Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Alembic Basses & Guitars => Topic started by: Thomasio on February 24, 2023, 09:18:25 AM

Title: Recommendations for rack mount stereo bass amplifier
Post by: Thomasio on February 24, 2023, 09:18:25 AM
Hello -I am looking for ideas for a two channel ("stereo"), rack mount bass amplifier to replace the 2 channel Peavey that I am currently using.

I am feeding two F1-X preamps into the two channel power amp. The Peavey is fine (I think it is a CS800S), but I thought I would consider trying something different.


Thank you for any suggestions.
Title: Re: Recommendations for rack mount stereo bass amplifier
Post by: StephenR on February 24, 2023, 09:22:34 AM
I have been using, and have been happy with, a Crest ProLite 3.0. Lots of good choices out there.
Title: Re: Recommendations for rack mount stereo bass amplifier
Post by: keith_h on February 24, 2023, 09:27:06 AM
I use QSC PLX/PLX2 amplifiers for both my bass rig and PA system. I drive my bass rig with a PLX3002 with one channel for the subs and another to the 2X10 mains.
Title: Re: Recommendations for rack mount stereo bass amplifier
Post by: flavofive on February 24, 2023, 10:18:12 AM
I use a Crown XLS 2502.  It's terrific - I got it used on Craigslist for a good price, and it puts out 440W per channel into 8 ohms.  Or 775W per channel @ 4 ohms.  Or 2400W bridged @ 4 ohms!
Works great for me.  It has DSP for built-in crossover and other options, which is great.

There are also the XLS 1002, 1502, or 2002 if you don't need that much power, and/or want to reduce weight (not that the 2502 is that heavy - only 10.8 lbs).  I just figured that for a modest price increase, I might as well never need to worry about needing more wattage again.  :)


I think Jazzyvee here in the Club uses one of the XLS xx02 amps as well; I can't remember exactly which model.
Title: Re: Recommendations for rack mount stereo bass amplifier
Post by: jazzyvee on February 24, 2023, 10:45:40 AM
Correct, i use the XSL 1502 and not had problems with it. I did have a QSC PLX2402 previous to that which is a great amp but a real pain to move about in a SKB 6U  XRack case.
Title: Re: Recommendations for rack mount stereo bass amplifier
Post by: edwin on March 01, 2023, 11:33:26 PM
+1 for the Crest ProLite 3.0. I went through a lot of power amps and these just have a slam that sounds great.

Of course, in the opposite direction, weight wise, I've been playing through a McIntosh MC2300 and that's just glorious. Luckily, it belongs to a friend who is happy to carry it to my gigs!

My usual power for mono situations is a Quilter Bass Block 800. Weighs very little and packs a huge punch. Great combo with Alembic preamps.
Title: Re: Recommendations for rack mount stereo bass amplifier
Post by: hdfixer on March 02, 2023, 01:56:37 PM
Another vote for the Crest Prolite 3!  I have had one in my big rig for a number of years and it's great.
Title: Re: Recommendations for rack mount stereo bass amplifier
Post by: KR on March 02, 2023, 03:27:54 PM
https://carvinaudio.com/collections/lt/products/lt2000-2000w-2-channel-pfc-power-amplifier -----might work but ask Carvin directly. This one has limiting, too.