Hi all. I know there's been a lot of discussion on this, but I have a specific question that I've not seen answered.
I'd like to connect my Helix to the 2x12 speakers in my Marshall Bluesbreaker combo, effectively using it as a passive speaker cab with the amp switched off. I would audition FRFR speakers, but I don't really want anything else in the sitting room.
So I think the ideal is a Fryette Power Station or similar, which would act as a power amp into the speakers when using the Helix and also double up as an attenuator for the Bluesbreaker when going the pedals and amp route, which would be great for my neighbours and four-year-old.
However, before committing to the sort of cash required for the Fryette, I'd like to give the setup a go on a lower budget to see if I like the general vibe. So my question is whether anyone would recommend a power amp that I could use to try it out on a much more entry-level budget.
Comments
If you do want to try a mono power amp, any second hand PA head in the 100W range will be fine and usually under £100 these days, even less if it doesn’t have XLR mic inputs.
Based on recent experience I would steer clear of the Fryette, by the way.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
The Bluesbreaker doesn't have an FX loop.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
I see - this could be an issue
It also means I have a compact back up solution when using my valve head and also the option to run a wet/ dry or stereo set up with a combo. With so many possible uses, it seemed pretty good value even though I had to buy new.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
I put a Kemper and a Helix through the Loop and it sounded even better on some patches than a top of the range Redsound frfr...........it's a win/win .........you get a very decent Bassman type amp into the bargain
@ICBM - interested to hear about your experience with the Fryette as that would be quite an expensive mistake to make!
I'd rather not buy another amp for the same reason I don't want an FRFR speaker and, though I can see the benefits of adding a loop to the Bluesbreaker, I'd prefer to keep it stock.
The Helix does sound good going into the front of the Bluesbreaker, but half the fun is playing around with the amp models.
Thanks for all the responses
There’s also a cap which is badly under-rated for the voltage which is applied to it and is a failure risk.
Not impressed.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
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