Vestax VDA-1000 power amp

Is this amp OK?
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EricBSTL
Posts: 43
Joined: Tue Dec 08, 2009 7:48 am

Vestax VDA-1000 power amp

#1 Post by EricBSTL »

Anyone have a good or bad or ugly experience with one of these? Several places have them on sale cheap right now...which might be a harbinger of doom....LOL However, they look interesting. I've only been able to find 3 total consumer reviews....two good, one bad. One person was powering a pair of EV Sb200 subs with it! So, it must be able to push a bit of power.

Anyway, in my never ending quest to find the smallest, lightest, but loudest, equipment, I ran across the VDA-1000. It could be a great lightweight amp...if it is in fact, a great lightweight amp...LOL

I have a Mackie 1400i right now that weighs about 30 lbs. I'd love to only have to cart around an 8 lb. power amp.

bzb
Posts: 1567
Joined: Mon Oct 05, 2009 4:16 pm
Location: Atlanta, GA

Re: Vestax VDA-1000 power amp

#2 Post by bzb »

Vestax makes high quality DJ gear (I use the VCI-100 and have owned a scratch mixer in the past), but I'm not so sure about this amp. It seems handy to have around for maybe Jacks, but I think it's a bit underpowered.

Plus it's not rack mountable, if that's a concern for you. You'll still need a crossover/limiter (DCX2496, dbx Driverack PA, and BBE DS24 are options), and those go for $170-250.

After evaluating all my options, including keeping my current amps and just picking up a DSP, weight reduction and eliminating rack clutter were biggest reasons I went for the Crown XTI. I got one used off Craigslist for $250. You can find them new on ebay for $309 shipped - only $100 more than what you're looking at for this Vestax, and only about 8 additional pounds. You get more power, the ability to go to 2ohms safely, and the integrated DSP.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... K:MEWAX:IT

Search on user "proaudiostar" if the above link doesn't work.
Bobby Shively
Purveyor of fine aged hip hop
Traktor S4 - Vestax VCI-100 - TTX - MOTU Ultralite - Yamaha 01V

Built:
T39 13" BP102, 24" 3012LF - AT - OT12 2512 - SLA Pro - T24 - Jack 10
Powered by XTi 1000 & 2000

EricBSTL
Posts: 43
Joined: Tue Dec 08, 2009 7:48 am

Re: Vestax VDA-1000 power amp

#3 Post by EricBSTL »

Thanks, that does help alot. I do already own a crossover (Do most guys run subs from a summed input or in stereo?). I have a rack but am going to sell it....It's a SKB 7 space Gig Rig with a popup mixer rack, that although great when I had a band, is more than I like to carry up stairs. I have a Mackie 1400i and an ART Xover in there along with my Spirit 24 channel board.

The Mackie is a nice amp and could run the subs easily for what I need. But, it weighs 36 lbs. And, I'm always looking to go smaller and lighter. So, I can use the ART Xover...But, this does add cabling. The Crown sounds like it might be the safer option. But, I might take a chance on the Vestax. In an ideal world, the Vestax would have a Low Pass built in...but I didn't see anything like that in the specs.

All the other gear that I use is non rack...which is both nice and light...but a pain for setup. I'm thinking of building some custom mini rack to house it all.

Alesis Mix8USB
Laptop
Nady DKWDUO (half rack size) wireless mics

And now, the crossover, which is a standard 1 rack space.

The big issue with the stuff I have is that although it is small to transport, it needs to be spread out in use...particularly the laptop and mini mixer. Maybe I can devise some sort of table / rack that folds up but keeps the stuff mounted and connected. I'd be interested to hear how other people have done non standard rigs.

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Gauss
Posts: 633
Joined: Wed Jul 09, 2008 8:35 pm
Location: Michigan

Re: Vestax VDA-1000 power amp

#4 Post by Gauss »

Okay, let me ask, how does the Alesis do? Can you run sound from the computer through the USB to your speakers? Is special software required, or can you output all sound from the computer?
AudioFlyer DJ: DR200 & Titan39/Titan48
BASS: Combo Amp & Titan39

EricBSTL
Posts: 43
Joined: Tue Dec 08, 2009 7:48 am

Re: Vestax VDA-1000 power amp

#5 Post by EricBSTL »

My personal review is a bit half and half....

The Alesis sounds really good...with a bonus that it has it's own ground loop lifter. I can be getting humm from the cabs. But, when I turn the power on the board, the hum goes away.

It's not at all hard to use. However, the one tricky thing is that it sometimes gets out of sync with the computer...perhaps a firmware glitch. It is easily remedied by restarting the board, and sometimes...restarting the system. This drove me crazy until I read some other experiences with the board and found out how to deal with it.

The computer sends output via USB to the Alesis. There is no USB input attenuator to control level and no channel EQ. So, your stereo input level and EQ must be controlled on the computer. This does cause some balancing acts when using the mics for karaoke...but iis otherwise a non issue. Of course, if you choose to come in via analog inputs from the computer's sound card, you have board control again.

The mic inputs and efx are very usable. For simple karaoke, they sound great. I'm sure that if you want to do a lot more with vocal processing, other mixers and efx units would be a better bet. The Alesis is mainly for a few delay efx and sweetening.

I recommend the unit as a great bargain mixer and a simple way to get sound from the computer to your system. However, that comes with the caveat that it might take a bit of fiddling to be comfortable with the minor headaches.

I've heard that the firewire and USB2.0 versions of this mixer have more features and better drivers. But, I don't have any experience with those personally.

sine143
Posts: 3066
Joined: Sat Feb 06, 2010 3:27 pm
Location: Raleigh NC

Re: Vestax VDA-1000 power amp

#6 Post by sine143 »

Hmm... I was thinking about picking one of these up to power 2 tuba 30s... I'm just getting into amplified sound, and I really know nothing about it. Perhaps I'll wait a bit, but it seems like this is the best thing at the price point.

Does anyone Have any words of wisdom? I've definitely noticed that the Crown Xti's seem to be praised highly, but I'm a littttle short on cash.
Built:
2x Tuba 30s delta12lf loaded (gone)
4x Otop12 d2512 loaded
8x t48s (18, 18, 24, 24, 30, 30) 3015lf loaded
2x AT (1 mcm, 1 gto 804)
2x SLA Pro (dayton pa6, 6 goldwood piezo loaded)
1x bastard XF208

2x OT212 (delta pro 450a loaded, eminence psd)

bzb
Posts: 1567
Joined: Mon Oct 05, 2009 4:16 pm
Location: Atlanta, GA

Re: Vestax VDA-1000 power amp

#7 Post by bzb »

The major benefit of going with the XTI (or now the new XLS, or the similar Peavey offerings) is the integrated DSP in a lightweight amp. If you're going with multiple amps, or even a backup amp for the system, you're kind of stuck with this style. Otherwise, you're dumping another $200+ into a separate DSP to control all your amps.

Besides the crossover and EQ, it has an integrated limiter. Bill and others here have preached for a long time about protecting your drivers by measuring the output from the amp and setting your limiters appropriately. If you're concerned with cash, then you probably want to protect your speakers. Otherwise, your quest to save $100 might be defeated by buying a new set of $100-200 drivers.

For $250-300, it's hard to beat the XTi 1000 for a small DJ rig. I'm powering two T39/BP102 on one channel and my two Fender 15 cabs - soon to be replaced by OT12s - on the other channel. Did a gig last night for 8 hours straight, 7:00PM until almost 3AM (no clue how we didn't get cops out). I had a little headroom on the sub side, and I have never gone more than 1/2 way up on the tops side. From what I understand, the OT12s are even more efficient.

Once I have T48s built, I'm upgrading to a 4000 or similar, and keeping the 1000 in the truck for a backup.
Bobby Shively
Purveyor of fine aged hip hop
Traktor S4 - Vestax VCI-100 - TTX - MOTU Ultralite - Yamaha 01V

Built:
T39 13" BP102, 24" 3012LF - AT - OT12 2512 - SLA Pro - T24 - Jack 10
Powered by XTi 1000 & 2000

sine143
Posts: 3066
Joined: Sat Feb 06, 2010 3:27 pm
Location: Raleigh NC

Re: Vestax VDA-1000 power amp

#8 Post by sine143 »

Hmm.... looks like I'm going to hijack this thread, sorry OP (but maybe it will be useful for you as well?).

Onboard DSP is definitely enticing, and the crown XTI 1000 would actually seem to be the better deal for someone who doesnt have a crossover already. I've also been looking at the new XLS 1500, but at 400, i dunno if it merits the extra cash, when I can pick up the XTI 1000 for 300.

Couple of questions

What drivers do you have loaded in your t39s? I'm planning on loading my Tubas with the Delta 12lf, and they are rated at 500 watts, 8 ohm, which really surprised me (i'm not sure if this is peak? or continuous).

With your XTI, can you use both Hipass, and lowpass, on the same channel? IE, hipass 35 hz, as well as the lopass settings?

You are using 2 t39, and 2 tops on 1 amp (comes standard with 2 outputs). Are you running those drivers in series, or parallel, and what type of cabling/connectors are you using?

Thanks for the reply, and it looks like i'm leaning towards the XTI's or the XLS. I've been offered an old Crown CE1000 for around 170, but its 5 years old, and I dunno if I trust myself to go without a warranty, due to my inexperience with live sound.
Built:
2x Tuba 30s delta12lf loaded (gone)
4x Otop12 d2512 loaded
8x t48s (18, 18, 24, 24, 30, 30) 3015lf loaded
2x AT (1 mcm, 1 gto 804)
2x SLA Pro (dayton pa6, 6 goldwood piezo loaded)
1x bastard XF208

2x OT212 (delta pro 450a loaded, eminence psd)

bzb
Posts: 1567
Joined: Mon Oct 05, 2009 4:16 pm
Location: Atlanta, GA

Re: Vestax VDA-1000 power amp

#9 Post by bzb »

What drivers do you have loaded in your t39s?

I only use BP102s. The 3012LFs can definitely use the extra power from the XTi 2000.

The 1000 will work, but just know that you're not pushing them as hard as the 2000 can. Some here would probably say that you're not getting a whole lot more after the first 100 watts, anyway.

With your XTI, can you use both Hipass, and lowpass, on the same channel? IE, hipass 35 hz, as well as the lopass settings?


You have to use System Architect to set them. On the front LCD inputs, you can only set the lowpass for subs at 90, 100, or 120 Hz.

SA2 is free software, and connects via USB on the back of the XTi. You've got HPF and LPF per channel, butterworth 6/12/18/24 per octave.

You are using 2 t39, and 2 tops on 1 amp (comes standard with 2 outputs). Are you running those drivers in series, or parallel, and what type of cabling/connectors are you using?


Parallel. I installed banana plugs in my rack, and ran 12ga speaker wire from the screw connectors on the XTi to the female banana plugs in the rack.

For the tops, I just stack two bananas from the rack output, each going to its own top.

For the sub, I have the jacks wired in parallel. I go banana from the rack to speakon in one sub, then speakon to speakon for the next sub. This is a short, 1 foot cable since my subs will always be coupled.


Thanks for the reply, and it looks like i'm leaning towards the XTI's or the XLS. I've been offered an old Crown CE1000 for around 170, but its 5 years old, and I dunno if I trust myself to go without a warranty, due to my inexperience with live sound.

I have a 10-year old Powertech 2.1 that still runs just fine. Those big, heavy Crown amps are practically bullet proof, but I don't know that they're even worth $170 anymore. I certainly wouldn't pay that much for one nowadays.

The Macrotech is a different story, however...
Bobby Shively
Purveyor of fine aged hip hop
Traktor S4 - Vestax VCI-100 - TTX - MOTU Ultralite - Yamaha 01V

Built:
T39 13" BP102, 24" 3012LF - AT - OT12 2512 - SLA Pro - T24 - Jack 10
Powered by XTi 1000 & 2000

sine143
Posts: 3066
Joined: Sat Feb 06, 2010 3:27 pm
Location: Raleigh NC

Re: Vestax VDA-1000 power amp

#10 Post by sine143 »

Thanks for you time.

I probably will not buy that CE1000. Especially if GC is having 15% off this weekend. I'll probably go down there, and see if theres anything I feel like buying. If they will sell me the VDA 1000 for 170... Its pretty enticing. I might just wait till the XLS 1500 is released, as I've seen some claims saying the xti doesnt push great sound in the bass frequencies (i'm skeptical of this though...)
Built:
2x Tuba 30s delta12lf loaded (gone)
4x Otop12 d2512 loaded
8x t48s (18, 18, 24, 24, 30, 30) 3015lf loaded
2x AT (1 mcm, 1 gto 804)
2x SLA Pro (dayton pa6, 6 goldwood piezo loaded)
1x bastard XF208

2x OT212 (delta pro 450a loaded, eminence psd)

bzb
Posts: 1567
Joined: Mon Oct 05, 2009 4:16 pm
Location: Atlanta, GA

Re: Vestax VDA-1000 power amp

#11 Post by bzb »

sine143 wrote:Thanks for you time.

I probably will not buy that CE1000. Especially if GC is having 15% off this weekend. I'll probably go down there, and see if theres anything I feel like buying. If they will sell me the VDA 1000 for 170... Its pretty enticing. I might just wait till the XLS 1500 is released, as I've seen some claims saying the xti doesnt push great sound in the bass frequencies (i'm skeptical of this though...)
They sound fine to me. I pushed Peavey 18" subs with the PT2.1, and I've had multiple powered subs in the past, the most recent being a B-52 Act 18X. The Titans sound every bit as good to me, and I LPF them at 90Hz.

Even if it were true, I don't see how the XLS will sound any different than the XTi. Similar components/design.
Bobby Shively
Purveyor of fine aged hip hop
Traktor S4 - Vestax VCI-100 - TTX - MOTU Ultralite - Yamaha 01V

Built:
T39 13" BP102, 24" 3012LF - AT - OT12 2512 - SLA Pro - T24 - Jack 10
Powered by XTi 1000 & 2000

sine143
Posts: 3066
Joined: Sat Feb 06, 2010 3:27 pm
Location: Raleigh NC

Re: Vestax VDA-1000 power amp

#12 Post by sine143 »

Another reason I kind of want to wait for the XLS is that the 1500 is looking to cost 100 less than the XTi 1000. More powerful, and cheaper.

Although I found the xti 1000 for 300.
Built:
2x Tuba 30s delta12lf loaded (gone)
4x Otop12 d2512 loaded
8x t48s (18, 18, 24, 24, 30, 30) 3015lf loaded
2x AT (1 mcm, 1 gto 804)
2x SLA Pro (dayton pa6, 6 goldwood piezo loaded)
1x bastard XF208

2x OT212 (delta pro 450a loaded, eminence psd)

bzb
Posts: 1567
Joined: Mon Oct 05, 2009 4:16 pm
Location: Atlanta, GA

Re: Vestax VDA-1000 power amp

#13 Post by bzb »

$309 is best price I've found for brand new XTi 1000. I got mine for $250 used on CL with nary a scratch in it.

XLS 1500 outputs 25 more watts at 4 or 8 ohms. Not really a noticeable difference.
Bobby Shively
Purveyor of fine aged hip hop
Traktor S4 - Vestax VCI-100 - TTX - MOTU Ultralite - Yamaha 01V

Built:
T39 13" BP102, 24" 3012LF - AT - OT12 2512 - SLA Pro - T24 - Jack 10
Powered by XTi 1000 & 2000

sine143
Posts: 3066
Joined: Sat Feb 06, 2010 3:27 pm
Location: Raleigh NC

Re: Vestax VDA-1000 power amp

#14 Post by sine143 »

Thanks again for all the help. I'm sure the regulars on this forum are tired of kids like me trying to get through without researching themselves (actually, I'm trying to learn as much as I can, its just a little tough with 20 credit hours at school right now).

One more question (haha, yeah right): Are your Bp102s the 8 or 4 ohm version, as I believe the plans state they are available in both? If they happen to be the 4 ohm, I will still be fine driving the Delta 12lfs (8 ohm) from a single channel on the xti 1000, correct?
Built:
2x Tuba 30s delta12lf loaded (gone)
4x Otop12 d2512 loaded
8x t48s (18, 18, 24, 24, 30, 30) 3015lf loaded
2x AT (1 mcm, 1 gto 804)
2x SLA Pro (dayton pa6, 6 goldwood piezo loaded)
1x bastard XF208

2x OT212 (delta pro 450a loaded, eminence psd)

bzb
Posts: 1567
Joined: Mon Oct 05, 2009 4:16 pm
Location: Atlanta, GA

Re: Vestax VDA-1000 power amp

#15 Post by bzb »

No problem. I'm relatively new here, I asked many, many stupid questions in the beginning, too :D Hell, I still do!

They're 8ohm BP102. I think the 4 ohm is called BP1024.

Even if they're 4 ohm drivers, they'll be fine on a 2 ohm stable amp. The horns in the subs actually add to the impedance, so instead of 8, 4, and 2, you're actually looking at around 10, 5, and 2.5. No problem for the XTi. Problem for the Vestax.
Bobby Shively
Purveyor of fine aged hip hop
Traktor S4 - Vestax VCI-100 - TTX - MOTU Ultralite - Yamaha 01V

Built:
T39 13" BP102, 24" 3012LF - AT - OT12 2512 - SLA Pro - T24 - Jack 10
Powered by XTi 1000 & 2000

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