Vintage SWR Question

[hifibass]

Can the early SWR amps, say up to the 400S ('93), be used as a preamp only with no speaker loads connected? Ken

[Shindig]

Yes. I used an old Studio 220 as a pre to drive a power amp for several years. 400s is essentially the same preamp section as the 220.
Good luck!
Shindog

[T-Bird]

Hi.

Seconded.

Done that with ST220 and SM400.

Regards
Sam

[Hyperactivebass]

I owned the 400-S, and the DI out was pre EQ. It may have been pre tube as well.

[JimmyM]

almost all ss/hybrid amps can be run without a speaker load, except for a very rare handful that use output transformers. but the only ss amps with an output transformer i know of being built these days are the warwick hellborg power amps, so it's almost always ok.

[faulknersj]

Interesting idea...I remember loving the tone from SWR amps in the early 90's. I was infatuated with them...6 times out of 10 when I heard incredible sounding bass tone back then, I would discover that the player was using SWR. Something about the DI outs perhaps?

[hifibass]

Thanks, I'm considering picking one up to use as a pre. It's cheaper to buy the whole amp than to buy a tube preamp.

[iriegnome]

I did this with my SM400, but never tried it with my SS-180

[jonotronic]

Just make sure whatever you connect to the DI out isn't phantom powered (ie mixer or soundcard) as it can damage older SWR heads!