Power amp recommendation for Evans pre-amp.

George Kimery · From: Limestone, TN, USA

I am currently running my Evans Stereo pre-amp through my Stereo Steel combo, which works just fine, but if the Stereo Steel conks out, my Evans is dead too. I can make space in my rack case for a 1U power amp so the Evans is independent of the Stereo Steel. Any suggestions as to a good reasonably priced 1U stereo power amp.

Thanks.

Larry Dering · From: Missouri, USA

George I have looked into the 1u rack and the options are limited. I know John Hughey used the Stewart (spelling) units. I think the 1.2 World. Maybe some others will chime in. I have an old Carvin and old Peavey DPC 750 power amp. Both are 1u and do a decent job but they are old and no longer made.

George Kimery · From: Limestone, TN, USA

Larry, I had the Stewart 1.2, but it was heavy and too deep front to back to fit into my rack case. Crown makes a 1U that I beleive, is 500 watts for around $250.00. The main reason I am asking on the forum is if there is a brand or model that works best for steel. I am not in a hurry and will probably buy a used one.

Larry Dering · From: Missouri, USA

George, I know you are trying to cut down the weight. I often use my Session 400 or the Special 130 with a tube preamp and profex II into the power amp in. That's why I got the DPC750 but it's too deep for my rack and heavy. Maybe quilter or the other mfg will make a lightweight single space power amp for guitarist.

Tom Dillon · From: La Mesa, California, USA

George, I looked into this myself recently and came to the conclusion that there isn't a one space rack amp with similar power to the Stereo Steel. I ended up sticking with my Stereo Steel and it's still my favorite amp. Sometimes I run a Sarno V8 into the aux for an alternate sound from the SS power amp.

Here's some amp options I came up with:

- Ganz Straight Ahead "block" amp. This will easily tuck into your rack somewhere. Get 2 if you want 500W stereo. Tiny, light, not as expensive as most other options.

- ISP Stealth Pro. Another "block amp" Probably underpowered for steel.

- Baby Sumo (from France). Search for discussion on the TalkBass forum). Mono. Probably too big for a rack.
http://www.guitarsoundsystems.com/gss-baby-sumo-ampxlite-bass-guitar-power-amp-c2x21844846

- Seymor Duncan Powerstage. The 170 is probably underpowered for steel, the 700 is probably too big for your rack.
https://www.seymourduncan.com/powerstage

- ICEpower. Parts Express carries them. These are amp modules and need to be fit into a case and could be tucked inside your rack. Not expensive. This site sells case kits: https://www.ghentaudio.com/kit/index.html

- Furlong Split. Different approach to a rack pre and amp. Loud and sounds great for steel. Just add your Evans preamp and FX.

- Here's a Fryette 1u 50w stereo tube amp that could be just what you need, but it's expensive and it's been "coming soon" for a year or more:
http://www.fryette.com/lxii-stereo-power-amp/

Have you thought about switching to a Stereo Steel 1u preamp? That way you can have SS and Evans preamps 1U each, and find a much more common 2U stereo power amp. That should fit the same space as a 1u amp, 2u SS amp and 1u Evans pre.
_________________
Tom Dillon
- MSA Legend, On-Trak, fiddles, mandos

George Kimery · From: Limestone, TN, USA

Tom, thanks for all your input. Pretty well convinced me to just keep what I have. I am really happy with the Stereo Steel combo and the Evans pre-amp. I am carrying my 100 watt Katana head as a backup, which also is great sounding. I have a 4 space Gator rack case (I don't want to get a larger case) with a Rack Rider rack mount power supp!y. I was thinking about taking it out and going to a regular power strip and use the space for a 1U power amp. Then I wouldn't have to carry the Katana head, but it is not large and doesn't weigh much. I probably should have kept my Carvin BX 500 as a backup. I don't use a pack a seat, but have a multi compartment computer bag for all my gear. I used to carry the BX-500 in the bag. I know there are other very small, similar amps that will do the same thing, including Quilters and the one Jim Cohen and Tony Prior use. I love the Katana and it has everything self contained. The Stereo Steel has more power than I will ever need. If it conks out, then I will just use the Katana until it is repaired or if not repairable, replaced. I have a really sweet set-up that I am going to just let ride.

Tom Dillon · From: La Mesa, California, USA

George, A Quilter Pro Block 200 is a great choice back up amp I think. Just keep it in the car unless you need it.

Another rack option is to put your Furman on the back rails. I did that and put a patch panel on the opposite side front rails. The Furman is switched on with the SS power switch.

_________________
Tom Dillon
- MSA Legend, On-Trak, fiddles, mandos

George Kimery · From: Limestone, TN, USA

Tom, I had not thought about using the back rails. But I see no point in spending money on a Pro Block and leaving it in the car. That is what I do with my Katana head already, plus it has a good reverb and delay onboard. I have decided I am not going to run if I'm not being chased.

Roger Dillingham · From: Kentucky, USA

Hey George, I have in my rack setup an ART SLA-2 stereo discrete studio linear amplifier. It is a Class A-B amp which pushes out 200 Watts RMS at 8 ohms, 280 Watts RMS into 4 ohm loads (stereo) and 560 Watts bridged mono into 8 ohms. I can't see myself ever needing more power than that. It is perfectly neutral in coloration and has its own two-stage cooling fan. One caution though it is heavy. It weighs in at 19.8 lbs.
That amp with a Revelation preamp, Lexicon MPX-1 effects unit in a wooden ATA case is about all I can handle! So much for rack units to save on weight! Good luck in your search. Roger

Dave Diehl · From: Mechanicsville, MD, USA

Here is another good single space tube power amp. I use one and although it's a little heavy, it is a nice amp. The same owner of Fryette is involved with the production of these amps.

http://synergyamps.com/shop/syn5050

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