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Help me choose an inexpensive class D head

F

fermata

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Nov 10, 2015
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3,218
#1
I recently got a very nice-sounding Traynor 115, which I'm currently using as an extension cab for my combo. Now, I'd like to get a separate head for the cab. (It's an 8 Ohm cab with 100-ish dB sensitivity and a 45-5000 Hz frequency range; no tweeter.)

My ideal budget is in the $200-300 range, up to $400 at pinch. (And I'm open to buying used.) I'm looking for a tone that's somewhere on the warm-ish spectrum (pretty classic sounding) that delivers about 200-300 watts into 8 Ohms, with a functional DI.

Since I don't have easy access to try any of these, comments/recommendations are much appreciated.

The brand new TC BQ500 for just $250 is very appealing, unless there's something else that's vastly superior.

For $300, there's the Ampeg PF-350, which is also appealing for its simplicity--no bells and whistles I don't really need. Any concerns about the very basic (no ground lift, no pre/post EQ) DI for running to FOH? Another plus, they're easy to find used.

In terms of price and overall features, these two would be my top picks, but there are also some more expensive options probably worth consideration:

Inching up to $350, there's the Peavey MiniMax. I'm a bit put off by the loud fan reports, since I sometimes play gigs that require extended silence between songs, and it has several features I don't need.

Then there are the $400 offerings: Fender Rumble 500 (also easy to find used), Ashdown OriginAL, Ampeg PF-500 (not sure if buying used is a good idea given the early years' reliability issues?), and Hartke TX600.

Any recommendations based on this list? Any glaring omissions? Thanks!
 
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#6
scottfeldstein said:
If you want 200-300w into your 8 ohm cab, you're going to want to check out 500w amps, not 350w ones. Those numbers for the amp are for a 4 ohm load. Try an Ampeg PF500 or similar. That should get you 250-300w into an 8 ohm cab.
Click to expand...
Generally, that seems to be the case, which is why most of the ones I listed are rated at 500 W. But according to Ampeg, the PF-350 delivers 250 W at 8 Ohms, so that's why it's also on the list.
 
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#7
fermata said:
Generally, that seems to be the case, which is why most of the ones I listed are rated at 500 W. But according to Ampeg, the PF-350 delivers 250 W at 8 Ohms, so that's why it's also on the list.
Click to expand...

So they are! I missed that in my hasty read through. I think these watt ratings are one part marketing and one part witchcraft, myself. I never know what to think. But even if the Ampeg delivered closer to 200w into an 8 ohm cab, I'm sure that would be adequate for a single 15.
 
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#12
pie_man_25 said:
Which Traynor 115?

Also, what about the Traynor ultralight heads?
Click to expand...
It's the TC115 (not neo). The Traynor heads seem great, but the SB500H is out of my price range, and I worry about the SB200H not having enough headroom...although I'd love to be wrong about that, since the price is right on the 200. (Max volume I need running barefoot is a small bar; anything bigger has a PA.) Thoughts?
 
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#13
fermata said:
It's the TC115 (not neo). The Traynor heads seem great, but the SB500H is out of my price range, and I worry about the SB200H not having enough headroom...although I'd love to be wrong about that, since the price is right on the 200. (Max volume I need running barefoot is a small bar; anything bigger has a PA.) Thoughts?
Click to expand...

unfortunately I can't really help narrow things down, if the 500 is too pricey, then that's all there is to it. As far as 200 watts being enough, I couldn't tell you either. I've gigged with 125 watts and a 410 before, I've gigged with 300 watts and a 115 before, both times in smallish bars without PA support, and neither time was particularly quiet either.
 
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#15
fermata said:
I recently got a very nice-sounding Traynor 115, which I'm currently using as an extension cab for my combo. Now, I'd like to get a separate head for the cab. (It's an 8 Ohm cab with 100-ish dB sensitivity and a 45-5000 Hz frequency range; no tweeter.)

My ideal budget is in the $200-300 range, up to $400 at pinch. (And I'm open to buying used.) I'm looking for a tone that's somewhere on the warm-ish spectrum (pretty classic sounding) that delivers about 200-300 watts into 8 Ohms, with a functional DI.

Since I don't have easy access to try any of these, comments/recommendations are much appreciated.

The brand new TC BQ500 for just $250 is very appealing, unless there's something else that's vastly superior.

For $300, there's the Ampeg PF-350, which is also appealing for its simplicity--no bells and whistles I don't really need. Any concerns about the very basic (no ground lift, no pre/post EQ) DI for running to FOH? Another plus, they're easy to find used.

In terms of price and overall features, these two would be my top picks, but there are also some more expensive options probably worth consideration:

Inching up to $350, there's the Peavey MiniMax. I'm a bit put off by the loud fan reports, since I sometimes play gigs that require extended silence between songs, and it has several features I don't need.

Then there are the $400 offerings: Fender Rumble 500 (also easy to find used), Ashdown OriginAL, Ampeg PF-500 (not sure if buying used is a good idea given the early years' reliability issues?), and Hartke TX600.

Any recommendations based on this list? Any glaring omissions? Thanks!
Click to expand...
 
#17
that 200 watt Traynor head will be plenty with the 115 cab....I rub the 200w version through my Eden 115 cab....in a bar on its own?...plenty loud...where do you live you can't try?....do you live in Canada?...rent one from Long & Mcquade...if in the US , look around here for TBer @bebass...he is a US distributor and all round good guy and could give you some thoughts on the 200 watter

edited to add "..it has a dead silent fan"
 
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#18
peavey minimax only $308 on musicians friend.
fan louder than my ampeg 7pro; about the same volume as cental air conditioning vent noise during hot part of day. but no, not silent.
on-board tuner/mute helpful, 'psycho' bass-frequency spectrum shift useful, mid frequency selector useful.
a stout/convincing 500 w into 4ohms; 300 @8 ohms
pleasing tone
not teensie like the new trace 'cigarette pack" or swr headlite
provided carrying bag..... er, not a plus.
 
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#20
For another $100 you can find a used Aguilar TH 500 here on TB or elsewhere. It will sound great through about any solid 4x10 or 2x12.

Relatively easy to find for about $475 - $500 shipped.

I have one that used to be my primary. It's now the backup I will never sell. And, anytime I'm thinking I want a more vintage sound, it's the TH 500 that goes with me to the stage.

Well worth the short stretch in price in both my opinion and experience.

Hope this helps.

Koog
 
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