--Is wattage just wattage?

[Charlie Quatro]

Hey,

I just thought of this and was wondering...

If I have the sound I want from a pre-amp and speakers I like does it matter what I use to power it?

For example I have several guitar amps (tube and solid state) laying around.

I also have a monster old-school Onkyo home stereo amp not in use and an NEC? Both are Wall-shaking stereo receivers from the 80's.

Can I use these as power amps if I make sure the impedence is correct for the cabs?

I'm just looking for a cheap solution right now because I don't want to commit to a new bass head until I can afford something like the fafner or thereabouts.

I have some small bass rigs (hartke,swr) but they just don't move enough air for my liking.

I don't want to blow anything up but I don't care about the stereo amps.

Should I just try it and see?

--C

[Munjibunga]

As long as your speakers can handle the power, especially in the bottom end, I don't see any reason not to use those amps. If your speakers aren't designed for bass, though, you'll be at risk of damaging them.

[BassmanPaul]

Typically stereo equipment is designed for a static environment. They will not hold up for long as pro audio equipment. the output stages are not capable of running at high output for a length of time.

Yes you can try it, I've used a similar rig in the past before I had the time and the money to build a proper system.

[klocwerk]

Electrically speaking, yes.
But you need to consider the "cleanliness" of that wattage.

Many guitar amps, especially tube amps, intentionally inject color into the tone via distortion.
A quality amp should have < 1% thd (total harmonic distortion) at the volume and frequency you're using it at. Many guitar amps with overdrive easily top 10% thd when cranked.

A stereo receiver should be pretty clean.
The tube guitar amp will almost definitely color your tone, the solid state you've got a 50/50 shot.

[Charlie Quatro]

Shouldn't be a problem.
I'm using 2 Bag End D10-BXD cabs. They are rated at 400 watts each (continuous).
I don't see them giving in.

I should just bite the bullet and buy a GK or something but I just don't want to use a credit card right now. Just trying to see if I can rig something just for fun.

Plus the cabs are 4ohm so I'm looking at a 2ohm load for both of them.

--C

[BassmanPaul]

Not with a stereo amp you're not!

Edit: Just to add that you are wise not to use your cards if you can't pay the things off monthly. Credit card debt is a mugs game!!!!

[Charlie Quatro]

Yea I got you on that BP.

Would not be a prudent move.

[ashtray]

Could you look for a used (quality!!!) power amp on Craigslist or ebay? Peavey makes some that are indestructible, and there's others out there as well that can be had cheaply and won't overheat and do a thermal shutdown on you halfway through a song.

Check to make sure the amp is stable at the ohm load you want to give it - a stereo power amp (not "home stereo") that can do 4 ohms per side is perfect. If it's a single channel, it might not take 2 ohms - so check the specs of the model first. (and read online reviews for that model too to make sure it's not a lemon/pos)

You could probably get something low powered used for $125 or so, and then just resell it for the same coin when you upgrade.