Anyone using a solid state power amp with M4?

[Prickstein]

Hi all,
I'm just wondering if anyone here is using a solid state power amp with their M4 or RM4? I've got a Carver PM300 that I've used forever with my old ADA and am in two minds as to whether to get a RT2/50 to go with a M4.
Am I missing out on THAT much tone by using the Carver or will my back thank me for not that much of a trade off in tone?
Rick

 

[jmgman70]

This could be subjective but my M4 through the RT sounds much better than any solid state power sections I've tried,match made in heaven :twisted:

 

[okstrat]

This could be subjective but my M4 through the RT sounds much better than any solid state power sections I've tried,match made in heaven :twisted:

Ditto, but with the RM4 and RT. Great power amp!

Pete

 

[RD/Rich]

I have a Crate Power Block that I was using while I waited for an RT2/50. The tone was fine, but once I got the RT my tone went from great to AWESOME!!! A tube power amp section just has a certain feel and adds a specific charecter to your tone. I would still keep the Carver around in case you want to do a w/d/(w) rig later.

 

[bduersch]

For some reason running an M4 through a SS power amp feels like baking a pizza in a microwave... technically gets the job done... but if you're going to invest that much in an M4, you might as well just spring for a full tube rig (your back won't thank you but your ears will).

Q: Is the Carver voiced for guitar? If you really wanted to go SS I'd reco getting a power amp voiced for guitar (e.g., Tubeworks). I tried using a SS Carvin power amp while I was waiting for a tube amp to come in, and it was pretty dull & lifeless. Even the Carvin (TS100) tube power amp was dull & lifeless compared to the RT2/50. It has earned its place on my "top 5 power amps of all time" list along with the Mesa 2:90.

--B

 

[jmgman70]

For some reason running an M4 through a SS power amp feels like baking a pizza in a microwave... technically gets the job done... but if you're going to invest that much in an M4, you might as well just spring for a full tube rig (your back won't thank you but your ears will).

Q: Is the Carver voiced for guitar? If you really wanted to go SS I'd reco getting a power amp voiced for guitar (e.g., Tubeworks). I tried using a SS Carvin power amp while I was waiting for a tube amp to come in, and it was pretty dull & lifeless. Even the Carvin (TS100) tube power amp was dull & lifeless compared to the RT2/50. It has earned its place on my "top 5 power amps of all time" list along with the Mesa 2:90.

--B

LOL

 

[3 Mile Stone]

Dig it!

 

[Prickstein]

Q: Is the Carver voiced for guitar?
--B

No sir, it is not. It is meant for a small PA. 2x150watt. I've been running it into 2x Marshall valvestate quadboxes with celestion G12L's (I think), but I'm thinking they are going to seriously be the weak link in my chain if I go for an RT2/50. Don't know whether to get new speakers for the cabinets or just get new cabs altogether... crap, it's never ending, is it?

 

[Chad]

I played around with running the slave out of my RM50B into a Marshall Valvestate Pro 120/120 solid state power amp. It sounded pretty cool, but I never did use it in a live setting. I've since sold that power amp as I got out of rack gear.