Class D amps sound inferior?

[StatesideRambler]

using incorrect facts

Whoa, agedhorsie!! You’ve been indoctrinated by the talking heads. If the assertions are incorrect they’re not facts and if they’re facts they are [by definition] correct.

 

[agedhorse]

Whoa, agedhorsie!! You’ve been indoctrinated by the talking heads. If the assertions are incorrect they’re not facts and if they’re facts they are [by definition] correct.

Good point regarding terminology! Statements expressed as fact that in fact aren’t.

 

[spatters]

Though a few honorable-mention groups lurk round these parts

Meanwhile, in a blind taste-test, people can't even decide whether they're hearing a Jazz or a Ric...
Ear Test: Can you tell the difference between a Fender Jazz and a Rick 4003?

(At the time of this post, the answer has not yet been revealed. I secretly hope that the answer is "Neither, it's a Schecter with two different EQ settings" or "Neither, it's a Glarry and a Harley Benton")

 

[MVE]

Meanwhile, in a blind taste-test, people can't even decide whether they're hearing a Jazz or a Ric...
Ear Test: Can you tell the difference between a Fender Jazz and a Rick 4003?

(At the time of this post, the answer has not yet been revealed. I secretly hope that the answer is "Neither, it's a Schecter with two different EQ settings" or "Neither, it's a Glarry and a Harley Benton")

Chris Squire on Roundabout live is a Rik.

Bix Beiderbecke playing a trumpet is jazz.

 

[Pimmsley]

I know the thread is a little stale on Class D affirmations but I get as many compliments on my sound using my neo and other cabs and Class D amps as I did carting a backbreaking Ampeg 410 and GK400RB mkii and other monsters around...

Proof Class D is superior...
look how miserable I am in 1996 knowing the load out would be as heinous as the load in

..and now in 2021 I'm marvelling at the ease and depth of my rig

More stage shots of Class D kicking ass

 

[BlueTalon]

Proof Class D is superior...
look how miserable I am in 1996 knowing the load out would be as heinous as the load in

Small is the new big.

And hauling around big heavy cabinets is a game for the young. (The not-so-bright young who haven't yet discovered the wonders of modern, well designed, lightweight cabs.)

 

[Pimmsley]

Small is the new big.

And hauling around big heavy cabinets is a game for the young. (The not-so-bright young who haven't yet discovered the wonders of modern, well designed, lightweight cabs.)

My first gigging cab was an acoustic brand PA bin loaded with 2x 15s and a horn... sounded amazing but the one time I tried to pick it up on my own to load in a wagon (age 19) I'm sure it left permanent damage to my back, but alas I was young and stupid and loaded with adrenalin after a pretty good gig... lol

 

[BlueTalon]

My first gigging cab was an acoustic brand PA bin loaded with 2x 15s and a horn... sounded amazing but the one time I tried to pick it up on my own to load in a wagon (age 19) I'm sure it left permanent damage to my back, but alas I was young and stupid and loaded with adrenalin after a pretty good gig... lol

My first serious rig was a Sunn Coliseum amp into two Peavey 215 cabs. When I was 20, I could handle them rather easily.

Now, four decades later, I play with and amp that weighs about 6 pounds and cab that has wheels and a carryon-luggage-type extending handle.

 

[lug]

Is this the part of the thread where we make fun of audiophiles? I'm in.

"I need a 9ga power cable to efficiently carry power to my $12K amp." (Don't ask what the primary on the power transformer is wound with, or what's used for the house wiring that carried the power all the way to the electrical outlet, as opposed to the last three feet to your amp.)

Today is your lucky day! With my system, you can avoid the vagarities of insufficient, non-audiophile, untwisted home copper wiring, poor noise control (some do not even use magnets!), and even the effects of an unshielded home/club! Introducing the Lug Industries ULTIMATE Power Station!

Only $9,999! If you act now, you will receive the Lug Premium Power Distribution Cable for the low low cost of $299! Act now, this offer is limited!

 

[PhatBottomBass1]

Cheers everyone,

I very much like Plimmsley's updated look with the band...On Point!

I felt after having some misconceptions on my part cleared up and a new appreciation of all that goes into the development of amplifiers of all types. I thought that I should share a pic of my rig while my Warwick Streamer Stage I Wide 5 is out seeing Dr. Plek at the moment.

I could not agree more with the new lighter and advanced cabinet designs. (But, the guitarists I work with prefer a neo-equiped 4x10" sealed Reeves cabinet @ 65 lbs with Mesa casters on it that I don't have here. One plays a PRS Archon 100 and a Mesa 2x12" Recto cabinet. Neither of them (brothers) wears a man-bun! )

Part of what I really like about this particular amp is the routing options and how those options were designed into the amplifier package @ 21 lbs - 800 watts/2 Ohms.

After using several pedal based units. I found that the TC G-Major/2 solved tuner and gate issues (high gain situation) with the new compact SYNERGY midi switcher for the few non-dirt type effects run in the adjustable post-EQ loop #2. The comp/dirt/HPF are in pre-EQ loop #1.

The new Element takes the full mix line out to a selectable DI (IR)
Cab Sim to the board/FOH. The Bass Only DI is straight from the input jack. Clean/Full Mix/Cab SIM

It took me several years before I was actually able to get my hands on this specific amp, after a long run with SVT, Trace Elliott Series 6/SMX and Ashdown ABMEVO/II equipment. All of those heavier amps sound great. I, personally, have found no reason to seek a reduction of +/- 11 lbs to have a need for Class D. (This after powered cabinets using it.)

The Class D option is one of many for Bass players working in various situations, with others, under various types of requirements and conditions. For myself, being able to ditch the cabinets completely and always use my IEM is the dream.

I really enjoy the community and the opportunity to be exposed to the diversity of opinions and to be corrected when I am wrong on technical topics.

ROCK ON!

 

[Pimmsley]

Cheers everyone,

I very much like Plimmsley's updated look with the band...On Point!

I felt after having some misconceptions on my part cleared up and a new appreciation of all that goes into the development of amplifiers of all types. I thought that I should share a pic of my rig while my Warwick Streamer Stage I Wide 5 is out seeing Dr. Plek at the moment.
View attachment 4271812
I could not agree more with the new lighter and advanced cabinet designs. (But, the guitarists I work with prefer a neo-equiped 4x10" sealed Reeves cabinet @ 65 lbs with Mesa casters on it that I don't have here. One plays a PRS Archon 100 and a Mesa 2x12" Recto cabinet. Neither of them (brothers) wears a man-bun! )

Part of what I really like about this particular amp is the routing options and how those options were designed into the amplifier package @ 21 lbs - 800 watts/2 Ohms.
View attachment 4271811
After using several pedal based units. I found that the TC G-Major/2 solved tuner and gate issues (high gain situation) with the new compact SYNERGY midi switcher for the few non-dirt type effects run in the adjustable post-EQ loop #2. The comp/dirt/HPF are in pre-EQ loop #1.

The new Element takes the full mix line out to a selectable DI (IR)
Cab Sim to the board/FOH. The Bass Only DI is straight from the input jack. Clean/Full Mix/Cab SIM

It took me several years before I was actually able to get my hands on this specific amp, after a long run with SVT, Trace Elliott Series 6/SMX and Ashdown ABMEVO/II equipment. All of those heavier amps sound great. I, personally, have found no reason to seek a reduction of +/- 11 lbs to have a need for Class D. (This after powered cabinets using it.)

The Class D option is one of many for Bass players working in various situations, with others, under various types of requirements and conditions. For myself, being able to ditch the cabinets completely and always use my IEM is the dream.

I really enjoy the community and the opportunity to be exposed to the diversity of opinions and to be corrected when I am wrong on technical topics.

ROCK ON!

Thank you sir ! ...and fantastic gear and comments... love those Baer's... Rock on indeed !!

 

[tony caskey]

Cheers everyone,

I very much like Plimmsley's updated look with the band...On Point!

I felt after having some misconceptions on my part cleared up and a new appreciation of all that goes into the development of amplifiers of all types. I thought that I should share a pic of my rig while my Warwick Streamer Stage I Wide 5 is out seeing Dr. Plek at the moment.
View attachment 4271812
I could not agree more with the new lighter and advanced cabinet designs. (But, the guitarists I work with prefer a neo-equiped 4x10" sealed Reeves cabinet @ 65 lbs with Mesa casters on it that I don't have here. One plays a PRS Archon 100 and a Mesa 2x12" Recto cabinet. Neither of them (brothers) wears a man-bun! )

Part of what I really like about this particular amp is the routing options and how those options were designed into the amplifier package @ 21 lbs - 800 watts/2 Ohms.
View attachment 4271811
After using several pedal based units. I found that the TC G-Major/2 solved tuner and gate issues (high gain situation) with the new compact SYNERGY midi switcher for the few non-dirt type effects run in the adjustable post-EQ loop #2. The comp/dirt/HPF are in pre-EQ loop #1.

The new Element takes the full mix line out to a selectable DI (IR)
Cab Sim to the board/FOH. The Bass Only DI is straight from the input jack. Clean/Full Mix/Cab SIM

It took me several years before I was actually able to get my hands on this specific amp, after a long run with SVT, Trace Elliott Series 6/SMX and Ashdown ABMEVO/II equipment. All of those heavier amps sound great. I, personally, have found no reason to seek a reduction of +/- 11 lbs to have a need for Class D. (This after powered cabinets using it.)

The Class D option is one of many for Bass players working in various situations, with others, under various types of requirements and conditions. For myself, being able to ditch the cabinets completely and always use my IEM is the dream.

I really enjoy the community and the opportunity to be exposed to the diversity of opinions and to be corrected when I am wrong on technical topics.

ROCK ON!

Dave builds the best had a TFB800 b2

 

[PhatBottomBass1]

Dave builds the best had a TFB800 b2

I had seen one in Austin while I lived there and it was gone by the time I got back to check it out.

A good dude near me here on TB offered me a deal just before the sh*t hit. He plays a Bergantino iAmp, now.

This particular TF has the "Gold Dot" modification to the last TFB-800 B2 specs.

A Fractal Audio Systems unit would be the next jump. If needed, both the guitarists would roll that way, too.

 

[tony caskey]

I had seen one in Austin while I lived there and it was gone by the time I got back to check it out.

A good dude near me here on TB offered me a deal just before the sh*t hit. He plays a Bergantino iAmp, now.

This particular TF has the "Gold Dot" modification to the last TFB-800 B2 specs.

A Fractal Audio Systems unit would be the next jump. If needed, both the guitarists would roll that way, too.

does Dave still build the amps or has he retired? they where very affordable, and worth the waite

 

[PhatBottomBass1]

does Dave still build the amps or has he retired? they where very affordable, and worth the waite

It is my understanding that Dave has retired. I have a solid service arrangement should it be needed. It was not under warranty when I purchased it. The amp was +/- $2000 at the time the TFB-800 B2 was being made. I have no idea what it was in the early 2000's but they were factory direct. I do tend to be a pre-owned gear shopper. I let the retail drain those with money to burn.

This TF @ $600 was a smashing deal, IMHO. It has not been dogged out and was well cared for. I've actually had very little problem with any pre-owned professional equipment I have purchased. Cleaning service, new tubes/bias service, some custom mods and not dropping it off the stage, but ringing my hands over crash and burn situations are unfamiliar to me in my experience. (There is always a first time!)

That's all I know...

 

[Ric Vice]

Here’s my take, for what it’s worth. I’ve been playing through Class D amplifiers since 1997. I’ve owned a Walter Woods amp since 1980. They sound great. I was using the Electroacoustic Ultra as a back up for my MAS powered cabinets. I’ve never once thought that I’d be better off playing through the B-15N(C) I own that will go up for sale on TB as soon as prices rebound a little from COVID.Just my take.

 

[PhatBottomBass1]

Here’s my take, for what it’s worth. I’ve been playing through Class D amplifiers since 1997. I’ve owned a Walter Woods amp since 1980. They sound great. I was using the Electroacoustic Ultra as a back up for my MAS powered cabinets. I’ve never once thought that I’d be better off playing through the B-15N(C) I own that will go up for sale on TB as soon as prices rebound a little from COVID.Just my take.

I just did a quick check on that Walter Woods Electroacoustic.

Currently available used, mint condition @ $2499 + Tax from Ish Guitars. (I've recently seen another, but no idea about the disposition.) I have seen a few TF's from $600 - $1200 for 440, 550 and 750/800 model's.

WW is a brand I was only aware of periferally, much like many brands. I see a clean B-15-N sitting in a local shop lookin' sorta lonely...there are truck loads of gear I can live without!

 

[NoiseNinja]

Also worth mentioning is that most of the processing gear, including mixers, in a modern sound system is truly digital.

Not to mention just about any newer recording you hear, even if it happens to be printed on vinyl, with very few exceptions.

By far far most have been recorded, mixed and mastered partially using digital sound processing equipment.

But as stated many times prior in this thread, no, Class D amps are not digital (though some of them might utilize a digital preamp stage, but that has nothing to do with the term Class D).

To my knowledge (though I might be wrong) such a thing as a digital poweramp doesn't even exist.

 

[Jeff Scott]

...Walter Woods Electroacoustic.

Currently available used, mint condition @ $2499 + Tax from Ish Guitars. (I've recently seen another, but no idea about the disposition.) I have seen a few TF's from $600 - $1200 for 440, 550 and 750/800 model's.

WW is a brand I was only aware of periferally...

TF and WW amps have nothing in common, really. Walter's Wonderamps® are not inexpensive, but until the modern era of Class D amps (say, around the mid '00s, or so), there was nothing like them on the market. And he's a one-man shop, so there is that to consider regarding the price of a WW amp.

I am not familiar with Ish Guitars, but you should be able to acquire a WW amp for less than his asking price if you look around and are patient. What model is Ish selling?

 

[PhatBottomBass1]

TF and WW amps have nothing in common, really. Walter's Wonderamps® are not inexpensive, but until the modern era of Class D amps (say, around the mid '00s, or so), there was nothing like them on the market. And he's a one-man shop, so there is that to consider regarding the price of a WW amp.

I am not familiar with Ish Guitars, but you should be able to acquire a WW amp for less than his asking price if you look around and are patient. What model is Ish selling?

Electroacoustic Blue Light 1200 it says.

It's on Reverb...