This has been as tough as picking a sub!! My amp short list

[NCcrashman]

But I think I'm going with either Carvin or Behringer amp's and so far Carvin's are in the lead. I have heard about as equal cons and pros on both, but I believe the Carvins might be a little better quality. I also have the assurence that the Carvins will output what Carvin CLAIMS. One of the biggest complaints I hear about Behringer amps is their output is "sketchy". Equally, I hear Carvin's have power supply "demons" and touchy IC boards.

I would love to know and hear everyones opinion on my choices.

-Patrick

[NCcrashman]

Keep in mind, my financial restrictions are overwhelming and if I could buy any amp I wanted, neither of these amps would be choosen. That being said WITH the financial issue's I have, that's why I chose these 2 amps. Once I get "gigging" and making money I'll buy the amps I want. With that being said, I'm dammed lucky to be starting out with the speakers of my dreams

-Patrick

[Benj Ross]

Hey Patrick,

I would go with Carvin of the choices you have put up here.

Better reputation, customer service, and reliability from what I have heard, and made in the USA.

I have some Peavey IPRs showing up tomorrow. If you haven't looked in to them you might. The IPR 1600 is cheaper, lighter, more flexible (hi-pass and low pass filters on each channel), and puts out slightly more power than the comparable Carvin amp. From what I have read, it looks like better THD numbers too. I am no expert on that point, though.

My two cents.

Benj

[NCcrashman]

Hey Benj!!
Man, I Love Peavey stuff. We have a local guy who bought a "short stack" of JBL VRX (the cheaper ones) speakers and was trying to tell everyone he could "dust" EAW's and everything else in the free world...lol...and I really pooped on his parade when I told him the Peavey line array would eat his speakers for lunch..hahaha. I would LOVE to have CS series speakers but they aren't cheap. I really need to look at the IPR'S again, but the last time I checked them out they just didn't have the power. I think the 1600 had like 300 watts @ 8 ohm's? I need to check the entire line out again. My O'Tops have the "pro's" in them so I'll need a little extra juice for those bad boys!!
Thanks for ur advice!!
-Patrick

[NCcrashman]

On a funny note, I was checking out a video on the DCM3000L and the guy doing it said "and we"re running 3000 watts to each 2x18 sub" and all I could think about was thank GOD for Bill Fitzmaurice or I would be doing the same thing!!
So here it is. Thanks Bill!!
-Patrick

[Benj Ross]

You ain't joking man! Every time I see a sub with a rated power handling of 2000+ watts I just shake my head now.

I have the IPR 3000 coming tomorrow for sub duty. We'll see how it goes. I was making the IPR 1600 comparison because it was similar to the Carvin amp. I have a big gig on the 18+19th where the 3000 will get put to the test. I am not sure if they are shipping any of the bigger IPRs yet, but I will email my people at peavey and find out. If you are looking for onboard DSP, look elsewhere. I was pretty dissapointed at the DSP capabilities. Doesn't hold a candle to the XTIs.

Benj

[NCcrashman]

Hey Patrick,

I would go with Carvin of the choices you have put up here.

Better reputation, customer service, and reliability from what I have heard, and made in the USA.

I have some Peavey IPRs showing up tomorrow. If you haven't looked in to them you might. The IPR 1600 is cheaper, lighter, more flexible (hi-pass and low pass filters on each channel), and puts out slightly more power than the comparable Carvin amp. From what I have read, it looks like better THD numbers too. I am no expert on that point, though.

My two cents.

Benj

Wow Benj, you weren't lying! I really do like the specs on the IPR and to tell you the truth, it might be the winner. I can get a ton of power for $599 and DSP for $100 more. I'm Certain I'm the "lone wolf" here when I say this, but I might keep my DSP seperate even though it'll be more money in the long run. To me it's just more to break down.
Thanks a ton Benj,
-Patrick

[LEVLHED]

I'm running 3 IPR 3000's now with a DRPA for DSP. IPR 3000's can be found for $400 delivered very easily.

Do it.

[jcmbowman]

I'm Certain I'm the "lone wolf" here when I say this, but I might keep my DSP separate even though it'll be more money in the long run. To me it's just more to break down.
-Patrick

You're not alone in that regards. I much prefer to have a separate DSP.

First off, I like having all the controls and parameters set on one device instead of having to tweak each amp if I want to play with different crossover points, etc...

Second, if I have an amp go out before a show, I can easily borrow one. If I have the DSP go out I can rent one for a weekend for under $50. I'd rather not have them both go out at the same time.

[Benj Ross]

Got my IPRs today. I swear it seems like the things are empty! They are SO light! I did not get a chance to hook them up yet, but I hope to this weekend.

Cheers,
Benj

[Benj Ross]

I'm running 3 IPR 3000's now with a DRPA for DSP. IPR 3000's can be found for $400 delivered very easily.

Do it.

I know this has been covered elsewhere, but I'll bring it up again as I think it is worth mentioning.

Those sites that are selling these amps (and all other like them) are bound by advertising contracts that say they cannot advertise under a certain price aka MAP (minimum advertised price) In this case $449. If you buy from one of these lowballers, I can almost guarantee they cannot backup the unit's warranty. Peavey is not going to bend over backward to help out someone that is undercutting all of their dealers who play ball. I saw a IPR 3000 for $368 plus shipping I can tell you they are not making much on that amp and are not going to want to help you out if it goes bad. The IPRs come with a 5 year warranty, but it doesnt do you any good if it cant be backed up. As always you get what you pay for and in this case you might deal hunt yourself out of a good product. It might also be a factory second, or refurbished unit and just not disclosed. When I see these sites pulling stunts like that I wonder where else they are being shady. I believe Leland said he saw people selling amps BELOW cost to get people to their sites. I am a Peavey dealer and it just burns my ass to see people doing that with prices. I choose to play ball and be completely on the up and up, for my own sake and my customer's, and it barely makes it worth it to sell any gear with guys like that out there.

I have been in the spot where the lowest price was absolutely the most that I could afford so I went for it. Nowadays, I prefer knowing that the retailer and manufacturer are going to back me up.

I am not out to get on anyone's case here. I honestly just want people to know what they are buying. I could be way off base and maybe that retailer has found a legal way to get around MAP. I doubt it, but I will be happy to be wrong. At the very least I think you should question the sales people about this before buying, just to make sure they can back up the warranty.

End Rant.

Benj

[BrentEvans]

I'm running 3 IPR 3000's now with a DRPA for DSP. IPR 3000's can be found for $400 delivered very easily.

Do it.

I know this has been covered elsewhere, but I'll bring it up again as I think it is worth mentioning.

Those sites that are selling these amps (and all other like them) are bound by advertising contracts that say they cannot advertise under a certain price aka MAP (minimum advertised price) In this case $449. If you buy from one of these lowballers, I can almost guarantee they cannot backup the unit's warranty. Peavey is not going to bend over backward to help out someone that is undercutting all of their dealers who play ball. I saw a IPR 3000 for $368 plus shipping I can tell you they are not making much on that amp and are not going to want to help you out if it goes bad. The IPRs come with a 5 year warranty, but it doesnt do you any good if it cant be backed up. As always you get what you pay for and in this case you might deal hunt yourself out of a good product. It might also be a factory second, or refurbished unit and just not disclosed. When I see these sites pulling stunts like that I wonder where else they are being shady. I believe Leland said he saw people selling amps BELOW cost to get people to their sites. I am a Peavey dealer and it just burns my ass to see people doing that with prices. I choose to play ball and be completely on the up and up, for my own sake and my customer's, and it barely makes it worth it to sell any gear with guys like that out there.

I have been in the spot where the lowest price was absolutely the most that I could afford so I went for it. Nowadays, I prefer knowing that the retailer and manufacturer are going to back me up.

I am not out to get on anyone's case here. I honestly just want people to know what they are buying. I could be way off base and maybe that retailer has found a legal way to get around MAP. I doubt it, but I will be happy to be wrong. At the very least I think you should question the sales people about this before buying, just to make sure they can back up the warranty.

End Rant.

Benj

Buy from Full Compass or NSL to get good prices and guaranteed warranty support. I've found FC to usually do better, I deal with Cal Mazzara at x1119.