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Class D amp with the most slam/punch

#62
Marko 1 said:
The preamp does affect slam, and watts are also very relevant...

but yeah, a properly-voiced cab that can deliver the slam is part of the equation. :bassist:

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My point was that no matter what you're pushing, you can only move as much air as your speakers can move
 
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#67
Like a lot of you, I’ve owned an embarrassing number of class D amps over the years. The one amp that stands out in my memory was a subway D-800 that pushed air like a mofo. Sadly, I sold it because I was bored with it, and moved on to other class D amps. I never felt like I found its equal.

In fairness, I have yet to try a Bergantino. That’s next on my list. I have a sneaking suspicion that I will go full circle back to the D-800, or one of the D-800 variants.
 
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#68
skycruiser said:
How do you quantify "slam" anyway? That's step 1 - figure that out. :woot:
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I think the OP does have this figured out...
For him - and MANY players on TB - Slam is the sound and feeling produced by an Aguilar DB750/1.

There are other amps that have "slam," but it is pretty widely accepted on TB that the Aggie DB750/1 is the amp for slam.
 
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#70
Marko 1 said:
The 1000 I pictured came out about the time the MiniMega (also 1000 watts) did, and the engineer said that they tailored that one in some way, but the one I pictured was designed for... I believe "unbridled power" were his own words. :)
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Yes, that was BobbyB. He said that in response to a post of mine where I gushed about how much more powerful my Peavey Headliner amp (the very first model, with only 350 watts RMS) seemed compared to my Ampeg PF800 head. He said that the MiniMega used very sophisticated circuitry for modern versatility (or something like that) but that the Headliner was designed for, as you quoted accurately, "unbridled power."

My guess is that the Headliner was designed to roll off the low end as the amp is pushed closer and closer to its maximum output, thus becoming more mid-range heavy, the way most old-school tube amps do. Whatever he did in the design, I agree with you: the sound is amazing.

The Headliner has to be one of the most underappreciated amps of all time. Few people even know it existed, I'll bet.
 
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#73
hennessybass said:
I think the OP does have this figured out...
For him - and MANY players on TB - Slam is the sound and feeling produced by an Aguilar DB750/1.

There are other amps that have "slam," but it is pretty widely accepted on TB that the Aggie DB750/1 is the amp for slam.
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JackCasadyAguilar.jpg

181c831c1e5def2a4d87d0dd7b32ed59.jpg
 
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#74
I'm not much for slam but I play an ungodly punchy style with my band. It's all punch and grind. I use the TH500 but also feel like it lacks that certain umph. I get all volume needed with only a amoeg pn410 though. I put a bass VT di in front of it as a preamp and have been extremely satisfied since. I've gotta a whole lot of tone compliments since doing so as well. But for clarity, it's a very hardcore-esque sound being used in skacore.
 
#76
Currently my most "slammingest slamminin slammering" amp is an Orange 4 Stroke although it is not Class D. That thing is Thor's hammer on stage regardless of what cabs I use. For Class D the Orange Terror Bass comes close. If you like thick notes, a little bit of crunch and a hard hit, the Terror Bass is pretty nice, but I doubt it will get near Aggie territory.

I've seen people say that the Genz Benz Streamliner is a soft amp. I disagree big time. Raise the Gain past 12:00, cut bass and mids at 220 and it will thump hard. I remember one time pushing that amp into 3DPM into two TC Electronic RS210 cabs. That amp was pounding. One helluva of fun night, but I'd rather not push it like that anymore. That was pretty loud.
 
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#79
Is part of the difference what frequency the amps are rated at?

I’ve played through a bunch of 500 and 700W amps and they don’t seem to equate and I don’t think it’s just the preamp voicing.

what makes the DB750/1 at 750W so much more heavy hitting than other amps at 700-800w?
 
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#80
I feel the connivence of a class D is very understandable. I’ve used many and they all seem to go away for whatever reason. An Ampeg SVT 3 pro that is well biased will make me happy in all situations. 300 great class A/B watts is far more satisfying to me then 800 class D. With class D I find myself running louder to compensate for a great sound. With a great Ampeg 3pro or my Thunderfunk the tone and feel is so satisfying I’m always very happy. Both heads are under 30 lbs. I’ve found that 30 lbs per arm is a good limit for a great sound. It’s your sound… that’s everything… your sound. And how you feel the response while you play will greatly influence your approach and how others feel too. The amp has to feel cool… and real! I can do 30 lbs. it’s worth the effort in my case YMMV

My vote is to increase your options to 30 lbs. if you’re in reasonably solid health.
 
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