Rack mount power amps - what's new or quality?

[negativefx]

Hi all,

Been pretty happy with my AxeFX/Matrix GT1000 setup for the past few years but at last night's gig my Matrix completely crapped the bed. Need to get a new power amp, and given that this one failed so spectacularly, I'm curious what else is out there or new on the market. Looking for between 1000-2000W and transparent due to using the AxeFX. 2U or 1U is ideal and I'd like to keep it under $1000. Any recommendations or units I should consider?

Thanks!

 

[Jim Carr]

I highly recommend the Crest ProLITE 3.0 (non-dsp version).

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Power ratings are conservative, IMHO. Oceans of clean power, more than
a Crest CA6. Light, but not as cheap as they used to be. I got my first one
for ~$430 a few years ago (I have two). The price has crept up. I'd be unafraid
of a factory refurbished unit.

IMHO, the extra dsp that the DSP model has is not very useful
for bass. The non-dsp version has some basic dsp for use in a PA application.

These are not new, but I'd rate them "very good" for quality. Not quite up to
the tank-like CA series, but pretty close. However, my CA6 weighs 48 lbs by itself,
and is 72 lbs in a 4U road rack with a couple preamps. The ProLITE 3.0 is 11.5 lbs.

 

[agedhorse]

Why not get the amp repaired by the manufacturer?

 

[negativefx]

Why not get the amp repaired by the manufacturer?

I intend to get it repaired by mfg and promptly sell it. Fail me once...

 

[negativefx]

I highly recommend the Crest ProLITE 3.0 (non-dsp version).

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Thanks I will definitely check this out.

 

[Jim Carr]

I intend to get it repaired by mfg and promptly sell it. Fail me once...

What kind of spare do you carry?

 

[agedhorse]

I intend to get it repaired by mfg and promptly sell it. Fail me once...

Are you typically this "forgiving"? I presume that you yourself have never failed?

 

[walterw]

used QSC PLXs are plentiful, not too heavy, not too pricey and very reliable

i’ve been rocking a PLX 3002 for many years now, half of it for 900w at 4Ω is more than enough power.

 

[Nephilymbass]

Hi all,

Been pretty happy with my AxeFX/Matrix GT1000 setup for the past few years but at last night's gig my Matrix completely crapped the bed. Need to get a new power amp, and given that this one failed so spectacularly, I'm curious what else is out there or new on the market. Looking for between 1000-2000W and transparent due to using the AxeFX. 2U or 1U is ideal and I'd like to keep it under $1000. Any recommendations or units I should consider?

Thanks!

I used a crown xls1500 for several years before I bought my Mesa head. 1550w @4 ohms bridged. Close up it seemed kind of cheap look and feel wise but it looks great up on stage and you get a lot of power for a great price with those amps. Never let me down. Still have it actually But using it for PA at the rehearsal spot now.

 

[MTN.bass72]

Crest Prolite 2.0, or 3.0

 

[eyeballkid]

Are you typically this "forgiving"? I presume that you yourself have never failed?

I get where hes coming from. If an amp has a failure after years of dependable use it's one thing, but if not... nope! I depended on ampeg for years and then I bought an svt-6pro that failed on its second gig. Ampeg warranty replaced it the next day and I sold it new in the box. I'd never trust one again.

 

[baxter_x]

Are you typically this "forgiving"? I presume that you yourself have never failed?

I could share his point of view. Even if I tend to be more forgiving than him and would send the amp for repair.
I faced the same experience when my Mesa titan failed Don the second gig I used it. Sent it for repair and don't regret it. Never failed since then.

 

[gelinas666]

QSC PLX series.. Very quiet and clean. Reliable..

 

[Remyd]

Ampeg warranty replaced it the next day and I sold it new in the box. I'd never trust one again.

I have broken amps from many major brands past and present. Suggest that machines break sometimes and it's usually not a great idea to take it personally.

 

[negativefx]

Are you typically this "forgiving"? I presume that you yourself have never failed?

JFC, it's a power amp, not a relationship

 

[Jim Carr]

One of my ProLITE 3.0 power amps died. Thanks to gravity, it had taken a harsh bump, as I recall.
Got it fixed. That was a couple years ago. Works fine, now.

BTW, do you bring a spare?

 

[agedhorse]

JFC, it's a power amp, not a relationship

Certainly, and in this context, my comment is even more relevant.

 

[eyeballkid]

I have broken amps from many major brands past and present. Suggest that machines break sometimes and it's usually not a great idea to take it personally.

I dont. It's a matter of trust and dependability . When my scion broke down at 260k miles I fixed it and carried on. When my Mercury broke down 3 weeks after getting it, then 2 months later, then.... you get the point. It was gone!

Ampeg makes great amps. The 6 pro, not so much. Buy dependable gear or find dependable friends with gear and a good tech. Seeing as its 2 hours one way to the closest good tech, I'll stick with bullet proof gear.

 

[AlexanderB]

Hi all,

Been pretty happy with my AxeFX/Matrix GT1000 setup for the past few years but at last night's gig my Matrix completely crapped the bed. Need to get a new power amp, and given that this one failed so spectacularly, I'm curious what else is out there or new on the market. Looking for between 1000-2000W and transparent due to using the AxeFX. 2U or 1U is ideal and I'd like to keep it under $1000. Any recommendations or units I should consider?

Thanks!

Something from the PLX family, from QSC. Robust, light, plenty of power, no built in "signature sound", good protection circuits, very reliable etc. And made in US!

 

[negativefx]

I highly recommend the Crest ProLITE 3.0 (non-dsp version).
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Specs say 450W at 2ch x 8 ohms, am I correct in my interpretation that its 450W per channel when each channel is connected to an 8 ohm cab? Just making sure... my pair of fearfuls are 8ohm each.

Edit: brochure makes this clear... my interpretation was correct