Is there a market for small class D power amps?

[wolffire99]

With the proliferation of high quality preamp pedals and small class D amps I'm really surprised there's not an option for smaller class D power amps for bass without the need for a built in preamp and thus even smaller and hopefully cheaper.

Something just like the Seymour Duncan power stage 700 but without even the eq or baked in guitar amp sim would be the closest example.

 

[gtirard]

With the proliferation of high quality preamp pedals and small class D amps I'm really surprised there's not an option for smaller class D power amps for bass without the need for a built in preamp and thus even smaller and hopefully cheaper.

Something just like the Seymour Duncan power stage 700 but without even the eq or baked in guitar cabsim would be the closest example.

This exact question have been asked several times already. The answer is no, because to R&D and cost of the required certification is too expensive for large and established companies like Mesa, compared to the business opportunity (the bass amplification market is much smaller than guitar amp market that is targeted by Seymour Duncan).

 

[wolffire99]

This exact question have been asked several times already. The answer is no, because to R&D and cost of the required certification is too expensive for large and established companies like Mesa, compared to the business opportunity (the bass amplification market is much smaller than guitar amp market that is targeted by Seymour Duncan).

What certification is needed?

 

[agedhorse]

What certification is needed?

Safety and EMC. I have discussed exactly why these products have not been introduced by companies that are follow safety and EMC laws, the costs can not be effectively recovered with the tiny market demand.

Here's one such discussion, but there are others that go into even more depth:

https://www.talkbass.com/threads/whos-making-lightweight-half-rack-power-amps.735839/

 

[wolffire99]

Safety and EMC. I have discussed exactly why these products have not been introduced by companies that are follow safety and EMC laws, the costs can not be effectively recovered with the tiny market demand.

Here's one such discussion, but there are others that go into even more depth:

https://www.talkbass.com/threads/whos-making-lightweight-half-rack-power-amps.735839/

Could a company that already makes class D amps simply remove the preamp without certification?

 

[Passinwind]

Could a company that already makes class D amps simply remove the preamp without certification?

Nope.

 

[Marko 1]

Could a company that already makes class D amps simply remove the preamp without certification?

It's all in the thread that was posted.

https://www.talkbass.com/threads/whos-making-lightweight-half-rack-power-amps.735839/

 

[S-Bigbottom]

Just get a head and think of it as getting a Power Amp with a free Preamp and DI Box built in.

Hurry, Operators are standing by.


Seriously, hurry. We ain't got no chairs until we make our sales numbers.

 

[wolffire99]

It's all in the thread that was posted.

https://www.talkbass.com/threads/whos-making-lightweight-half-rack-power-amps.735839/

Forgive me the thread is a little outdated given today's products with all but one page 2011-2015. Sometimes it's good to rediscuss things every decade or so.

 

[Auer]

Has aux in, almost there.

 

[Marko 1]

Forgive me the thread is a little outdated given today's products with all but one page 2011-2015. Sometimes it's good to rediscuss things every decade or so.

Fair enough, even though the answers given above cover it well enough.

Now I'm sure folks will offer links to products that might fill the need.

I heard some mentioning getting a Class D head with a fairly neutral/clean power section and putting your pre through the Effects In to eliminate the built-in preamp. Then ya have that preamp as an option, as well.

 

[wolffire99]

Has aux in, almost there.View attachment 5310254

If someone came out with a 500w power amp in this size it would be a huge hit.

 

[Killing Floor]

Industry fills market voids.

If there was a market above micro niche you'd be able to find one easily.

 

[mrjim123]

If someone came out with a 500w power amp in this size it would be a huge hit.

Not sure I agree. I think most of us like too see all tone controls at or near eye level.

 

[agedhorse]

Could a company that already makes class D amps simply remove the preamp without certification?

Generally not without test data or an engineering review by the test lab. There is also interface circuitry that is still required, it's not just a module in a box.

There's also the cost of managing the different sheet metal, PCBs, tooling, documentation, inventory, distribution, etc.

 

[JKos]

Has aux in, almost there.

Except, "This input is routed only to the headphone output without cabinet emulation." Perhaps that's what you meant by "almost there."

 

[G Aichele]

FWIW, GSS has a 300 w. "mini Sumo" power amp. I have no experience with it, but I do have both their 600 w. baby Sumo and their 1000 w. Sumo amps and they are excellent. They're in France.

 

[Auer]

Except, "This input is routed only to the headphone output without cabinet emulation." Perhaps that's what you meant by "almost there."

it is now, I havent used the aux in so had no clue, never used headphones either.

 

[pingvuiini]

Although not as small as others mentioned here, GR Bass has a Pure Amp that is just gain and master. Also, most of their regular amps have a 'pure' switch that will bypass all preamp functions and make it just like a Pure Amp. I regularly use the Pure switch on my GR Bass combos.

PureAmp – GRBass

 

[monsterthompson]

The closest thing to this type of product from a notable name brand. It has no preamp gain control but the EQ and other features make it look almost like an "amp" and not just a power section.
Duncan Power Stage 700w - $699 - Rack size & EQ with stereo operations.
Duncan Power Stage 200w - $499 - Pedal size & EQ/Sim features.
Duncan Power Stage 170w - $399 - Pedal size & EQ
PowerStage Pedal Amps - Guitar Pickups, Bass Pickups, Pedals