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Markbass LM3
- Thread starter ReeV0
- Start date
Not sure when they switched but if it's made in Italy, it's probably A/B although some MII models were changed to Class D. I've read they changed around 2011 so yours may be A/B.
From thread here; A/B Top/First photo
Here's the original with the AB power (pic with captions) vs the new lmiii/combo ii design in photo I took of the combo head guts this morning. Very different layout. You can clearly see the big extra cooling etc of the AB design.
Attached Files:
Here's the original with the AB power (pic with captions) vs the new lmiii/combo ii design in photo I took of the combo head guts this morning. Very different layout. You can clearly see the big extra cooling etc of the AB design.
Attached Files:
Thanks. I'm confused how the amp can be so light whilst still using a class a/b power supply
Thanks. I'm confused how the amp can be so light whilst still using a class a/b power supply
Perhaps the AB version has aluminium heatsinks and an switch-mode power supply? That would make it very light.
No... One is a power supply type, one is an amplifier class. You can have a class AB amp with a switch-mode power supply.
A 2010 LM3 will be class AB. There was never a class D LM2. If you can see the aluminium heatsinks through both sets of ventilation slots like below then its class AB:-
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Sparky Mark above shows a way to tell without opening it up
I know but it's only a few screws and I like to open things up
Me too; plus it's an opportunity to blow any fluff, dust and critters from the internals.I know but it's only a few screws and I like to open things up
I'll be interested to know whether your class AB LM3 becomes your primary amp. I find the AB LM3 has a more solid tone when compared to my 800 watt Markbass amp.
I think the class D switch happened in 2012
The LM2/3 and the LM(T)800 have a different sound, regardless of what class.
Years ago I sold my LM3 and got an LMT800 because I figured I'd like the extra power, it retained features I liked and HAD A MUTE!
Within a year I was back to an LM3. It's not that the LMT800 was bad, but the LM3 is a very sweet amplifier.
The LM2/3 and the LM(T)800 have a different sound, regardless of what class.
Years ago I sold my LM3 and got an LMT800 because I figured I'd like the extra power, it retained features I liked and HAD A MUTE!
Within a year I was back to an LM3. It's not that the LMT800 was bad, but the LM3 is a very sweet amplifier.
Agreed but you are introducing another variable; the OP has a LM800 not a LMT800. The LM800 has the same preamp as the LM3 so the only difference is the class D 800 watt vs 500 watt class AB power amp. There is a definite difference in how these two amps sound due to the power amp.I think the class D switch happened in 2012
The LM2/3 and the LM(T)800 have a different sound, regardless of what class.
Years ago I sold my LM3 and got an LMT800 because I figured I'd like the extra power, it retained features I liked and HAD A MUTE!
Within a year I was back to an LM3. It's not that the LMT800 was bad, but the LM3 is a very sweet amplifier.
The LMT800 has mini tube (6205) and solid state blendable preamp sections which also sound subtly different to the LM3 preamp even in 100% solid state mode.
Yep, I've considered a LMtube 800 many times but a little birdie in my head always recalls these convos regarding LM3 vs LM800. Too many people have declared that the LM3 sounds better and I tend to lean with consensus. Yet, I do see some prominent players using the LMtube 800.I think the class D switch happened in 2012
The LM2/3 and the LM(T)800 have a different sound, regardless of what class.
Years ago I sold my LM3 and got an LMT800 because I figured I'd like the extra power, it retained features I liked and HAD A MUTE!
Within a year I was back to an LM3. It's not that the LMT800 was bad, but the LM3 is a very sweet amplifier.
That said, I have a LM4 Ninja on order. I'll let you know what I think if I ever get the thing.
P.S. I still have access to my LM3 Class A/B that did quit on me after many years. All this talk makes me think it might actually be worth having it repaired.
I have 3 mint condition class a/b LM's. After all the amps I've been through this is my favorite.
I ran an LMT800 for many years and loved it. I downsized about 5 years ago and have kinda been floundering with bass rigs. Haven’t really found something that really makes me happy. Thinking of selling my current setup for a LMII a/b. Probably go all old school and get a 102hf or two. Or maybe a couple mini 121Ps
