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NAD - Reviving an almost dumpster bound amp - Streamliner 600

logdrum

logdrum

A person!
Jun 24, 2002
9,074
12,428
Walnut Creek CA/ABQ-SAF NM
#1
Last week, I was looking for a stereo receiver amp and the seller has this Genz Benz Streeamliner 600. When I tested it, the preamp circuit was good but not the power amp section. It had issues and I know some mechanical issues (something lose in the PCB boards which Andy confirm and some mechanical damage to the pots)

Of course the right action is to send it to agedhorse (Andy Field). And I got it back quickly. Outstanding service and very reasonable. The very fact that he'll get it right the first time actually means it is the cheapest route to repair your out of warranty Mesa, Genzler and Genz Benz . I was prepared though that it would end up going to the boneyard, but Andy brought it back to life and he says "These amps are worth repairing"


My Mesa 400 is being sold this week if not today (the cabs for sure) and I think in my mind and ear, the sound through the Mesa 15 and 210 is kind of close. I put in a graphic EQ (SA EQ2) in FX loop as well but not sure if I can model the graphic EQ that is in the Mesa. I have not played the Mesa to clip the power tube but preamp gain overdrive distortion - the Streamliner is crunchier than the 400 . I also slammed it with a clean boost SA ZIO and that sounded great as well . Same with a compressor and these devices goose the preamp really well, to liquid lead sustain territory. I have not tested it with an active bass yet but I feel you won't even need a boost. Reminds me of the Mesa D-180

The crunch is not really my setting for bass but rock guys who need that sound should be happy. About the quickness, it is a non issue for me. I do love the tube feel and the slight squish. I have read the Streamliner mega threads and am discovering that the EQ is quirky but rather effective if you are open to twisting knobs,

This is now an old amp and I think the Kinetix is the evolution of it. And of course you have the GK Fusion S with even more voicings. I am talking about amps with 3 preamps tube and D-Class power sections. I still have a modular all tube setup but low wattage now (100 watts max). With the sale of the 400, this was an unexpected replacement which cost me the repair and shipping.

I only have 4ohm cabs now and they AI doubleshot, 2 1X12 and 1 1X10 and an old 2X10. Using a pair means I need a 2 ohm capable amp. I do not foresee any loud gigs anytime soon. But I'll be bringing this to gigs and jams more. I already used it last night and was very capable.

1729719765149.png
 
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#5
Wicked G said:
Just for fun try the Mid Selector at 220, Bass at about 10:30, Mids at about 10:30, Treble to taste and Gain at about 2 or 3:00. See what you think.
Click to expand...
Bassman or B15 like crunches up on double stops on D and G but retains the roundness of the E string unless you go wild on it. I will plug in my ultrawave pedal and just program a simple EQ patch to mimic a Mesa graphic EQ and a baked in HPF and patch that in the FX loop
 
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#10
Check out the “ I ran my Streamliner at 16 ohm” thread. Instructions on how to build a series cable are in the thread. I wish I could find the thread, but the new search feature is not helping me out.

Your two 4 ohm cabs can be paired at 8 ohms with the series cable. Push more into the tube emulation with less volume.

I really liked what this did with my pair of fearful 12/6 cubes. More tube like goodness, less volume.
 
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#12
logdrum said:
Last week, I was looking for a stereo receiver amp and the seller has this Genz Benz Streeamliner 600. When I tested it, the preamp circuit was good but not the power amp section. It had issues and I know some mechanical issues (something lose in the PCB boards which Andy confirm and some mechanical damage to the pots)

Of course the right action is to send it to agedhorse (Andy Field). And I got it back quickly. Outstanding service and very reasonable. The very fact that he'll get it right the first time actually means it is the cheapest route to repair your out of warranty Mesa, Genzler and Genz Benz . I was prepared though that it would end up going to the boneyard, but Andy brought it back to life and he says "These amps are worth repairing"


My Mesa 400 is being sold this week if not today (the cabs for sure) and I think in my mind and ear, the sound through the Mesa 15 and 210 is kind of close. I put in a graphic EQ (SA EQ2) in FX loop as well but not sure if I can model the graphic EQ that is in the Mesa. I have not played the Mesa to clip the power tube but preamp gain overdrive distortion - the Streamliner is crunchier than the 400 . I also slammed it with a clean boost SA ZIO and that sounded great as well . Same with a compressor and these devices goose the preamp really well, to liquid lead sustain territory. I have not tested it with an active bass yet but I feel you won't even need a boost. Reminds me of the Mesa D-180

The crunch is not really my setting for bass but rock guys who need that sound should be happy. About the quickness, it is a non issue for me. I do love the tube feel and the slight squish. I have read the Streamliner mega threads and am discovering that the EQ is quirky but rather effective if you are open to twisting knobs,

This is now an old amp and I think the Kinetix is the evolution of it. And of course you have the GK Fusion S with even more voicings. I am talking about amps with 3 preamps tube and D-Class power sections. I still have a modular all tube setup but low wattage now (100 watts max). With the sale of the 400, this was an unexpected replacement which cost me the repair and shipping.

I only have 4ohm cabs now and they AI doubleshot, 2 1X12 and 1 1X10 and an old 2X10. Using a pair means I need a 2 ohm capable amp. I do not foresee any loud gigs anytime soon. But I'll be bringing this to gigs and jams more. I already used it last night and was very capable.

View attachment 7060339
Click to expand...
What was the purchase and repair costs? I just paid $140 to fix a ground hum.
 
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#18
singlemalt said:
Check out the “ I ran my Streamliner at 16 ohm” thread. Instructions on how to build a series cable are in the thread. I wish I could find the thread, but the new search feature is not helping me out.

Your two 4 ohm cabs can be paired at 8 ohms with the series cable. Push more into the tube emulation with less volume.

I really liked what this did with my pair of fearful 12/6 cubes. More tube like goodness, less volume.
Click to expand...
I have EA M-lines. I think it's easier to just use a power amp like a baby Sumo if I need to run my two cabinets My 210;s are not bad either .

I am liking the preamp on this Streamliner more and more.
pb9717 said:
What was the purchase and repair costs? I just paid $140 to fix a ground hum.
Click to expand...
Please PM agedhorse.

My understanding is that it's a flat rate for most repairs unless it's a major item like a power module etc. For me just a tiny amount was added to address some mechanical issues but all the electronic issues including some parts were covered in the flat fee. Just note that if someone messed and did some bad repairs it may deem your unit unrepairable. best to discuss with him first. In my case the loose PCB items was sort of a red flag and I was mentally prepared that it will go to the boneyard donation. Also he stocks most parts and the turn around time was exceptional even if I am that only customer that day which I assumed is not the case.

I got the amp for the price of venti lattes for 4 as in 50% of the price of an older Class AB stereo receiver.
 
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#19
pb9717 said:
I don’t understand what it means. 10:30? What is that?
Click to expand...
As others have stated, picture a clock and run the bass control right around the middle of where 10 and 11:00 would be.

Still plenty of bass while giving you a more solid kick. And with the gain at 2 to 3:00, depending on your bass, it's pretty much in Ampeg territory. With a Spector NS Dimension 4 I totally get a Jason Newstead Enter Sandman tone.
 
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#20
logdrum said:
I am liking the preamp on this Streamliner more and more.
Click to expand...

The Pre in these streamliners is outstanding. I use mine as a DI as my band is “silent stage” ( i.e. electronic drums, no amps) Its superior to any DI box Ive tried.
logdrum said:
Please PM agedhorse.

My understanding is that it's a flat rate for most repairs unless it's a major item like a power module etc.
Click to expand...
It’s not that important. My thinkin is, a GB Streamliner would really need to be shot to be a dumpster piece.

Curiously, I don’t understand why members are reluctant to discuss costs on this forum. Are we asked not to? I often ask what someone spent when I too am considering spending $$$ for the same service or equipment. Is there a rule Im unaware of?
 
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