Synergy - time to expand the rack. What power amp?

BIGKAHUNA

BIGKAHUNA

Well-known member
I have a small 8 space rack set up. Looking to expand it and add a Synergy Syn2 and another power amp. For those of you that are using a Synergy set up what power amp are you using? I really like the Fryette designed Synergy power amp. I have the LXII that I utlize with a Quad Cortex and I like it. Have always wondered if there might better options.
 
I’d recommend against the Synergy poweramp, it’s not great. I think they were going for “neutral“ when they designed it but it translated into being a bit dull sounding.

Can’t go wrong sticking with official Fryette stuff. If you want a mono amp, get a PS-2 for 50w or a PS-100 for 100w. If you want stereo, another LXII would be great. if you want more juice, look into a 2/50/2 or 2/90/2.
 
KSR.
I have two SYN2’s paired with a KSR PA50 and it sounds glorious. They also have a rack based 50W or 100W version. Prices are good and just sound great. Love the NFB on the front panel, after having it I wish every amp had that control.

You can also choose EL34 or 6L6.
 
TheGreatGreen said:
I’d recommend against the Synergy poweramp, it’s not great. I think they were going for “neutral“ when they designed it but it translated into being a bit dull sounding.

Can’t go wrong sticking with official Fryette stuff. If you want a mono amp, get a PS-2 for 50w or a PS-100 for 100w. If you want stereo, another LXII would be great. if you want more juice, look into a 2/50/2 or 2/90/2.
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I was under the impression that the Synergy power amp was basically the LXII with the presence and depth on the front. Are you saying you like the LXII better than the Synergy version? I'm going to look at the 2/50/2 and the KSR stuff for sure.
 
stratjacket said:
KSR.
I have two SYN2’s paired with a KSR PA50 and it sounds glorious. They also have a rack based 50W or 100W version. Prices are good and just sound great. Love the NFB on the front panel, after having it I wish every amp had that control.

You can also choose EL34 or 6L6.
Click to expand...
Are the KSR power amps stereo?
 
Your LXII is already amazing. I would start with that first before diving into other power amps.
 
What kind of tones? We talkin classic rock, heavy metal, technical extreme metal, blues, country or what? You want power tube saturation or not so much? Hi-fi clarity or more coloration?
 
BIGKAHUNA said:
Are the KSR power amps stereo?
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No.

It took them months and months to release the rack version, BTW: I preordered one on 10.14.24 and it showed up 3.12.25 a five month wait... According to the www site they only have enough trannies to build 5 more 100 watters. I doubt they are gonna one off a completely new version in stereo for someone. I guess it would not hurt to ask but I would not expect them to do it.

The Syn5050 is slightly darker sounding and more compressed than LXII but they are very similar when dialed in to similar volumes and depth/presence. They are virtually the same design, except for different transformer materials and, a tweaked at Synergy's request, frequency response on the 5050 which is probbly why it is darker/warmer at typical (noon) settings.

I have both the 5050 and LXII amps and can compare them on an amp switcher with the same preamps and cabs easily... In that kind of environment the two amps can sound really similar if they are adjusted and set to produce the same SPL. If you like the LXII, then I would say stick with it. The 5050 is not going to offer much over it unless you are looking for more compression or a slightly different voicing and is only a couple hundred cheaper.
 
If you want what is a relatively simple but great sounding stereo power amp, I would throw a used, Mesa 50/50 into the ring. Can be had for $7-900.
 
Depends what your budget is.

Mesa 50/50 or 20/20 sound great

LXII is fantastic too

IME, especially for stereo, you can get away with cheaper ss power amps - I use a rocktron velocity for my Kemper and everyone is always blown away by how great it sounds 🤷

I would say the BEST mono option would be to rack up a power station, that way you have way more functionality at your fingertips
 
Elric said:
No.

It took them months and months to release the rack version, BTW: I preordered one on 10.14.24 and it showed up 3.12.25 a five month wait... According to the www site they only have enough trannies to build 5 more 100 watters. I doubt they are gonna one off a completely new version in stereo for someone. I guess it would not hurt to ask but I would not expect them to do it.

The Syn5050 is slightly darker sounding and more compressed than LXII but they are very similar when dialed in to similar volumes and depth/presence. They are virtually the same design, except for different transformer materials and, a tweaked at Synergy's request, frequency response on the 5050 which is probbly why it is darker/warmer at typical (noon) settings.

I have both the 5050 and LXII amps and can compare them on an amp switcher with the same preamps and cabs easily... In that kind of environment the two amps can sound really similar if they are adjusted and set to produce the same SPL. If you like the LXII, then I would say stick with it. The 5050 is not going to offer much over it unless you are looking for more compression or a slightly different voicing and is only a couple hundred cheaper.
Click to expand...

Would you say the Syn5050 has more sag than the LXII? What about a "smaller" sound? It sounds like you are saying they are pretty close, as long as you dial in the knobs different.

I keep thinking about a Syn5050. I know it has a lot of mediocre reviews, but I like the idea of having the matching set, lol.
 
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