Time to buy a power amp (on the cheap)
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Posted on Nov 06, 2006 01:18 pm
BeerHunter
www.TheLondonProject.ca
Member Since: Feb 07, 2005
Hey all,
I currently use a Yorkville PA amp and speakers that I got from work. The one condition is that I have to bring it in to work occasionally (once every couple months for special occassions). It is a bit of the pain in the *** to bring it in but since it was free so I can't complain. However, I don't want to do this anymore. I want to get a permanent solution of my own.
I have been shopping on EvilBay and I was hoping to get some feedback on a couple of brands. (I have a ~$200 budget).
If I am to buy new there are only a couple of brands that fit my budget. Pyramid, Gem Sound, and Technical Pro (that I know of). If I buy used then I could possibly get a QSC or a Crown. Now I know that QSC and Crown are great (or so I hear) but the only way I can afford one of them is to buy used (not so sure about this).
So now, are any of the cheaper brands any good (out of the ones mentioned above)? Would I be better off stretching my budget and buying a "used" QSC or Crown.
I will be using this amp for jammin' only. Basically monitoring my M-Audio outputs and it needs to have enough juice to be louder than drums. I will not be gigging with this amp. I will use the 15" PA speakers that I have for the time being. (I will be buying some of my own PA speakers later).
What do you guys suggest? What are you using for an amp? Should I maybe thinking of powered stage monitors instead? Hmm, so many questions.
TIA,
Lonnie
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Nov 06, 2006 03:11 pm I've been on the same quest a few times.I would say to go for a well tried and tested make and one you can pick up yourself that you can hear working. Carlsbro,PV,Yamaha may be in this price bracket. I did buy a Crown on Ebay but had to send it back cos it didn't work, so the top of the range ones are hard to get.Good luck.
BeerHunterwww.TheLondonProject.caMember
Since: Feb 07, 2005
Nov 06, 2006 09:48 pm I'm really curious to hear what the Pyramid, Gem Sound, and Technical Pro amps are like. They are new and priced right but do they suck?
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Nov 07, 2006 05:13 pm Alesis, Phonics, Samson, all have low price models out there depending on the wattage you need.
BeerHunterwww.TheLondonProject.caMember
Since: Feb 07, 2005
Nov 07, 2006 09:08 pm I'm having a hell of a time finding an Alesis. I can find one on a Canadian online music shop for ~$300 which I feel is too expensive. A Europower for about $450. Phonics I've never heard of but I'm digging into it now. Samson doesn't seem to have a great reputation on their other stuff so...
I saw a ancient Pyramid amp that was still going strong (at least 10-15 y/o). Maybe it is a good brand, I don't know.
I really don't even know what I should be looking for (wattage). I don't need to gig with it but I want something that is going to have some kick to it. What kind of wattage should I be looking at for a rehearsal space? It has to be loud enough to put the drummer in his place. I'd like to run a POD through it. Maybe two. Ideally I would like to monitor the kick through it as well (I'm sure that will soak up some wattage). BTW - I will be driving some 200 watt 8 ohm PA speakers with it.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Nov 09, 2006 09:38 pm I had good luck with a Sampson Servo 350 years ago. But launched it for a newer Alesis referance class.
OK, driving bigger speakers will make a differance. If you can find Peavey up there I definately recomend that. I run one of the 1000 watt jobs for my large format speakers in here. Killer and stable as hell. No noise either.
But the Pyramid name does ring a bell now that you mention it again. I think they are up there in the big power amp selection as a better reliable brand.
