Power Amp Suggestions/Experience

[docmaster]

I have a PJB BassBuddy preamp and an SWR 2x10 8-ohm cabinet that I'm looking to turn into a "smaller rig" so I'm now shopping for a suitable power amp. Under serious consideration I have:

QSC GX3
Crown XLS 202D

Any positive/negative feedback on these guys?
Any suggestions as to others that should be on my shortlist (same price range)?

Thanks for the help guys,

Richard

 

[docmaster]

I'm also looking at the Behringer EuroPower EP1500

 

[slyjoe]

Either the Crown or QSC brands are excellent. No experience with the Behringer. I'm a big fan of the QSC power amps - I've got 3 (but not the GX series). You may want to look into the PLX series from QSC - very light (13 pounds, at least in the xxx4 series) and more power than the GX3.

 

[stflbn]

Stewart World - Light (as in 16.5 lbs), powerful, clean sound.

 

[Revvv]

Carvin DCM 1000 or the 1500. It's cheap, reliable, clear, clean power.

 

[kvane]

Crest Audio. The drawback is that they're heavy, but they don't produce any noise through the speakers when they're on. I've got a Crown XTi that's "ok" but a little noisey with too many features, IMO.

 

[ulrich]

Mackie 1400i: had a channel that cut out, till I cranked it, and sent too much power to my speakers. Fixed under warranty, but Mackie pay a low shop rate so I had to take it across Frisco bay to have the work done. Lame, I sold it, and will avoid Mackie forever. Note: never ride a motorcycle 15 miles, with a power amp in a messenger bag.

QSC USA 800: bought, used, old and abused. Never failed. QSC have manuals online, going way back. But, not this old. They sent me a printed copy, free. Compare to Sony who charged USD 15 for a bad Xerox of the manual for my DAT deck.

QSC RMX 1450: Cheap, loud, heavy, never failed. Should I ever require customer support, I need look no further than TB.

Behringer EP range: I've never owned one. Pretty much the same as QSC RMX, but less dear. Behringer are rumored to have excellent customer support, but where's their Bob Lee? Though I use some Behringer gear, I'd pay the little bit extra for the RMX.

 

[jmac]

Carvin DCM 1000 or the 1500. It's cheap, reliable, clear, clean power.

+1
I have a DCM2000. I was a little suspect about Carvin, but it came recommended by someone I trust. Boy am I glad that I gave it a try.

Crest CA series amps are nice, but heavy.

 

[docmaster]

Thanks guys for all the input.

Due to some unfavorable reviews, the Behringer is now off the table, so I'm down to the QSC or the Crown.

The Stewart World stuff looks great -- a little pricey for my current budget but something I'll definitely keep in mind for the future.

Sorry Carvin suppporters, but I've never cared for their equipment (and yes, I've used it in the past and even been to the factory a couple of times) so that's out of the running.

Any other suggestions?

Anybody ever used the GX3 or 202D?

 

[fish slapper]

I had a GX-5 for a week and returned it for a PLX 1804. The 12 pound difference was huge. Well worth the extra dough. I think if you're trying to pair with a bass buddy then this would be a consideration IMHO.