Why is the SD Powerstage...
- Thread starter Aceman
- Start date
beaubrummels
Well-known member
I don't know for fact, but my guess would be it's to allow headroom to be clean amplification, not coloring whatever you put through it.
CaptainWhizz
New member
Maybe they were developing it, a prototype came out at 172, and they were like, “screw it, call it 170 and go for it”?
LLL
New member
Because a group of people with far more electronics experience than yourself decided that was a good number, that's why.
Aceman
I am your doctor of love!
Yeah, well, you were not one of them. I'm asking as a guitar player. As the Customer, I'd want 20, 30, 50, or 100.
I guess that means SD has more power amp knowledge than every other amp builder in the history of ever. Don't think so.
Electronic experience/knowledge does not equal market knowledge/sensibility.
My bet is that the amp module is actually capable of 200+ watts, but they could only find a safe way to put a power supply that would support 170 watts of output into the pedal case they used.
Most of the modules that you find on eBay, and the like, are rated for that wattage at peak. BUTTTT the actual output power is tied directly to the capability of the power supply you use. Most modules have a voltage rating that ranges between 12 to 48 volts for instance. The module will run off of 12 volts, but it will not produce its maximum rated power at that voltage. If you use a power supply that is rated at or near its max voltage rating, it will then produce the maximum rated output power.
When you are trying to build something with constraints utilizing other OEM parts, you sometimes end up compromising on some things. In this case, I think it is that they had an OEM module that was capable of much more power, but they couldn't fit a large enough PSU into the case in order to extrapolate all available power. 170 watts ended up being what they could produce?
Most of the modules that you find on eBay, and the like, are rated for that wattage at peak. BUTTTT the actual output power is tied directly to the capability of the power supply you use. Most modules have a voltage rating that ranges between 12 to 48 volts for instance. The module will run off of 12 volts, but it will not produce its maximum rated power at that voltage. If you use a power supply that is rated at or near its max voltage rating, it will then produce the maximum rated output power.
When you are trying to build something with constraints utilizing other OEM parts, you sometimes end up compromising on some things. In this case, I think it is that they had an OEM module that was capable of much more power, but they couldn't fit a large enough PSU into the case in order to extrapolate all available power. 170 watts ended up being what they could produce?
eclecticsynergy
Well-known member
Why? So they eventually could upgrade it to 200.
For the guy always wanting more...170 is more than 20, 30, 50, 100.
LLL
New member
This is true. 170 is definitely more (dare I say) than "eleven".
CaptainWhizz
New member
Is it 170 into 4 ohms?
People always say that solid state amps aren’t as loud as tube amps of the same wattage, don’t they?
Plus, higher wattage is useful for bass players.
Aren't there tube amps at 18 watts? I think an H&K, plus Fender did a Bassbreaker 18/36 combo.
People always say that solid state amps aren’t as loud as tube amps of the same wattage, don’t they?
Plus, higher wattage is useful for bass players.
Aren't there tube amps at 18 watts? I think an H&K, plus Fender did a Bassbreaker 18/36 combo.
LLL
New member
And Marshall did a phenomenal 18 watter back in the 60s. 3xECC83/12AX7s plus 2xEL84s
Aceman
I am your doctor of love!
I get that it is designed for clean headroom. Obvious 70 extra watts does that. But if using a modeling amp or pedal or whatever, do you really need more than 100?
Does the extra 70 really add that much?
And while there are extra features on the 200, is the extra 30 enough to warrant that?
Does the extra 70 really add that much?
And while there are extra features on the 200, is the extra 30 enough to warrant that?
The extra EQ and headphone out is really cool to have. But both are plenty loud for guitar applications.
