Power Amp shopping advice

Foster Haney · From: Ojai, CA

I'm curious about and looking for a power amp for a live band setup. I was looking at the many different generations of the Peavey CS-800s. Any input or resources in this area is appreciated.

Ideally would like a 1RU or 2RU unit in the 800 - 1200 watt range. Hoping to spend around $300 on a used unit.
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1975 MSA Classic, AA1164 Princeton clone, Quilter Tone Block 202, Custom Warmoth Jazzmaster, two Kazou Yairi Alvarez Acoustics from the 80's, Acme Low B2 bass cab.

Brad Richard · From: Chisago City, Minnesota

If you can find a used qsc rmx2450 it's worth checking out. Built like a tank and heavy, will last. Puts out 500W/channel at 8 ohms (real watts not wishful thinking) A cx902 is much lighter and puts out about the same. I'm partial to qsc as they've always been reliable and their amps put out what they say.

Foster Haney · From: Ojai, CA

Thanks, Brad.
I've been doing a lot of research and it seems like QSC is a durable workhorse!
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1975 MSA Classic, AA1164 Princeton clone, Quilter Tone Block 202, Custom Warmoth Jazzmaster, two Kazou Yairi Alvarez Acoustics from the 80's, Acme Low B2 bass cab.

Scott Denniston · From: Hahns Peak, Colorado, USA

I haven't gigged with this yet but so far am pleased with it. It's stereo 700 per side. There are different models that are mono with varying wattage for a lot less. >>> https://www.seymourduncan.com/single-product/powerstage-700
They say it's rackmount but it's actually smaller and they send along these extended rack ears you can put on. It's about 11 inches long and about 6.5 pounds. Lots of headroom. I've talked with people that played in bands with these for quite a while. They are built like a tank and seem to have a great track record. I was looking for complaints but couldn't find any.

Foster Haney · From: Ojai, CA

I guess I should clarify a little. Looking for suggestions on a power amp to power passive PA speakers. for vocals, guitars, fiddles, mics, etc.

but that Seymour does seem pretty sweet!
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1975 MSA Classic, AA1164 Princeton clone, Quilter Tone Block 202, Custom Warmoth Jazzmaster, two Kazou Yairi Alvarez Acoustics from the 80's, Acme Low B2 bass cab.

Scott Denniston · From: Hahns Peak, Colorado, USA

Here's a great pa amp for passive speakers. I believe it's 500 watts per side. I'm not using it presently and would let it go for $300+ ship. It's chrome & looks cool in a rack too. a donation would go to the forum (I know this isn't the right place to sell gear but since you asked...)

Brad Richard · From: Chisago City, Minnesota

Foster - That SD amp looks pretty sweet. I wasn't aware of it. Are any available used? I'll still stick with qsc as I'm comfortable with them. I think a lot has changed since I was seriously into PA systems!

Scott Denniston · From: Hahns Peak, Colorado, USA

My SD Powerstage was on backorder when I bought it but it seems I only had to wait a couple of weeks. I've never seen any of the 700s used but some of the other models pop up on Reverb and Ebay once in awhile. I never considered it as a pa amp. It's not as nice as a big heavy tube amp for guitar/steel but it's 6.5 pounds! I've only been using it with the Kemper which sounds outstanding but I bet it would be nice clean power for a tube pre-amp as well.

Foster Haney · From: Ojai, CA

I think i'll pass on the Stewart PA. Thank you for the offer tho Scott!
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1975 MSA Classic, AA1164 Princeton clone, Quilter Tone Block 202, Custom Warmoth Jazzmaster, two Kazou Yairi Alvarez Acoustics from the 80's, Acme Low B2 bass cab.

Scott Denniston · From: Hahns Peak, Colorado, USA

You're welcome Foster. I used to use it in a rack for steel. So it's a good backup for me.
These were really developed as a pa amp though.

Michael Hartz · From: Decorah, Iowa, USA

Look for a used Behringer INuke series power amp, I don’t believe they’re made anymore. They were very inexpensive when they were new so they should be pretty cheap used. For a Behringer product they are lightweight but have a ton of power and run easily on a 15 amp circuit. Our band had an iNuke 12000 which was 2 iNuke 6000’s in 1 chassis. That amp powered 4- 12” mid range speakers per side in a concert grade PA system and barely got warm. We were even running it at 2 ohm loads. That amp made a believer out of me.

George Biner · From: Los Angeles, CA

I would buy a power amp from a power amp company -- I think QSC is the biggest out there right now, still an independent US corporation, top notch company, quality products and a lot of experience building power amps. Also possibly Crown, but not sure who owns them now, I think it's Samsung. I would avoid buying any power amp from non-power-amp people like Peavey and Behringer. The QSC won't likely break, but if it does they will stand behind it.
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Guacamole Mafia - acoustic harmony duo
Electrical engineer / amp tech in West Los Angeles -- I fix Peaveys
"Now there is a snappy sounding instrument. That f****r really sings." - Jerry Garcia

Foster Haney · From: Ojai, CA

Thanks everyone for the advice, I am on the hunt for a QSC. I have had lots of bad experiences with Behringer. I used to work at a music shop that supplied them. I feel about %20 of the speakers came back blown out, and every now and then a bad PA head. Then again, that was over 10 years ago now, and i hear they've upped the quality some.

I have a Nash 400, to trade if someones got the right power amp! its posted in the for sale section.
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1975 MSA Classic, AA1164 Princeton clone, Quilter Tone Block 202, Custom Warmoth Jazzmaster, two Kazou Yairi Alvarez Acoustics from the 80's, Acme Low B2 bass cab.

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