WTB: Alembic Preamp F-1x or F-2b

[Rhythmdoctor]

The replies are very helpful, thank you so much.

Let me break down my goal more clearly so y'all wonderful people can help more directly!  I'm working on acquiring 2 bag end cabs.  One will be a 2x10 and the other a 1x18.  Now, Bag End cabs can sometimes include power amps (the ones with a P in their product number. P =  powered).  I'm working directly with Bag End trying to obtain both of these used with Power amps.  That said, I'm also shopping these cabs online, many of which do not have the power amps.  Here are my questions:

If I go the non-powered route, meaning I get the Cabs that don't include power amps, Can I use 1 power amp to run both cabs?  If so, what kind of specs should I be looking for on the Power amp?
How would I hook up both these cabs and power amp through the Alembic preamp (either the F-2b or F-1x)

What I'm not sure of is how necessary or not it is to get the Bag End cabs that already include power amps.  Bag End is being slow on the response time which is why I'm looking elsewhere online.  It's just that I'm very new to this rig and gear game so I don't want to mess this up.

I play bass in a Grateful Dead tribute band. I have an Alembic Spoiler bass currently but may possibly upgrade to a Series 1 in the future.  All considerations for my rig setup.

Any questions answered is very much appreciated!!  I love Alembic!!

[jazzyvee]

Looks like you are thinking things in the right way.
If  you go for powered cabs you can indeed take the high and low outputs from the F1-x, to individual powered speakers power amp inputs and you are good to go. The same with an F-2B if you are using a stereo input then you can take the two outs  from the F-2B to the individual speaker' power amp inputs.

If you are going to run mono then, if the Bag End cabs have a link option that allows you to link the inputs to both speaker amps then you can also go mono with two cabs by using the full range out of the F-1x or the mono out of the F-2B.

If using a power amp, i would suggest a stereo one since you are considering a series bass and yes you can use it to power the cabs that don't have their own amps in them. (I don't know your budget but if the series basses mean you have to dig deeper into your pocket than you want to go, then check out alembics with the anniversary electronics package too as they have a mono/stereo output option which would allow you to use both channels on an F-2B).

As Hammer suggested an SF-2 which is an incredible tone shaping tool and it can be used as a preamp or put in the send/return loop of the F-1X. I was using mine as a stand alone preamp for about a year before the Covid lockdown as it gave me more control of the bottom end for my reggae gigs. They are not very common on the used market nor is the F-2B for good reasons.

[Rhythmdoctor]

Bump - I'm still very much interested in acquiring and Alembic preamp.

[rv_bass]

These popped up on reverb today

https://reverb.com/item/43914446-alembic-f-2b-guitar-preamplifier


https://reverb.com/item/43914485-alembic-f1-x-bass-preamplifier
Modify message

[lbpesq]

I just came here to post the new listings on reverb, but Rob beat me to it!

Bill, tgo

[rv_bass]

[StephenR]

These popped up on reverb today

https://reverb.com/item/43914446-alembic-f-2b-guitar-preamplifier

https://reverb.com/item/43914485-alembic-f1-x-bass-preamplifier

If interested be aware that one of the channels on the F-2B has been modified.

[lbpesq]

And it appears the knobs on the F-2B been replaced.

Bill, tgo

[rv_bass]

Good catch, Stephen, wonder if it is easy to reverse depending on what was done.

[Rhythmdoctor]

Thanks for the updates, fellas. I didn't see them until today but I do have an active search fee on Reverb.

[rv_bass]

Here is a recently posted F-1X on Reverb

https://reverb.com/item/44743745-alembic-f-1x-bass-preamp

[Rhythmdoctor]

Thanks again for everyone's help.  A new listing on Reverb appeared today for a used (1975?) red knob F-2b and now it's MINE!!  So excited.  Now I can begin to build my Phil Lesh rig, lol.  I'm now looking for the right cab.  Looking into RevSound 210 or 410 and same with Bag End.  I'm open to suggestions and knowledge.