Tube Power Amp with AXE FX III Fryette G2902s or G2502s

metalms

metalms

Member
Hello,
I am looking at adding a power amp for my Axe iii. I am looking for stereo capabilities to be able to use the Axe stereo effects thru 2 412 cabs. I first looked at the ENGL E840 5050 and now looking at the Fryette G2502S and G2902S. Any suggestions on these 3 guys? I have it narrowed down to those. Not interested in KSR PA50 or other non rack tube power amps.

I was originally going to go the FRFR route with 2 of the Laney FR212 cabs but fear I might be left wanting again as I have in past FRFR cab situations. (Kemper with Kemper Cab and Kemper with Mission Cab).


On a side note:
I connected the Axe iii to my Badlander 100 return and that sounded pretty damn sweet. However, I would like a stereo rack mountable power amp for this case.



Lastly, do you have to use output 1's 1/4" output on the Axe III for tube power amps or can you use output 3L?

I have seen multiple ways to do this and have been referencing the manual. I have been disabling power amp and cab in the Global settings as well as disabling a few other settings in the Amp block or zeroing them out per the manual. I then just use output 1 to tube amp.

Can you leave the global settings alone (meaning cab and power emulation on) and just save a preset with the power amp modeling off in the amp block and just not use a cab block for the preset using a power amp? Seems like it is a redundant process doing for the global as well.


Thank you in advance.
 
I can’t help much I don’t have any of those three. I have not connected my axe to the Fryette I have. I have however connected my zen tour and several hybrid lunch box amps, joyo atomic orange micro dark and the Freytte really made them come alive. I am a huge Fryette fan but only have the one product the ps100. I look forward to seeing any various ways people connect to power amps with the axe. Sadly my cabs are currently extremely hard to get to with all my remodeling going on. Ona side note I am eyeing the lxii but since I have one ps100 adding a second is an option with more versatility but more bulk and weight as well. Good luck on your stereo quest!
 
Rumor has it the PA50 is about to be available in rack format.
The VHT 2-90-2 is legit af. Crazy heavy though.
Haven't tried the Engl, but... I've never really liked anything from them. My $0.02.
 
Rotti said:
Rumor has it the PA50 is about to be available in rack format.
The VHT 2-90-2 is legit af. Crazy heavy though.
Haven't tried the Engl, but... I've never really liked anything from them. My $0.02.
Click to expand...
What is considered crazy heavy?
 
I am also a fan of the Fryette stuff, so I'd recommend going that route if you are set on getting a tube power amplifier. I have the PS-2 and the 2/90/2 amongst several other Fryette products. I have no experience with the ENGL power amp.

You do not need to use out 1 for the power amp. I use output 2 with my power amp and guitar cab stereo setup.

Yes, you can have individual presets setup for use with the power amp modeling off. You don’t have to switch it off globally every time. The controls are in the amp block. That said, I suggest running it with the power amp modeling on when using a standalone tube power amp like the 2/50/2 or 2/90/2. Use it whichever way sounds best for your setup, but make sure to try it both ways before deciding.

I'm currently running my cabinets with a solid state amp (QSC PLX3102). I use the tube power amp for a different setup (with a tube preamp).
 
Last edited:
Thanks I needed some perspective. About 35lbs than. Of that is the 50watt 5150 which it looks like. Than about double the weight of my PS100 it’s about 16 lbs. that is a nice looking corner!
 
craiguitar said:
I had a 2502 for a while, but got rid of it because it was too heavy. It was a great power amp, sounded neutral enough, and was very rugged/sturdy. Now I have an LXII, and a Matrix GT1000, I flip between those two depending on the gig/venue.
Click to expand...
Would be interesting to hear your thoughts on tone/feel differences between GT1k and LXII (I have GT into trad cabs or FR (home use), but was thinking of switching to LX if opportunity arose).
 
I have a Fryette 2-50-2 that I still use occasionally. It stays in my studio these days. Too heavy and too hot. It heats up my little studio very quickly.

I much prefer the Crown XLS 2502 that I have used for about four years. MUCH lighter, very quiet, and a lot of power. Miles of headroom.

Almost no heat load detected in the studio with extended use.
 
The problem with the LXII is that the depth and presence controls for the power amp are unusable if you rack mount the unit.

If you’re using any of the Fryette power amps or something like the KSR PA50, I would suggest to leave the power amp modeling on.
 
For the cost of I ever go for stereo with guitar cabs I’ll add another ps100. Correction, the Axe It sounds really good through my QSC. I’m in no hurry to go stereo with the axe into guitar cabs.
 
Last edited:
Bertotti said:
Thanks I needed some perspective. About 35lbs than. Of that is the 50watt 5150 which it looks like. Than about double the weight of my PS100 it’s about 16 lbs. that is a nice looking corner!
Click to expand...
This isn't all mine, but yeah, it's about dead-on to the 50w 5153... if it's 35lbs then so is the 2902 (or really, really close)
20240717_194206.jpg
 
I have used the 2/50/2, the 2/90/2, the LXII, a VHT Classic, the Matrix GT1000, and the SD Powerstage 170 in gig environments.

Of those, the 2/90/2 is my favorite for sound quality - something about those KT88's and the thickness they add. For weight/sound combo - the Matrix is really good at less than 8 pounds.

I currently use the LXII as it sounds great with 100w (bridged mono) of 6L6 power in one rack space. I also take the Powerstation as a backup, and with a bit of EQ it is surprising decent for the price, and it weighs almost nothing - it is a great backup option.
 
sprint said:
Would be interesting to hear your thoughts on tone/feel differences between GT1k and LXII (I have GT into trad cabs or FR (home use), but was thinking of switching to LX if opportunity arose).
Click to expand...
Yes. I use both amps interchangably, and into trad Marshall cabs, 1922/1936/1960 (depending on the size of venue). I think they're both great amps.

It wasn't until I got the LXII that I realised just how good the Matrix is. From my own perspective I can barely hear a difference between either unit. Both will provide a very flat, neutral sound, which is really what's needed to present the Axe-Fx's signal to the speakers in the proper way, with the unit's power amp modelling engaged.

So as far as tone/feel as you mentioned, I'd say there's not much in it, and nor should there be. IMO, if the power amp is colouring the signal you've spent hours dialling in, then it probably shouldn't be in the signal chain at all.

The LXII does have the optional Depth/Prescence switches, when engaged will enhance certain frequencies, post processor. This can help or hinder depending on the overall band mix, but a nice addition.

I probably use the Matrix slightly more frequently because it's lighter and reuqires no maintenance, but it's pretty even. Plus it's nice to have a backup power amp, just in case...
 
Rotti said:
Rumor has it the PA50 is about to be available in rack format.
The VHT 2-90-2 is legit af. Crazy heavy though.
Haven't tried the Engl, but... I've never really liked anything from them. My $0.02.
Click to expand...
Yeah i had two PA50s that I used with the KSR preamp pedals and Kemper Stage. They were great but would rather have one stereo power amp that I can just shut down one side if only using one mono cab. I had inquired with KSR in regards to whether or not that the new rack version would be stereo but have not heard back. I think at this point Fryette G2902S is what I am leaning towards. Still a bit torn on G2502S versus the G2902S
 
OrganicZed said:
I am also a fan of the Fryette stuff, so I'd recommend going that route if you are set on getting a tube power amplifier. I have the PS-2 and the 2/90/2 amongst several other Fryette products. I have no experience with the ENGL power amp.

You do not need to use out 1 for the power amp. I use output 2 with my power amp and guitar cab stereo setup.

Yes, you can have individual presets setup for use with the power amp modeling off. You don’t have to switch it off globally every time. The controls are in the amp block. That said, I suggest running it with the power amp modeling on when using a standalone tube power amp like the 2/50/2 or 2/90/2. Use it whichever way sounds best for your setup, but make sure to try it both ways before deciding.

I'm currently running my cabinets with a solid state amp (QSC PLX3102). I use the tube power amp for a different setup (with a tube preamp).
Click to expand...
Great information. Yeah I think just not using a cab block in a preset is what makes more sense for me to do rather than the global settings. Then just turn on or off the power amp modeling in the amp block depending on what sounds best.

Just need to decide on 2902S versus the 2502S. This is just for moving air at home. I know a bit overkill but I am used to playing thru 100 watt heads and 412 cabs at home. I figure as long as the 2/90/2 has a gradual slope on the vol pot, then it would be the better choice. Always nice to have the power there even if you don't use it all the time. Room filling punch is key for me.
 
craiguitar said:
I had a 2502 for a while, but got rid of it because it was too heavy. It was a great power amp, sounded neutral enough, and was very rugged/sturdy. Now I have an LXII, and a Matrix GT1000, I flip between those two depending on the gig/venue.
Click to expand...
I am not sure the weight will matter to me. It will live in a rack. Will the standard rack screws not hold it? Is everyone concerned with the weight because of touring?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom