LOW powered 2 channel rack amp

[shawn gibson]

I'm looking for a very low powered amp to go from my sound card into a set of monitors with for hearing my Sonar tunes.

In theory, it would be nice if it could do double duty as an occasional amp for my Mesa Boogie Rectifier preamp, so I can mike a live sound occasionally (don't want a big head, live in an apartment). I'd put something like a couple of 1x12 cabs on it.

The only thing I've found so far that seems to fit the bill, is the Hafler P1000s, in my price range, but even that's more power than I'm hoping for.

Any suggestions on where to start looking? Blind Google searches aren't getting me anywhere in a hurry.

Thanks very much.

Shawn

 

[gospel]

Check out www.musiciansfriend.com
zzsounds
www.sweetwater.com
www.americanmusical.com

Do a search for proaudio

 

[shawn gibson]

Wow sweetwater just answered my prayers, or you did...thanks gospel

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/search.php?search=Studio+Monitoring+Amp&type=catsearch&st=1

 

[shawn gibson]

Very confused...

I've narrowed my selection down to 4 amps, and if any of you have experience with them, I'd like to hear.

But I'm confused, I keep reading that your amp should be a lot more powerful than your speakers, but that defeats my whole purpose one the one hand (QUIET good quality sound) and it also seems impossible to find reference monitors that aren't built to handle lots of watts...meaning I'd have to go and buy 40-800 watts of amp...which defeats my whole purpose. (I keep assuming Watts = LOUD when you turen it up, which is what I don't want; I want sweetspots at quiet loudness-level)

Anyways, this is what I've narrowed it down to, I used to love Carver, and if Hafler's good enough for George Lynch, then, well:

Carver pm125 (list $1131)
http://www.carverpro.com/2003/products/pmamps.html

Hafler P1000 ($770)
http://www.hafler.com/home/
at SavedByTechnology. Find if cheaper from L&M/Doug

Crown D-45 ($637.50 direct)
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/D45/

Crown D-75A ($875 direct)
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/D75A/

I've converted the prices to my dealer's Cdn amounts for the Crown. Have to call the Carver people still.

Thanks everyone, Shawn

 

[gospel]

Check out the Alesis amps at musician's friend. They are a lot cheaper than what you have listed. Unless you just have the $$$. In that case can I have a loan?

As for the amp having a lot more power than what you monitors hold. The amp should at least have what your speakers are rated. Power does not only mean loudness, it also means good sound (especially at low volumes).

 

[shawn gibson]

Thanks gospel

OK what that means is, for recording guitar with a mic, I can't use an audio amp, but will have to go for something like the Boogie 20/20, cuz I simply can't be cranking a 100 watt head in my apartment.

As for that, you've opened up a whole new thing for me, as it makes more sense to go a little bigger now for my monitoring/listening amp.

Heck, FWIW, I'll try to find a used Carver at Long & McQuade, I'd be quite happy with that

As for spending $$$, hey, I'm depressed LOL. And I'm borrowing a lot more than I'm spending...

Thanks gospel

 

[shawn gibson]

How about Alesis RA300 and Tannoy Proto J's, under $800 total (Canadian)?

I know nothing about Alesis for amps...

 

[gospel]

How about Alesis RA300 and Tannoy Proto J's, under $800 total (Canadian)?

I know nothing about Alesis for amps...

Heard good things about the Tannoys. I've never used the Alesis amps, but I brought your attention to them because of the 2 year unlimited warranty.