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VT + what pwr amp?

Lemoore-on

Lemoore-on

May 11, 2008
582
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#1
I want to switch from my SWR SM400 to a pwr amp fed by a Tech21, bddi delux, VT or VT delux.

What would be a good (affordable) amp to use. Min 500 watts per ch. at 8ohms.

I'm using an SWR goliath II now and shopping for another cab to pair with it for bigger gigs.

I'm in a rock cover band doing both bar gigs aswell as some outside stuff.

I found an Ampeg 810E for $700. locally.
 
#4
The VT drives the new Carvin DCML's extremely well. I've gigged the VT with a DCM2000L with great success. The DCM1540L is $449, but only 425 watts per side at 8ohm. The DCM3000L is a bit more at $649, but gives you 550 watts per side. Plus, these amps are only 2 rack spaces, 10" deep, and at or under 15lbs! And if you can find them used, it's a no brainer.
 
#8
bongomania said:
Pick a power amp with a low input sensitivity rating. Look for a rating of 0.7V to 1.0V. They will be driven most effectively by the VT pedal.
Click to expand...

That s the kind of info I'm looking for, I have been looking on CL & Ebay for a "deal" But I wasn't sure what particulars would work good with the VT. I cant find a reliable brand at much less than a new one.

Crown, QSC, Carvin, Peavey
 
#13
I read on another thread that Peavy is coming out w/ some high powered class D power amps for cheap- check out their website (I think they're 2 ohm operation per side, though). You can also plug into the 'return' jack of a decent used head such as the GK mb 500, Little Mark or Genz Benz (or even an SWR SM-900 or similar) and get a preamp as a back up.
 
#14
I bought a Crown Microtech 1200 used for $300.
I love Crown power amps. They seem to have this nice authoritative punch to them.
I use the VT Bass straight in and it sounds great. I say this coming directly from an SVT Classic.
 
#15
bongomania said:
Pick a power amp with a low input sensitivity rating. Look for a rating of 0.7V to 1.0V. They will be driven most effectively by the VT pedal.
Click to expand...

The power amps with the form factor and features that works best for me is the Crown Drivecore XLS series. The input sensitivity on these is 1.4V. Will that be too insensitive :p to use with a VT as the sole preamp?
 
#16
The Drivecore's 1.4v will probably stretch the juice of the VT bass; it'd want an output mod to be ideal (which is not too expensive) - balanced, and the voltage doubler.

I'd go with the Peavey IPR series or Carvin DCM-L. Very high input sensitivity (.775v to 1v), light, cheap.
 
#18
I understand the interest in having a pedal preamp into power amp- save buying a pricey rackmount preamp and get the $150 pedal. I can definitely see great sound coming from the VT-poweramp set up but one thing I'd like suggest is that you may find yourself missing a more variable EQ section like one found on most rackmount preamps. The VT's bass, mid, treb section just doesn't seem to provide a whole lot of options for fine tuning one's sound to fit a bands particular sound, or a room's particular sound in a gig situation. What came to mind first is the boomy room situation but most likely that could be solved by just cutting some bass frequencies. But then I haven't gotten to try a VT yet and maybe its more tuneable than I'm imagining.
I'm looking forward to trying one to put in front of my yamaha pb-1 and power amp.
 

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