There’s also the issue of compliance with EU safety regulations when using components that do not have an end use certification.
For this reason I decided to use Hypex but in the form of a Stageline STA 400-D dual amplifier because that got me a fully tested and certified amp with two volume controls, and it fits in a 2U rack cabinet with the other space holding an Oberheim GM-400 that does the preamp and effects, amp and cab simulations, etc. The Stageline amp is totally worth the cost because of the expense and risk it saves me from.
I connect the output using Neutrik 'Speakons' and fat cables for lowest resistance coupling for a hard edged sound through two 1x10 inch Ashdown cabs.
It's not as portable as the original poster wanted but it's very good, it solves most of the problems identifed earlier in the thread, like simple amp control while getting complex effects at need. It can be stereo, it gives some certainty of decent output if one side fails, and there was space in the back for me to put in a backplate with a DI output in stereo, and a 5mA trip residual current breaker, because this thing is aimed at being portable for rapid setup in outdoor locations.
EDIT: Stereo for bass isn't as silly as it sounds.. With a tight decay on a plate reverb simulation feeding two cabs, you can get a HUGE sound. It doesn't feel like stereo, or reverb, but get the cab spacing right, and the bass sounds as big as a Steinway grand.
