BassmanPaul

It's the way I went. Two space 2KW capable Stereo Class D Power amp and I built a two channel tube pre-amp for it. In it's four space SKB road case I can lift it with just two fingers! The system sounds wonderful through a pair of Acme B2 2x10 three way cabinets.

Just to be clear: a volume control does NOT limit the power that an output section is able to deliver.

Err. The position of the master has no bearing on the maximum volume produced. That depends on the size of the input signal. A 400W @ 4Ω amplifier connected to a 300W @ 4Ω cabinet is still able to produce it's 400W into that cabinet.

My Acme B2 2x10, three way cabinets are glorious when hit with a low B.

If the "solid state rectifier" is a diode in series with each anode/plate of the tube rectifier it's to increase the PIV of the rectifier system. It helps to avoid flash over in the rectifier tube. My B15 has these, which I installed, to cure such a problem.

I started having heart palputations!

Wuss!

Y'know Bro. You ain't as dumb as I look!! LOL

On January 24 I'll be 76 so trust me I know that feeling!

One thing to remember using an amplifier with two power amps is do not connect both amplifiers to the same cabinet. that's a recipe for disaster.

He sure did! I remember the brand new Blonde, Blackface Fender Bassman I bought in the Sixties. I was so excited to use it at a gig. I set it up leaned it back on it's legs and it looked gorgeous! Started the first tune and all I got were notes farting in the worst way! I took it back. They had sold my trade in but I left the Fender there anyway! Nowadays I gig with a pair of Acme B2 2x10 three way cabinets. They are placed stacked as a vertical 4x10, the 'Skinny stack.' LOL

Incidentally, speaker cabinets have Impedance not Resistance. Impedance is an AC measurement whereas Resistance is measured at DC.

Into the Ether!

AND?

What you do need to be aware of is buying gear from Canada or the States. We don't see too many units with switchable input voltages. 240V sent into something that expects to see 120V is always fatal.

It's appaulling how many Pauls are on this site!! More seriously, were all the repairs done at the same place? Were the faults the same each time? If so I would be having a conversation with the service manager. I would contact Ampeg and ask their advice. You won't be any worse off than you are now and they might well offer you suggestions for going forward.

So they are now defunct? They made good equipment for a reasonable price. I play their basses. Their power amps are in everything I own. <Sigh> Family squabbles IIRC. I trust you and yours are safe and healthy and that you have a merry Christmas. Paul

Get yourself a BX1500. That will handle 2Ω. on each of it's two power amps. If your cabinets are both of the same model you could run them in series for an 8Ω load. Different speaker systems in series could well interact poorly.

AER Amp One comes to mind.

Only if you are very, very lucky and In this case I doubt that the valves have anything to do with the original problem!! Besides, it being an American made unit them valves is Tubes.

I don't think Andy is destitute! LOL Maybe autocorrect spell checking got it wrong?

Obsolete junk - definitely!! lol

Very often a cabinet NEEDS sufficient power to get it moving into the sweet zone. My Acme B2 boxes sound ho hum with a lower power amplifier. With enough power they are wonderful and a low B just leaps out of them. Just to be fair I drive them with Class D amplifiers. Enjoy your new toys! LOL

I'm glad you sussed it out!