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Trace Elliot amp recomendations

43% burnt

43% burnt

an actor who wants to run the whole show
May 4, 2004
2,149
5
48
Bridgeport, CT
#1
I'm looking to get a new amp. I currently have a Trace GP7SM AH250...which I plan on keeping as a back-up. I've recently found the need for more power. One of the guitar players in my band got a new head (peavy 5150) which is insanely loud, and right next to me. The past couple shows we played I've found myself having a hard time cutting through. I still have some decent headroom with my current setup...but i don't want to push it too hard. I run 2 genz benz cabs- a 2x10, and a 15. Would better cabs or a different configuration help?

I'm sticking with Trace Elliot. I don't really want anything else. I'm not a lover of ampegs, GKs, SWRs, etc..If I could find one or had the $ I'd get a V8, but that's not an option for me right now. I'd like to be in the $500 price range. So Any recomendations on TE heads that will give me more overall power & volume??

I could pick up a GP12 SMX rackmount for pretty cheap $399 - asking price...how much louder would this be than my current head?

Also considering the V-Type 300H...any thoughts on this one?
 
#2
43% burnt said:
I'm looking to get a new amp. I currently have a Trace GP7SM AH250...which I plan on keeping as a back-up. I've recently found the need for more power. One of the guitar players in my band got a new head (peavy 5150) which is insanely loud, and right next to me. The past couple shows we played I've found myself having a hard time cutting through. I still have some decent headroom with my current setup...but i don't want to push it too hard. I run 2 genz benz cabs- a 2x10, and a 15. Would better cabs or a different configuration help?

I'm sticking with Trace Elliot. I don't really want anything else. I'm not a lover of ampegs, GKs, SWRs, etc..If I could find one or had the $ I'd get a V8, but that's not an option for me right now. I'd like to be in the $500 price range. So Any recomendations on TE heads that will give me more overall power & volume??

I could pick up a GP12 SMX rackmount for pretty cheap $399 - asking price...how much louder would this be than my current head?

Also considering the V-Type 300H...any thoughts on this one?
Click to expand...


Assuming you're okay with used, how about a Trace Power amp/preamp combination? That's what i use (both are 80s-issue and sweet as hell) and it's painfully loud. In fact, it's overkill for most club gigs I've played, so I've been using a G-K 700RBII and saving the Trace rig (which is larger and heavier) for outdoor gigs.

Granted, it may take you a while to find the components, but if you dig Trace, it could be worth sniffing around for some good old stuff. I have snagged two Trace power amps online from musicgoround.com (Trace stuff seems to show up there pretty frequently) and I scored an old Trace MKV preamp off of ebay for $150.00.
 
#3
I would love to pick up a TE power amp...but I don't see them that frequently. Could i run 2 4 ohm cabs w/ one of those??

i also know of a sweet deal on a bagend 2x10, but its 4ohms...which doesn't do me much good w/ my current head.

I'm leaning towards The gp12. It would only cost me around $200, cause i just bought a compressor (which I wont need w/ that head) from the same store which I could return toward the price. Plus I got a few odds n ends to trade.
 
#4
I just found 2 others at a local store:

AH400 12band- $750

AH1200- $700

The AH400 is intriguing. Is that price a litle high? More than I want to spend...Would it be worth It if I could trade my current head towards it and get it down to say 450-500?
 
#6
bikertrash82 said:
How about just picking up a power amp and using the out on your present Trace to drive it?
Click to expand...
Thats starting to look like a good option. I've never used this type of setup...what are good power amps that can be found used for fairly cheap, under $500? QSCs seem to be pretty popular. Will different brands of power amps alter my tone?
 
#8
43% burnt said:
I'm looking to get a new amp. I currently have a Trace GP7SM AH250...which I plan on keeping as a back-up. I've recently found the need for more power. One of the guitar players in my band got a new head (peavy 5150) which is insanely loud, and right next to me. The past couple shows we played I've found myself having a hard time cutting through. I still have some decent headroom with my current setup...but i don't want to push it too hard. I run 2 genz benz cabs- a 2x10, and a 15. Would better cabs or a different configuration help?

I'm sticking with Trace Elliot. I don't really want anything else. I'm not a lover of ampegs, GKs, SWRs, etc..If I could find one or had the $ I'd get a V8, but that's not an option for me right now. I'd like to be in the $500 price range. So Any recomendations on TE heads that will give me more overall power & volume??

I could pick up a GP12 SMX rackmount for pretty cheap $399 - asking price...how much louder would this be than my current head?

Also considering the V-Type 300H...any thoughts on this one?
Click to expand...


there is a v-type head on music go round for 399. might want to check that out
 
#10
The V-type that British has is the solid state version. It has the tube pre but SS power of 280 watts rms. I have played one and they sound excellent but definately different from a SMX. It has more of a wooly tubish tone.

On Ebay right now there is a RAH600SMX for $599 and you might be able to get it for that.

43% burnt said:
I got the GP12 SMX on hold until tomorrow. I'm not sure if it'll be that big of a difference from my current head though.
Click to expand...
Is that SMX a pre or powered head?
 
#11
Kelly Lee said:
On Ebay right now there is a RAH600SMX for $599 and you might be able to get it for that.
Click to expand...

shhh...I know...that thing looks sick. I got my eye on it. :ninja:

A little more than I wanna spend, but would definitely be more than enough power. :D

I think the SMX is a pre...I'll know for sure tomorrow.
 

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