Class D amps vs traditional amps

[paskisti]

I am buying a Traynor SB500H and I’m used to the Classic solid state amps, weight differences aside, how do you think I will feel about a class D amp? Some people say the power just isn’t there or something is missing, others say they are amazing. It seems that a lot of people that are blown away with Class D amplifiers are younger people that have never really used solid state or tube amps, opinions? Also I like to run my analog pedals directly to the front input of the head, does a class D amp react or sound differently with pedals than I should expect from solid state? Thanks in advance.

You know what, I'll try to answer to your post even you probably just want to behave badly no matter how accurate peoples answers are.

I think you will feel under powered and amp being too small. I have tested Class D amp recently and it feels like any other amp when you have enough power. I have compared 600W class H amp to 1100W class D amp and I don't see the difference, both have enough power and headroom. In your case Class D might start compressing too early depending on how the power section is designed. In the end you will only know when you have tested the amp but I would not buy that amp model if worrying the amp class and performance.

Your analog pedals are just fine driving the front end of amp while they are designed to do so - power amp class has nothing to do with this.

Notice that Class D amp is solid state amp too - no big issue and most understood it but I wanted to correct the terminology.

 

[ruju]

Tell us what you think after you receive your Traynor.
Good choice, in my opinion.

This is basically it. We all have preferences with what we like to hear. I love my Traynor SB.

 

[truand85]

At matched volume in a blind test you wouldn't be able to hear the difference anyway.

 

[Miketron75]

Ok ok, Now I’m getting some good responses here thank you.

 

[Miketron75]

Excellent response thank you

 

[WarwickE36]

You will hate it. Because in your mind you already do. Anyone telling you to give it a chance is being told their reply is useless. You're welcome for giving you the answer you wanted.

 

[bassinflorida]

A train wreck. Couldn't llook away.

 

[Miketron75]

Amp showed up this morning, sounds amazing.

 

[ruju]

I’m sorry you’re so angry, I definitely don’t hate it, I got the amp last night and sounds great, grow up.By the way Warwick man, I was endorsed by them for 20 years.

I have the sb106 combo and an an sb500h. What do you think about the low expander dial?
I usually keep mine around 9-10 I clock with all the eq basically at noon.
Also I always use the passive input regardless of bass.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Another useless response

I think you’re better off sticking with your old time amps.

 

[Miketron75]

I have the sb106 combo and an an sb500h. What do you think about the low expander dial?
I usually keep mine around 9-10 I clock with all the eq basically at noon.
Also I always use the passive input regardless of bass.

I like the low expander, keep it at about 2 o’clock, I also use the passive input no matter what bass i use because I run through a Alisis rack compressor and then to my pedals to keep everything squeeze down to a good clean signal, I don’t even need the limiter on the amp

 

[gtirard]

I just discovered the link "Unwatch Thread", super cool.

 

[Smokey P]

I think for me class D amps do miss the ‘slam and heft’ factor, but I don’t think that has anything to do with the power class. I think it has everything to do with modern taste in bass tone. I think if someone wanted to make a class D amp that sounded like a SWR or GK lead sled they could without any problem. The thing is that most bassists these days seem to WANT a more squishy, blooming, compressed, tubey sound to go with their P bass with flat wounds. But I’ve been quite nostalgic for the SWR Silverado special that we had in my middle school band room, and if it didn’t weigh 100lbs I would buy one.

 

[dbase]

I was considering buying that head, but I bought the YBA100. Very pleased with it. I'm sure you will like it. Traynor makes good stuff but you already know.

I bought Hartke after getting back into it after 50 years, One day I plugged into an amp provided at a rehearsal studio and I loved the tone... It was a Traynor YBA100 with an Ampeg 115 cab. .. Loved the tone but not the weight of the rig. Traynor does make great sounding amps. The late Tim Bogert of Vanilla Fudge used three big Traynor's plus two dual Showman's on stage.

 

[Miketron75]

I bought Hartke after getting back into it after 50 years, One day I plugged into an amp provided at a rehearsal studio and I loved the tone... It was a Traynor YBA100 with an Ampeg 115 cab. .. Loved the tone but not the weight of the rig. Traynor does make great sounding amps. The late Tim Bogert of Vanilla Fudge used three big Traynor's plus two dual Showman's on stage.

I know it! He was a friend of mine, he actually played with another friend of mine from strawberry alarm clock when I lived in Studio City LA

 

[brocco]

I have owned,
Tube: SVT, V4B, PF50, Bassman(old and new)
I own,
SS: 1969 Kustom 200 with matching cab Altec 421a's (Black), Fender BXR 200
Class D: Carvin BX500, TC BH250
Use mostly BX500, the TC and BXR from time to time.

 

[brianrost]

Amp showed up this morning, sounds amazing.

Well that was certainly worth 6 pages of soapboxing by all involved

 

[Indiana Mike]

How many new amp models are NOT class D? Not including all tube.

Serious question.

If not already will SS amps that aren’t class D go the same route as the rotary telephone ?

 

[baxter_x]

How many new amp models are NOT class D? Not including all tube.
Serious question.
If not already will SS amps that aren’t class D go the same route as the rotary telephone ?

I think the market is mainly moving toward class D. EBS recently released an AB amp however.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Thank you, moderators!