• 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.

I need help understanding Class D heads.

#242
Calaverasgrande said:
My old YBA1a benched at 85 watts out of 2 EL34. The YBA3 I got next was 132 out of 4 EL34.
I ended up selling both and getting a Mesa Bass 400 because more watts = metal.
Click to expand...
My experience with the YBA3 was one of it being just not reliable. It's sound through 8x10's however, was to die for. Those EL34's just have a touch of grit that will cut through a jet engine. You must have had a good one AND YOU SOLD IT! sad. :(
 
#243
Ampslut said:
My experience with the YBA3 was one of it being just not reliable. It's sound through 8x10's however, was to die for. Those EL34's just have a touch of grit that will cut through a jet engine. You must have had a good one AND YOU SOLD IT! sad. :(
Click to expand...

The YBA3 and moreso the YBA1a are pretty much the best sounding amps I've ever owned. But I had a huge problem with finding amp techs that could service a Traynor back then. I once brought it to an amp tech in Petaluma CA. He called me the next day and said "I have no idea how this amp is supposed to work". He sounded scared of it! He did not charge me.
From what I gather, they are actually supposed to run on 6CA7, which is in the same family, but not exactly like an EL34. This is why they run EL34's harder than any other amp. I think that is part of the tone too. An EL34 just going purple from getting the daylights beat out of it.
 
#245
agedhorse said:
Yes, much of the developing state of the art technologies are sequestered in "No Such Agency" programs. This has always been the case, though we were not as quick to export the technology behind the technology back then.
Click to expand...
In order to gain access to China's huge market, U.S. and other western companies must agree to China's tech-transfer requirements, often handing over proprietary technology. :banghead:
 
  • Like
Reactions: agedhorse
#247
Calaverasgrande said:
The YBA3 and moreso the YBA1a are pretty much the best sounding amps I've ever owned. But I had a huge problem with finding amp techs that could service a Traynor back then. I once brought it to an amp tech in Petaluma CA. He called me the next day and said "I have no idea how this amp is supposed to work". He sounded scared of it! He did not charge me.
From what I gather, they are actually supposed to run on 6CA7, which is in the same family, but not exactly like an EL34. This is why they run EL34's harder than any other amp. I think that is part of the tone too. An EL34 just going purple from getting the daylights beat out of it.
Click to expand...
Mine was like a dragster that would out run everything but kept spinning main bearings. When I took mine to a tech, he opened it up and there was a full schematic with all the bias values etc. After the 2nd set of power tubs went bright orange, he put a load on it and had me set it the way I played it. He hook up some meters to it and watched them while I played. He said I was just pushing it too hard. But, when I turned it down to where he thought it was safe, it just didn't have that grit I loved. I eventually traded it for a Sunn 200s which I still have 40 years later. Now days I use a Bassdriver DI that I have tweaked and tweaked chasing the sound I remember of that old YBA-3. I think I'm finally getting close or my memory is starting to fail :).
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • Like
Reactions: hombass
#248
staccatogrowl said:
Love the conclusion disclaimer following the referenced analysis:

"The above circuit analysis will result in predictable discomfort for anyone who firmly believes the Vox AC-30 and it's clones are really class A. The author is not responsible for any gnashing of teeth, tearing of hair, or other general bitching and moaning resulting from having read this article.

Furthermore, the author refuses to get sucked into any petty bickering and arguing about the subject, and will ignore any such attempts.

The author reserves the right to change his opinion regarding this matter at any time upon presentation of actual proof, mathematical or physical, that the Vox AC-30 is indeed class A, and will publicly admit his errors and grovel accordingly. If you have such proof, WHERE IS IT?"​

Some people are grateful for detailed explanations that improve and/or increase knowledge and understanding. Others are defensive, hostile, and belligerent. Always interesting to see these contrasting dynamics thriving in the blogosphere.
Click to expand...

Yep, and Randy Aiken has backtracked very publicly on a few things he's written over the years. Not this particular article though, AFAIK.
 
  • Like
Reactions: staccatogrowl and Al Kraft
#249
Killed_by_Death said:
I've been wondering what Traynor has done lately that's good.
Was the "tremolo"on that YBA-3 really vibrato?
Click to expand...
No, it was tremolo. And it was a YSR-1 Custom Reverb, not a YBA-3, which does not have tremolo, or any other effects.

Examples below:

"Seduction of the Blue Princess" Copyright © Stephen J. Rago 1981 All rights reserved.
"Walking Towards Infinity" Copyright © Jeffrey P. Scott 1982 All rights reserved.

The YSR-1 made for a wonderful sounding amp for recording.
 

Attachments

  • Like
Reactions: Killed_by_Death
#250
Plastalmonus said:
Check out the Darkglass Microtubes 900. Lightweight 900 watt head capable of 2ohm loads. Built in B3K and VMT distortion circuits.

I play in a post-hardcore band and use the B3K pedal with an Orange AD200. Sounds huge. If I was going Class D (and I am considering it) then I'd go the Darkglass 900.
Click to expand...

I use a hybrid. Best of both worlds. Class D for power, with a Class A tube pre-amp.
 
#252
Passinwind said:
Yep, and Randy Aiken has backtracked very publicly on a few things he's written over the years. Not this particular article though, AFAIK.
Click to expand...

Agreed, and his math works out as well.
 
  • Like
Reactions: staccatogrowl and Passinwind
#253
BadExample said:
You can't. For one thing either the search here has problems or my laptop does. I'm sure I rebooted it last year. Won't let me add a search by username.

An even bigger reason is because my dain bramage remembered the wrong model series. You already were involved in that thread. I'm guessing the reason to discontinue are pretty similar.

Mesa Just Killed the M6, M9, And Walkabout amps.

Sorry for the mixup.



Yah, I think he mentioned three 4 x 10's, stage props were brought up, etc., but by now he's aged enough he might better get a bunch of 2 X 10's so he can arrange them like stairs and step up rather than jump. Don't want another old rocker with a broken hip.
Click to expand...

Relatively speaking, yes. I think I'm going to do two 4x10's connected to SOME KIND of class D head. haha.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BadExample
#254
If I'd do ask a question just to vote a poll like this

Lead sled pro PA amplifier rated to 1000 watt @ 4 Ohm 1% THD
Cabinet is 4 Ohm
How much clean power 1% THD can I get with my bass guitar for full dynamic playing the rig.

A) 1000 Watt
B) 330 Watt
C) 125 Watt
D) even less
E) carrots

I think most of all folks >95% would vote for ...
Of course one or two members right now already know the answer
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: BadExample
#255
codycon96 said:
Relatively speaking, yes. I think I'm going to do two 4x10's connected to SOME KIND of class D head. haha.
Click to expand...
hey, I just noticed that you are in Myrtle Beach. Check out Dr. Bass (Marc Serio) cabinets..................................................................................................
























.............................................NOT!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Sartori
#256
ThisBass said:
If I'd do ask a question just to vote a poll like this

Lead sled pro PA amplifier rated to 1000 watt @ 4 Ohm 1% THD
Cabinet is 4 Ohm
How much clean power 1% THD can I get with my bass guitar for full dynamic playing the rig.

A) 1000 Watt
B) 330 Watt
C) 125 Watt
D) even less
E) carotts

I think most of all folks >95% would vote for ...
Of course one or two members right now already know the answer
Click to expand...

Average power, based on a crest factor of 12dB (or a 9dB peak to average ratio) would be about 125 watts (though carrots are better for my diet).

The other question which shares importance for full dynamics is how much power compression there might be at 1000 watts, which would then be subtracted from average power to reflect EFFECTIVE average power. If you can't use it you lose it in this kind of situation.
 
#258
Al Kraft said:
...which is notably significant because only a miracle trumps the math, and IME you just can't count on those miracles to consistently carry the day. :)
Click to expand...
You can say that again, though my differential equations professor mentioned something about my "final exam and miracle" in the same sentence ;)
 
  • Like
Reactions: el_cid, OldFunBass, Chef and 1 other person
#259
ThisBass said:
If I'd do ask a question just to vote a poll like this

Lead sled pro PA amplifier rated to 1000 watt @ 4 Ohm 1% THD
Cabinet is 4 Ohm
How much clean power 1% THD can I get with my bass guitar for full dynamic playing the rig.

A) 1000 Watt
B) 330 Watt
C) 125 Watt
D) even less
E) carrots

I think most of all folks >95% would vote for ...
Of course one or two members right now already know the answer
Click to expand...
The H in THD can be a problem. Of course, if you have no pre-amp, the answer is D, and close to 0. If you do have a pre-amp, and there is any EQ, well, the H has become quite distorted :D Good luck finding a cab without any distorted harmonics, no actually hope you don't find one...

Go ahead and put a Way Huge Russian Pickle in front of it and have fun :D
 
  • Like
Reactions: S-Bigbottom

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back