Parade Float - Power

[escapemcp]

Still, I think 2Kva for a Lepai amp, or even a pair (one for subs, one for tops) should be plenty...

I had read that the OP had already secured a genny (and a very nice one at that...) so I brain dumped that info just in case it may prove useful to someone in the same position. I wasn't aware that he was only running a small Lepai amp, so my requests to him to trip the genny may be a bit ambitious

[bzb]

I've run my XTi 2000 on a Honda EU series generator a few times in the past - always supplied by the event planner or client - and never had any issues with a single T39 and OT12s.

Planning on bringing single T39 and single OT12 for this one. It's Zydeco/Second Line themed, but we pre-game with Top 40 for the kiddos to get amped about Homecoming.

[bitSmasher]

A typical amp of around 1200w output will draw a quiescent current around 500 to 750ma @120V.

You are still looking at huge amounts of current at 12 VDC if any kind of audio power is required

You'd be surprised! 2x T39 and an OT12, amplified with a Class D car amp would make quite a racket only pulling 5 amps at 12v, which is 60w...

As mentioned, this isn't really answering the OP's needs any more but moreso pushing my point that with some not-so-conventional thinking you can make decent noise without much effort.
I wouldn't suggest running out and spending $x00 on such a setup for a one-off event, but a SURE TK2050, MiniDSP and a 15AH SLA would be very handy to own if want to do events outdoors without the hassle of generators. Especially when generator noise and placement is a concern, for background audio and more social-oriented occasions than a straight out band/dj gig.

That said, there's a threshold with battery powered systems that a generator and lightweight amp ends up being a better solution, but that's when we're talking about needing 50kg+ of batteries and multiple 12V amps... but strike the balance and you can have an impressive portable setup with cheap and simple parts - high sensitivity speakers like BFM's are perfect for this!

that's my ranting done, for now

[bzb]

I'd love new toys, but considering I'm doing this for free... investment will be $0 from my company I don't do these kinds of things often - 3rd year in a row I've done this for my sister, but nothing I'd plan on doing consistently enough to warrant new gear.

[bzb]

So an update:

The gig went off fantastic. I powered my Macbook Pro and a Crown XTi 2000 off this generator:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Briggs-Strat ... mlDhpSAeIc

Which was tiny! It was as deep as the Titan 39, but shorter and maybe 15" across. Fit very nicely in the bed of the truck. Played for over 2 hours and had zero issues. Single OT12 and T39 at almost full tilt.