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Powerful Amp to do 2ohm load, besides tube amps?

smo

smo

Nov 3, 2005
2,584
970
A Sandgropers' City, Australia
#1
Hi all,

Hoping I can find some info regarding amps.

I'm doing some research - trying to find an amp that has a fair bit of oomph (at least 600+ watts SS at 4ohms) but is also capable of delivering it at 8, 4 and 2ohms.

Obviously an SVT is my first choice, but here in OZ they're not too common on the ground....
Ideally, I'm after something that can get all those nice tubey sounds too, and has a killer low end.

I'm a stoner rock kinds player - so I really don't need a great top end, I just want the amp to be versatile with cab matching, full lows and organic sounding and ideally be powerful enough to run a 4ohm load at loud band volumes and be able to run 2ohms if needed.

Is there any amps out there that tick all the boxes besides the SVT?
 
#5
I have the SVT4Pro but while it was in the shop being serviced, I bought the genz benz gBE1200. This one is great and it seems to be much more dependable the the Ampeg. the price is close to the 4pro but its features are more up to date. Worth checking out................................:)
 
#7
Caca de Kick said:
Mesa Big Block 750. 750w @ 2ohms.

(and sounds better than an SVT!)
Click to expand...

+1 This would seem to be the perfect solution for the OP's tone goals. It is a tubey, grindy beast, and designed to run at 2ohms with no problem. The Mesa M6 and M9 are hammers in the low end and also designed to run at 2ohms, but are much brighter and cleaner than the BB750, which seems voiced more for those who find an SVT driven to grind a beautiful thing.
 
#8
If you want versatility as far as ohms and power, you can't beat a good power amp like a lightweight QSC or Crown. You can even run different loads on each channel. Just a matter of finding a preamp that you like and you're good.
 
#9
Used Peavey Firebass700 or Max700 = 700 wts @ 2 ohms.
Used Genz-Benz GBE600 = 600 wts @ 4, but can be converted to work @ 2 ohms.

Regarding your original question - I don't think you can find a solid state amp that delivers the same wattage at 8, 6, 4, or 2 ohms. That is not the nature of the beast. Tubes are "fixed" to put out the same power, and you must match the impedance with the cab. Solid states put out more power at lower impedance. Two different animals.
 
#13
Thanks for the input everyone!

I'll have to look at the Mesa stuff for sure, but right now I'm only considering a stand-alone head, not separate pre's and poweramps.
(I'm already running a pre into a tube slave, and looking for a backup)

So besides some Peaveys and Mesa is there anything else?
 
#17
I play stoner rock/stoner metal and have a Peavey Mark VIII as a back up. Can do 2 ohms and will kick you right in the teeth.

Another option, while maybe a little more difficult to find, would be an Acoustic 370. The actual watts number is not that high, but it is LOUD.

Can any of the GK stuff do 2 ohms? I'm not familiar with their amps but I'm sure if they had any 2 ohm heads they would probably fit the bill as well.

But honestly, when saying the words loud and solid state, the first thing that pops to mind is Peavey.
 
#18
smo said:
Thanks for the input everyone!

I'll have to look at the Mesa stuff for sure, but right now I'm only considering a stand-alone head, not separate pre's and poweramps.
(I'm already running a pre into a tube slave, and looking for a backup)

So besides some Peaveys and Mesa is there anything else?
Click to expand...

As someone else said, various Eden heads are 2 ohm capable. WT405, WT550, WTB700, among others.
 

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