Power amp sections in bassheads

[JimmyM]

Why?

In a round about way, it doesn't really matter. Designers can implement the same black box differently. Much like recipes, the same ingredients used differently can yield different results.

I think Mark Bass and Ampeg roll their own class d sections. I also think I've read here that some of the Mark Bass heads are actually class A/B and their size and weight are small due to power supply design, not amp topology.

The main thing is really that power amps are rated realistically and stay clean when pushing higher levels.

The original Little Marks were class AB and so is the Micro VR. But Markbass now says they’re class D, and Ampeg says everything but the Micro VR is class D.

 

[JimmyM]

bassslinger shin,

ain't this using a way of using ice modules for the core of class-d amps these days a little bit like in the old days using vacuum tube as the "core" to build amps using using stuff like 6v6, 6l5, 6550, kt-88, etc tubes? not exactly but maybe just a little bit kind of similar?

on bass, watt

mike watt's hoot page

I get what you’re saying, Mike. It’s the core but everyone can still put their own stamps on the sounds by the design goals. I’m not a big tech head but I think that makes a lot of sense.

 

[FFEJY]

Peavey designs and builds their own power amp (and power supply) modules for Peavey and Trace Elliot amps.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

Markbass has their own design modules, probably made in Indonesia(?), where most of their amps are manufactured.
Hypex has their production in Malaysia.

Yeah, designed. Then passed to a third party power module manufacturer, who then manufacturs thier power modules, that they've negotiated a contract for, to then place into thier amplifiers.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

Ampeg does not create thier own power sections.

They buy them from a supplier in China. Like everyone else.


They build amps. They don't build the parts in the amps.

Okay,

"Probably in China"

 

[shinju]

Why not simply buy a used class D power amp?

Are there some simple power amps that are ~800W and the size of a small class D head?

 

[abarson]

Are there some simple power amps that are ~800W and the size of a small class D head?

I doubt it.
The more watts generated, the more area you need for heat dissipation.
The GRBass Pure 800 is probably the smallest that can be had.
Pure amp – GRBass

 

[Old Garage-Bander]

Are there some simple power amps that are ~800W and the size of a small class D head?

Please define "small".

 

[shinju]

Please define "small".

I meant class D amps being smaller in general. But also from the smaller end, like Eich or Quilter (if I’ve understood correctly).

 

[Old Garage-Bander]

I meant class D amps being smaller in general. But also from the smaller end, like Eich or Quilter (if I’ve understood correctly).

Well, since you mentioned Quilter, how about the Bass Block 800?
Simple (defined by number of control knobs) smaller in dimensions than a Rumble 800 head (which also has more knobs).
800 watts into 4 Ohms.

If you are looking for a class D power section without a preamp (simpler still) then you may be out of luck as those are often designed to professional standard chassis sizes. Those typically employ the professional 19" wide, rack mount form factor. The rack standard height is based on one RU (Rack Unit) which is 1-3/4" high. The next multiple is 2 RU at 3-1/2" high, or any multiple of the RU as needed.

 

[shinju]

This is actually what I'm going after... why aren't there small power amps?

Many of us have preamps that we like, and maybe we'd like to have some 500-800 class D watts to amplify it. Wouldn't it make sense to just get the ICEpower amp with necessary wattage in the cheapest and smallest possible form factor for maybe 200-300€ instead of paying more then twice for some amp head?

It would be cool to order an ICEpower module and build a very small chassis myself but I don't have the know-how so maybe it's safer to not go there.
700AS1 - ICEpower

If there was for example an 800 watts to 4 ohms $300 power amp, as small and light as possible, with only a clip indicator led (for adjusting my separate preamp's level) and a master volume knob, power amp in and speaker out connections, then that's what I'd like to get.

Is there something that I'm missing here..?

 

[gtirard]

Are there some simple power amps that are ~800W and the size of a small class D head?

This has been discussed already: the market for bass power amps is too small to make it a profitable offering, due to R&D costs.

There are a few though:

GR Bass Pure Amp
Guitar Sound System Sumo
Jule Amp Simone
Demeter Minnie 800D

The Sumo is the only option I know that is cheaper than a Quilter BB800.

 

[shinju]

This has been discussed already: the market for bass power amps is too small to make it a profitable offering, due to R&D costs.

There are a few though:

GR Bass Pure Amp
Guitar Sound System Sumo
Jule Amp Simone
Demeter Minnie 800D

The Sumo is the only option I know that is cheaper than a Quilter BB800.

Perfect, thanks!!!

 

[shinju]

This looks interesting price-wise, 600W:
Boutique

 

[gtirard]

This is actually what I'm going after... why aren't there small power amps?

Many of us have preamps that we like, and maybe we'd like to have some 500-800 class D watts to amplify it. Wouldn't it make sense to just get the ICEpower amp with necessary wattage in the cheapest and smallest possible form factor for maybe 200-300€ instead of paying more then twice for some amp head?

It would be cool to order an ICEpower module and build a very small chassis myself but I don't have the know-how so maybe it's safer to not go there.
700AS1 - ICEpower

If there was for example an 800 watts to 4 ohms $300 power amp, as small and light as possible, with only a clip indicator led (for adjusting my separate preamp's level) and a master volume knob, power amp in and speaker out connections, then that's what I'd like to get.

Is there something that I'm missing here..?

Also this one: Jad Freer Coda

It's not class D, it's class G - I don't understand what it is exactly.
The description of the product seems like marketing BS to me, but the company has a good reputation.
It's expensive, but it has a clipping led.

 

[gtirard]

This looks interesting price-wise, 600W:
Boutique

If you don't need 800W and are looking for a really affordable power amp:

Harley Benton GPA-100 for Thomann - $64

It is in the guitar power amp section of their website, but one customer says in the comments that it works great for bass too.

 

[AlexanderB]

Yeah, designed. Then passed to a third party power module manufacturer, who then manufacturs thier power modules, that they've negotiated a contract for, to then place into thier amplifiers.

You are not contradicting my statement there. The point is that you are wrong about "all made in China".

 

[AlexanderB]

Okay,

"Probably in China"

The point is that you are also here wrong about "all made in China".

 

[Wasnex]

Also this one: Jad Freer Coda

It's not class D, it's class G - I don't understand what it is exactly.
The description of the product seems like marketing BS to me, but the company has a good reputation.
It's expensive, but it has a clipping led.

Ref: What is Class G/H Amplifiers? - PSI Audio

 

[Old Garage-Bander]

Also this one: Jad Freer Coda

It's not class D, it's class G - I don't understand what it is exactly.
The description of the product seems like marketing BS to me, but the company has a good reputation.
It's expensive, but it has a clipping led.

Maybe this will help. Still from someone's slick brochure, but a very basic explanation of how Class G differs from others.
https://www.arcam.co.uk/ugc/tor/avr...he_ultimate_amplifier_technology_150714_A.pdf