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Markbass Megathread PART 2

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Yes, I would agree. There is no good reason to have this conversation, except for the sake of having the conversation. I'm sure the UL902C is a killer amp and does what it does well. I personally have no need for what it does, but that doesn't mean that somebody else wouldn't. The LMII suits what I do just fine.
+1

My big problem with the 902 is exactly like Ken's. There's this huge gap in their product line, and a dual 4 ohm amp is not the same as a monoblock 2 ohm amp (which I find MUCH more useful).

IMHO, they need a "901" in their line bad, but... like you said, my LMII does great, even tho it is less power than a "901" would be, so it's moot for me also. :)
 
Right, I totally understand what you are saying about your needs to run dual 4 ohm loads, or to run your power hungry Acme's, and I tried to make that clear in my post that the UL902C is actually a pretty reasonable value if doing this is a serious need.

However, I don't agree that by using both sides of the amp regularly, you are only paying $1.17 per watt in total. As shown in my calculations above, You are paying $1.17 per watt per 900 watt side. Think of it as if I had two LMII's to run dual 4 ohm loads. From what you are saying, I am now getting 1000watts, but only paying $1.20 per watt in total. How does this makes sense? I can't combine the two LMII's to get 1000 watts (just like you can't combine to two 900 watt amps of the UL902 to get 1800 watts), they have to be run separately at 500 watts each, so really I'm paying $1.20 per watt, per head, for a total of $2.40 for both heads. The way the UL902C is designed, it is almost like two separate heads in one. Yes, they share the preamp, and it is contained in one package, and these are two important variables. But because the two power amps cannot be bridged, I personally refuse to go along with the idea that you get 1800 watts for $2100. You don't. You get two 900 watt amps for $2100.

I understand your an accountant (My wife is an accountant as well, and I'm a mechanical technician for the Department of Defense that specializes in large caliber launcher design, though I really don't see how careers matter in this conversation), but I stand by my calculations on this. However, if I really am wrong, and you have the math to back it up, please correct me as I really want to understand my mistake (if I am truly mistaken that is :D). However, maybe we should move this conversation to pm's so we don't clutter up this thread and upset Vic. :D

I agree with Greg. The cost per watt doesn't change. In the example of having two LMIIs, if the cost per 500w = x the cost of getting a second one is double but so is the wattage.

Take your equation and substitute the total Epi amp:

one side:

UL902c = $2100 street price
Power = 900 watts into 4ohms, 900 watts into 4ohms.
Cost per watt: $1050/900watts = $1.17 per side = $2.34 total

both sides:

Cost per watt: $2100/1800watts = $1.17 = still $1.17 total $$$/watts. Each watt is still $1.17. If they were $2.34 per watt the amp (both sides, the only way you can buy it:D ) would cost $4200.

The cost would only double if you ended up with only 900w.

As far as how the wattage is distributed in a monoblock, I can't say... but with this Epi you can run the equivalent of a 2 ohm load if you want (2 4 ohm cabs). Could be the same difference;)
 
As far as how the wattage is distributed in a monoblock, I can't say... but with this Epi you can run the equivalent of a 2 ohm load if you want (2 4 ohm cabs). Could be the same difference;)
True, but it's still not as flexible. What if I want to run a pair of their UL310 cabs and another 8 ohm monitor cab? I can do that with a 2 ohm monoblock, but not the 902C, despite the fact that the 902C has MORE than enough power to go around to such a cab array. This is the kind of "not the same" I'm talking about. It's just not as flexible when it comes to how many of whatever kinds of cabs you wanna' hook up. Even though the UL310 is well above its minimum (5.33333...), it still precludes me from putting anything else on that channel, and I definitely don't want to go as big as dual 410's.

Admittedly, my case is off the beaten path, but to be very honest, I don't understand the reason for the dual power amp design anyway... especially without a balance/blend control.

Then again, if they'd just offer an 8 ohm version of the 310, but we won't beat that dog again... :D

IMHO of course. :)
 
Yellow watts (i.e., bumblebee power) is worth more than that stinkin' brushed aluminum shiny watt stuff:p

When you put the bumblebee multiplier in the Markbass dollar per watt equation, it changes everything:D

Edit: Plus, I give an amp a 100 watt penalty for every stinkin' chiclet switch on the front panel!
 
True, but it's still not as flexible. What if I want to run a pair of their UL310 cabs and another 8 ohm monitor cab? I can do that with a 2 ohm monoblock, but not the 902C, despite the fact that the 902C has MORE than enough power to go around to such a cab array. This is the kind of "not the same" I'm talking about. It's just not as flexible when it comes to how many of whatever kinds of cabs you wanna' hook up. Even though the UL310 is well above its minimum (5.33333...), it still precludes me from putting anything else on that channel, and I definitely don't want to go as big as dual 410's.

Admittedly, my case is off the beaten path, but to be very honest, I don't understand the reason for the dual power amp design anyway... especially without a balance/blend control.

Then again, if they'd just offer an 8 ohm version of the 310, but we won't beat that dog again... :D

IMHO of course. :)

True, it's not as flexible. True, your case is off the beaten path. Before I get into a discussion of how often people want to run two 4 ohm + an 8 ohm monitor cab (apparently with no separate gain control for the monitor cab since it's a monoblock amp:hiding:...

I'll bow out gracefully.
:D
 
I played a gig last night through my Markbass LMII and my new EpiUL310. This gig was at our loudest, largest local venue. The rig just kicked ass and I was just idling on the gain control. THe low note fundametal is extremely rich. The EQ on the LMII was set almost flat. I gave just a slight bump of high mids, VLE at 9 o 'clock, VPF at 10 o'clock. The rig just kills and is SOOOO easy on my back.

The best part? ....when the gig was done, I got payed, and the LMII gave me 'change!' :D
 
I agree with Greg. The cost per watt doesn't change. In the example of having two LMIIs, if the cost per 500w = x the cost of getting a second one is double but so is the wattage.

Take your equation and substitute the total Epi amp:

one side:

UL902c = $2100 street price
Power = 900 watts into 4ohms, 900 watts into 4ohms.
Cost per watt: $1050/900watts = $1.17 per side = $2.34 total

both sides:

Cost per watt: $2100/1800watts = $1.17 = still $1.17 total $$$/watts. Each watt is still $1.17. If they were $2.34 per watt the amp (both sides, the only way you can buy it:D ) would cost $4200.

The cost would only double if you ended up with only 900w.

As far as how the wattage is distributed in a monoblock, I can't say... but with this Epi you can run the equivalent of a 2 ohm load if you want (2 4 ohm cabs). Could be the same difference;)


I'm not surprised you don't agree with me, you usually don't. :D

Regardless of all the math everyone has thrown, the UL902C is NOT 1800 watts. No matter how many times you guys want to tell me it is, it just isn't. You can not run a single 4 ohm load at 1800 watts. The UL902C is roughly equivalent to two 900 watt amps. And it is not $2.34 per amp Brad, it is $1.17 per amp, totaling $2.34 together. Where you claim my original equation is for only one side, that is simply not the case. It is for each side equally, and then added together. Two 900 watt amps in one package. NOT one 1800 watt amp in one package.

And with this post, I am out of this conversation. You guys won't convince me otherwise. I've put far to much time and thought into this than I ever should have.

EDIT: I can admit when I am wrong. This time, I am wrong.
 
True, it's not as flexible. True, your case is off the beaten path. Before I get into a discussion of how often people want to run two 4 ohm + an 8 ohm monitor cab (apparently with no separate gain control for the monitor cab since it's a monoblock amp:hiding:...

I'll bow out gracefully.
:D
I'll leave you with this. You're right, but more generally, I'm definitely not the only one out here wanting 2 ohm capability for whatever reasons, and without having to go to a split power amp solution, and believe it or not, the power distribution in my case works out really well, so it's not an issue. :)
 
I played a gig last night through my Markbass LMII and my new EpiUL310. This gig was at our loudest, largest local venue. The rig just kicked ass and I was just idling on the gain control. THe low note fundametal is extremely rich. The EQ on the LMII was set almost flat. I gave just a slight bump of high mids, VLE at 9 o 'clock, VPF at 10 o'clock. The rig just kills and is SOOOO easy on my back.

The best part? ....when the gig was done, I got payed, and the LMII gave me 'change!' :D

Awesome to hear! This is the exact setup I am drooling over. I just ordered my LMII a few days ago and hopefully it will be in Monday or Tuesday. The Epi UL310 is pretty spendy so I will have to "suffer through" on my Ampeg PR1528HE 4ohm (Le Freak) until I can sell my B2R, my B100-R combo and, the PR1528HE. Then that UL310 is ALL MINE!
 
I'm not surprised you don't agree with me, you usually don't. :D

See... you disagree with me:smug:

Regardless of all the math everyone has thrown, the UL902C is NOT 1800 watts. No matter how many times you guys want to tell me it is, it just isn't.

Then shoot the messenger, not me... I was working with the numbers in "your" equation.
:D

Besides, whatever it is per side, the rating of the PACKAGE would be DOUBLE that. There are two sides to it. Otherwise a one channel version and a two channel version would both be considered 900w amps, which makes no sense. I know my old Trace with two 250w channels was considered to be a 500w amp. That's just the way it works.

I don't think anoyone called it 1800w into one load.

You can not run a single 4 ohm load at 1800 watts.

I never said you could.

The UL902C is roughly equivalent to two 900 watt amps. And it is not $2.34 per amp Brad, it is $1.17 per amp, totaling $2.34 together. Where you claim my original equation is for only one side, that is simply not the case.

You equation starts with a breakdown per side. As noted by others you can't buy just one side. With the dual amp setup it should be pretty obvious that you can run TWO 4 ohm cabs with 900w EACH. I understand why you think the cost/watt would double but it doesn't really make sense IMO.

If I buy an LMII at a specific cost/watt, how could me buying more LMII's make the cost per watt change? It remains the same.

You split the cost of the Epi in half because it's TWO amps... so what's the difference?
:)


It is for each side equally, and then added together. Two 900 watt amps in one package. NOT one 1800 watt amp in one package.

Addressing power distribution on a single 1800w (BTW why are you using what you say is the wrong number;)) vs. dual 900w amps would help. How much wattage will each 4 ohm speaker receive in each case?

Like I said, I don't know... do you?

And with this post, I am out of this conversation. You guys won't convince me otherwise. I've put far to much time and thought into this than I ever should have.

You sound bothered... I hope that's not the case. After all,

Just some friendly conversation....
:cool:
 
I'll leave you with this. You're right, but more generally, I'm definitely not the only one out here wanting 2 ohm capability for whatever reasons, and without having to go to a split power amp solution, and believe it or not, the power distribution in my case works out really well, so it's not an issue. :)

I didn't say you were nor did I want to open that can of worms again.

:D
 
See... you disagree with me:smug:



Then shoot the messenger, not me... I was working with the numbers in "your" equation.
:D



I never said you could.



You equation starts with a breakdown per side. As noted by others you can't buy just one side. With the dual amp setup it should be pretty obvious that you can run TWO 4 ohm cabs with 900w EACH. I understand why you think the cost/watt would double but it doesn't really make sense IMO.

If I buy an LMII at a specific cost/watt, how could me buying more LMII's make the cost per watt change? It remains the same.

You split the cost of the Epi in half because it's TWO amps... so what's the difference?
:)




Addressing power distribution on a single 1800w (BTW why are you using what you say is the wrong number;)) vs. dual 900w amps would help. How much wattage will each 4 ohm speaker receive in each case?

Like I said, I don't know... do you?



You sound bothered... I hope that's not the case. After all,

Just some friendly conversation....
:cool:


Maybe I'm just being stubborn, but I simply don't agree with a word your saying here. You say my reasoning doesn't make sense, and I say your reasoning doesn't make sense. We'll just have to agree to disagree. And yes, just some friendly conversation, but this is the very last time I will comment on it in this thread.


EDIT: I can admit when I am wrong. This time, I am wrong.
 
Maybe I'm just being stubborn, but I simply don't agree with a word your saying here. You say my reasoning doesn't make sense, and I say your reasoning doesn't make sense. We'll just have to agree to disagree. And yes, just some friendly conversation, but this is the very last time I will comment on it in this thread.

In the spirit of fun just address one issue... how would the cost/watt change on your Markbass amp if you bought another one (identical, same price, etc.)?


That'll most likely clear up the error in my thinking.
:)
 
In the spirit of fun just address one issue... how would the cost/watt change on your Markbass amp if you bought another one (identical, same price, etc.)?


That'll most likely clear up the error in my thinking.
:)


After quickly analyzing the cost/watt ratio of two Markbass amps, I realize I was wrong. It finally dawned on me what you guys are trying to say.


I can admit when I am wrong. This time, I am wrong.
 
This thread needs less number crunching and more yellow.

DSCN1038.jpg
 
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