• 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.

Hypothetical "boost" question?

BigBoneRed

BigBoneRed

Sep 23, 2024
222
483
Texas Gulf Coast
#1
-(Hypothetical)
For instance, let's say I have an older bass amp that is rated at 100W at 4 Ohms. It's a great amp, but I would like to run it through a larger amp/speaker rated at 400W/4 Ohms.
If I prefer the tone/eq of the lower powered amp, and I run a line from the preamp out> to the >return in, of the higher powered rig, will I wind up with a total output of 500W,
"boosted", or does the power stay constant at 400W from the larger amp..?
Theoretically, of course..🤔
 
  • Wow
Reactions: Bassic_desires
Sort by date Sort by votes
#2
No, since only the larger amp is powering the speaker, the speaker only receives power from the larger amp.

Never connect the speaker outputs from more than one amp at a time to a speaker.
 
  • Like
Reactions: MCF, AK Bass Guy, JohnnyChatter and 4 others
Upvote 0 Downvote
#3
BigBoneRed said:
-(Hypothetical)
For instance, let's say I have an older bass amp that is rated at 100W at 4 Ohms. It's a great amp, but I would like to run it through a larger amp/speaker rated at 400W/4 Ohms.
If I prefer the tone/eq of the lower powered amp, and I run a line from the preamp out> to the >return in, of the higher powered rig, will I wind up with a total output of 500W,
"boosted", or does the power stay constant at 400W from the larger amp..?
Theoretically, of course..🤔
Click to expand...
Don't overthing the question: there's almost no difference between 400W and 500W.
Line out from amp A into Aux Return of amp B gives you the preamp of A and the power section of B, not boosted.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bassic_desires and BigBoneRed
Upvote 0 Downvote
#5
BigBoneRed said:
~sure 400/500W is not so significant...

BUT... amp A would then be running with 400W of amp B power section available...?
IF that works, then amp A/preamp > into 400W power section, would be a step up..?
IF that works, it would be significant.
(Theoretically)
Click to expand...
You would be only using the preamp section of the first amp (A) and only the power section of the second (B).
The tone of A and the power (400W) of B.
The tone you like, but louder.

There are discussions on TB about the contribution of the power section to the tone: in theory it's almost negligible, at least for solid state amps.

Anyway, why don't you try and see for yourself if you like it or not?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Pontiac Thrasher and BigBoneRed
Upvote 0 Downvote
#6
you've already got your "boosted" question answered.

sounds like you like the preamp of the 100w amp, although what you like about the 100w amp may be a combination of the pre AND the 100w power section pushed hard, so just be aware of that.

also, depending on what your trying to achieve (more overall volume ??) depending on your speaker cab(s), going from 100w to 400w will help to a certain degree, but more speakers will help more than just more amplifier power through the same speaker cab.

You don't mention what cab(s) you use with the 100w amp, but lets say its a 2x10 or 1x15 cab. You will get more volume from 400w pushing the 2x10 or 1x15 (assuming they can handle the power), but you would get quite a bit more perceived volume by adding another 2x10 or 1x15 cab to the rig. And, of course, running 400w into twice the speakers would definitely get you more volume.

good luck!
 
  • Like
Reactions: BigBoneRed
Upvote 0 Downvote
#7
BigBoneRed said:
-(Hypothetical)
For instance, let's say I have an older bass amp that is rated at 100W at 4 Ohms. It's a great amp, but I would like to run it through a larger amp/speaker rated at 400W/4 Ohms.
If I prefer the tone/eq of the lower powered amp, and I run a line from the preamp out> to the >return in, of the higher powered rig, will I wind up with a total output of 500W,
"boosted", or does the power stay constant at 400W from the larger amp..?
Theoretically, of course..🤔
Click to expand...

To get 500W you would need two cabs. Theoretically you could set up the older amp to push the first cab to 100w and also feed a second bigger amp that pushes another cab to 400W.

There are additional factors you may need to overcome to actually realize the desired results.

A common name for this configuration is slaving. Some amps are designed so one head can both drive a cab and also send a signal to one or more amp that are slaved to the first amp. That way you can drive a wall of cabs and you only have to adjust the controls on one head.

An example of an amp that is designed to do this is the Ampeg SVT.
 
  • Like
Reactions: monsterthompson, Pontiac Thrasher and BigBoneRed
Upvote 0 Downvote
#8
gtirard said:
The tone of A and the power (400W) of B.
The tone you like, but louder.
Click to expand...
Nice, that's what I'm thinking...:thumbsup:
gtirard said:
There are discussions on TB about the contribution of the power section to the tone: in theory it's almost negligible, at least for solid state amps.
Click to expand...
No doubt.. amp B in this case, would be a Carvin BX500, which is a fairly uncolored amp anyway, IMO
 
  • Like
Reactions: gtirard
Upvote 0 Downvote
#11
BigBoneRed said:
Agreed~
The original cab is gone, and lost to the elements, sadly. My only other cab is rated at 600W at 4 Ohms, (2x10)..
I'm fine with the 210, but would like to see if I can get the "weaker" amp to push the higher wattage cab..?
Click to expand...

There is no problem using a 100W amp to push a 600W cab. As long as the amp is rated for 4 ohms it's fine.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 6thplanet and gtirard
Upvote 0 Downvote
#13
Thanks for all of your responses to my question, 'Preciate that!
I have used send/return loops for some things, but not to put another powered bass amp(pre), in the chain. Was a little unsure
if any wattage carried over somehow to the "slave" amp.. and so it does not. Question answered, and then some.. TYVM!
...and also appreciate the added cautions about what NOT to do while connecting them. +(Neither of the amps in question are all tube)..
 
  • Like
Reactions: ahc
Upvote 0 Downvote

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back