Which Power Amp would you choose and why?

[Faraday]

Used-Rocktron Velocity 300
Carvin DCM 150
Crate Powerblock

I hear awesome stories about the old Rocktron amps, but for the same price I could get a new Crate or Carvin to run a preamp through. Any thoughts?

[MDS]

Re: Which Power Amp would you choose and why?

Hmm...I haven't had stellar experiences with Carvin or Crate in general. I probably won't be the only one to suggest looking for a used tube amp. Peavey made some tube power amps that were pretty nice and you could get it really cheap...

Mike

[tone4days]

Re: Which Power Amp would you choose and why?

i have had really good results with my carvin dcm600 ... all of my rocktron gear has also been bullet proof and high performing ... the powerblock gets rave reviews too ... it might depend on your specific application and aspirations for the gear ...

[RiffRaff]

Re: Which Power Amp would you choose and why?

peavey classic 50/50 stereo tube power amp, 50 watts stereo - 100 watts mono - really warms up the sound of any amp modeler or solid state preamp. I used one with a Vox TonelabSE and a couple of different cabinets (two rock 1x12, Bogner closed back 2x12 and an Avatar open back 2x12) the tone from the amp and modeler was excellent. Very warm with plenty of clean overhead (it was loud as hell). I bought mine on ebay for $200.

[Willis]

Re: Which Power Amp would you choose and why?

I use a Peavey Classic 60/60 with 6L6s and it sounds great. It blew out a speaker when I first got it, but that was because I bought it used and didn't change the tubes or have it looked over by a tech (all the tubes were mismatched and bad). You can find them for $200-300 and I think any of the Peavey Classic power amps would yield better results than a solid state power amp.

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Which Power Amp would you choose and why?

I was just going to mention the Peavey 60/60 or 50/50 tube power amps, then noticed others were already on it. Honestly, I wouldn't buy any of the SS power amps in the list. My PA amp is a Carvin DCM1000, and it's not bad, but it's broken down once.

The reason the Peavey is good is because they depreciated so much, that you can buy them cheap, and they sound nearly as good as a Mesa power amp. Years ago, I jumped from a Peavey 60/60 to a Mesa 295, and while the Mesa was a little better, it wasn't $600 better. Look for a used 60/60.

[PUCKBOY99]

Re: Which Power Amp would you choose and why?

I think there's a 50/50 on HC right now for $200-300...........

If money isn't an issue, grab a VHT 2/50/2

[PUCKBOY99]

Re: Which Power Amp would you choose and why?

Here ya' go:

Peavey Classic 50/50 Stereo Poweramp
Asking Price: US$350
Condition: Good
Age: N/A
Description:
For Sale: Peavey Classic 50/50 Stereo Poweramp. Has many features and controls to help you get the best tone with your preamp. Back panel: 2 inputs/outputs per channel, stereo/mono switch, ohms for each channel, recording out with level control. Front panel has level, reactance and presence for each channel. All tube design. I believe the tubes to be newer EL34/pre JJ's.

Unit in good shape with some minor rack/road wear. Back panel has a dent in the corner and one of the recording out level knobs is broken. Level can stull be adjusted asfar as I can tell.

Asking 350 shipped.

Also had a nice green sscabs 2x12 cab for sale.

Contact me for pics/more info. Hurry...will go on eBay soon.
Seller: 17 Tubes ,
E-mail: skrall (Profile)[email protected]
Location: Seminole, FL
Post Date: 12/29/2005

[Faraday]

Re: Which Power Amp would you choose and why?

Thanks guys for all the feedback. I am probably looking for SS because I already have the tube thing covered with a Triaxis into a THD Univalve. I just need power that will take the already created tube sound and stereo fx and just amplify it without coloring. If I go with another tube amp I believe I will have another set of tubes to worry about with what brand of pre and post tubes to consider. I would like a clean SS poweramp with just enough headroom to drive (2) stereo 2x10's (70watts per side). I think the Crate and Carvin might be just underpowering, that's why I'm considering the Rocktron for a little more headroom. I saw the Rocktron used in a store and am weighing the differences between that and the new Crate and Carvin.

[Benjy_26]

Re: Which Power Amp would you choose and why?

If your set on doing the SS thing, get the most power you can afford. With SS, you want NO distortion from the power section.

[MDS]

Re: Which Power Amp would you choose and why?

+50

You're gonna want 150+ watts IME. You'll probbaly also want a really nice SS amp as cheap ones distort easily(and lamely). I like the idea of preamp->tube amp->(speaker->mic->)time based effects->stereo amp->speakers, but I'd still opt for a tube amp for the final power section.

Mike