Rack users, questions

[Twitch]

I think Im going to build a rack setup as a secondary amp. Two reasons really, I need to have a backup, I want to have extra tonal options.

Gonna be simple setup, POD HD Pro and I think Im sold on the Fryette 2902 if I can find one used.

1. Those who use a tube poweramp, do you leave space between the preamp and poweramp for ventilation? The last rack I had had a SS poweramp, so ventilation wasnt much of an issue and I just crammed as much stuff as I could in there with it.

2. Can you recommend a good SS poweramp? Ive considered the Rocktron Velocity, but its 1 rack space design makes me wonder if it can actually supply its self enough power to leave plenty of headroom when cranked. Cant really fit an adequate power supply in that small of a space I wouldnt think. I understand its probably a class D poweramp, but Ive heard those are extra susceptible to power fluctuations. I dont want to add a power conditioner.

[Axegrinder87]

I wish I could help with your question. I will say however, the capabilities and tones of the HD Pro will blow you away, especially in front of a tube power amp. I think you'll soon re-designate your Spider Valve as your backup. Their new HD modeling is orgasmic to say the least.

I'm saving for a similar setup right now. I played with a POD HD500 for quite some time at GC recently. The ability to run 2 rigs independently and simultaneously is a pure treat. My favorite tone was a Marshall JCM800 with a stomp box in front, mids cranked to high heaven, next to a Mesa Rec.

[Twitch]

The two amps at once thing is one of the reasons Im looking at the HD Pro. My GNX3 did that and thats where I got my sound from it. I mixed the JCM900 and Recto models together. The other reasons are the ENGL and Bogner models.

[roodyrocker]

I have some rack setups with tube power amps. It depends on the power amp as far as leaving space. My Mesa 2:90 is open only in the back, no vents on top so I have no space above it as no air is flowing there. My Marshall EL-34 power amp OTOH does have vent opening in the top cover so I left space above it.
If you have a big enough rack case and the room for it, it never hurts to leave room around the tube power amp. In fact, if room allows you may even want to consider a rack mounted fan
Btw, tube power amps are heavy so I mount them in the very bottom of the rack.

[Trussrod]

I have a tube power amp in its own rack cabinet with a standard rack space above it that I keep empty.

[levantin]

I have a 1 space velocity 120 that I use as a backup rig with my GT-Pro. I run it into a 2x12 and I have never had a problem with headroom or volume at band practice levels, but I have never had to gig it. They say that it's a good match for modelling amps due to the transparency of the tone.

[Twitch]

Good to hear about the Velocity. I was looking at the 300. It would definitely leave me more cash for getting a wireless, and a smaller rack. The local shop has a 300, I may have to check it out with one of their POD 500s. As far as gigging, Ive found gigs to be less of a concern for volume and tone in general. The sound guy wont let you crank it and in general the venues are so convoluted that the amp never really sounds right.

[Twitch]

Well, I think the Fryette may be out of the question if I plan on building this thing out in one shot. So Im considering the Velocity 300, though Im still hesitant on that front. Luckily theres one close by I could play with, but my hopes still arent that high about it. Well see.

Im also considering the Mesa Simulclass amps, they beat the Fryette used price by just over 50%. My issue here is all the extra nonsense thats built into them. From what Im reading, in order to utilize the bass boost function Im going to have to rig a grounded 1/4 plug since I dont want a remote switch.

Next up is the Carvin SX100. I like Carvin stuff, my concern here is the lack of a depth control that the Mesa, Fryette and Rocktron all have. The upside is its EL34 from the factory and the new price beats both the Fryette and the Mesa used price.

I cant seem to track down any of the used Marshall stuff. Theres the monoblock(which is out because its 4U anyhow) and I think a 9009(?). Neither of those have the depth setting either as far as I recall.

Ive got options all day long with actual live sound poweramps, but I really want tube. I want this rig to sound the best as it can, but there is a little bit of money restraints.

I had originally planned the POD HD pro, Line6 G90 wireless and the Fryette poweramp. Ill be able to afford those pieces, but they will leave me waaay short for the rack to put them in. Furthermore, Im wanting to get a better cab too, but I dont think Ill cut corners that far on the rack setup to get the prices down to have that much left over. The cab I have sounds ok, but it lacks some bass response and is really starting to look like shit. As much as I gig, thats to be expected I guess, but just imagine this really nice rack setup next to this beat to shit, beginner level 412 cab.

[Chad]

I love my Randall RT2/50. I'm not aware of any other power amp that is as flexible. I'm running JJ 6L6GCs on one side and Ruby EL34BSTRs on the other. I have this running mono into a 2x12 cabinet and can switch between the two different power tubes with the push of a button. Or it can also be MIDI triggered.

[roodyrocker]

Im also considering the Mesa Simulclass amps, they beat the Fryette used price by just over 50%. My issue here is all the extra nonsense thats built into them. From what Im reading, in order to utilize the bass boost function Im going to have to rig a grounded 1/4 plug since I dont want a remote switch.

I cant seem to track down any of the used Marshall stuff. Theres the monoblock(which is out because its 4U anyhow) and I think a 9009(?). Neither of those have the depth setting either as far as I recall.

The Marshall power amps are 3 spaces, not 4. I don't have my power amps in front of me but I believe they take up about the same space as the Mesa Simulclass 2:90. The Marshall power amps were available as 50w per side and 100w per side as the Dual Monobloc 9100 and 9200, plus they had the EL-34 version. They all take up the same physical space. I have the 100w version of the 9200 and the EL-34. The EL-34 has vents in the top panel whereas the 9200 does not. I left a space open in the rack above the EL-34 pwer amp. These pop up on E-Bay fairly regularly. The EL-34 version seems to be the more expensive of the bunch but all are good power amps.

The Randall RT2/50 is another good choice and pretty flexible. Its also cheaper to buy used than the Mesa or Marshall power amps. With any of them you're still looking at about 70 lbs of weight

[Twitch]

Weights no concern. Im used to 60lb heads. Thanks for the heads up on the Randall, Ill check into that.

EDIT: Checked into the Randall, located one. If its still there when this goes down, it will be the one I go with. Thanks a million Roody, Chad, for the heads up.

[straycat]

PM sent

[Chad]

The RT2/50 takes two spaces and I think it weighs around 40 pounds....not bad for what it is.

There's one on Ebay at a pretty good starting bid price. Should be an opportunity for a good deal provided a bidding war doesn't take place.

[Twitch]

The RT2/50 takes two spaces and I think it weighs around 40 pounds....not bad for what it is.

There's one on Ebay at a pretty good starting bid price. Should be an opportunity for a good deal provided a bidding war doesn't take place.

Theres 3 in WI at MGR right now for $579. Ill be purchasing from there if theyre still there when the time comes. Id prefer not to deal with ebay anymore.

[vklobucar]

My Marshall 9100 needed the cover removed in order to install taller tubes so I just left to cover off in the end.

I still keep a space and vented grill above it and all tube power amps. The very nature of tubes means that they tend to run hot so I take no chances.

For a great and small SS power amp I like the Marshall valve state versions. I use one with my ADA MP-1 and Intellifex in my B rig and it sounds great.