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Recommend me a cheap, durable power amp?

TravTrav

TravTrav

Jun 6, 2010
362
9
WA
#1
Looking to get into the power amp game, and was hoping you guys could recommend some good budget friendly ones. I'm also totally down to buy used and don't care about weight. 2U would be ideal.

I plan on using an Avatar B212 Neo (8 ohms, 500w), so it doesn't have to be crazy powerful.

Thanks for any recommendations!
 
#3
How about this... used. I paid just over $400.00 here for mine off T.B.
 

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#8
Check out the QSC 800 series.
I have a 850(or is it 860?). It's their bottom of the line and I've used it in bridge mode for years into 8 & 4 ohm loads & it has never given me a problem in the eight years I've been using it. It's not a light weight but it's not too heavy either.
I've had some trouble with my Carvin DCM 1000. It doesn't seem to like being bridged .
 
#11
I would suggest a used QSC PLX series 2402, 3002, or a Stewart World 1.6 or 2.1 These amps represent great value used IMHO. They are 2 rack spaces, weigh less than 20 pounds, have lots of power. The Stewarts are extra cool in that they are two amps that only share a fan and a power cord.....separate power supplies and on/off switches allow you to only run half of the amp if that's all the power you need. These often are sold for $400-500.

I think the micro class D wave of new stuff kind of made these go out of fashion too soon. They are still cutting edge in terms of power, tone, and portability, and now they are pretty cheap. For the price of a new micro amp you can get one of these and a top quality preamp, and still have a few hundred left over.

Unless you are riding a subway to move your gear, ask yourself "how light and small is enough?" And what is it worth to have it smaller and lighter than it needs it to be?
 
#12
TravTrav said:
Also, could I use something as simple as a Boss EQ pedal as a preamp?
Click to expand...

No. You need a high impedance input, especially if you use a passive instrument with a low impedance output - like a Fender. Many pedals have input impedances around 250K ohms, if that much. You ideally want an input of 1M Ohm, or close to it, with passive instruments.

Also, the output from your preamp needs to be a good match for the input sensitivity of your power amp. An EQ pedal is unlikely putting out the line level that is demanded to properly drive the poweramp. Some pedals, like the SansAmp stuff, are spec'd to drive a power amp directly, but most are not.
 
#13
TravTrav said:
Also, could I use something as simple as a Boss EQ pedal as a preamp?
Click to expand...

If you get an amp with a DSP you'll have a lot more options on what you can drive it with. If you have an active bass you wouldn't even need a pedal.

DSP also has plenty of EQ options for the cabinet.

Peavey IPR DSP 1600 original model has a street price of $350 - it's a bargain.
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#14
Boot Soul said:
No. You need a high impedance input, especially if you use a passive instrument with a low impedance output - like a Fender. Many pedals have input impedances around 250K ohms, if that much. You ideally want an input of 1M Ohm, or close to it, with passive instruments.

Also, the output from your preamp needs to be a good match for the input sensitivity of your power amp. An EQ pedal is unlikely putting out the line level that is demanded to properly drive the poweramp. Some pedals, like the SansAmp stuff, are spec'd to drive a power amp directly, but most are not.
Click to expand...

Hmmm, this has become a little more complicated than I expected.....
 
#15
Cheap durable power amp, eh? If you're willing to put up with a little weight, you can snag an older-technology lead sled like the QSC RMX for $150-175. Given the competitive pricing on the new stuff hitting the market, you'd be nutz to pay more. I find gear like this all the time on Craigslist. It's heavy and expensive to ship so most sellers will prefer to deal locally...use this to your haggling advantage.

Riis
 
#16
Zooberwerx said:
Cheap durable power amp, eh? If you're willing to put up with a little weight, you can snag an older-technology lead sled like the QSC RMX for $150-175. Given the competitive pricing on the new stuff hitting the market, you'd be nutz to pay more. I find gear like this all the time on Craigslist. It's heavy and expensive to ship so most sellers will prefer to deal locally...use this to your haggling advantage.

Riis
Click to expand...


Found one on a used site for $120, but shipping is $60 plus tax. Those things must weigh a ton!

EDIT: May be able to score a Tech 21 Bass Driver and an RMX850 for about three hundo. That an okay deal?
 
#17
TravTrav said:
Found one on a used site for $120, but shipping is $60 plus tax. Those things must weigh a ton!

EDIT: May be able to score a Tech 21 Bass Driver and an RMX850 for about three hundo. That an okay deal?
Click to expand...

Almost....max I'd pay on an 850 is $150 and it had better be in damn good shape. A BDDI can be had for $100-120 but not all are capable of feeding a power amp. There was a design change some years back...the newer models are capable. May want to check with Tech 21 NYC but you'll need the S/N or, better yet, try it out for yourself. Bottom line: if the units are super-clean and work well together, I'd go $250-275 tops.

Riis
 
#18
You will NOT find a better power amp new for any less than this one and it comes with a FIVE year warranty!!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/390611178213?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2648

Note: make sure you're getting an amp with at least the power to match your speaker cabs and the best is
finding and amp that is double the watts rms. Putting less power through your cabs than rated for will eventually
burn out your speakers voice coils. But sending more power through will never burn your voice coils out. You will
simply need to be careful not to crank it up too loud beyond what your cabs can handle. But you will hear it if
your speakers are farting.
 
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#19
Ronny49 said:
You will NOT find a better power amp new for any less than this one and it comes with a FIVE year warranty!!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/390611178213?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2648
Click to expand...

This is representative of the competitive pricing I mentioned earlier which is why used gear can be had on the cheap...which is all relative 'cuz we don't know the OP's budget constraints.

Great choice as are the Crown, Peavey, Carvin, etc offerings. One addt'l suggestion: you can find a good used solid-state rackmount preamp for <$200 if you keep your eyes peeled...not much more than a BDDI.

Riis
 
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