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Class d amps

ambient space

ambient space

Guest
Aug 19, 2014
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#1
Hi. I am new here and have a question about buying one the these small light weight class d bass amps (400 to 600 watts, head or combo). What do you guys think about the sound quality and long term reliability of these amps as compared to the old boat anchors. I have always used the old heavy heads. Now in my 50's it's getting hard to move them. Any help would be appreciated.
 
#2
I like the sound quality of my two. (Aguilar TH500 & Ampeg PF350.) They thump just as good to me as any other solid state head (and fall just short of full tube oomph)

Long term reliability is as much on the care you show your gear than the topology of the amplifier.

There's a wide cast variety of offerings at just about all price points. Try as many as you can.

I bought my two because the sound was right there, the weight was a bonus, and it all met my criteria of "less trips to the car, the better." when paring down my rig.
 
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#4
I've been using Genz Benz shuttles for around 5 years now. I've owned all of them except the 9.2 Max, and they have all performed wonderfully! Never had any issues as far as reliability or sound quality goes. I use the 12.2 Shuttle Max as my main gigging amp, and my 6.0 for my 'at home' amp. There's an array of lightweight Class D amps out there on the market right now. Scoot around to as many music stores in your area as you can, take your bass in and play what they have, see if you can find one that can float your boat.
 
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#8
I love them and I have two...a Micro VR and a PF800, and I also used to have a PF350 until an unfortunate soundman vs. amp accident and a Markbass LMII. Played quite a few others as well and dug them, some more than others, but I do like them.

But I like tube amps way more, and there are certain aspects of traditional solid state that I like that I don't hear in any micros I've played, so I get those folks who won't use micros. It's a decision you have to make for yourself, though. For me, it's worth it to have a very small amp for a backup and for gigs where schlep, weather, and stage footprint/sightlines are a concern. But I'd never quit using my tube amps when conditions are more favorable.
 
#10
I have had great experiences with class D amps, been only class D for over two years now. I use Genz Benz SM 9.2 or Streamliner 900, and an Eden WTX-260 for rehearsals and as a backup amp, and as a travel-friendly headphone amp as it accepts stereo aux inputs which allows playing along with my iPad, phone, or CD player.
 
#11
I have heads that weight from 5 pounds to 50 pounds. I wouldn't want to part with any of them. That being said, the TH500 is one of the best purchases I have made. The small, lightweight head is perfect for weekly rehearsals. Tone is great.

Try them out, my bet would be, you will find one you really like!
 
#12
First, thank you very much for all your input, I will take it to heart and do some serious shopping. I use to use an Ampeg svt 300 watt mid 70's tube head and 8x10 cab, (sold it years ago, big mistake) lots of punch and great sound but out of my price range right now and from what I've read here so far I don't think I really want a new one. I am currently using a Hartke 4x10 and a Fender Bassman 400 head which I do like. I like a heavy bass sound with just a hint of distortion or overdrive and enough mids to hear every note clearly and a more gentle cleaner chorus sound . Again thank you for all your help, this is a great site.
 
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#13
Some guys here on TB were completely blown away by the Kustom Class D. I have the Carvin BX500 and it really reminds me of my Hartke HA 3500. Has all the same features, just as much power, and a lot lighter and smaller.
I'm curious about the Kustom 500 watt class D. The guy who created the forum on it seemed like a very experienced player who's played a lot of amps.
 
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#14
ambient space said:
First, thank you very much for all your input, I will take it to heart and do some serious shopping. I use to use an Ampeg svt 300 watt mid 70's tube head and 8x10 cab, (sold it years ago, big mistake) lots of punch and great sound but out of my price range right now and from what I've read here so far I don't think I really want a new one.
Click to expand...
Bah...new SVT's are just as good as any of them IMHO, and the cabs are a considerable improvement, especially the Heritage 810e.
 
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#15
I love my Mark Bass Amp 44 pounds of punch fits in the back seat of every car i drive.I just do not have a need for the big loud heavy stuff .I do many outdoor gigs where you would think you need a big amp.Nope i play no louder outside the indoors i feel the support of the PA subs and it feels good ha ha.When i bought the amp i said to myself if i need more i will get the New York ext. cab but i have never had an issue im a happy camper. Good Luck
 
#18
Class D is the design of the power amplifier but it's really the switchmode power supply (SMPS) that makes it micro/lightweight as it eliminates the need for the big iron transformer, so, you can have amps that are micro that are still "old school" A/B power. They aren't that common though as most companies that make the power boards these things use put the power supply and Class D amp module all on one circuit board. The actual amp companies then take those, tweak them for bass use, and put a preamp in front of them.
 
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#19
I have played through an Aguilar TH500, Genz Benz Shuttle 6.2, Fender Rumble 350 & Ampeg PF500. All have been good but I still prefer the sound & oomph!!! of a good quality class A/B, but my back and shoulders loves the class D.
 

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