New amp for bass duty.

[martin2395]

I'm looking for a newer amp for bass duty to drive two 2235H's.
For now I have a QSC EX4000 in perfect working condition but the outside is busted - it was used in humid environment for years and the paint falls off everywhere due to rust underneath.

Is there anything (newer?) that comes close to the EX in terms of musicality and grunt in the bass?
I want something with a quiet fan or with passive cooling.
I tried a K2 before but the QSC was the winner for me.

I was thinking about buying another EX/MX or an MPX1200 but they are very difficult to find in VG+ condition.

[ivica]

I'm looking for a newer amp for bass duty to drive two 2235H's.
For now I have a QSC EX4000 in perfect working condition but the outside is busted - it was used in humid environment for years and the paint falls off everywhere due to rust underneath.

Is there anything (newer?) that comes close to the EX in terms of musicality and grunt in the bass?
I want something with a quiet fan or with passive cooling.
I tried a K2 before but the QSC was the winner for me.

I was thinking about buying another EX/MX or an MPX1200 but they are very difficult to find in VG+ condition.

Hi martin2395,

Why not to clean an re-paint the amp case?

regards
ivica

[martin2395]

Hi Ivica,

The rust spots are everywhere, not deep but they are under the paint so it bubbles and just comes off in flakes.

Ive redone the handles and the top cover but spray paint is so soft, you could scratch it off with your nails.

Do you think that paint stripper would work on such a rough surface? Sandblasting would destroy the stickers and badges. The original paint is some kind of scratch resistant heavy duty stuff.

[ivica]

Hi Ivica,

The rust spots are everywhere, not deep but they are under the paint so it bubbles and just comes off in flakes.

Ive redone the handles and the top cover but spray paint is so soft, you could scratch it off with your nails.

Do you think that paint stripper would work on such a rough surface? Sandblasting would destroy the stickers and badges. The original paint is some kind of scratch resistant heavy duty stuff.

Hi martin2395,

After cleaning rust, may be some kind of paint primer , used for the car restoration can help, with fine sending after, and use car-paint quality paint.
To reach original paint quality would be difficult, but on the other side audio reproduction quality of the amplifier is the most important thing.
I wish You good luck in the amplifier restoration.

regards
ivica

[LowPhreak]

Hi Martin,

The Electro-Voice Q-series amps are good choices, or the CP or TG series. 3-stage fans that aren't leaf blower loud and low impedance ability with plenty of headroom. I've had QSC but prefer the sound and features of the E-Vs.

[martin2395]

Hi Ivica,

The problem is that QSC used pressed sheet steel so you cant dismantle the box, its 1 solid piece so sanding/painting is a nightmare and will result in destroying all the badges. That's why I'm not so keen on doing it myself.

@LowPHreak,
Are the "P" series any good too? Im referring to the p3000.

[LowPhreak]

Hi Ivica,


@LowPHreak,
Are the "P" series any good too? Im referring to the p3000.

Yes, they were E-V's top line series and used in tour rigs, live/pro applications (also the P1200 & P2000), but eventually phased out so E-V could "modernize" them and cut down a bit on size and weight. I'm sure clean units can be found on the used market for reasonable prices.

If I'm not mistaken, the last time I heard the Stones (Bridges to Babylon tour, Carrier Dome, Syracuse, NY) they used an E-V rig with P-series amps and was up there with the best concert sound I'd ever heard. Certainly several other shows I've seen used them too.