What would you prefer? Trace Elliot

[agedhorse]

I had an internal working relationship with Trace in the early 90's (back in my Kaman days). Although I loved the sound of them, they aren't nearly what I'd call bulletproof amps. There's also a big difference in sound from the late 80's early 90's models compared to later models. The earlier ones really had some grunt and guts to them.

Especially when compared to other amps of that era.

 

[Sparky Mark]

If you can buy a working TE SMX or Series 6 head for $150 or less, it could be worth it just for the experience; they are lovely sounding amps. There's nothing so special about the cabs and I wouldn't really bother. The compact 115 or 210 cabs are okay but still quite heavy.
I've managed to buy two Series 6 AH200 heads and an SMX250 for pocket money, but doubt I'll have them repaired if they fail; they'll have served their time.

 

[rtav]

I love heavy, old, TE gear. If you are worried about parts, buy a backup head and hang on to it just in case.

Works for me.

No other amp I’ve tried thunders like my TE gear but then i play prog metal so i compete with a full Marshall stack and a double kick drummer mixing his whole kit - and i have zero issues being heard and bringing the real low end. Huge sound, lots of eq options, heavy as a prison sentence and that green glow - nothing like Trace Elliot.

Get it, turn it up, and hold on.

 

[Schlyder]

Pass on the Peavey era AH600. If it's a 80s/90s era go for it.

 

[Schlyder]

I used a 350SMX for a number of years. It remains my favorite amp when paired with a Rickenbacker or Steinberger. But it went to a friend who still gigs with it.

Now and then I've pondered trying to find the pre-amp section only to use with a lighter power amp.

AgedOne, would that allow one to avoid the scary warnings you gave about aged out Mosfets? That's super valuable info!!

Thanks.

You can find GP12 smx preamps. They pop up regularly. Or... you could do what I did.... find a AH250 GP12smx with a blown power section for sale, and buy it for dirt cheap. Then have it converted to be a standalone preamp. Works great for me. I use it going into my interface, and into computer for Reaper. Bass sounds great, just like the live sound thru my GP12 smx bass rig.

 

[Sparky Mark]

 

[agedhorse]

That's pretty funny, the 30th anniversary was handled by the Peavey ownership.

 

[Happy Face]

Yes, the preamp doesn’t use any MOSFETs, but there are still some of the electromechanical parts that are no longer available.

Thank you. Why bother then. My pair of Streamliner 900s are all I need.

 

[agedhorse]

Thank you. Why bother then. My pair of Streamliner 900s are all I need.

The reasons to bother might be the particular GP-12 SMX features or for sentimental reasons.

 

[Schlyder]

There's a Holy Grail Trace Elliot amp for sale on Reverb.... The AH1000-12 GP12 ...late 90s vintage, and they don't come up for sale often, as they are pretty rare. If I had the money, I would be buying that myself. I never have the money when I see one LOL.

 

[Schlyder]

One of my two GP12smx heads (AH250 GP12 smx) has the big heatsink for cooling, and is very quiet compared to it's fan cooled sibling. I really like it alone for a smaller space when don't need to be loud.. and when the other is needed to add for loud... the fan noise doesn't matter at that point. LOL

 

[2enak]

Pass on the Peavey era AH600. If it's a 80s/90s era go for it.

It is from the Peavy era. :l

 

[Ritter667]

SMX without doubt.

Best damn amp I ever played through, including the Ampeg B-15S tube amp I once owned.

Love those old Trace Elliot amps.

It'll weight about a ton, but it'll sound amazing.