Question with amps!

[dfwkeys]

Is it possible and maybe even wise to use a pa system amp to a bass cabinet speakers?  I was wondering how this would affect the sound quality.

[funkStrat_97]

Is it possible and maybe even wise to use a pa system amp to a bass cabinet speakers?  I was wondering how this would affect the sound quality.

Possible?  Yes.

Wise?  I don't kow.

Why would you want to use a PA head instead of a dedicated bass amp?  I could see that if you were running multiple instruemnts and don't want to lug around a bunch of amps that it could be an advantage to use a PA (some people use bass or keyboard amps as small PA's).  As far as the sound quality goes, there are a lot of variables to consider including, the quality of PA head, speakers, the particular bass, weather it's active or passive and your own perception of what a "good" sound is.  You could run the bass through a modeler or a DI (SansAmp) and probably get some outstanding results, but it may also be possible to get what you want with just the head.

[dfwkeys]

Possible?  Yes.

Wise?  I don't kow.

Why would you want to use a PA head instead of a dedicated bass amp?  I could see that if you were running multiple instruemnts and don't want to lug around a bunch of amps that it could be an advantage to use a PA (some people use bass or keyboard amps as small PA's).  As far as the sound quality goes, there are a lot of variables to consider including, the quality of PA head, speakers, the particular bass, weather it's active or passive and your own perception of what a "good" sound is.  You could run the bass through a modeler or a DI (SansAmp) and probably get some outstanding results, but it may also be possible to get what you want with just the head.

I would use it temporary until i can save more money to get the bass head, that would be the only reason at this time, i just didn't know if it was a good idea.

[DWBass]

By P. A. head, do you mean a Power Amp? If so, this is done on a regular basis. A Power-Amp & Pre-Amp (PA-PA) setup, if you will! A power amp by itself probably wouldn't sound too good but if your bass is active, it could suffice until you got a pre-amp.

[funkStrat_97]

By P.A. I mean (and I assume this is what the O.P. is refering to) a public address system.  I recall there was a article in Guitar Player a few years ago about some old tube P.A. heads that made good guitar amps after changing a few tubes.

[ddwilkins]

It is possible. Some churches have there bass players running directly to the main house system which is nothing but a beefed up PA system. Before I purchased my gear, a friend of mine who had a lot of gear and most of it was out to friends, had me run through a Crate PA head through a Peavey 410 cab. I got a pretty decent sound through the cab.

I wouldn't say that it is wise though for a long period of time. In your case, if that's all you have, use it. But definately get a dedicated bass head when the money is right. Some will say get a seperate Pre-amp and Power Amp setup, and some will say get a head with the pre and power amps together.  Its your personal preference.

[browntree]

I use a peavey 900 power amp to power my bass rig.  I know for sure people use these amps for pa systems especially to drive large subwoofers.  I believe Peavey amps are underrated.  They deliver good power and great head room and... they are indestructible!
Also our church uses  a number of Crown power amps (along with others QVC?) to power  most of the pa system. Quite a few people use Crown amps for the bass rigs.