Author Topic: Power amp survey for my new F2B (Read 673 times)

sricabla · « **on:** May 16, 2003, 08:07:09 PM »

Just wanted to see what everybody is using in power amps for their F2B's. I'm looking for something in the 300 watts a side into 8 ohms,lightweight,stereo or mono out and bang for the buck. So many choices...QSC,Carver,Crown...etc...

Thanks in advance

dnburgess · « **Reply #1 on:** May 16, 2003, 09:54:04 PM »

I went through this process a few months ago. All the well known brands have their advocates, so the question boiled down to:
a. reliability - as a filter I decided to only look at amps used by touring PA firms - QSC, Crest, Crown being the obvious ones;
b. damping - particularly important for bass applications
c. portability - unlike the PA firms I don't have roadies, cranes, forklifts, etc.

On the last criterion the QSC PLX range selected itself. All the amps in the range weigh 9.5kg (thats 21 lbs for you barbarians). Thats half the weight of some of the others.

The PLX 1602 looks ideal for you - 300 Wpc into 8 ohms. My only other observation is you can never have too much power - so look at the 2402 (425 Wpc).

There's been quite a bit of talk about amps in various other threads - suggest you search by brand name.

dela217 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 17, 2003, 07:31:13 AM »

I am using a QSC 1450. I have used it stereo with my old F2B. I also have a BGW and Crown power amp. My favorite is the QSC. I find the BGW lacking detail and sounding kinda dark. The Crown I have sounds great, but it is an older strictly stereo amp. My only complaint about the QSC is that it must be used in a deep rack. I like the shallow racks myself, put then the power amps you can use in it are limited.

I am using the QSC with a Furman PQ-3 pre-amp. It powers a Bag End 2X10 and 1X15 box. Juicy sound. I usually only need to bring the 2X10. It is the deep series and has tons of bottom end.

81series1 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 17, 2003, 07:51:03 AM »

I use a QSC Powerlight 1.0 with my F2B. The combination of accurate amplification and light weight make it a natural choice. I use a Bag End ELF system to drive a D10EXD and an S15XD.

mikedm · « **Reply #4 on:** May 17, 2003, 07:53:47 AM »

For what its worth...
The only Alembic dealer is town uses several of the QSC amps in combination with both Alembic pre-amps - F-1X, -2B, in their sound room. Any combination through several cabs and sizes(Mesa, SWR, Ampeg) sounded awesome. Although the rack requirement is deeper, I'm considering replacing my heavier SWR 350 with the lighter, cleaner sounding QSC PLX 1602.

wally_malone · « **Reply #5 on:** May 17, 2003, 02:24:44 PM »

I known a number of bass players using Stewart amps when going the way of separates. The models I've seen being used include the World 1.2, 1.6 & 2.1. When bridged they are respectively 1200, 1600 and 2100 watts. The 1.2 is one rack space.

Wally

dannobasso · « **Reply #6 on:** May 18, 2003, 06:44:07 PM »

I'm also sold on the QSC PLX series. Bass rig 1602 F1X Acme Low B2 & Epifani T310 in parallel, full range out. Also own a 2402 and picking up a 3002. Options baby, options! I also have Carver Pm 174, PM 600, Creat LA1200, 900, FA 900, Samson 1200 and Hafler Ta 1100. For performance, weight, QSC is my fave. Guitar Center always has a good stock and is running 15 months no interest till the end of the month.

(Message edited by dannobasso on May 18, 2003)

bigbass · « **Reply #7 on:** May 19, 2003, 05:11:14 PM »

You might want to check out the Walter Woods Power amp. I believe he still makes them. They are the lightest and sweetest sounding amps I've ever played though. With numbers way over 1000 watts mono OR stereo and the stripped down / preamp-less version weighs only 7 pounds or less (yep, that's what said...), ya git ya self a serious amp ya can take on the plane or carry in a shoe box!!! Beware of the price. Since he only makes them to order, it sometimes can take some time to get into your hands. At least that's been my experience. Once ya git one, ya'll never sell it!

dannobasso · « **Reply #8 on:** May 19, 2003, 08:39:55 PM »

I agree that the size, weight and power are outstanding. I also do sound for club bands and one guy uses one. I'm not crazy about the 1/4 direct out for the board. He's actually too loud to be mixed! I had heard that the waiting list was over a year and they are over a grand. That's $1000.00 for us barbarians. I'll wait for an Alembic to be made to order. I'm not as patient for an amp. But if you want an Alembic, a WW, and a Harley, you are a patient person indeed!

bigbass · « **Reply #9 on:** May 20, 2003, 04:45:51 PM »

Yea Daniel, I got one WW with both direct 1/4 & cannons out. I have the 1000 Watt stereo (500 a side) model with two preamps and two power amps. It's so light I some times insert my FB2 as in the effects loop to get all sorts of colored WARMTH. I almost ordered his 1200 W power amp model w/o the pre-amp. At that time he would put any input jack/s on that you wanted. Mine only took six and a half months to build.

Ya know, I think I know your brother: Matt. I play tuba in some of his brass gigs. I think he is your his brother!??!

dannobasso · « **Reply #10 on:** May 20, 2003, 06:42:25 PM »

That would be him, Mateo the man the myth the legend. I think that he mentioned you just this week. I do sound for the Craig Scott Orchestra. I wish more club date guys would just spend the cash and get the quality gear. It's good to have a great amp but as the saying goes, garbage in... garbage out. I've actually had guys try some of my basses on gigs and got spooked by the responsiveness (my opinion) Why wouldn't you want to use a Stanley Clarke deluxe instead of a Mr. Potato Head jazz copy? (At least for one gig when it was brought to you to check out) Oh well as I mentioed in other threads, not everyone is a gear head. Alembic people are definitely not the norm. Nice to know that you go the extra mile to provide quality tone to clients.

bigredbass · « **Reply #11 on:** May 23, 2003, 12:49:21 AM »

I agree with dnburgess. I'm perfectly happy to let Clair Bros. and Showco torture-test amps for me. Hard to go wrong with Crest, Crown, or QSC.

Best cheap amp? Mackie. Best cheap used amp? Peavey CS800. Out of left field? Mesa Strategy 400 (a VERY overlooked gem), the WW mentioned above, MacIntosh, the Demeter monoblock, the Aguilar monoblock. I'm sure you all have more to add.

I just love these guys that happen upon an ALEMBIC, plug it into crappy rig, and then proceed to say it doesn't sound like their PBass.
They wouldn't know tone if it bit 'em in the ass.
They think filters come with an oil change . . .

J o e y

sricabla · « **Reply #12 on:** May 23, 2003, 08:39:55 PM »

After reading a lot of newsgroups on the Stewart World 1.2 I think I'm going to go for it. I like the power and the 1 rack space concept. I've read more good reviews than bad so I guess I'll be going for it.This will be my rig: Alembic Stanley Deluxe with Anniversary electronics, F2B, Stewart 1.2 in a rack, Acme Low B2 cabinet and those new musical equipment hand trucks. I live in NYC and I need the most compact rig I can get. I will take the subways mind you; to CBGB's and other clubs around the Lower East Side.
Thanks for all your input!

dela217 · « **Reply #13 on:** May 24, 2003, 04:04:21 PM »

- new musical equipment hand trucks -?

? What is that exactly? I am using a basic luggage carrier for my 2X10 and I hate it. Is there really something better? Sometimes I have walked as far as a mile or so with my gear here in New Orleans. There are certain times of the year when I just cannot get even close to the clubs. Please let me know!!! Michael

sricabla · « **Reply #14 on:** May 24, 2003, 06:34:45 PM »

Here in NYC I went to Sam Ash and they had this hand truck like a luggage carrier (very collapseable by the way) with a deep bottom section for cabs and pretty heavy duty.
It costs $100.00