Crate PowerBlock.. Worth it?

[V-Spot]

I kind of want to upgrade my set-up, and I noticed this Crate PowerBlock. Interesting little thing, it is. Although the 150 Solid State watts are kind of bleh, the rest of it seems okay. I still have yet to play it, but it isn't a bells-and-whistles kind of thing, just 5 or 6 knobs on the front, a headphone out (BIIIG plus for me), effects loop and speaker out easily located on the back.

It got decent reviews so far on Harmony-Central, but I want some true toneologists opinions. Is it worth the $200 MRSP? Plus the cabinet? I'm not gigging just yet, because I'm in a crunch for time, and the band I was currently in kind of fell apart, but I probably will start looking for gigs fairly soon.

So, is this newest innovation from Crate really living up to its hype, or is it just a flash-in-the-pan deal?

Thanks in advance,
Andrew

 

[Mephis]

Re: Crate PowerBlock.. Worth it?

If you can tollerate solid state amps, im sure it'll be fine. I can't so I've been going through an amp crissis for a long time, and Im hoping it'll be over with my next amp.

 

[V-Spot]

Re: Crate PowerBlock.. Worth it?

If you can tollerate solid state amps, im sure it'll be fine. I can't so I've been going through an amp crissis for a long time, and Im hoping it'll be over with my next amp.

I'm pretty sure I can tolerate solid state, but if not there's always that Wine Red Traynor YCV20 I could get as a trade-in.. I'm pretty akin towards it, so I may just do that, and get an external 4x12 cab or something when I do start doing gigs.

 

[Mephis]

Re: Crate PowerBlock.. Worth it?

I'd get the traynor!

 

[V-Spot]

Re: Crate PowerBlock.. Worth it?

I'd get the traynor!

How'd I know you were going to say that? :dance: :laugh2:

 

[ErikH]

Re: Crate PowerBlock.. Worth it?

I tried the PowerBlock last week. It was set up with a PODxt running in to it and then out to a 2x12. I was impressed. In the setup I was using it was being used primarily as a power amp even though it does have a tone stack on it. I liked it.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Crate PowerBlock.. Worth it?

i actually bought one. i figured rather than bringing a second tube amp, ill just keep the power block in the van so if the bassman blows for some reason i can atleast make it thru the gig. the amp section doesnt sound horrible, it sure isnt the same as an old fender but in a pinch itll work just fine

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: Crate PowerBlock.. Worth it?

I definitely wouldn't use it as my main amp without a preamp or POD plugged into it. The reviews I've heard are that it's an excellent power amp, but pretty meh on its own.

 

[bryvincent]

Re: Crate PowerBlock.. Worth it?

hey v-spot, i saw one too in Mother's Music. i didn't try it though. but i think it will be a good back-up amp though i think you'll gonna need a some modelling/multi-effects unit for it to sound good. SS amps are not bad at all as long as you don't clip it. if its 150W, it will have ample power for gigs and it will be very loud before it clips.

 

[Dirt123]

Re: Crate PowerBlock.. Worth it?

i actually bought one. i figured rather than bringing a second tube amp, ill just keep the power block in the van so if the bassman blows for some reason i can atleast make it thru the gig. the amp section doesnt sound horrible, it sure isnt the same as an old fender but in a pinch itll work just fine

I'm thinkin' about getting one for the same reason.

Plus if I got a 2x12, I could use my Tonelab in stereo!

 

[jeremy]

Re: Crate PowerBlock.. Worth it?

i already have 2x12 cab at 8 ohms so all i had to buy is the head. for $200 it dont sound half bad

 

[Jazz Rock]

Re: Crate PowerBlock.. Worth it?

Do any of you know about the Gibson GL amp?
It seems to be the same type of device as the Crate Power block... Ever tried or heared about it?

 

[Amateur]

Re: Crate PowerBlock.. Worth it?

I have the Power Block since it first came out. It sounds good on a 4x12 cab. I put a tube preamp and some FX to it and it sounds even better. The only concern I have is that it gets noisy when you crank the gain and level up to 7.5; but if you use a preamp and bridged to 8 ohm, you probably don't need to crank it up unless you are gigging in a stadium without going through the PA.