A good alternative To Matrix Amps?

[JeffLang974]

I like to know if there is an alternatives to Matrix amp and what did you replaces it with?

 

[Kidfixer]

I was recommended the ART SLA-2.

 

[unix-guy]

I was recommended the ART SLA-2.

If you're not moving it and don't care about the banana plug connectors that's a solid choice.

Note that it is about 3x the weight and at least twice the depth. It will not fit in a shallow rack.

 

[bjjp2]

I’ve used a Fryette Powerstation and a Quilter 202 with good results. Lots of people use Seymour Duncan Powerstage. Do a search. There are tons of threads on this.

 

[lastcaress83]

I’m currently looking very hard at the QSC 2450a. The frequency response is better than the Matrix with more than ample wattage.

 

[Rylan Woodall]

I have the smaller Powerstage and it is plenty loud to cause hearing damage, keep up with a drummer and then some.

The bigger 700(?) watt unit is only a few db louder. I had a Matrix back in the day and I think the SD is just fine in comparison. I’m also not super picky about amps. Any decent amp is just that, an amp and should leave the processing to the other gear.

 

[TubeStack]

I’ve got an ISP Stealth Pro coming next week. 180W bridged into 8 ohm, weighs 1 lb.

Going to try it with my Mesa cabs, we’ll see how it goes.

 

[northern_fox]

Orange pedal baby or ISP stealth, both class AB! Orange isn't really rackable unless you sacrifice 2U

 

[hmj]

The ART will fit in a shallow case because I have mine in a shallow case!

 

[Ole]

Crown XLS 1502. Can not hear any difference.

 

[northern_fox]

Crown XLS 1502. Can not hear any difference.

I also have one of these - another awesome way to go. Currently my backup in case this old matrix finally gives up. Small and light and the 2502 I have outpowers the matrix too

 

[unix-guy]

The ART will fit in a shallow case because I have mine in a shallow case!

In another thread it was suggested that they may have reduced the size...

I had mine with my Axe Fx II, which is deep and the SLA-2 was deeper...

I barely fit in my deep rack.

Edit:

I think I may be mis-remembering a bit. I think the rack was a medium depth and part of the issue was the bana plug to 1/4" adapters.

Also, here's an older thread showing both Matrix and ART together for comparison:

https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/matrix-gt1000fx-vs-art-sla2.50574/

 

[OrganicZed]

I’m currently looking very hard at the QSC 2450a. The frequency response is better than the Matrix with more than ample wattage.

I have a QSC RMX 2450 (the predecessor to the 2450a). It sounds great, but the fan is loud and it weighs over 40 pounds. The fan noise makes low volume use impractical and the weight is a concern for portability.

 

[yek]

Crown XLS 1502. Can not hear any difference.

Thought that XLi is their product range for musicians?

 

[Ole]

Thought that XLi is their product range for musicians?

I tried it by pure random luck. Was expecting to send it back, but, to my humble ears, there is no difference in sound between XLS and Matrix.
XLS even have a dsp with several options.

 

[Wicked_Truth]

I use the Seymour Duncan Power stage 700

 

[Jamme1961]

I have the powerstage 170 -class D. I just bought the Orange pedal baby- class AB IMHO there is a big difference in tone - The PS170 has a lot more bass - in a bad way, also high end is harsh - the pedal baby by far is more musical IMHO- class D is out for me.

 

[George Estremera]

I use a Boss Waza Tube Amp Expander. Its great!

 

[JeffLang974]

Orange pedal baby or ISP stealth, both class AB! Orange isn't really rackable unless you sacrifice 2U

I need to be put in a rack, so you are saying it 2U big?

 

[4406cuda]

I did not like the PS170 either. Non-musical is the perfect description.