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I had an Acoustic Image 1000w, 2 channel. Forgot the model number, but true to their advertising, is a very uncolored amp. I did not like it for my BG's, though good for UB and EUB. I did have the thermal protection on it kick in during an outdoor gig in the summer, so I'm not sure if it would be the best choice for it's amp section.
I'm only 3 days into owning a Warwick LWA 1000 (45 day trial from GC). Very powerful, and the 2 channels make it easy to "color" 2 different instruments----- but getting to your question----- there's an aux in. So you can run a preamp of your choice, use all the pre/post and loop features of the device AND have 2 more channels, making it a 3 channel rig.
Got mine on a 20% off holiday deal, so for less than $600, I'd suggest trying it out. I think I'm keeping it.
I'm only 3 days into owning a Warwick LWA 1000 (45 day trial from GC). Very powerful, and the 2 channels make it easy to "color" 2 different instruments----- but getting to your question----- there's an aux in. So you can run a preamp of your choice, use all the pre/post and loop features of the device AND have 2 more channels, making it a 3 channel rig.
Got mine on a 20% off holiday deal, so for less than $600, I'd suggest trying it out. I think I'm keeping it.
No doubt the Aggie is darn good. It does make me a little uneasy they refuse independent published testing. I have enough respect for agedhorse's and BbbyBld's design work that have been subject to independant testing that I'm comfortable with "blind faith" in their work. All armchair IMO kind of thing and YMMV.
Hey B-string, It's not that we refuse independent testing. We simply think that using average and peak measurements for power ratings creates a lot of confusion. The Tone Hammer 350 and 500 use the ICE Power 125 and 250. You can get 350 watts continuous from the TH 350 and 500 watts continuous from the TH 500. Continuous is well defined by the FTC so that there is no confusion. You measure full bandwidth at full output for five minutes minimum without shut downs. Very simple. In reality, you can do this test on our amps and they will work indefinitely under these conditions.
Rumor has it there is a TH800 coming out at this year's NAMM...Dave B., can you give us an inkling if there is indeed a new amp in the works?
popgadget
Commercial User
- Sep 4, 2005
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If the OP is looking for a class D power amp to use with a Noble preamp, why not use a power amp instead of a combo? The Peavey and Crest offerings are well regarded and inexpensive. I think they'd get a lot bigger bang for their buck that way.
Most of the combos use either the B&O ICE or the Hypex amp module. I know that Peavey designed their own for the MiniMega, I think that there are others that have as well, but that's the exception, not the rule.
Most of the combos use either the B&O ICE or the Hypex amp module. I know that Peavey designed their own for the MiniMega, I think that there are others that have as well, but that's the exception, not the rule.
I have gigged with a Carvin MB-12 the last few years, since it came out. The head can be purchased as a separate unit. It has been very reliable, low noise, light weight (the entire combo weighs less than some heads) sufficient power to carry small to medium venues, and good line out, eq, and side features. As above, no FX loop, but I don't use FX in what I play. The front end is quiet enough that you can put the pedal board to the input, and buffer or not at the player's choice. Great value-for-money.
popgadget
Commercial User
- Sep 4, 2005
- 1,233
- 942
- Disclosures
- Authorized Greenboy Designs Builder, Scabbey Road
Crest Prolite 3.0
1.7kw @ 8 Ohms
$479
You're not going to find that sort of grunt in a combo at pretty much any price, although it weighs 13lbs.
1.7kw @ 8 Ohms
$479
You're not going to find that sort of grunt in a combo at pretty much any price, although it weighs 13lbs.
Except that the OP's query was...
I'm sure the Crest is a fine power amp, but it doesn't qualify as micro. I think the OP is looking for a lightweight, small form-factor solution. The GK MB800 is 5lbs. The MB500 is 4 lbs. You could almost mount these to a pedalboard.
I'm only mentioning GK because that's what I'm most familiar with, but there are lots of other great suggestions in this thread. (In fact, I like the sound of my Navigator thru the GK power amp better than thru my larger and more powerful QSC PLX-1602. Power amps may not affect tone as much as a preamp, but it is a factor.)
FWIW, I have not had great luck with a pre amp through the effects return on my MB80, presumably due to output or impedance mis match.
There was very little volume and horrible tone.
This same Ampeg SVP-CL sounds great through a standard power amp.
I would suggest checking to see if your unit has a similar issue before you buy.
There was very little volume and horrible tone.
This same Ampeg SVP-CL sounds great through a standard power amp.
I would suggest checking to see if your unit has a similar issue before you buy.
It's worth pointing out, that's why. There are some people that think you need to use a bass amp power section with a bass guitar.
I guess if someone didn't know the former, they would have just as much trouble figuring out that some power amp/cab match ups won't work well. So I guess in the end most mini/micro bass amp power sections just don't have the oomph to let someone be a hazard to themselves.
Still worth pointing out anyway.
The D-class amps don't have the heat generation problem that the A and B class do. So low heat is not unusual and along with their light weight is a great advantage of Class D.
Heat is a relative thing. With enough current on the output, the power section will exceed the heat ratings of the FET's. Might not feel as hot as a lead sled---but still too hot for the components.
I've had my Acoustic Image go into thermal shut down (no fan). I'm hoping my Warwick LWA1000 can tolerate getting pushed harder--- it has a small fan, but I've yet to use it on a gig, so it's never come on.
Still, they are much cooler than class A/B amps. Didn't mean to imply they didn't need any cooling but they are night and day cooler than other types. You wouldn't even dream of building the class A/B without a fan or two to cool it.
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If you are looking for a high-power class D amp, hard to ignore the DNA 1350. 1350-rms watts with a class D power supply (featuring a patented design with one cycle control loop technology), studio compressor, effects loop and side chain effects loop, automatically adjusts to local AC input voltage from (90-250VAC) so can be used internationally. Lots of great things. Superb power section if that's all you want to use, but seems like overkill if you just want to hook up your old amp to the power section. Might want to check to see if class D power amps are available separately.
My comment was on the Aguilar guy saying that they can run their amp, full spectrum, full load without shut down--- most of that is due to heat management. For the OP, it comes down to how he's going to run it and how he likes the sound. My Markbass sounds different than my Acoustic Image did (injecting into the power amp without the front end).
I was excited to read this, but looking at the Aguilar site I do not see any mention of FTC ratings?
It's a great step to follow the FTC guidelines but you really should educate people on your site what your goals are for your ratings. It will also help consumers to know how to compare your ratings to other makers.
Here's to hoping all amp manufacturers would be so honest as to rate to FTC standards. You look to be the leaders. I can hope for more to follow.
