Solid state power amps?

[Willis]

I recently bought an ADA MP-1 and a Behringer Virtualizer. I'm using the tube power amp of my Marshall to power it, but I'm planning on selling that soon. I was thinking of getting a Peavey Classic tube power amp, but I saw Vito Bratta's rig and he used an ADA MP-1 which I have, a BBE Sonic Maximizer, some effects, and a Carvin FET power amp. I really like his tone, and since I have the same preamp as him, the only think I don't know about is the solid state power amp.
How does he get such a good tone with a solid state power amp? Should I get one? Or should I get a tube power amp? I know most people will say get a tube amp, but I really like his tone, and my rig would be quite similar if I got the same power amp.
Also, will his having EMGs play a big part of it? I don't really like EMGs, so I'm wondering how my rig would sound with passive SDs (around PAF/Screamin Demon output level), an MP-1 and a Carvin FET power amp.

To hear the sound I'm talking about, listen to Wait or the solo on When the Children Cry by White Lion.

Sorry if that didn't make sense.

 

[Kommerzbassist]

Re: Solid state power amps?

Well, imo the power amp doesn't affect the tone that much anyway, and if you like a clearer, somehow sharper tone you can't be wrong with MOSFET stuff... ( I actually don't know that song you posted)

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: Solid state power amps?

I would go with a tube power amp, but lots of guys use SS or MOSFET, give it a shot and make up your own mind.

 

[tone4days]

Re: Solid state power amps?

well, i have a carvin dcm 600 that feeds my two boogie 1x12" closed back cabs and think my tone is pretty kickin' ... i use a solid state preamp too (rocktron pro gap) .. no one with a discerning ear would ever confuse my rack for an all tube rig, but it suits me just fine and has never given me a lick of trouble ...

i think a tube power amp most definetly DOES effect the tone considerably .. some guys like it, some guys dont ... go play a SS power amp with your rig and see what you think ...

good luck
t4d

 

[MrHeavyMetal]

Re: Solid state power amps?

you can get some most excellent hard rock and metal tones using a good juiced preamp like a ADA, Marshall JMP-1 or Mesa Triaxis running into a SS amp then into a good cab with Vintage 30's etc. With a good rig, don't let the SS throw you cause these rigs can rip your head off if set up correctly.

 

[korinastratkyle]

Re: Solid state power amps?

FET's and MOSFET's act like tubes in that they produce even order (eg. twice the freq. is an octave up) harmonics as their non-linearity (especially when pushed, like tubes) where as normal transistors (BJT's) produce odd-order harmonics and when pushed get kind of a nasty staticy sound as well.

Trust me, I'm finishing up a second years of electronics classes, I know what I'm talking about! BJT's certainly give SS amps a bad rep, companies use them because they are cheaper and more common. Oh yeah, you don't have to dish out $50 a year or so to buy new power tubes!

BTW, the preamp is the part that gets overdriven, so tubes or FET's would really only be needed there. I think you're good to go as far as warmth and musicality goes!

 

[grams]

Re: Solid state power amps?

I like a tube power amp more than a solid state one. The tubes have more punch. A more direct feel - the sound has more life...
I tried several SS poweramps and none of them had what I wanted. Somehow something wasn't right. It's just a personal flavour. I don't want to say, that I can hear the difference - it was rather a feeling - right <-> wrong

 

[SingleCutDude]

Re: Solid state power amps?

The guys who say tube power amp matters are right. The question is do you care? For some styles (modern heavy metal, country, some forms of Jazz/dance, anything with too many effects) a solid state power amp would be great! Affordable, crisp, clean, relatively lightweight and reliable.

If you're into blues, old-school rock, or a slew of other styles though, power tubes are a must. MOSFETS and such can try, but it'll never be the same. Anyone who's ever cranked the preamp on a master volume tube amp, with the master way down . . . that horrid, thin sound . . . that's a combination of speaker response as well, but that's preamp tubes without some sort of power-amp tone shaping. *Shudders*

 

[MrHeavyMetal]

Re: Solid state power amps?

...Anyone who's ever cranked the preamp on a master volume tube amp, with the master way down . . . that horrid, thin sound . . .

master volumes on a good tube amp are a disgrace. you gotta let the output tubes work.

 

[SHRED RED]

Re: Solid state power amps?

I wouldent trade my Crate 1/2 stack SS for any tube amp!

 

[Stringmachine]

Re: Solid state power amps?

I've owned both the ADA MP-1 and the Marshall JMP-1 and used both with an Carvin FET power amp. Prefered the ADA MP-1 though. If you are after that 80's rock sound (Bratta, Lynch, Gilbert etc.) it will be just fine. It might be a little bright sounding, but that's it. Killer for distortion of that type!!
I would definetly try it! Good luck.

 

[Willis]

Re: Solid state power amps?

As soon as I can sell my half stack, I'm going to buy the Carvin. Thanks a lot everyone!

 

[Willis]

Re: Solid state power amps?

I found a Peavey Classic 60/60 for $199 and couldn't pass it up, so I put money down and it's on a 3 month layaway. I need to sell my other amps...

 

[msplines]

Re: Solid state power amps?

I've tried em back to back and the peavey tubes win, no problem. Mosfets and co are fine if you use tons of fx, but the power tubes do make a difference in terms of depth, pick response and overall feel for passive stuff. Good decision on the Peavey, but you might want to change tubes - lotsa advice available here on that one!

 

[Hellion]

Re: Solid state power amps?

I've been using a SS power amp of one brand or another for the last 10 years (Marshall, QSC, Yamaha, etc). I defy anyone to be able to tell the difference between my system run through a SS power amp vs a tube amp. Personally, I like SS power. The bottom end is crisper and doesn't "sog out" like tubes.

 

[msplines]

Re: Solid state power amps?

If the bottom end "sogs out", then there is usually a problem, frequently the choice of power tubes, but there are other problems that cause this too (choice of speakers to name but one) - as to telling the difference, it depends on your exact setup, music styles and so on.
I still have the Yamaha SS for home use but I sold the others. The Peavey weighs a ton by comparison, but it's still the best sound out of all of them. (Mind you, I'd love to try the VSTs, good reviews but mucho money).

 

[B2D]

Re: Solid state power amps?

I've had good results using a Line 6 Pod Pro and a 100W Carvin SS power amp through a PA. I've tried a few different ones and the carvin seemed to produce the best sound.