Best Rackmount Preamp/Rackmount Poweramp Combos (no digital)

[threadkiller]

there was a guy here that went by guitarslinger. I think he's owned every rack unit ever made. I haven't seen him post much later but if he's still around he knows a lot about rack stuff.

 

[Digital Jams]

Mesa quad has lots of options bro with VHT 2/90/2.

Or do what Ralphie is saying and slave bits and pieces.

 

[supersonic]

Soldano X99 or X88, Bogner Fish, VHT 2150.

 

[Mizati20]

Tons of preamp options, but IMO power amps don't get better than the VHT/Fryette stuff...

 

[stephen sawall]

I am interested in the Quinn preamp's these days. Fryette has a very cool new poweramp in the works.
" 2X40W, 4X 6L6 power (2/ch) and 2 switchable voicings - one flat, full-range as you surmised, the other is our traditional power amp voicing.

The coolest part though is 1 rack space (i.e. FLAT) @ 20 pounds, and it has the dynamic rage that all other 1 space tube power amps lack. Oh, and bridge mono mode. More details to come as I get them.

The other new product is the Valvulator Pro - an updated Valvulator 1. More DC outs, 12VDC and 18VDC, high current 9VDC plus AC9 & AC12. The package dimension are modified too for a flat profile so it will fit under pedalboards that have space on the bottom side like pedaltrain, etc."

 

[spguitar]

JMP-1 > Mesa Strategy 500
Marshall midrange and cut + Mesa low end oompf... The mix of KT88s and 6l6s is just amazing with this rig.
I owned a Triaxis and 2:90 too and this setup just ate it for lunch. Sold them within a few months of tedious tweaking. The only new pres that caught my attention are those Peters units. I really wanna try one through the S500.
I also wanna pair this with my Herbert as soon as i can afford another cab.

 

[21_guitars]

Funny, I was just thinking earilier today about going this route as well. So many choices, the Mako and the VHT would probably give the most tonal options. Takes up a lot of space though, the triaxis is one I would consider due to the size.

 

[Robotechnology]

Nothing eats a TriAxis for lunch. One's taste may gravitate to other units but, a TriAxis is home for me.

I've owned MP1's, E570's, Piranha, Voodoo Lab, Carvin Quad X-Amp, GP3 & Recto Recording Pre and the TriAxis is my wife and the Quad X-Amp is my mistress I divorced all of the rest.

For power amps: 2:90, 2/90/2, 50/50 (Mesa), 20/20 and any ENGL power amp are great (the ENGL's are EXPENSIVE though).

 

[rsm]

Nothing eats a TriAxis for lunch. One's taste may gravitate to other units but, a TriAxis is home for me.

I've owned MP1's, E570's, Piranha, Voodoo Lab, Carvin Quad X-Amp, GP3 & Recto Recording Pre and the TriAxis is my wife and the Quad X-Amp is my mistress I divorced all of the rest.

For power amps: 2:90, 2/90/2, 50/50 (Mesa), 20/20 and any ENGL power amp are great (the ENGL's are EXPENSIVE though).

+1

I dig my MP-2 and JMP-1, but the Triaxis is at another level IMO (could be the honeymoon period for me though). My E530 will arrive tomorrow but I will not be home for a few days

I'm back to rack. My current direct rig rack:

Furman PL-Plus DMC
TC Electronic GFX01 (the G-system rack unit)
Triaxis
Two Notes Torpedo CAB (Plan to place the order after I hear clips and owner reviews)

I have a few pedals that I need to try with the Triaxis, so far not seeing a need for dirt pedals (e.g., TC Electronic VPD1, Nova Drive, EH BMPwTW, Source Audio Multiwave Distortion,...) though the BMP and MWD are what I'll likely use with this rig.

Building a second, smaller direct rack:

Furman
Engl E 530
Either: Nova System in front, or Damage Control Glass Nexus in the loop.
Reuse the Two Notes Torpedo CAB.


I have no need for a tube power amp or stack, but I'm GASing for an Engl E850/100, and two (or four) E212VHB...or 2 2x12 and a 4x12...

 

[stephen sawall]

I had a Triaxis & JMP1 at the same time for a few years in the 90's. Both are very cool... But the Triaxis fit me better.

 

[IndyWS6]

Eleven Rack into a Mesa Simul 2:90 with a GC Pro. Lots of options and mind-numbingly loud (if you need that )

(at the AA [Avid Anonymous] meeting) "Hi, I'm Mark and I use an Eleven Rack" (the crowd responds) "Hi, Mark"...

 

[jlbaxe]

I had my best preamp/rack amp tone with a Eggie M4 T/D,COD,EG3/4, Erect and RT 2/50.

A Carvin Quad X is a great 4 channel preamp and they go for $400-$480 on evil bay. That would be my second choice. Spring reverb, 4 loops (1 per channel) and a master loop, Midi and 5 or 6 band eq. It has 9 pre amp tubes and cascades them for channel 4. I have never herd anyone complain about lack of gain

Never had much luck with the MP1 or MP2. It was ok but I got it when it first came out and there were no computers and forums to talk about it.

I have a VHT 2/90/2 and can tell you the RT2/50 is still my preference

 

[robertkoa]

Nothing eats a TriAxis for lunch. One's taste may gravitate to other units but, a TriAxis is home for me.

I've owned MP1's, E570's, Piranha, Voodoo Lab, Carvin Quad X-Amp, GP3 & Recto Recording Pre and the TriAxis is my wife and the Quad X-Amp is my mistress I divorced all of the rest.

For power amps: 2:90, 2/90/2, 50/50 (Mesa), 20/20 and any ENGL power amp are great (the ENGL's are EXPENSIVE though).

Funny thing about the Quad X Preamp from Carvin- no one knew they were good until about 5 or 10 years AFTER they were discontinued- are they really good all around pres or just good for one thing?

Like excellent cleans, crunch and leads all from the 4 channels on there or severe limitations ?

 

[jlbaxe]

Funny thing about the Quad X Preamp from Carvin- no one knew they were good until about 5 or 10 years AFTER they were discontinued- are they really good all around pres or just good for one thing?

Like excellent cleans, crunch and leads all from the 4 channels on there or severe limitations ?

The only thing is ch 2 and 3 share a 2 knob high low eq, but the 5 band eq would fix it. Ch 1 has fender cleans, ch 2 could do warm clean, ch 3 crunch and 4 omg gain. The on board reverb is great and when shut off you get the trails not the abrupt verb ending. Cloaking- never had to use it. I was looking at one the other day but want a foot switch if I get one. I got it when it first came out with 2 Carvin 1000w fet amps

 

[thegame]

Hey everyone,

I'm thinking about moving my live rig into a rack-only format for convenience. I really don't like setting up a bunch of cables, and my amp head/roadcase takes up more space than most.

Even a very modest rack rig (4 U), by the time its racked in a thick, cushioned, pro rack/roadcase will take up close to the same real estate as an amp head. If you're considering 6, 8 U, or more rack space I don't think this idea will save you anything.

Why not get a smaller amp head roadcase, & sell the big one ?

 

[Qweklain]

I am interested in the Quinn preamp's these days. Fryette has a very cool new poweramp in the works.
" 2X40W, 4X 6L6 power (2/ch) and 2 switchable voicings - one flat, full-range as you surmised, the other is our traditional power amp voicing.

The coolest part though is 1 rack space (i.e. FLAT) @ 20 pounds, and it has the dynamic rage that all other 1 space tube power amps lack. Oh, and bridge mono mode. More details to come as I get them.

The other new product is the Valvulator Pro - an updated Valvulator 1. More DC outs, 12VDC and 18VDC, high current 9VDC plus AC9 & AC12. The package dimension are modified too for a flat profile so it will fit under pedalboards that have space on the bottom side like pedaltrain, etc."

That new power amp sounds awesome! I would love to see a new Fryette preamp though...

 

[TheFinn]

The VHT/Fryette Two-Ninety is a great power amp. Lotsa power, sounds good, and is reliable.

If you need a modern rock tone, you can't go too wrong with an Engl E530. It's got more gain that's ever gonna be necessary, and works well with the aforementioned power amp. Also reliable as heck. But give it a listen before buying, it's not everyone's cup of tea.

 

[rat_like_me]

I really liked playing out with my CAE 3+se into a Marshall 50/50 live. I did it for 6 years. I ended up getting a Bogner XTC and running that preamp through that amp...it left me in awe! I am going to get another one day! It is one of the cleanest fatest tones I've been able to make! But yea that CAE/Marshall cut with aggression in a live mix...

 

[robertkoa]

I heard a Video Demo of a Quinn Preamp that was a little more Marshall flavored and higher gain than he usually did/does ( but still his own thing ) and it was some of the best Overdrives I've heard anywhere.

+1 on adding Quinn to the List.

 

[stephen sawall]

I am interested in the Quinn preamp's these days. Fryette has a very cool new poweramp in the works.
" 2X40W, 4X 6L6 power (2/ch) and 2 switchable voicings - one flat, full-range as you surmised, the other is our traditional power amp voicing.

The coolest part though is 1 rack space (i.e. FLAT) @ 20 pounds, and it has the dynamic rage that all other 1 space tube power amps lack. Oh, and bridge mono mode. More details to come as I get them.

The other new product is the Valvulator Pro - an updated Valvulator 1. More DC outs, 12VDC and 18VDC, high current 9VDC plus AC9 & AC12. The package dimension are modified too for a flat profile so it will fit under pedalboards that have space on the bottom side like pedaltrain, etc."

That new power amp sounds awesome! I would love to see a new Fryette preamp though...

Many of us would like a new Fryette preamp.

I heard a Video Demo of a Quinn Preamp that was a little more Marshall flavored and higher gain than he usually did/does ( but still his own thing ) and it was some of the best Overdrives I've heard anywhere.

+1 on adding Quinn to the List.

OT ~ Did you see this clip. I find myself very interested in this amp....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWG7XjxE7mI