong tool for the job and just drive the snot out of it attempting to make it work for them. Sometimes, a batch of defective parts gets past IQC and is not discovered until months or even years of use. Sometimes, unexpected or intermittent problems occur due to incompatability between specific pieces of gear or due to environmental conditions that are unforseen.

I am fortunate that Roger and Jeff give me pretty much free rein to design as much robustness as I can into our product line (within reason of course), as evidenced by the dual redundant fail-safe power supplies and piower amps in the ShuttleMax 12.0. Of course, it's not a budget driven product but an international pro touring piece.

Something else that relates to thermal issues and cases... be sure that the case is not causing the thermal problem. Some cases block critical air intakes and vents. This warning applies to amps by all manufacturers. I have seen this a couple of times while out on the road, especially soft cases and gig bags.

nealw · #17 08-18-2010, 09:11 PM

I push my EA Doubler pretty hard and it has never had a hiccup and always stayscool to the touch.

Kirk Bryant · #18 08-18-2010, 09:54 PM

Thanks Bart I actually need something for this Sat.

As to cases I never had this failed head in a case.
It always ran cool to the touch even when it failed it felt like the ambient temp of outdoors at the time (98)

Sav'nBass · #19 08-18-2010, 09:59 PM

I now use my 6.0 at home and at church since I got an extra cab.. and If my son continues his interest in bass I will give him my La-15 and get another 8 ohm cab to leave at my band's practice space.. I have not had one glitch on my 6.0.. which I bought used and I have often used it for hours at a time daily.. I'd get a 9.0 in a heartbeat if I could either trade up or get a good deal on a used one.. but in the meantime I am more than happy with my 6.0.

mikezimmerman · #20 08-18-2010, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kirk Bryant

As to cases I never had this failed head in a case.
It always ran cool to the touch even when it failed it felt like the ambient temp of outdoors at the time (98)

I'm no great expert on Class-D amps, but given that fact, why did you conclude that the failure had anything to do with "thermal issues"?