Amps w/Power @8 Ohms?

[Count Bassie]

I've got a Bag End 410, a Q10BX-D, the deep one. Nice cab, 600w @8 o ohms.
I'm interested in getting the most out of it, I've been running a Mesa Subway into it, a TT-800, which has a rating of 400w @8 ohms. Maybe it's just me working it up, but I figured I'd post here, where all the "gear-conscious" (overworking-it gear obsessed freaks, lol) people go to make sure they're on top of their gear game.
Just kinda curious about a rec for an amp that puts out 600w into an 8 ohm load. I appreciate your time!

 

[Gervais Cote]

In my area, I can get a pristine Hartke LH 1000 for spare change. Robust, super reliable and more power than you’ll ever need. Sound is sweet and "full" unlike some class D amps.

 

[Hoochie Coochie Man]

I think you may find that changing to a different amplifier because you want to have 200 more watts available than you have now will not work as well as changing the speaker side of the equation.

I suggest that you look at the Mesa Subway speaker product line. They have a four ohm 4-10 rated to handle more than 800 watts (that weighs only 55 pounds), or maybe buy two 8 ohm Subway cabinets which will give you a scaleable/modular setup.

Also note that your TT-800 can drive a two ohm load making it even more versatile regarding speaker cabinet options for those who like to produce very high sound pressure levels.

 

[Slevage]

I don’t stress over amplifier specs (even though I have an engineering degree)).
I surely would not run an amplifier beyond its load specs. After that- I listen to what the system is doing. If it’s being pushed beyond limits, it is obvious. If it sounds good, I run with it. Mix or match sizes,brands-ok. I even had a monthly gig that was best with my 2 cabinets separated by 40’. 40 piece ukulele band plus a saxophone. The audience never mentioned phase cancellation
Fortunately non of my playing situations require extreme volume.

 

[Zooberwerx]

I'm not convinced you're going to gain that much real estate adding 200 watts. That being said....

*Epifani Performance 1000 (discontinued but a bargain secondhand) does 1000 watts bridged / 8 ohm only.

*Crown XLS 1000 (...also discontinued) does 700 watts bridged / 8 ohm. Add a nice preamp and the whole rig will shine.

Riis

 

[Count Bassie]

I think you may find that changing to a different amplifier because you want to have 200 more watts available than you have now will not work as well as changing the speaker side of the equation.

I suggest that you look at the Mesa Subway speaker product line. They have a four ohm 4-10 rated to handle more than 800 watts (that weighs only 55 pounds), or maybe buy two 8 ohm Subway cabinets which will give you a scaleable/modular setup.

I stretched pretty good getting the Subway head I've got now, those Mesa cabs are bread-heavy. But they do get the positive buzz... And I like the Bag End.
Lots of good info here though. And it's true, the extra 200w is probably not worth my concern... But when there's a question, I ask it! Just ask anyone around here, lol...
Thanks everybody!

 

[Zooberwerx]

I stretched pretty good getting the Subway head I've got now, those Mesa cabs are bread-heavy. But they do get the positive buzz... And I like the Bag End.
Lots of good info here though. And it's true, the extra 200w is probably not worth my concern... But when there's a question, I ask it! Just ask anyone around here, lol...
Thanks everybody!

No first-hand experience but are the Bag Ends power-hungry like the Acmes?

Riis

 

[Hoochie Coochie Man]

Next easiest suggestion is to add another cabinet. Maybe another Bag End.

Is the current setup really lacking something? If not, the easiest thing to do is to be satisfied with what you have.

 

[Count Bassie]

No first-hand experience but are the Bag Ends power-hungry like the Acmes?

Riis

No I wouldn't say so. With the Mesa I'm getting a nice solid punch with a Sterling 34ca into it. Seems very efficient.

 

[Count Bassie]

Next easiest suggestion is to add another cabinet. Maybe another Bag End.

Is the current setup really lacking something? If not, the easiest thing to do is to be satisfied with what you have.

This is really the answer... I'll post a question if for no other reason than to learn something.
I also tend to overthink- at a carpentry job, learning a song, solving any kind of problem part of my workflow is inadvertently winnowing down my process to something that's often blessedly simple!
Like this reply, for instance.
Hey. I go there. It's part of who I am, and I figure I'm not missing out by being comprehensive, and sometimes it's a day-saver. Today it's just overkill.
Thanks again you guys!

 

[Redbrangus]

The difference between 400 and 600 watts is ~1.75dB -- only marginally perceptible, IME. You've got a good amp... I wouldn't sweat it.

If you're absolutely determined to squeeze out that perceived last bit of performance, you'd be better served investing in a 4Ω cab.

 

[agedhorse]

No I wouldn't say so. With the Mesa I'm getting a nice solid punch with a Sterling 34ca into it. Seems very efficient.

Maybe you are looking for a solution to a non-problem?

 

[BobKos]

I seem to recall my Eden WT-500 was rated at 600W bridged into 8 ohms. It was an updated model with 300W / channel.

 

[Count Bassie]

Yyyye

Maybe you are looking for a solution to a non-problem?

Yyyyep. As you may know by now, I do a lot of that! Lol. Anyway yeah, pretty much noted a few comments up...
I once said to a friend while building something for him, "If I were an engineer I'd either be really rich, or really broke!" We laughed...

 

[logdrum]

I think you already have the correct amp. What gig ior band is this that requires over 400 watts.. I know they exist but you probably need more surface area, so another 410 preferably the same speaker is what you need. Or are you just curious to see how loud you can go with it. PA amp or a bass amp capable of 1200 watts 4 ohms



Please protect your ears

 

[Count Bassie]

I think you already have the correct amp. What gig ior band is this that requires over 400 watts.. I know they exist but you probably need more surface area, so another 410 preferably the same speaker is what you need. Or are you just curious to see how loud you can go with it. PA amp or a bass amp capable of 1200 watts 4 ohms



Please protect your ears

Thank you, and yeah I'm agreeing with you guys. There is nothing I actually need that I don't have. Except a Smith BT4... I'm giving it time.

And fwiw, another of these Bag Ends would be pretty unusable for most of my musical life. I don't even think my stoner doom band would be all that interested. But it would be hilarious!

 

[rmayer]

Bergantino Forte HP, the older model. 1200 watts @ 4 Ohms and 600 watts @ 8 Ohms. A killer amp, and a lot of great features. I have the lower wattage Forte D version (800/400). A solution to a non-problem.

 

[rmayer]

Also, Ive found more wattage doesn't only give you more volume, it usually gives you more tone in the form of more bottom end and mids. Maybe just my ears. You probable wouldn't get the HP Master volume past 10 O'clock, so you'd be pushing it less than a lower power amp.

Edit: By the way, I love Bag End cabs. Back in the late 70s early 80s, I had their Oak Stained Plywood cabs. I ran two S18s and a D12 Bi-Amped. It was pretty awesome but it did weigh as much as a VW Beetle.

 

[Count Bassie]

Also, Ive found more wattage doesn't only give you more volume, it usually gives you more tone in the form of more bottom end and mids. Maybe just my ears. You probable wouldn't get the HP Master volume past 10 O'clock, so you'd be pushing it less than a lower power amp.

There's the reason for the extra power... Headroom for power-sucking low end.

Edit: By the way, I love Bag End cabs. Back in the late 70s early 80s, I had their Oak Stained Plywood cabs. I ran two S18s and a D12 Bi-Amped. It was pretty awesome but it did weigh as much as a VW Beetle.

My BE Q10BX-D (that's a nice sounding cab) weighs about 90 lbs. But it's noticeably easier to lift and carry than the Ampeg PR410HLF I used to have. That was a pig to move- but it sure did sound great.

 

[EdwardofHuncote]

"Back Turn up until you hear glass break and smell ."

~This buddy of mine, who might be reading...