Best solid state rack power amp ?

[Eagle]

Must have quiet fan and be better than the MatrixGT1000FX I have now .
I actually have the 1 and 2U versions and they just don't quite have the 3D ethereal qualities I want in a power amp.
I don't want tubes for this but I do want the quality that the Fryette brings.

 

[la szum]

Non-existent species is non-existent.













15 bonus points for the use of "ethereal" in describing a tonal quality, Andy.

 

[la szum]

My deflationary 2 cents is that if the qualities of the power amp are modeled and you
are getting all those qualities from the Fractal, along with speaker impedance non-linearity,
then most any SS amp that is fairly neutral and neutered should do the trick. Why chase
something with the qualities and attributes of a gushy power amp that has its own
character when all of that is supposed to already be "in the box?"

Excited, though, for the throwdown that will likely ensure in this thread.

 

[JiveTurkey]

You know what to do.

My deflationary 2 cents is that if the qualities of the power amp are modeled and you
are getting all those qualities from the Fractal, along with speaker impedance non-linearity,
then most any SS amp that is fairly neutral and neutered should do the trick. Why chase
something with the qualities and attributes of a gushy power amp that has its own
character when all of that is supposed to already be "in the box?"

Excited, though, for the throwdown that will likely ensure in this thread.

Yes. But. Always

 

[likitlikeyoulikeit]

QSC?

Old diehard PA power amps are cheap and rack mountable

 

[la szum]

You know what to do.

Yes. But. Always

Irked Turkey "Always" being bothered by something.

 

[JiveTurkey]

Once I got the levels dialed in; the LX really can't be beat imo. Not SS and people's varying opinions of Fryette duly noted.

 

[mbenigni]

15 bonus points for the use of "ethereal" in describing a tonal quality, Andy.

Leapt right off the page LOL.

 

[JiveTurkey]

Leapt right off the page LOL.

I down AF for a delicious Cesar Salad right about now \m/

 

[AutomationBias]

Once I got the levels dialed in; the LX really can't be beat imo. Not SS and people's varying opinions of Fryette duly noted.

Totally agreed, but it also fails on the 'quiet fan' requirement.

 

[joezlo]

The old H&H one EVH used if you can find it.

 

[Eagle]

Once I got the levels dialed in; the LX really can't be beat imo. Not SS and people's varying opinions of Fryette duly noted.

I agree but I am hoping for a solid state version with this dynamic quality.
If I rated power amps by their dynamic size 1/100 the LX would be my reference for 100 as would be the old 4U Classic.
Mesa 290 ~ 95
Mesa 2020 ~ 90
Mesa 250 ~ 95
VHT 2502 ~ 98
VHT 2902 ~ 95
HHV800~ 98
Matrix GT1000 ~. 90
Matrix GT800 ~ 85
SD 160 ~ 80
SD 200 ~ 80
SD 700 ~ 85
This gives you an idea.
Class D doesn't cut it IME and I have yet to hear a SS power amp that can match the V800.
I play my rig a lot quietly as well and use power amp sims .
It is to go with my X88ir.

 

[Eagle]

The old H&H one EVH used if you can find it.

It's 4u and weighs more than a car IF you can find one that doesn't look like someone found it in a skip.

 

[Eagle]

Also suggestions for a compact stereo mixer FX pedal size to convert the series loop to a parallel one.

 

[Jarick]

Following as I'd be curious to hear the opinions as well.

 

[Eagle]

Following as I'd be curious to hear the opinions as well.

Most people only test power with a modeler and it becomes difficult to hear what exactly is responsible but if you hook up a tube preamp and no fx on the clean channel you start to see just what’s good and bad.

 

[gearJunkie]

Also suggestions for a compact stereo mixer FX pedal size to convert the series loop to a parallel one.

Wetter Box

Mixing your pedals in parallel is a powerful way to unlock a world of potential and The Wetter Box ensures it's done right. Would you like to be able to coax sounds from your effects pedals that you didn't even know were in there? How about mixing your favourite Fuzz and an Overdrive? Or a...

shop.thegigrig.com

Great piece of kit

 

[PatF]

Those noisy fans can usually be replaced with a nice quiet Noctua fan. The are the brown ones.

 

[Desertdweller]

I don't want tubes for this but I do want the quality that the Fryette brings.

Change your name from Eagle to Albatross, because you're chasing something that does not exist.

As far as I know, the best rackmountable currently produced solid state power amp on the market is the PS700.

Other than that, it's the Matrix amps, which I do not think are made anymore.

If you want something affordable that sounds amazing, you could always go with a Rocktron Velocity 100 or 300 power amp, I still think those are amazing after all this time.

Otherwise it's Fryette or Synergy if you're going rack. The PS2 / PS100 from Fryette are low profile and rackmountable, but they are mono.

Or do what I do and go big - Mesa 2:90. It's the bomb, I've used it with all kinds of preamps and it's just awesome.

 

[RaceU4her]

maybe one of those rocktron velocitys