Power Amps

**Coolhandjjl** · #1 03-24-2011, 06:54 PM

I'm looking to bi-amp into two Fearful 15/6 cabs. My plan is to use a Mesa/Boogie Strategy 400 stereo all tube power amp (250 wpc) to power the midrange drivers, and a solid state power amp for the woofers, I have an older SAE stereo power amp (250 wpc).

After some testing of my SAE power amp run out of my Peavey Max Bass pre-amp, I can't get the power amp to deliver anywhere near full power. It seems it has a rather high input sensitivity of around 2.3 volts, almost double of the average pre-amp. Is this a loosing venture then? Anyway to get the signal boosted, or should I just get a modern Peavey or Crown power amp with a lower input sensitivity?

projectMalamute · #2 03-24-2011, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coolhandjjl

I'm looking to bi-amp into two Fearful 15/6 cabs. My plan is to use a Mesa/Boogie Strategy 400 stereo all tube power amp (250 wpc) to power the midrange drivers, and a solid state power amp for the woofers, I have an older SAE stereo power amp (250 wpc).

After some testing of my SAE power amp run out of my Peavey Max Bass pre-amp, I can't get the power amp to deliver anywhere near full power. It seems it has a rather high input sensitivity of around 2.3 volts, almost double of the average pre-amp. Is this a loosing venture then? Anyway to get the signal boosted, or should I just get a modern Peavey or Crown power amp with a lower input sensitivity?

What is your testing procedure?

Also, that's a lot of juice for a 6" driver.

Bob Lee (QSC) · #3 03-25-2011, 03:20 PM

How is the output from your bass? If that's weak, the preamp might not be able to put out its full output voltage. A 2.3V input "sensitivity" spec is a little higher than average for power amps but still not all that high; most preamps should be able to drive it pretty easily—you just have to set their gains suitably, but that's not hard.

gnjpowell · #4 03-26-2011, 12:48 PM

As a general rule for bi-amping, you usually want a larger, more powerful amp on the lows Vs on the mids or highs. And a fine point; if you need MORE gain because your signal level is low, then you want HIGHER sensitivity (more gain) not lower.

**Coolhandjjl** · #5 03-28-2011, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gnjpowell

As a general rule for bi-amping, you usually want a larger, more powerful amp on the lows.........

That makes total sense. Probably why the Peavey IPR DSP is a good choice for bi-amping the woofers. I mean, come on, who needs that much power if you are looking at full range.