Why are Poweramps not the standard?

[John D Harris]

$390 for my rack setup as shown (pedal drawer not included). Class D/lightweight, biamped, pedal drawer, power strip, cable storage, all in a portable case. AFAIK, there isn't a $390 amp head that can do what this does.
I really need a $400 power amp to get the most out of my cabs, but this works for now.

I've heard those 383 preamps sound really good, but I've never played one.

 

[hondo4life]

I've heard those 383 preamps sound really good, but I've never played one.

I think it sounds great, but in a way that it is very clean and neutral. I also love the adjustable crossover, which I use to biamp. The BBE SONIC MAXIMIZER is a nice, but subtle feature. I think the compressor is kinda crummy, but otherwise am pretty happy and don't plan on replacing it.

 

[Korladis]

I think it sounds great, but in a way that it is very clean and neutral. I also love the adjustable crossover, which I use to biamp. The BBE SONIC MAXIMIZER is a nice, but subtle feature. I think the compressor is kinda crummy, but otherwise am pretty happy and don't plan on replacing it.

The sonic maximizer is a mid scoop.

 

[hondo4life]

The sonic maximizer is a mid scoop.

And phase shifter.

 

[bigtone23]

in the late 80s/early 90s I ran an ADA MB1 with a Hafler G150 power amp but permanently switched to a Carvin F600 power amp for waaaay more power (though the Hafler sounded better). The modular approach worked great, especially with a stereo power amp when mixing cabs of differing sensitivities and impedance.
The 90s Fashionable Eden WT500 I ended up with in the later 90s (still have it) wasn't much lighter nor as flexible, but still had the stereo amp that I came to rely on.

I like combos fine, but do prefer a separate, modular head and cab approach. The idea of a lightweight power amp and a cool, rackmount pre is itchin'...

 

[DirkP]

In this case I would buy a lightweight active PA-speaker or two of them - let's call it a bass combo without a preamp - and any preamp or preamp pedal I want. I could use it as a monitor, as a bass amp and it could do all the stuff, a pa speaker can.

 

[John D Harris]

In this case I would buy a lightweight active PA-speaker or two of them - let's call it a bass combo without a preamp - and any preamp or preamp pedal I want. I could use it as a monitor, as a bass amp and it could do all the stuff, a pa speaker can.

I'm not affiliated, but here is something along those lines:
Barefaced Bass - FR800 high resolution active loudspeaker

 

[bazzanderson]

I run a Fender tuner pedal - SD Studio compressor – SansAmp bass character pedal – MXR M80 into my Crown XLS1002. Plenty of EQ options with the two preamps plus the MXR has a DI, plenty of power with the XLS1002 (.775 sensitivity, bridged mono) driving a GenzBenz Neo 212T (older carpet covered one). Great tone, light, small footprint and plenty of volume.