Stereo Power Amp?

Quad Cortex
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1

Hello!

I am trying to find myself a good stereo power amp that won’t break the bank.

I am planning on running a stereo rig that has a Mesa 4x12 (8ohms) and a Peavy 5150 cab (16ohms).

Right now, I’m looking at either the Seymour Duncan Powerstage 100s or 700. And I am also looking at the Ritter QC Amp Base SHP. The thing is, while these are all great, they are 500 and above, which is a bit much for me.

I know Harley Benton makes one for 170 but I am looking for the range between 300-500 without going above.

Thanks so much and I look forward to your replies!!

2

The 100 is kinda whacked because at 16 ohms it’ll be 25 watts…… the 100 watts is the rating at 4 ohms.

3

I wouldn’t recommend the Powerstage 700. It’s stereo but only one volume knob, right? Assuming the cabs have speakers that are similarly efficient, the 8 ohm cab will be noticeably louder than the 16 ohm cab without any way to compensate.

4

Couldn’t I turn up one of the blocks in the Cortex? Like out 1 and out 2 and have out 2 have +whatever dB is needed?

5

Yes you could do that, but not sure you’d get them to be the equal volume without one of them clipping (if you just boosted one).

6

Anyone have any experience with the ART SLA-1 100-watt Power Amplifier?

7

I‘m using the Ritter QC Amp Base SHP since quite a while… :+1:

1 Like
8

Matrix makes excellent stereo power amps but you are looking at $800-900 used.

9

I use a Palmer Macht 402 live. It’s solid state, but sounds great. Definitely loud enough to keep up with a band (and then some). I’m pretty sure it will handle the ohm difference, but don’t quote me on that!
Otherwise a second hand Peavy 50/50 will be exactly what your looking for. Very rare, but valve and make anything sound good!