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Trace Elliot AH350 SMX - Information and Questions

beaulieuf89

beaulieuf89

Guest
Feb 17, 2013
13
2
37
Montreal
#1
So I have multiple questions! Some might be more general topic others more specific to this amp!
I emailed Trace Elliot directly to try and get some answers, but no reply yet.
Any help would be much appreciated!

So here is my gear:
SWR Goliath II: Impedance: 8Ω // Power Handling Capacity: 500 Watts RMS
Eden D410XLT: Impedance: 8Ω // Power Handling Capacity: 700 Watts RMS
Peavey 2x15: Impedance: 4Ω // Power Handling Capacity: 400 Watts RMS
Trace Elliot GP12 SMX: Impedance: 4 ohm minimum // Power Handling Capacity: 350w RMS @ 4Ω / 700w Peak

What would be the best configuration in your opinion?
I'm assuming running the amp directly into a single cab would be most efficient? Since i'll only be getting 200w +- out of it? Any opinions on what will give me the best sound, power in your experience? THANKS!

And when it says 700w peak? I'm assuming that is bridged? I am still new to having this kind of set up (as I had a combo before hand)...would I be able to pump out (more or less) 200 watts through each cab at 8Ω?


Also, I haven't had any time to open up the amp. But I have a knob on the front to switch between valve and solid state pre-amp. Does this thing have a tube in it? Cause the guy who sold it to me said he had it for 8+ years and never opened it up. The tube would be a mess at this point (if there is one)?

Anyways! I hope I can get some feedback from you while I'm waiting for Trace to write back!
Thanks in advance!
 
#3
You can use both 4x10 for a 4ohm load. That may or may not sound huge, depending on how well the cabs mix.

The Peavey can only be used by itself. That will take a lot less power before it complains, compared with the pair of 4x10.

Past about 4 on the output knob the pre will start to overdrive the power stage. It won't get much louder. I doubt the old Peavey would be happy at that level.

Trace rated their amps at very low distortion. The peak rating is more like what some makers today would call it.
 
#5
Good luck waiting for reply from TE but in the meantime.
I had one of these up until a couple of months ago and it's a great head.,a little on the heavy side but it more than makes up for it in what it gives you in performance.
Try switching from the valve to solid state pre and on 50% gain, If you don't get any distortion from the valve side then I'd say the valve will be fine. I replaced the one in mine with a new one and didn't notice any change in the tone at all. Even with the valve drive on full you won't get hardly and break up at all, maybe a touch of added warmth if that.
If you set the preamp properly with the lights you'll get some serious volume ! I have a Trace AH200 and it's nearly as loud as my 1000 watt (class D) Ampeg SVT7pro, the 350 smx will be louder again.
2 x 410's will be pretty epic with that amp !!
Enjoy it.
:cool:
 
#6
Hi,

Trace is owned by Peavey now, but I had good luck with contacting them by phone. I wouldn't worry about that tube unless it is noisy or sputters, hisses etc.. You could buy a brand new tube and it could be worse! If that head has the dual band compressor which I believe it does, I would make sure it works correctly .... no weird noises ... That is what stopped me from buying the 600.. But you should get some serious volume and punch from that head..

Good luck,
Bill
 
#7
You can use 2 - 8 ohm cabs. That will take you to 4 ohm on the amp. You will be running at 700watts @ 4ohm. (Trace watts)

Or....
You can use 1 - 8 ohm cabinet. The amp will be running at 8 ohm, and you will be running at 350 watts@ 8 ohm

Or...
You can use 1 - 4 ohm cabinet. Again you will be at 4 ohms on the amp, and running at 700watts @ 4 ohm


Don't even bother with the Peavey cab as the chance of blowing it is high with that amp. Use the 2 - 8ohm cabs together, or just run the Eden 410 if you want to run a single cab.

British Audio Service is #1 for Trace Elliot info, or parts and service/repair.
 
#8
Wow! Thank you for the reply guys! :)
Super helpful. I plugged in everything yesterday night.
A lot of this gear I was using for the very first time. (I had all those cab and no amp for months now)

I'm still missing a second cable to plug in both amps, should I plug in series? Or paralleled?
But I'm still unsure if I prefer the Eden or SWR cab. They both sound massive! I'm excited to try both.

Definitive upgrade from my 60watts combo! Best 200$ invested (cost me 200 for the TE&SWR)

...also, I played around with the settings yesterday, and I never herd a hiss, crackle or anything!
So I'm assuming that the tube is fine! :) Most excellent!
 

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