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600 watt 8 ohm amp heads

mmbass21

mmbass21

Dec 10, 2016
2,022
4,274
Florida
#1
So admittedly I'm a bit of a gear junky always wanting to try new things and see what else is out there. I look at individual amp heads constantly and their power ratings but I don't find much with anything offering 600 watts at 8 ohms or more.

This isn't really a need and that would be a ton of power considering a head with that power at 8 ohms must be pushing well over 1000 watts at 4 ohms. Since I haven't found much I'm curious what the community here has seen over the years or what is available today that I just haven't found.

I know there is some out there but lets see what we can all come up with...I like lists
:bassist::bassist::bassist:
 
#2
Many amps are built around class D power output modules made by someone who is not the amp manufacturer.
A certain compliment of discrete output devices used in the module determine the power outputs.
The output devices and their power handling capability are determined by someone else who isn’t the output module manufacturer. The modules tend to lock in at certain power level increments that don’t usually land on 600.
 
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#4
SamsonTech Hartke

Hartke LH1000: Bridged puts out 750 Watts @ 8 Ohms.

Specs:
  • Dual Parallel mode offers 2 x 225 watts at 8 ohms, 2 x 320 watts at 4 ohms, 2 x 545 watts at 2 ohms
  • Bridge mode offers 750 watts at 8 ohms, 1,100 watts at 4 ohms
  • Classic 12AX7 Class A tube preamp circuit
  • Bass and Treble shelving, Mid-peak EQ controls
  • Selectable Brite and Limiter switch with LED indicator
  • Balance control blends level of A and B outputs
  • Front panel balanced XLR direct output
  • Rear panel 1/4" Effects loop
  • 1/4" and Twist & Lock output connectors
  • 2-rackspace metal chassis with steel faceplate and handles
 
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#5
mmbass21 said:
So admittedly I'm a bit of a gear junky always wanting to try new things and see what else is out there. I look at individual amp heads constantly and their power ratings but I don't find much with anything offering 600 watts at 8 ohms or more.

This isn't really a need and that would be a ton of power considering a head with that power at 8 ohms must be pushing well over 1000 watts at 4 ohms. Since I haven't found much I'm curious what the community here has seen over the years or what is available today that I just haven't found.

I know there is some out there but lets see what we can all come up with...I like lists
:bassist::bassist::bassist:
Click to expand...
Is there a specific reason you want 600 at 8?

If it’s because you have an 8 Ohm cab rated at 600 Watts, and you think you need an amp that matches those specs, then it’s time to do a bit more research on pairing up amps with cabs.
 
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#6
Old Garage-Bander said:
Is there a specific reason you want 600 at 8?

If it’s because you have an 8 Ohm cab rated at 600 Watts, and you think you need an amp that matches those specs, then it’s time to do a bit more research on pairing up amps with cabs.
Click to expand...
No major reason, I'd rather use more cabs to move more air but like looking at the GK MB Fusion 800 it's rated at 560w at 8 ohms. Just seeing if there's anything out there that I haven't seen yet.
 
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#7
mmbass21 said:
No major reason, I'd rather use more cabs to move more air but like looking at the GK MB Fusion 800 it's rated at 560w at 8 ohms. Just seeing if there's anything out there that I haven't seen yet.
Click to expand...
Oh yeah! I see what you mean.
I would guess that most of the 800 @ 4 class D amps will get you down around the 500-600 range.
In that range, a hundred Watts plus/minus won’t be significant for a difference in loudness.
More cabs is always good. :thumbsup:

-edit- Looking at the Mesa D800+
800 Watts @ 4/2 and 400 @ 8.
Lots of cab options with 2 Ohm stable.
Built in HPF to help keep power from being wasted on making mud.
You can count on the power ratings to be real too.
Not Inflato-watts like some manufacturers do.
And the rest of the guts will support every bit of that power.
 
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#8
@Old Garage-Bander it would definitely be a very nominal difference. I guess where this is coming from is the chart from barefaced and the BB2 cab that I have coming. It shows that at its maximum loudness for 600w and maximum headroom at 800w. My curiosity is simply getting the best of me.

-edit, I actually have a D800+ :thumbsup:
 
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#10
mmbass21 said:
So admittedly I'm a bit of a gear junky always wanting to try new things and see what else is out there. I look at individual amp heads constantly and their power ratings but I don't find much with anything offering 600 watts at 8 ohms or more.

This isn't really a need and that would be a ton of power considering a head with that power at 8 ohms must be pushing well over 1000 watts at 4 ohms. Since I haven't found much I'm curious what the community here has seen over the years or what is available today that I just haven't found.

I know there is some out there but lets see what we can all come up with...I like lists
:bassist::bassist::bassist:
Click to expand...

There are at least a few coming out at NAMM that use the new ICE 1200 watt module. Many if not most of the newer Class D modules don't follow the old model of 60-70% of the 4 ohm power when run into an 8 ohm load, FWIW. 50-60% seems a lot more common these days IME.

If you want a LOT more, there's the Jule Amps 2500.
 
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#11
mmbass21 said:
So admittedly I'm a bit of a gear junky always wanting to try new things and see what else is out there. I look at individual amp heads constantly and their power ratings but I don't find much with anything offering 600 watts at 8 ohms or more.

This isn't really a need and that would be a ton of power considering a head with that power at 8 ohms must be pushing well over 1000 watts at 4 ohms. Since I haven't found much I'm curious what the community here has seen over the years or what is available today that I just haven't found.

I know there is some out there but lets see what we can all come up with...I like lists
:bassist::bassist::bassist:
Click to expand...

If you don't mind it being heavy, Ampeg SVT 6-PRO has been serving me pretty well.
 
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#12
I believe the new GK fusion heads will be using that new ICE module whenever they release them.

It's interesting with where we are with modern technology that 500-600 watts at 8 ohms is basically the max with only a handful of exceptions. Can't wait to see what the next 10-15yrs will bring power wise.
 
#13
Not 600watts but 500watts at 8 ohms is the GB SM 9.2.

900 watts at 4 ohms.

Plenty of power pushing my 210 stage monitoring rig at 8 ohms.
D65B4976-F21A-423E-8A3C-BB87BCE0EE87.jpeg
 
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#19
Some solid options. I knew TB wouldn't let me down. I hear the Peavey has reliability issues. Anyone ever compare the D800 to darkglass micro tubes? I love my D800+ and don't see replacing it anytime soon. I'm on the fence with the B amp though, it's amazing but I think my ears prefer a more baked in color from the amp.
 

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