I had read that the SA needed at least 20db to drive it properly. Is that the case, and if so does the Trickfish preamp provide that?
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Yup! It really, really moves some air! It doesn't sound like 500. Sounds huge!! I have used it with the TF Minnow several times for large jazz festivals, loud country gigs, etc. 2 12" speakers and it's Good Night, Irene!
Hi
For those who search for a bag for that amp, those two from Thomann works perfectly and are cheap:
- Flyht Pro Gorilla Soft Case GAL52
Even if the dimensions seems small, it fits perfectly
https://www.thomannmusic.com/flyht_pro_gorilla_soft_case_gal52.htm
- Thomann Sound Devices MixPre-6 II Bag
A bit tight, but works
https://www.thomannmusic.com/thomann_sound_devices_mixpre_6_ii_bag.htm
For those who search for a bag for that amp, those two from Thomann works perfectly and are cheap:
- Flyht Pro Gorilla Soft Case GAL52
Even if the dimensions seems small, it fits perfectly
https://www.thomannmusic.com/flyht_pro_gorilla_soft_case_gal52.htm
- Thomann Sound Devices MixPre-6 II Bag
A bit tight, but works
https://www.thomannmusic.com/thomann_sound_devices_mixpre_6_ii_bag.htm
Attachments
Nice snag with the Gator bag! I use a small World Tour bag that I put my SAPA and Trickfish Minnow preamp in. Fits perfectly with a washcloth between them to protect any rubbing!
Speaking of, I did locate a second Ganz poweramp I'm going to sell this week. I have a Clarus SL I can also use as a power amp for the Trickfish Minnow as well as my current SAPA, so no need for another.
Seriously a great little box!
Seriously a great little box!
I've finally figured a way to incorporate the Straight Ahead amp on my rig that keeps the efficiency I have now but lighter & easier to transport. And it allows me to use the SGT-DI preamp live.
Contacted Jay yesterday to order my SAPA. His reply was it could take a couple months. After all the reviews in this thread I can't wait to check it out.
Contacted Jay yesterday to order my SAPA. His reply was it could take a couple months. After all the reviews in this thread I can't wait to check it out.
I forgot about this amp - contacted Jay via FB - looking forward to playing with one!
Woo Hoo, Jay sent me a SAPA [again]! In fact, the 1st one Jay sent was damaged during shipping. But it wasn't the exact configuration I ordered anyway, so back it went. Just as he's known for Jay quickly made good on this and prepared & shipped another.
A straight ahead shot of the Straight Ahead Power Amp.
Per the suggestion [thanks!] by @Ukiah Bass, I ordered a new lid cover. Left mine bare metal but used a Dremmel to round off the edges. Much more substantial & bulletproof. And since I mod everything I own a vintage chicken head knob was added which works well with the utilitarian aesthetic.
I have gigs on Thursday & Friday and will report back as well as how I incorporate the SAPA in my rig.
A straight ahead shot of the Straight Ahead Power Amp.
Per the suggestion [thanks!] by @Ukiah Bass, I ordered a new lid cover. Left mine bare metal but used a Dremmel to round off the edges. Much more substantial & bulletproof. And since I mod everything I own a vintage chicken head knob was added which works well with the utilitarian aesthetic.
I have gigs on Thursday & Friday and will report back as well as how I incorporate the SAPA in my rig.
I like that top better. Can you post a link?Woo Hoo, Jay sent me a SAPA [again]! In fact, the 1st one Jay sent was damaged during shipping. But it wasn't the exact configuration I ordered anyway, so back it went. Just as he's known for Jay quickly made good on this and prepared & shipped another.
A straight ahead shot of the Straight Ahead Power Amp.
View attachment 5445699
View attachment 5445700
Per the suggestion [thanks!] by @Ukiah Bass, I ordered a new lid cover. Left mine bare metal but used a Dremmel to round off the edges. Much more substantial & bulletproof. And since I mod everything I own a vintage chicken head knob was added which works well with the utilitarian aesthetic.
View attachment 5445701
View attachment 5445702
I have gigs on Thursday & Friday and will report back as well as how I incorporate the SAPA in my rig.
The top is expanded metal available from a hardware store or mcmastercarr.com
There is a used SAPA in the classified selling for nearly the same price as new. Is there a long lead time on these?
Edit: It is now sold!
I would think potential owners would be happy to pay an additional $20 to have one in a pro enclosure but maybe I'm wrong.
There is a used SAPA in the classified selling for nearly the same price as new. Is there a long lead time on these?
Edit: It is now sold!
I would think potential owners would be happy to pay an additional $20 to have one in a pro enclosure but maybe I'm wrong.
Last edited:
Look at pg #7, post # 126. It has the link and measurements provided.
The new setup is complete. Looking forward to a test drive later this week.
The SAPA tucks perfectly under the pedal board & preamp via a monitor stand.
The SGT-DI, SAPA, & all cables easily fit in a laptop bag.
The SAPA tucks perfectly under the pedal board & preamp via a monitor stand.
The SGT-DI, SAPA, & all cables easily fit in a laptop bag.
Quick update, took the SAPA for a real world spin last night. It delivered the goods. Got a bit warm but not too hot to handle. First time using the SGT-DI live as well and both worked great together.
Another gig tonight at an indoor venue and looking forward to the results.
Another gig tonight at an indoor venue and looking forward to the results.
Jazzdogg
Less barking, more wagging!
I can't really tell from your photo, but it looks like the top vents may be obstructed; overheating typically results.
I made sure there was sufficient space between the perforated monitor stand and the top of the SAPA. Plenty of air flow to keep things from overheating.
Last nights gig was louder and gave me a chance to flex the SAPA muscle a bit more. It continues to deliver solid low end w/ out a fuss. Plenty of headroom left & very happy with this mini setup. The SAPA is an inexpensive effective way to use the preamp of your choice in a lightweight package.
After a little more experimentation I was able to tweak the setup so now the SAPA is sitting loud & proud above the pedal board instead of below the monitor stand. This makes any volume adjustments easier on the SAPA and allows for more air flow. I love it when a plan comes together.
Jay just sent me a brand new Straight Ahead Power Amp, and it arrived this week! I asked Jay if he could make it with the updated/bass version Speakon out, and he graciously agreed. The Speakon connection makes more sense for bassists, but beyond that, it does a spectacular job of cleanly amplifying your signal with notes that speak very quickly and without whimping out when you push it!
It is really loud...like REALLY loud. I use a Minnow preamp, and it really does a great job of making your basses sound fat, yet focused and quick. The power amp just makes that juicy tone punch through. I really like it!
Jay has been quick to respond to any and all messages, and is a very cool guy! He's even a drummer, like me! We had lots to chat about, geeking out over snare
! Lol. For real, these are great if you interchange your preamps/goodies, plus, they are cheap!!!!! Really should be in your bag. That and a preamp pedal (or not, if you have an active bass, but works best with an 18v on-board pre) into the power amp, and boom. Instant backup amp that can function as your main rig! I'm also going to order a replacement heavier lid, spray it black (or Walter Woods red!)
Highly, highly recommended!
It is really loud...like REALLY loud. I use a Minnow preamp, and it really does a great job of making your basses sound fat, yet focused and quick. The power amp just makes that juicy tone punch through. I really like it!
Jay has been quick to respond to any and all messages, and is a very cool guy! He's even a drummer, like me! We had lots to chat about, geeking out over snare
! Lol. For real, these are great if you interchange your preamps/goodies, plus, they are cheap!!!!! Really should be in your bag. That and a preamp pedal (or not, if you have an active bass, but works best with an 18v on-board pre) into the power amp, and boom. Instant backup amp that can function as your main rig! I'm also going to order a replacement heavier lid, spray it black (or Walter Woods red!)Highly, highly recommended!
Finally tried mine with the full band (we're a loud shoegaze/post-rock act) and this thing was LOUD! Fantastic little amp.
I just tried my quad cortex as a preamp with the straight ahead as a poweramp, and it is F*c%@*g insane. Perfect for guitar AND bass applications. Killer littler unit, and LOUD! Adds enough thump to kick you in the guts, and makes the presets in the quad cortex sound super accurate. The j2pc with it is spot on. The mesa bass 400 (with a little tweaking) is pretty much identical to the sound I got out of my actual bass 400. I'm so impressed
