Author Topic: A good power amp for under $250? (Read 225 times)

connor · « **on:** December 15, 2009, 10:13:06 AM »

I am looking for an inexpensive power amp to use for my rig until I have enough money for an upgrade.

Currently my rig is:

Alembic F-2B (getting it next month)
Alembic SF-2
Eden D410T

The bass I mostly use is a 4-string Epic.

My bandmate's father is a professional sound engineer who did work with Phil Lesh and he suggested to me a Crown Comtech 200. Before I make a decision I want some input from the good people here though.

Thanks,
Connor

LMiwa · « **Reply #1 on:** December 15, 2009, 10:33:29 AM »

How much power are you looking for?

Used amps on eBay from Crown, QSC, or Crest are usually a pretty safe bet. You can always turn around and sell them later when you upgrade.

(Message edited by lmiwa on December 15, 2009)

lbpesq · « **Reply #2 on:** December 15, 2009, 11:04:40 AM »

How much can you afford to spend?

Bill, tgo

2400wattman · « **Reply #3 on:** December 15, 2009, 11:04:57 AM »

A Comtech? Those are for store p.a. systems. I believe they've not much power and have multiple channels. I really don't know about getting something worth a damn for what you have. you might luck up on the Bay though or maybe better Craig's List.

lbpesq · « **Reply #4 on:** December 15, 2009, 11:22:16 AM »

Oops, just noticed the title of the thread. In the immortal words of Emily Litella: never mind.

Bill, tgo

dluxe · « **Reply #5 on:** December 15, 2009, 03:25:07 PM »

I use a Carver PM-1.5 power amp. One channel puts out 450 watts into 8 ohms and they are very light too. I use it with a Yamaha PB1 preamp. I've seen them on Ebay for under $250.

(Message edited by dluxe on December 15, 2009)

crgaston · « **Reply #6 on:** December 15, 2009, 05:03:20 PM »

Hi Connor, Welcome to the club. That's a great rig you'll have there. Are you running your bass stereo?

+1 on what Loch (lmiwa) said. You can often find absolute steals on state-of-the-art amps from the '80's and '90's. Nobody wants to lug the weight anymore, but they sound way better with their big 'ol iron transformers compared to digital amps.

Crests are my favorite, but Crown and QSC are great, too. What you're looking for are Crest amps named either fa-901, 1201 or 2401, la 601,901, or 1201, Pro 3301, 4801, 6001, 7001, 8001, or maybe a ca2, ca4, or ca6.

Good luck. I don't know as much about Crown or QSC model numbers.

Oh, yes, a lot of these will eat your speakers if you clip them, so watch out for the argry red light.

Heck, I just did a search and found a cpx900 b-stock for 220 BIN and 30 bucks shipping. That would hook you right up. It's not really old but it is class AB, and weighs enough!

sonicus · « **Reply #7 on:** December 16, 2009, 05:04:07 PM »

HI Connor
There are aspects of power amps that are note worthy to consider;
1) Power measured @ 8 OHMS in RMS Watts per channel
2) Power in Bridged Mode and the procedure and connection specs for Bridged mode
3) How does the Amplifier perform @4 OHMS or @2OHMS ?
4) DAMPING FACTOR ! higher usually means better Low frequency Definition .
5)Frequency response
6) Power bandwidth
7) COOLING DESIGN!!!! is it fan cooled or convection cooled; THIS IS IMPORTANT !!!!

output protection design !
9) WEIGHT !
10) How many rack spaces will it occupy ?

There are most certainly other criteria but it is good to do your HOME WORK before you make a purchase! Definitions to ALL the terminology that I used in the above list is all available on GOOGLE.

There are great buys on older PRO power amps such as CREST / Yamaha/QSC ... ETC...

I recently picked up a CREST VS900 on ebay for about $150.oo and a Yamaha P2200 for $230.oo
The DEALS are out there, IF you have an old HEAVY Vintage Amplifier shipped to you Insist that the seller DOUBLE BOXES it in oversized cartons when they pack it.(LOTS of thick foam padding & LOTS of thick bubble wrap ) Packing on all heavy rack gear is paramount in importance , for all rack gear for that matter. ( NO PACKING PEANUTS ) I have had TOO many rack items shipped to me that were packed by BUFFOONS that resulted in bent rack ears or far worse damage( don't get me stared on this one ) lol ___ .

Happy gear hunting too you !___________

Wolf .

(Message edited by sonicus on December 17, 2009)

albertron · « **Reply #8 on:** December 17, 2009, 07:18:51 AM »

If you want to get out cheap with a quiet and very efficient amp check out the Peavey CS series amps. They run FOREVER and have some nice built in features to keep it from overheating or blowing fuses. I scored mine for about 250 used but in wicked clean condition. They are VERY heavy so if weight is an issue look to a class D amp.

bass4worship · « **Reply #9 on:** December 19, 2009, 11:06:56 AM »

I was able to find a GBE400 Genz Benz) for under $200. Great amp with 400 watts @ 4 ohms.

connor · « **Reply #10 on:** December 19, 2009, 08:41:58 PM »

Hey guys, thanks for all of the input!

It looks like I won't be going for the crown (at least not that model), but I will definitely be looking into the amps recommended.

Thanks again, and new input is always welcome.

Connor\

crgaston · « **Reply #11 on:** December 20, 2009, 01:53:10 AM »

Connor, after doing some looking the best thing I saw for you was a Crown PowerBase 2. Lots of them available for cheap. One of my singers has had one in his PA rack since 1993. It'll do great until you can afford a Crest Pro 7001 or a Crown K2 (or a QSC PLX 2402, if you're concerned about size/weight).

funkyjazzjunky · « **Reply #12 on:** December 21, 2009, 08:04:42 AM »

Look at Carvin

http://www.carvinguitars.com/poweramps/

connor · « **Reply #13 on:** December 22, 2009, 07:29:42 PM »

Hey everyone, thanks again for all of the suggestions. I am happy to say my search is finished, and I have found an amp that I wasn't expecting to end up with at all - an Eden WT405. Tried one out today, found a great deal, and now it is mine.

Connor

elwoodblue · « **Reply #14 on:** December 22, 2009, 07:53:19 PM »

Wow, congrats Connor,
They have caught my eye before, I haven't had the chance to play one. Did you find a new adapter for the SF-2?

cheers,