Running Ampeg Head into Crown XLS Power amp?

[dum]

Hey all, I have an ampeg SVT-15t combo amp that i'm near 100% sure works as a standalone head but the catch is it's only 100 ss watts and for anything other than practice it won't be enough.
My question is could I run either the amps preamp out or balanced xlr into the imput of the crown and out to a cab?
I should mention I'd like to avoid the simple route of just buying a higher watt SVT head since I like the ability to run it quiet and be compact on its 1x15.

 

[agedhorse]

Yes, preamp output.

 

[Wasnex]

How well the Ampeg will push the Crown is dependent on how hot of a signal it can put out. The Crown OM says sensitivity for full power at 4 ohms is 1.25VRMS. The SVT-15T manual does not specify output levels for either the Preamp Output or the Balanced Line Out. The manual does say both are suitable for driving a power amp. FYI, The level of the Balance Line Out is controlled on the front panel, and it is independent of the Master.

 

[Wasnex]

Pre-amp output is really your best choice

Why? IMHO this may or may not be true. Without the ability to assess the amp's signal path and review max output specs for both outputs, I can' say for sure one way or the other. However, AFAIK the amp has balanced XLR inputs, so I would try the Balanced Line Out first. This would mean the Balanced Line Out will not be available for FOH. But I prefer run a DI between my bass and the amp, so it's not a limiting factor for me (YMMV).

To use the Preamp Out, the OP will need a properly wired 1/4 TS to XLR adapter or something like a Morley MHE2. The best way to wire the adapter can vary and you loose 6dB of signal.

 

[Doug Parent]

Why? IMHO this may or may not be true. Without the ability to assess the amp's signal path and review max output specs for both outputs, I can' say for sure one way or the other. However, AFAIK the amp has balanced XLR inputs, so I would try the Balanced Line Out first. This would mean the Balanced Line Out will not be available for FOH. But I prefer run a DI between my bass and the amp, so it's not a limiting factor for me (YMMV).

To use the Preamp Out, the OP will need a properly wired 1/4 TS to XLR adapter or something like a Morley MHE2. The best way to wire the adapter can vary and you loose 6dB of signal.

I could be wrong but my assumption is the XLR DI out is mic level. Too low to drive the input of a power amp, whereas the line out via pre-amp output will most likely be stronger. The Crown wants to see 1.4 volts on the input to drive it sufficiently if I'm not mistaken.

 

[Wasnex]

I could be wrong but my assumption is the XLR DI out is mic level. Too low to drive the input of a power amp, whereas the line out via pre-amp output will most likely be stronger. The Crown wants to see 1.4 volts on the input to drive it sufficiently if I'm not mistaken.

The XLR is labeled "Balanced Line Output." "Line" is most likely short for "Line Level."

From post #3

The SVT-15T manual does not specify output levels for either the Preamp Output or the Balanced Line Out. The manual does say both are suitable for driving a power amp.

Maybe both will work and maybe neither will work .

 

[agedhorse]

I looked at the documents for that SVT-15T amp and it can deliver line level with the level control turned most of the way up. This assumes there are no hidden version differences. It’s also a post eq, post compressor/limiter source.

Preamp out will also work, except that the power amp doesn’t have a 1/4” input so you get into needing the correct adapter that connects pin 3 to pin 1 at the XLR end.

 

[abarson]

While it appears to be possible, I question the logic of hauling around a combo just to use it as a preamp. If you’re going to use a bigger cab anyway, forget the Crown and get a bass head.

 

[dum]

While it appears to be possible, I question the logic of hauling around a combo just to use it as a preamp. If you’re going to use a bigger cab anyway, forget the Crown and get a bass head.

True but I've confirmed that the head is safely and easily detachable only needing a new enclosure wich is easy for me to do due to some woodworking experience I have.
This will give me the option to use it in it's og 1x15 for practice and maybe recording and for anything more demanding I'd be running it through the power amp

 

[dum]

Thank you everyone for your insight on the topic, I've consulted my local tech about measuring the outputs and said he will get back to me on that, I will most likely go through with using the power amp.
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