What's The Best Power Amp?

[MusicalAlchemy]

I have an ADA MB-1 that I'm running through the power amp section of my Ampeg SVT 4 Pro. I'm wanting to sell the SVT 4 to get a good power amp and some new pickups. What power amp would work best with the ADA? As far as speakers, I have an Ampeg BXT 1-15 with an 8 ohm Eminence Kilomax and an Ampeg SVT Classic 4-10 that is 8 ohms, though I may build some Bill Fitzmaurice cabinets in the future if that makes a difference. I run them biamped.

Thanks in advance.

[Growly Lytes]

Anything from QSC , Crest or Crown.

[MuzikMan]

There are plenty of good quality power amps available these days. My recommendations, based on my experiences of proven reliability are anything from QSC and the Carvin DCM L series.

[Bassmec]

This one is the best for bass guitar:


You will also need this:

[BurningSkies]

Originally Posted by Bassmec

This one is the best for bass guitar:


You will also need this:

Yet again posting from outside the realm of reality.

[jnewmark]

Originally Posted by Growly Lytes

Anything from QSC , Crest or Crown.

Pretty much this, with a nod to QSC, imho.

[MusicalAlchemy]

Thanks for the input. I'll check those out. Is any particular model better suited for this? Such as one with a certain input level or one with filters and stuff or is that not neccassary? As for that tube amp, that would be awesome if I was a professional body builder or if it transformed into a robot. It looks like it would cost a millions billions dollars and probably weigh the same.

[BurningSkies]

Hey M/A, check out the Peavey IPR series as well...the IPR1600 and the IPR3000 are in production and available. Decent power production, light weight and not terribly expensive. 3000w @ 8 pounds ain't a terrible thing.

[doctec]

And a IPR 1600 costs less than $300. Pretty good in both the "Watts per pound" and "Watts per $" ratios.

I bought two of them last Fall to replace an older Yamaha and QSC amp in our PA rack. I wound up with more power and reduced the weight of the rack by *over 50 pounds* Not a bad deal...

[MuzikMan]

Originally Posted by MusicalAlchemy

Thanks for the input. I'll check those out. Is any particular model better suited for this? Such as one with a certain input level or one with filters and stuff or is that not neccassary? As for that tube amp, that would be awesome if I was a professional body builder or if it transformed into a robot. It looks like it would cost a millions billions dollars and probably weigh the same.

You don't NEED any of the bells and whistles, and as far as I know, there aren't any power amps with input sensitivities specifically tailored for bass rig use (they are all usable I think). I would recommend that you consider one with a high pass filter of around 30hz, but you don't really need that either. After all, how many regular bass amps have that feature?

[jsbarber]

Glockenklang Bugatti:
http://glockenklang.de/en/products/products_bass.htm
This is a truly "HiFi" power amp, in that they actually do have a version of it for high end home audio use.

Lab Gruppen is also very good:
http://labgruppen.com/products/touring/

availble through
http://labgruppen.com/distributors/c/north_america/

Since you asked for the best, I know these two are very, very good.

More options for you, FWIW,

Jim

[GruntSplatter]

Originally Posted by MuzikMan

You don't NEED any of the bells and whistles, and as far as I know, there aren't any power amps with input sensitivities specifically tailored for bass rig use (they are all usable I think). I would recommend that you consider one with a high pass filter of around 30hz, but you don't really need that either. After all, how many regular bass amps have that feature?

I run QSC PLX's. They have an option to run either 30hz or 50hz high pass filters. I normally run the 50hz. Is there an advantage to running 30hz?

[BassmanPaul]

The Carvin DCM series of amps have always worked well for me.

[SactoBass]

I have always had very good experience with QSC PLX amps.

[jacojbass]

Crown XLS series are great and light....

[Bob Lee (QSC)]

Originally Posted by GruntSplatter

I run QSC PLX's. They have an option to run either 30hz or 50hz high pass filters. I normally run the 50hz. Is there an advantage to running 30hz?

It might give you a little more at the very bottom end, but it's less safe for your loudspeaker(s) (the primary benefit of the high-pass filters is protection against overexcursion).

[MuzikMan]

Originally Posted by GruntSplatter

I run QSC PLX's. They have an option to run either 30hz or 50hz high pass filters. I normally run the 50hz. Is there an advantage to running 30hz?

If you like how it sounds at 50hz then there is no advantage to switching it to 30hz.

[Bob Lee (QSC)]

Originally Posted by MuzikMan

If you like how it sounds at 50hz then there is no advantage to switching it to 30hz.

That too. +1

[D-Nut]

Q S C

[porteous]

Also consider a Stewart Amp.. Very light, and extremely clean. I love my WT 1.2

www.stewartaudio.com