Considering a Darkglass Alpha Omega 500. Few questions.

[Boy_Narf]

Hello everyone,

I've got a few questions about the AO500 that I can't seem to find answers for:

1. Manual states wattage @ 8 ohms is 450, but the MT500v2 head states wattage @ 8 ohms is 250. I'm assuming this is a typo and the AO500 is also 250 watts @ 8 ohms? I emailed DG but haven't heard back yet.

2. Manual also states the amp is good down to 2 ohms. Is it also 500 watts at 2 ohms, or does it produce more power?

3. How dynamic/responsive is this amp? Can you clean up the dirt by rolling back the volume on the bass or control the grit with picking dynamics?

4. Are these heads made in Finland? I had a conversation with someone a few years back (I think it was DG support) and they mentioned the cabs were made in a different country to keep costs down. Was just curious if this is the same for the heads or if they are made in the Finland factory.

Thanks,

 

[Boy_Narf]

Ah won't let me edit and I missed one.

5. Can the head be used without a cabinet for direct silent recording/headphone jamming?

Thx.

 

[paskisti]

1. Manual in DG website states 8ohm 250W.
3. At least DG preamp pedals (B7K and B3K) response dynamically to picking force where light touch has lesser distortion than with heavy picking.
5. Yes, most solid state amps can be run without speaker load.

 

[mmbongo]

Yes it's 2 ohm stable.
Yes it's 500 watts at 2 ohms.

 

[Boy_Narf]

Thanks for the replies!

1. Manual in DG website states 8ohm 250W.

I just copied this out of the manual:

This deceivingly simple feature allows for maximum power adaptability: Regardless of the cabinet configuration or power requirements, the Alpha· Omega 500 will deliver accordingly.

Maximum Power Output: 500 Watts RMS @ 4Ω (1khz full blast 2 min max) 20%THD 450 Watts RMS @ 8Ω

So I'm still not sure on that point.

 

[paskisti]

If you go to product page here:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

And select "get manual" you can see on page 8 specification stating 500w 4 ohm and 250w 8 ohm.

 

[Boy_Narf]

Oh I thought that is where I went, must have been an outdated link. Thanks!!!

 

[Boy_Narf]

Just showed up! Perfect fit on top of a TC208. Will fire it up after work and see how it sounds.

 

[Boy_Narf]

Well gave it about an hour of play time and I think the MT500 would have been a better fit. I find myself wanted to adjust the dry signal with the EQ but then the dirty sound is too wild. The MT500 with the tone knob on the dirty side would have been a better fit for me I'm thinking. Ah well, onto the next.

To answer #3 & #4 above for anyone interested.

#3: It cleans up great with the volume knob at lower gain settings. At higher gain settings rolling down the volume seems to cut treble but still provides a warm driven sound.

#4: According to the labels on the amp it seems to be made in Finland.