Author Topic: Power Amp (Read 403 times)

worldfamousandy · « **on:** June 04, 2006, 04:08:29 AM »

My new Schroeder 410 cabinet is being built today and shipped to me Monday. I bought the Schroeder because of the sound, it's power handling capabilty, and its weight (60 lbs.). I can't wait to get my hands on this!

I use an F-1X pre, and QSC power. I notice that since I last bought a power amp, they have gotten a lot lighter. Has anyone used the new QSC PLX amps? I'm thinking about a 2502, which can deliver 2500W into 4 ohms, in bridged mono mode. My new cab will handle 1400W RMS, so I think this is probably the appropriate amp for me.

Any thoughts on these amps, or other options?

kilowatt · « **Reply #1 on:** June 04, 2006, 05:37:59 AM »

Andy,
I run a very similiar rig, and all I can say is that the PLX series is fantastic. Light weight and powerful make it a great choice. When my band does a split bill with some friends of ours, we always use my rig, and their bass player just can't believe the power and sound of the Schroeder/QSC/Alembic rig.

Pete

crgaston · « **Reply #2 on:** June 04, 2006, 05:39:34 AM »

While the PLX doesn't have quite the same pure a$$kicking thump of, say a Crest CA9 or Crown K2, it is SIGNIFICANTLY smaller and lighter. I use a PLX 2402 and am quite happy with it.

jacko · « **Reply #3 on:** June 05, 2006, 05:21:22 AM »

I use a PLX2402 with my eden navigator and it's the happiest I've been ampwise since I started playing.

Graeme

bassman10096 · « **Reply #4 on:** June 05, 2006, 05:47:16 AM »

Hey Graeme (or anyone else with Navigator experience): I use a PLX2402 with an F1-X and SF-2 and have been very happy. I can definitely endorse the PLX's for great sound and light weight.

On another note (please excuse me if this is a hijack - I'll move to another thread if so): I guess I'm just getting itchy, but I've been reading up specs and reviews on the Navigator and wondering if the particular features might make it even better than just the F1-X (I don't think I could part with the SF-2!). Any thoughts or recommendations?
Bill

keith_h · « **Reply #5 on:** June 05, 2006, 06:06:33 AM »

I use a Navigator into either a Bag End ELF then into a PLX 3002 or the Navigator straight into a PLX 2402. I also use a 2402 in my PA. I've been very happy with all of the PLX'es. I expect that the new PLX2 series will be just as good as the older PLX line.

Keith

jacko · « **Reply #6 on:** June 05, 2006, 06:09:49 AM »

Hi Bill.
I compared the Nav back to back with Mike Pisaneks F1-X and they're pretty similar in tone when run flat. There is however (IMHO) a greater scope for tone manipulation with the Nav. The output section also appears to be more versatile, - You have the option of running in 'stereo' mode or, switching to Bi-amp mode, you can sweep the internal crossover to direct lows and highs to different amps/cabs. The only thing I don't use is the 'Enhance' function which I feel is a weak point on the amp. That said, it does have a very good compression circuit missing from the F1-X aswell as a mute button - controllable from the footswitch. There's also a turbo boost on the footswitch that adds 10Db - I believe more recent models are limited to 6Db which shouldn't scare your guitarists as much as mine does;-)

One thing to consider is how you'd plug in a series bass - the navigator only has a single mono jack input.

Graeme

bassman10096 · « **Reply #7 on:** June 05, 2006, 10:18:01 AM »

Thanks Graeme: That was sort of the impression I had developed from the various sources seen and heard. The EQ on the F1-X is pretty rudimentary while the EQ (if that's all you'd call it) on the SF-2 is interplanetary. I'd definitely never let go of the SF - it's the only thing that can do real magic when needed or desired. But more capable basic tone shaping and a decent compressor in the same unit may be something I want to try. Hey - I can always go back, right? Unfortunately I don't have a problem with where to plug in a Series bass, since I had to sacrifice mine to the gods of college tuition (a worthy swap).
Thanks a lot for the input.
Bill

(Message edited by bassman10096 on June 05, 2006)

worldfamousandy · « **Reply #8 on:** June 13, 2006, 05:14:16 AM »

This power amp debate has me re-thinking things. Is the Crown K2 the best-sounding amp for bass, regardless of weight? I don't want to sacrifice sound at all, I was just thinking that there may now be something out there that's lighter and sounds as good.

palembic · « **Reply #9 on:** June 13, 2006, 05:58:52 AM »

Heyho!
To brother Keith!
Since I am continuously looking to get a new poweramp I checked the possibility of the new PLX's too!
I went for the (old) PLX 3002 at first.
The new ones are divides in the very light PLX2's and the PLX4's.
The PLX4's have th eformer whieght and the 2's are only HALF that one!
Although ...but ...but (there is ALWAYS a but) ...the PLX2's have a LOWER DAMPING factor as the PLX4's (and the old PLX-serie).
IFF (if and only if)I was good informed over the years being member of this jolly club of good hearted wacko-bass-nuts the REASONof the PLX being a must buy for us low frequency riders is the fact that the poweramp must be FAST! Teh damping factor of >500 speaks for that. The PLX2's are not reaching that factor, I think only >200.
As you all know I am a technical moron but it is something I always look at when checking out power amps for bass. THAT and its wheight seen my spine problems!

Paul TBO

kmh364 · « **Reply #10 on:** June 13, 2006, 06:15:45 AM »

FWIW, don't get hung-up on specs. SOUND should be your guiding factor. As a life-long hi-fi nut, I can tell you unequivocally that, in my experience, specifications tend to have little, if any, correllation to the actual sound of a piece of audio equipment. Great specs., in and of themselves, do not guarantee great sound.

Let your ears be your guide. 'Nuff said.

Cheers,

Kevin

FWIW, I have a PLX3402 for use with my F-2B and SF-2.

olieoliver · « **Reply #11 on:** June 13, 2006, 06:36:34 AM »

I would weigh another factor in here Andy. Where are you using the power amp the most, i.e. on the road or playing locally. I love Crown power amps, to me they sound the best and have the most head room. BUT when I was on the road I would only use QSC, (or in the 80's CS-800 peavy). Crowns are great but very expensive and time consuming to repair, (or at least they were when I was traveling), QSC on the other hand are less expensive (or where in the 80's and 90's0 I'm a little out of touch since retiring)and can be repaired and sometimes even replaced much cheaper and faster than Crown.
The same applied to speakers for me. I ran in town nothing but JBL & Hartke(Guild) but on the road, Blackwidows only. You could fry a Blackwidow on Friday night have it reparied while you wait and be jamming Saturday night all for about 40 bucks (80's money here), not so with JBL or any other brand for that matter.
All in all though I agree with Kevin let your ears be your guide.

palembic · « **Reply #12 on:** June 13, 2006, 07:24:23 AM »

Oh ...let there be no misunderstanding about the ear-thing!
Just: back in time I was amazed by the concept fastness for an amp!
It took some time to understand and see what it stands for.
And above all: ...I could hear it!

Paul TBO

worldfamousandy · « **Reply #13 on:** June 13, 2006, 07:37:41 AM »

Yeah, I generally don't pay much attention to specs, either. I understand what they mean, but I prefer to simply hear the whole thing.

The problem with me looking for new gear is my geographic location: Wyoming. There is no place within 500 miles for me to go hear these things, and shipping is spendy on an item like a Crown K2. Sometimes, I order several models of things like pedals and other light items, and send back all but the one I liked. No big deal for pedals, but it's another story for power amps!

I do travel to play gigs, but it is normally in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. The region is not exactly known for an abundance of boutique audio shops. I try to get as much info on sound as I can prior to ordering. That's why I trust all of your opinions so much!

By the way, I got that Schroeder last week, and I gigged with it 3 times so far. This thing sounds incredible, and it is capable of insane volume, if that's what you're after!

www.andycalderbass.com

811952 · « **Reply #14 on:** June 13, 2006, 07:46:28 AM »

Andy,
I would be surprised if you couldn't find examples of several of these amps up in Bozeman. Back in the day Craig's Pickin' Parlor carried all the good stuff...
John