What power amp would you recommend?

Have a look at the Carvin.com website. I've been using their power amps for years. Currently my main rig is powered by an HD2000 while my backup uses a DCM1000L.

 

Hard to get a bad amp these days. Stick with the major brands. Look for a good warranty.

If you want some versatility with what you drive it with, i.e. different pre-amps with different output levels, then check out a DSP model. Usually about $50 more but adds, eq, limiting control, gain matching from different pre-amps, ...
They can really extends the versatility of a power amp over a long long time.

 

Do you have a particular preamp in mind?
Some poweramps won't like some preamps.

 

Then you will want a poweramp with high input sensitivity like a Peavey IPR/Crest Prolite. Both have a .775v input which will get the most out of that.

A crown or QSC will require a much higher input than your VT bass can supply. Will not be able to reach full output.

The Carvin HD series are 1.0v input IIRC which will be closer but still less than ideal.

 

If I may, I also have a vt bass deluxe and I emailed tech21; they said it can drive a qsc. What is your take on that? I also have thoughts on getting a poweramp.

Thanks.

 

Tech 21 is playing with words.
Yes it can drive anything but to full output?
Different QSCs have different sensitivity also. The GX mentioned above is 1.2v.

I have a QSC CX which is 1.26v input and a VT bass DI couldn't drive it fully and remain clean. Matter of fact a GK 2001rbp had problems driving it, same with my Interstellar Overdrive.
Having a more sensitive amp just opens up more options.
For what it's worth I had an RBI and it had no problems. The VT pedal just didn't do it.

 

He may have the rack mount VT pre

 

Also a good point. Their rackmount preamps have the oomph required.

 

Good call my man!
I misread that as the XTI series which has a 1.4v input.
There I go spouting off my mouth.

Please put the XLI in with my recommendations.

 

Do you really mean 2.2 dB difference will provide an essential advantage?

 

For some preamps, absolutely. Especially 9v powered pedals.
Good vocal preamps powered by mains power probably wouldn't bat an eye even at a 2.2v sensitivity.
The answer is: it depends.
The best resource here is the search function. There are several long threads on the Sansamp pedals and their output. Same goes for lots of other preamps.

 

0.775 Volt input senitivity versus 1.0 Volt input senitivity provides a theoretical benefit of +2.2dB.
A(dB)=20*log(1.0V/0.775V) = +2.2dB

Sometimes the output impedance of a pedal or pre knocks down the signal level at the input of an amplifier. Assumption: if output impedance and input impedance were just of the same value (i.e. 10k). In this case the loss of signal level were -6dB. That's a very lot of.

 

Neither! Crest ProLite 3.0