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Crest CA9 Lovers speak up.

#2
Per your request, I won't address the other considerations worthy of discussion. I will, however, say that I'm digging my Crest CA-6 and have no problems recommending the CA-9. OTOH, I'm also using a QSC RMX 1450 to power our PA subs and doing so without difficulty.

Everything is relative.

Riis
 
#3
Used to own one, absolutely loved it. Sold it when I stopped feeling up to the task of hauling it to gigs.

Lead sleds like this just have that unmistakable low end slam that I haven't heard with lightweight designs. IMO the Stewart 2.1, QSC PLX's, etc (all very nice poweramps) have similar volume levels to the CA9 but nowhere near the depth and sheer magnitude that the CA9 has.

Actually to be honest, one of the reasons I'm digging the M6 Carbine right now is because power delivery-wise, it feels more like the CA9 than any other integrated head I've tried.

So yeah, can't go wrong with a CA9 as long as you don't mind hauling it. :)
 
#4
Thanx guys. Sorry for ristricting the topic but looking back at previous threads they turned into argu fests real quick. I want to hear from the CA9 lovers and what they think about them.

I'm well aware of the other light weight alternatives so dont need to go there with this.

So you guys think a CA9 Bridged will have more ass than my lightweight 2600 watt amp?

Like I said before the percieved volume is there but when you put a couple of Marshall either side of it, it begins to get lost. The Authority I thought I had went away when the Marshalls showed up. :bassist:
 
#7
I used a CA9 and Demeter tube pre through an old goliath II 4x10 for quite a few jam sessions. Heavenly punch. Yet when I went shopping, I decided I didn't really need the CA9 and got a CA6. Why? Power and cost. Check these figures:

N.B., the 8, 4, 2, specs are per channel, and the "Br" figures are bridged.

The 1kHz, (0.01% THD) power output specs of the CA6:
8ohm 4ohm 2ohm 8ohmBr 4ohmBr
400W 600W 750W 1200W 1500W

The 1kHz, (0.01% THD) power output specs of the CA9:
8ohm 4ohm 2ohm 8ohmBr 4ohmBr
600W 900W 1000W 1800W 2000W

IMHO, there is little difference between the CA6 and the CA9, but the CA6 costs less, especially used. Remember, perceived "loudness" varies logarithmically with output power. 400 watts is (provisionally) twice as loud as 40 watts. The difference between 400 vs. 600 watts per channel seems unimportant to me because when I need louder, I add cabs.

I use a variety of 8 ohm cabs and will use only one cab unless I need a lot more volume. When deploying 2 cabs, typically a 2x10 and a 4x10, I use 2 channel mode rather than bridged mode because I can balance the amount of power each of the two cabs get. I have found I don't need the bridged power to achieve what I need, though I have used it. Bridged mode sounds the same to me, and can be used with 1 or 2 cabs. It is just more than I need and is less flexible.

Having been in a band with 100 watt 8x12 Marshall wielding guitarists, I would be surprised if you find a CA6 or a CA9 is not enough, especially if it is bridged into two 8 ohm 4x10 cabs.

In any case, a CA9 is a great power amp. When I bought my CA6 from an Ebay seller, I found there were a lot of CA6 and CA9 amps out there. Obviously, one must watch for one that seems new and cheap. However, mine was old and cheap, and is totally perfect.

Be patient, but bid aggressively when the right amp appears. I missed some newer ones trying to save $50.
 
#8
I love my CA6 also. I guess it up to you and what you are powering. When i bought mine new I a/b a QSC 1602. I was considering the lighter QSC. When i heard the difference, I took a couple of deep breaths and carried out the CA6.
Crest CA series are great. And very bass friendly. If you don't mind the weight its a great amp. Very few amps out there that can compare. Its my favorite set up, F2B to a CA6. They are pretty cheap on ebay and i see them alot. Get one.
 
#9
I used to have a CA9 as well as a couple lightweight QSC amps. The lightweight amps in general are fine, but if/when it comes time for me to go back to a pre+power setup, the CA series is the first and last thing I'll be considering. The weight isn't a big deal. You already (ideally) have a dolly to move your cabs, so just load it on there when moving it.

But seriously, it's 50lbs. Unless you have back issues, that's not really a consideration.
 
#10
msquared said:
...The weight isn't a big deal. You already (ideally) have a dolly to move your cabs, so just load it on there when moving it.

But seriously, it's 50lbs. Unless you have back issues, that's not really a consideration.
Click to expand...

I use a 4-space rack and put that on a hand truck. My CA6 is about 50lbs. The CA9 size is the same, the weight is a bit more, IIRC.

I agree the weight is not a big deal, though I am glad I have a smaller head for rehearsals, and other softer applications. :cool:
 
#11
Red Planet said:
Stcky: Please if you dont like em and all that Light /Heavy Weight Jazz move on.



Was considering looking for one of these to try in my Bass Rig. I have read many many of the threads here regarding these.

So you really think your Heavy Weight Monster does better than the Light Weight where Packing the Bottom Punch is concerned?

Please tell me what you like about these amps.

If you look in my Sig I'm currently using a Lightweight Poweramp but after doing some live Playing with a couple of cranked Marshall Stacks it was all I could do to keep up with those Cranked Marshalls and you would think Bridging my Amp at 2600 watts, into a 4 ohm, 105 db, 800 watt Cab, I wouldnt have any problems. Man it is all I can do to keep up with these guys.

I know adding an additional Cab would help and I may end up doing that as well but wanted to look more closely into the subject of the CA9's.

Now I dont need a lesson from an amp builder about why the light weight amps XYZ, I simply just want to hear from the folks that Love their CA9's.

If you arent into the CA9's this is not the thread for you. Not trying to be rude, just dont want to see a pissing contest about other amps.

If you prefer XYZ then start you a thread. :bassist:
Click to expand...

I love (and hate) my CA9! The weight does bug me. To make moving it more manageable, I've put it in a two-space Gator rack with rear rack rails attached. I move it around via a dedicated portable, foldable hand truck, attaching it with a bungie-cord. I know it's only 47 lbs, but it's still heavy.

But it also SOUNDS heavy. Like nothing else I've ever heard. I've had Crown, Mackie, QSC and Stewart (World 2.1) amps, and the CA9 is my favorite. I'm currently using mine with a Michael Pope Designs MPP-1 preamp, and it's like the voice of God (who thinks I should attend church more often, BTW).

Seriously, this amp is the real deal! There's no sonic reason not to get one!

- Greg
 
#12
Thinking about the CA9 makes the bass gear area of my brain hyper-ventilate. Where to begin? I have never owned a CA9 nor have I ever listened to one. But I want one. I really do buy into the claim that they sound more 'authoritative' than most other amps. I'm very happy with my Crown XTi 2000, but sometimes I wonder :hmm:. Bottom line is...the weight (and depth) puts me off a bit. And...I'm not convinced that the average Joe in the audience will hear the difference. But, (says a little voice in my head) you were thinking about buying a tube head that would weigh around 55-65 lbs. What's the big deal about the CA9 at 47 lbs? This is probably how it goes with many of us. I console myself with the realization that I can't own every piece of cool gear that is available. My current stuff sounds great, and that same little voice tells me that I'd better be satisfied with what I have. But then again maybe, just maybe.......;)

M. M.
 
#13
blowinblue said:
Thinking about the CA9 makes the bass gear area of my brain hyper-ventilate. Where to begin? I have never owned a CA9 nor have I ever listened to one. But I want one. I really do buy into the claim that they sound more 'authoritative' than most other amps. I'm very happy with my Crown XTi 2000, but sometimes I wonder :hmm:. Bottom line is...the weight (and depth) puts me off a bit. And...I'm not convinced that the average Joe in the audience will hear the difference. But, (says a little voice in my head) you were thinking about buying a tube head that would weigh around 55-65 lbs. What's the big deal about the CA9 at 47 lbs? This is probably how it goes with many of us. I console myself with the realization that I can't own every piece of cool gear that is available. My current stuff sounds great, and that same little voice tells me that I'd better be satisfied with what I have. But then again maybe, just maybe.......;)

M. M.
Click to expand...


Yeah I kind of go back and forth with this stuff.:D

Got to love obsessing over Gear.

I may start looking for one used and give it a try.
 
#15
I have a QSC RMX 2450 (in my PA) I might could give a try to see if the results were better with an old fashioned Lead Sled over the Yamaha.

The Yamaha is loud but I'm pushing my rig to the hilt to keep up with them Loud Arse Guitards. Another Cab could be what I need over changing Amps.

Though with another 4 ohm Cab I cant squeze out the goods that way. Either the Yamaha or QSC only put out 750 watts perside at 4 ohms stereo.

At first I hooked up my Cab just to one side of the Yamaha and it didnt seem like enough arse so I Bridged Mono the Yamaha into my 4 ohm Cab and got way more arse.


Might try the QSC Bridged Mono at 4 ohms for 2400 watts and just see what it does.
 
#20
msquared said:
Musicians Friend's site has also stated in the past that the Fender Precision Deluxe has a rosewood body with an alder neck.

I'm going to go with the manufacturer on this one, especially since it didn't feel like almost 70 lbs when I was carrying it around.
Click to expand...

I want to say I saw that 67 pounds somwhere else as well. Thats why I was a little confused about it. I'm not familliar with these amps at all.
 

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