• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Crest CA-9 vs. QSC PLX2502 (PLX2 Series)

Which power amp?

  • Total voters
    92
#41
Jeff A said:
Did you have any problems with yours? I read about some issues with the smaller ones but haven't seen too many issues reported on the 2.1.

I picked up a 2.1 recently because of its lighter weight. My neck is much happier now.
Click to expand...

Yes I have had 2 seperate ones go in the shop and bought a 3rd one off Ebay that was completely blown (in hopes of having it repaired, which it couldn't be) , but I have a friend that bought one because of hearing my rig and he has had a few issues as well.
 
#43
CelinderMotoMan said:
I have had
Crest Ca6, 9s and LT series
Crown Microtech 600 and 1200s
Stewart World 1.2s
QSC PLXs and USA900
Peavey CS800s
as well as stand alone heads like
Ampeg SVT 3
SWR Sm400s
The Creast CA9 is by far the best for tone. I am afraid that it is the heavy poweramps that deliver that tone that everyone craves. Those heavy transformers storing all of that power can't be beat.
Click to expand...


What are the tonal differences betweent the CA9 and CA6? And if anybody has used the CA4, how does it compare to the CA9, total power excepted? The CA9 is way more power than I need, I'm leaning towards picking up a less powerful QSC.
 
#45
xgabriele said:
If I understand this right, then essentially wouldn't my UL502 be fine alone, but I just need to up the gain or volume a bit more? Yet I do perceive a slight deficit in punching my signal out there, that seems to be picked up nicely by the CA-9. The last gig I played with my CA-9, I had my "perceived" volume lower than I usually do with my band, yet I seemed to cut through better. This is in a room I've played numerous times before with just my UL502. What am I perceiving different? Trust me, if I don't have to carry around the beast of an amp to get the tone and "cutting" ability that I want, that would be what I really want. I prefer simplicity.
Click to expand...

Maybe more gain and a little more loudness is what you needed.

"Cutting through" and deeper, girthier bass are often contradictory goals, depending on what you have to cut through. Sometimes louder sounds better but we don't notice it being louder.

Soundwise, power amps even among different brands and model lines are a lot more alike and consistent than our ears are--even ears on the same person but at different times. That's why sighted listening tests and blind ones often yield wildly different results.
 
#46
koobie said:
What are the tonal differences betweent the CA9 and CA6? And if anybody has used the CA4, how does it compare to the CA9, total power excepted? The CA9 is way more power than I need, I'm leaning towards picking up a less powerful QSC.
Click to expand...

Tonally the same except less headroom of course, the more power the faster the attack so I would say it is a little quicker and the lows are a little tighter.
 
#47
koobie said:
What are the tonal differences betweent the CA9 and CA6? And if anybody has used the CA4, how does it compare to the CA9, total power excepted? The CA9 is way more power than I need, I'm leaning towards picking up a less powerful QSC.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't expect there to be any actual tonal differences among the CA models.
 
#49
xgabriele said:
....I have the CA-9 racked in a 2 space anvil style case, and it weighs close to 75lbs. I'm trying to talk myself into keeping the CA-9 based on tone alone, but it is soooooooo heavy....
Click to expand...
At 75lbs that rack is increasing the weight by more than 50%! I've got mine in a cheap skb knockoff which weighs 2/3 of bugger all. So if you like the amp, I agree with the suggestions to get a new rack.
 
#50
el_Kabong said:
At 75lbs that rack is increasing the weight by more than 50%! I've got mine in a cheap skb knockoff which weighs 2/3 of bugger all. So if you like the amp, I agree with the suggestions to get a new rack.
Click to expand...

That will likely be the case, but I got this rack for a great deal, and it is very sturdy and rigid, and fits the CA-9 very well. I had a Gator 2 space "deluxe" rack for it, but you could tell the CA-9 was too heavy for it as when it was rack it bowed the top of the Gator in. That is why I opted to try the "anvil style" ATA plywood rack, as I figured it needed something more rigid.

~Tony
 
#54
Unless you have a good rear racking system for the amp/rack I think you'll be hard pressed to find something that works other than this bracing method. 4 Screws can only hold so much weight without sag.

As long as you are protecting the amp from the outside and you aren't bending metal, its all good, right?
 
#57
seaKamp said:
Unless you have a good rear racking system for the amp/rack I think you'll be hard pressed to find something that works other than this bracing method. 4 Screws can only hold so much weight without sag.

As long as you are protecting the amp from the outside and you aren't bending metal, its all good, right?
Click to expand...

Makes sense. The only problem I have is finding a 2 space SKB style case to fit the CA-9 with the rear lid on. The Gator 2 space Deluxe Rack I had fit it well, but it has the really annoying tabs on the lids to slide them in, and it makes it really hard to put on when you are wrestling with the weight of the CA-9. I really wish SKB made a 2 space that was deep enough to rack it and still keep the rear lid on.
 
#59
xgabriele said:
Makes sense. The only problem I have is finding a 2 space SKB style case to fit the CA-9 with the rear lid on. The Gator 2 space Deluxe Rack I had fit it well, but it has the really annoying tabs on the lids to slide them in, and it makes it really hard to put on when you are wrestling with the weight of the CA-9. I really wish SKB made a 2 space that was deep enough to rack it and still keep the rear lid on.
Click to expand...

I received a CA9 from another TBer and it was shipped in a SKB type case. It is not a Gator but it is a SKB clone. It is deep enough to it to be racked with the rear cover on. I wish I could help you out with the make and model of the rack but all I can say is that they are out there
 
#60
I gave much thought to purchasing a CA-9. At 47 lbs. and a depth of 18", it is a lot of amp. Judging from the rave reviews here and elsewhere it does seem like it's the bomb, soundwise. In the end, I opted for a lightweight amp of similar power. My shoulders and back have taken enough abuse for one lifetime. I wanted to find an amp that would kick up a sonic storm with my two Epi UL's and put my old (but mint condition) Ashly preamp to use. Just received my QSC PLX1804 yesterday. It seems to be everything I need and nothing I don't. Preliminary testing in my music room has been encouraging. Big, clear, loud sound with a surprising touch of warmth (more than I expected). Did I mention it was loud? Cabs are the UL-210 and UL-410 (both 4 ohm versions, series I). The first gig coming up where it will make sense to take this rig out will be on Aug 12th. I can't wait. I'll report back.

Not having ever heard or played through a CA-9, I really won't know what I'm missing. That could be said for a lot of amps and cabs that I'm curious about. No matter, I have confidence this rig will do everthing asked of it. :)

M. M.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back