Is a 550-Watt Power Module Enough for My Bass Rig?

[rodoyo9773]

Hi everyone,
I’m looking at upgrading the power section of my setup and considering a <Removed: Link to an industrial power supply manufacturer>. For those who have experience with similar wattage units:

Is 550W enough headroom for rehearsals and medium-sized gigs?

How does it hold up with Class D amps versus traditional power amps?

Any brands or modules you’d recommend (or avoid)?

I’m mainly playing rock/funk with a 4-ohm cab and want reliable, clean power without pushing the module to its limits.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

[fretmeister]

Your link is blocked by my Anti-Virus.

[Stub Mandrel]

I've never pushed my Orange Terror 500W up to full power. Admittedly, I have a very efficient speaker cab, but unless you have a very inefficient cab, 500W will always give you enough stage volume, and if it's not loud enough to fill the whole venue, why aren't you going through the PA?

[Dad3353]

1 hour ago, rodoyo9773 said:

...

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

I'm not sure that these modules are what you're looking for. They are PSU (Power Supply Units...) specifically for powering Cisco routers in IT systems, and have no audio function whatever. They cannot, ever, be connected to speaker cabs, whatever the ohmage.
Is it rather a 550W audio amp module or power amp that you're after..? 

Edited 6 hours ago by Dad3353

[Woodinblack]

What are you adding a 550W power supply to? Noone can answer if 550W is enough, unless they know what you are powering with it!

 

Replacing the power supply of an amplifier won't do anything unless the power amp output stage was underpowered, which is unlikely, and it would have to be the right power supply so that is no use.

And the question about class D or AB makes no sense with a power supply, that is just about amplifiers

 

I have blanked out your link as it is of no relevance to bass players.

 

 

[chris_b]

Is 500 watts enough? Depends on the band, but most of all on your speakers. If your cabs are properly designed then 500 watts will be very loud.

 

Is there is a difference between the loudness of D class watts and "traditional" power amp watts!! Probably not.

[itu]

One thing to consider is the amount of full power needed. Because of the signal bassists create, there's very seldom any situation where 100 % is needed for more than milliseconds. OK, if your amp is a small 30W unit, it will be fried in a loud band. Anything beyond 300 W is most likely enough (especially with a sensitive cab). 

[SpondonBassed]

6 hours ago, rodoyo9773 said:

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

Introducing

MegaMoggie!

The only cable you will ever need.

• Astonishing new conductive material!
• Works with every type of power supply!
• Humanely harvested!
• Endorsed by the RSPCA and the DoI!
• Cleans energy molecules from your power source using naturally sourced materials!

 

You need these cables.  They're made from feline protein filaments.

 

These are very good at cleaning up your power supply.  If you have ever sat watching a cat groom itself you will understand how good this product really is!  The best ones are made from the fur of British Shorthair cats.

 

This advertisement is brought to you by Spam Ayres, the name you can trust with your credit card details.

 

Buy British!

(Hooray!)

MegaMoggie cables © Neural Nitwits Corp. 2025

Neural Nitwits Corporation is a division of the Colossal Tat and Gadget Company Ltd.