Power Amp Suggestion

Maybe the Mackie M1400... that has speakons and is 1400 watts @ 4 ohms bridged if my memory serves me correctly. I've heard good things about mackie power amps.

The Mackie M1400i is the same amp, but without speakons.

 

My understanding is that the only basic component in a rack system that would make a drastic change in sound is only the preamp. I said basic, which doesnt include effects, compressors, etc. The poweramp is pretty much basic from brand to brand, except if it is SS or tube. Tubes tend to be sounding louder than the wattage they are "rated" to put out. For instance, a 400w tube poweramp would almost be equivalent to a 1000w SS, just to give you the idea, im not sure about exacts and please dont criticize me on that.

I will be using a Carvin DCM2000 for the sheer fact that it is a great SS poweramp with low price. BTW, what cabs will you be powering? Do you plan doing stereo, or mono? Overall, I say Carvins are the best poweramps, sure Mackies and Stewarts are nice, but it comes down to price because they are all the same quality.

 

Im going to have to disagree... If you compare a professional touring amplifier like a Crown or Crest to a Carvin power amp, you will notice a major difference. It will be like a blanket is being lifted off the speaker.

Not all power amps are created equal!

 

i second the mackie1400... NOT the 1400i,
the 1400i doesn't have speakons, but it does have quarter inch.. that's the only difference, just make sure you buy the right one if you do

moving on.. i have the mackie and i'm using it with an SVP-PRO... so not quite your setup, but i truly enjoy it. It sounds much better than my old carvin R1000, but that's most likely due to the preamp change than the poweramp. The 1400 has headroom to spare when powering a full stack... i use an 810 and i'm playing with mesa boogie dual rectifier fullstacks, and i don't go above half volume..
i like the fact that it has output LED's you learn that your output is really affected by the line voltage from your ac outlet in the wall.. but i digress

Moral of the story.. i have a mackie 1400 and i love it.. haven't tried a carvin poweramp so i can't fully compare, but i can give the mackie a full and complete thumbs up. It has all the little options you'd ever need too... low cut, stereo/mono/bridging... and more... all kinds of cool gizmos

 

I use a Peavey Max pre-amp, a Mackie 1400i in bridged mode with a Peavey 412 TVX cabinet. It is just great. I've owned the Mackie for a couple of years and it has been a very reliable piece of gear.

I certainly recommend it.

John