Ive been using mine with a Crown XLS and its great. I know, I know... Class D. Honestly, it sounds great. I havent heard any difference between using the XLS and another heavy solid state PA head (a QSC RMX). I did try it through my friends Mesa 400+ FX return and it did sound different, though I wouldnt say better or worse. Just different. Class D is known for being sterile and the original designs had poor high frequency fidelity (which is what has carried on as their main detraction) but new stuff is perfectly fine, in my opinion. ICE Power kind of mastered the Class D platform and most larger companies were quick to take their system and copy it for their own models.But yeah, the idea with this preamp is that you can use whatever you like! Im just saying a cheapish (and much lighter wieght!) class D would work just fine.

I use one of these with my IVP and it sounds/works great. Dead simple, built in limiter is a nice feature. I think they can be had for pretty cheap, mine was $50 at Music Go Round just a year or two ago. 300w @ 2 ohms, 210w @ 4 ohms.This 1978 pre is pretty amazing! I've watched that youtube vid more than once, looks and sounds fantastic and the build quality looks superb.

bassdriver wrote:so, I ordered one. can't wait to test it.I will need some sort of poweramp as I want to turn this into my live rig.can I get a PA poweramp or should I look into specific bass amps.I checked out Crown and QSC amps so far. it should be rack mountable, light and not too expensive. 2 x 300 Watts should be fine. I have a Mesa 1x12 and a GK 1x15 speaker that I'd like to use, both rated 300 watts.I have a beat up QSC GX5 that works great that I would PRF price on if you wanted it. it is NOT cool looking.

JASON ZDORA!my man. #1

Sounds great.Nice work.

Off topic a little, but any recommendations for a 2U Class D power amp? Preferably with regular 1/4" speaker outs instead of speakon bullshits.

tallchris wrote:Off topic a little, but any recommendations for a 2U Class D power amp? Preferably with regular 1/4" speaker outs instead of speakon bullshits.I was looking for something like that to pair with the 1978. Cheapest option that sounds decent. I keep considering just getting a used GK MB800 (or MB500), some rack ears, and plugging into the effects return.Aren't some of the modern speakon jacks dual use speakon or 1/4"?

endofanera wrote:garthplinko wrote:Keep in mind a CS-800 and any other vintage power amps are going to be RIDICULOUSLY heavy.As someone who helped load a rack full of them on a regular basis, I have to say truth. Worth it, but truth.True, I forgot the OP wanted something lightweight. The M-3000 is going to be a bit lighter and smaller, IIRC it's 3U while the CS-800 taller, but you surely won't be wanting for volume with the latter. The IVP>M-3000 is my all around 'spare' setup, I run it through a Sonic 15 cab and it sounds equally good for bass, keys, guitar, whatever is needed. Still gets plenty loud to deal with a full rock band scenario. I often find it useful to have a reliable power amp ready to go and you can get a lot for your money with an older Peavey...but yes, they do have some weight to em.

thanks a lot for the suggestions, guys. I think I m not even going to look into used power amps if 300 bucks get me a brand new QSC GX 3. 2x300 watts into 8 ohms seems about right for my needs. JZ, do you split the output of the preamp with a splitting cable into the L/R inputs of the power amp?