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Ampeg BA115

S

skibum680

Jun 1, 2008
5
0
#1
so i picked up a used ampeg ba115 from guitar center for a good price. then today i was jamming and pluged my computer into the cd input jack to play some music to jam to and the amp made these horible feedback noises and began to smoke out of the back. Any reason why this would happen?
 
#6
skibum680 said:
so i picked up a used ampeg ba115 from guitar center for a good price. then today i was jamming and pluged my computer into the cd input jack to play some music to jam to and the amp made these horible feedback noises and began to smoke out of the back. Any reason why this would happen?
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Does your soundcard have a high power out for powering speakers? Did you plug this into the ampeg without lowering the levels?

The CD input is likely intended for a low-level signal -- preamp to lowish headphone amp signal. If you hooked up something more than that you blew it up.

I'd take it back, but you might end up paying for the repair yourself.
 
#7
^ i do not quite have that much amp expertise so i dont really understand what you are saying. The amp has a cd input, which I am asumeing is similar to anyother cd input on an amp. I have never had a problem just pluging my ipod or computer into this and jamming along. However when i did it with the BA115 i got a terible feedback, and soon noticed a burning smell and smoke coming out the back. The amp still works but I am afraid that there some was some longterm damage done, smoke is never a good sign. This was also all within 5 minutes of me first using the amp, so if i can id feel safer returning it and just picking up another one. I also noticed that this amp hiss's like crazy and the new ones in the store did not, so ill probaly just spring for a new one
 
#11
To the OP: like others have said, the cd player input is made for low level input, meaning you would need to turn your computer's soundcard output way down, or use the headphone output if it has one. Check to see if the cd player input on the BA115 still works. If not, take it back. I once plugged a stand-alone cd player from a stereo into the BA115 and it was waaaay too loud, and there was no way to regulate the input volume on the amp. You need something like a discman or ipod.
 
#14
It's good for personal practice. My combo is a home reference, an alternative from my traveling Raven Labs PHA-1 headphone amp. It will not leave home. I bought it today in exchange for the Acoustic Amplification B20 20 watt amp which wasn't sufficient to my taste. What is a better buy?
I thought all Ampegs hiss. I'm originally interested in the porataflex B-15, but it was discontinued.
 

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