Best solid state rack power amp ?

[Andy Eagle]

I have owned most tube power amps over the years for tube preamps but have struggled to find something as good but neutral for my Axe rig.
I was not wanting to use tubes and fan noise must be kept to a minimum.
I have both 1U and 2U Matrix GT1000FX ATM and want to find something with better more 3D treble (sounds like tubes) I like the old HHV800 but they are huge and you can't easily find one in decent condition.

 

[Andy Eagle]

I know the Fryette is probably the answer but I was hoping for SS.

 

[deakle]

I have a Carvin DCM 1500 power amp that I have used for years. Very reliable. I don’t feel that it colors my tone at all

 

[cje]

I don't really use it anymore, but in my pre-Fractal Jerry rig, I used a Rocktron Velocity 300. Love that little rig.

 

[paranoid]

I second the carvin, but I have tennitis, and when it's loud it all sounds good.

 

[Ventanaman]

Dave Friedman has said great things about the Avantone Pro, but they use banana plugs, so YMMV.

I switched from Matrix to the Fryette LXII and am mostly happy (except for the weight).

 

[TheRedDevil]

https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/fosi-power-amp.209288/post-2614873

 

[Andy Eagle]

https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/fosi-power-amp.209288/post-2614873

Never found a class D that could hold a candle to the old HHv800.

 

[yek]

https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/fosi-power-amp.209288/post-2614873

Thread title: "Best solid state rack power amp"

 

[TheRedDevil]

Who says it's the best, because of the price, expensive isn't always better

 

[Andy Eagle]

Who says it's the best, because of the price, expensive isn't always better

I agree but cheap almost never is.

 

[atyourlasthourrr]

I used to run a small 200 watt Carvin poweramp that sounded awesome.

It eventually got replaced with a Matrix (for more volume) and later a Fryette powerstation which I actually have two of now.

If I was looking for solid state, I'd try to hunt down a class AB poweramp that has enough juice on tap for your needs.

 

[yek]

Who says it's the best, because of the price, expensive isn't always better

Cliff on Class-D amps:

https://thegearforum.com/threads/th...amps-are-utter-tripe.4567/page-18#post-280286

 

[Ian Minogue-Corps]

Harley Benton GPA400, amazing vfm

 

[TheRedDevil]

I agree but cheap almost never is.

Things change. A transistor radio is also cheaper and better than an old expensive tube radio.

 

[Budda]

May be outdated but didnt cliff post a rec of a couple power amps a couple years ago?

 

[Midheavy]

Fryette LXII has been the best I have played with. I own the Matrix 1000 and the Duncan Powerstage as well. The Fryette was a massive upgrade in sound compared to these IMO.

 

[sprint]

I've been on and off interested in replacing my Matrix GT1kFX with a new LXII but the availability seems frustratingly intermittant, particularly in Canada.

 

[Andy Eagle]

Cliff on Class-D amps:

https://thegearforum.com/threads/th...amps-are-utter-tripe.4567/page-18#post-280286

I'm not going to dispute that at all but I have only come across class D that sound worse than what I have already.

 

[yek]

I'm not going to dispute that at all but I have only come across class D that sound worse than what I have already.

That's the point.