Sansamp RBI + Power amp users, i need some opinions

[gustobassman]

So i have been using a Sansamp BDDI for years and think it's about time to make the switch to a pre/power setup because i never really use the EQ on my head anyway. I think the RBI + a power amp would do it for me. I did some searches, but i couldn't find any "pros vs. cons" threads of this setup.

So, that being said, can i get some "pros vs. cons" of the RBI + power amp setup? What type of power amps are you using? Any real drawbacks (besides the weight obviously)?

Thanks!

 

[Son of Bovril]

I've heard the Crest CA9 is the balls and if you can find one used they are cheap, but heavy. If you are looking in the new lightweight market, the Crown Drivecore XLS1500 or the Peavey IPR1600 get some good reviews on here...

The sansamp RBI has enough output to drive any poweramp so no need to worry too much about sensitivity with that pre

The thing that bugged me was the mid control on the RBI which is set at 1k, I personally woud prefer the RPM with adjustable mids if I had to pick between the two

 

[NKBassman]

I ran a similar setup for many years. Lots of pros, few cons in my opinion. Go for it!
Carvin poweramps are nice for the price, too.

 

[dincz]

Weight doesn't have to be a factor with modern SMPS/class D power amps, but they are generally at least 2U (some 1U exceptions) rack mount so size comes into it.

 

[CL400Peavey]

I had a RBI for a while. I could get very close to the tone I wanted but had to be very careful with my mids. The over drive was good, but not as versatile as I would have liked. I think I would have preferred the RPM due to sweepable mids.

 

[JGR]

I've owned both, and much prefer the RPM to the RBI. Both are great preamps regardless of price. Pair them with a quality power amp, and you can hang with anything. If you dig the tone, there really aren't any cons.

 

[gustobassman]

Cool! Thanks you guys.. I would prefer a lighter power amp. That and i guess i need to take a longer look at the RPM too.

 

[kokorollc]

Yup. Used an RBI with a Mackie 1400 for years. Great tone. Just got a Crown Drivecore XLS 1500 to save weight. Worked great but wanted a little more headroom without being forced to bridge so I stepped up to the XLS2500. Awesome rig. Don't hesitate. Think the bigger Crown is still 12-13lbs or something too.

 

[Lowdownbass]

I run a Stewart world 1.6
With the RBI
And just about every type of cab!
It rules I can get a few types of tones!

 

[Floyd Eye]

I am using a dinosaur of an amp with mine. It's a Carvin RL1000 with a blown preamp. I had it hooked up once to a Crown XTi 2000 and it was nice too, just a little less headroom. When my old Carvin finally kicks it, which I can't seem to make happen, I will just replace it with a power amp. Somewhere in the 1200 watt range. Don't care about weight. Lots of people seem to prefer the RPM. I have never tried one so I can't comment on that, but I can tell you that I am more than happy withe the RBI.

 

[gustobassman]

The Crown XLS2500 looks like the real deal. 12 lbs? Seriously? The last power amp i owned was a BEAST of a Peavey. This was the late 90's...

 

[Baird6869]

The Crown XLS2500 looks like the real deal. 12 lbs? Seriously?

I just spent the last few days researching power amps and I think the XLS2500 is the best spec-ed high powered, light weight Pre out there. Also, it isn't crazy expensive.

Just IMO....

 

[walterw]

if you like the pedal sansamp, there's no reason you can't just use that into the power amp (it's all i do, and it rocks).