ADA Depot - A Forum To Support Users of ADA Amplification Gear

ADA Power Amps => B200s => Topic started by: idouglascs on February 10, 2016, 09:37:26 AM

Title: B200s - Why is this the Warmest SS Amp?
Post by: idouglascs on February 10, 2016, 09:37:26 AM
Hi,

I bought an ADA B200s amp that will arrive in two weeks.

I have read all the topics that talks about this amp and I see only good opinions about it.

What I didn't find is why is this the Warmest SS Amp. What people says is that it is very transparent, and I'm afraid this transparency translates into a sterile and cold sound.

I could not find videos or sound demos, nor any post talking about punch, clarity or smoothness.

I am already looking for an ADA MP1.

Thank you All

My actual gear:

Preamp with Effects
Digitech GSP1101
Digitech Valve FX

Effects Only
Alesis Quadraverb Plus

Preamp Only
Marshall JMP-1

Power Amp
Hi-Fi Power Amp, AB Class
Waiting my B200s arrive


Speakers
Digitech GSP1101 Speaker Impulse Response thru 2x12 100w 8ohms Hi-Fi Speaker with Tweeters. (great combination, gives me a lot of speaker models)

Title: Re: B200s - Why is this the Warmest SS Amp?
Post by: Kim on February 10, 2016, 10:27:27 AM
When I had the b200s I found that it will give you everything that you put into it.  A cold sterile sound at the Input results in a cold sterile Output while a good sound going in results in a good sound coming out. 
Title: Re: B200s - Why is this the Warmest SS Amp?
Post by: idouglascs on February 10, 2016, 10:42:53 AM
Thanks Kim!

What about punch and harmonics?

At volume does it attenuates some high-end, mantains a tight bass reproduction?
Title: Re: B200s - Why is this the Warmest SS Amp?
Post by: Kim on February 10, 2016, 12:42:40 PM
As I recall, it didnt roll off anything and stayed tight all the way up.  Maybe "warmest" was meant that it feels warm to the touch after use ?  Lol
Title: Re: B200s - Why is this the Warmest SS Amp?
Post by: idouglascs on February 10, 2016, 02:33:17 PM
As I recall, it didnt roll off anything and stayed tight all the way up.  Maybe "warmest" was meant that it feels warm to the touch after use ?  Lol

Kkkkk

It's a good explanation.

When I get my amp I will post my first impressions.

Thank you
Title: Re: B200s - Why is this the Warmest SS Amp?
Post by: rnolan on February 10, 2016, 11:11:06 PM
 :whoohoo!: , good score  :thumb-up: The B200s is a fantastic amp, it's kind of though it's not there just faithfully reproduces the preamp tone. Plenty of grunt, no roll offs bottom or top, as Kim said what you put in is what you get out, just louder  >:D . They are very reliable, I gigged with mine for 25 years, it was working 5 nights a week, never missed a beat. There was a slightly upgraded model I bought when I sold my MP1 rig to Mike to go with my MP2, Mike still uses my original B200s, he's changed the input pots and the output jacks (which take all the wear and tear). My newer B200s developed a bad crackle on one channel after many years, the tech tried to fix it twice (unsuccessfully). MJMP suggested I reflow all the solder joins around the power supply (he'd experienced the same issue), then he said just reflow the whole thing, which I did, it was easy as they are quite simple and easy to work on. It is now back to normal although I've been using a TS100 (I needed an amp  :metal: ). I'll build a second rig at some point with the B200s. The output transistors are mounted to the top so it gets quite hot to touch. There is also enough room to easily mount a new toroidal transformer to get the voltage right for your country. I had Dante's old US B200s changed to be 240v for a rig I put together for a mate of mine.
Here's a clip (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIr9nZ4aJfo) of Anderson ProAm > MP1, Quadverb, ISP33 smartshift, B200s, stereo quad box. Most of the backing is me and I play the 3rd solo. This was recorded live to stereo DAT in a warehouse, IIRC a pair of 57s on my cab (hey El  :wave: ). This was all at stage level volume (there was a (loud) drummer involved LoL)
Title: Re: B200s - Why is this the Warmest SS Amp?
Post by: rnolan on February 10, 2016, 11:52:09 PM
Just had a thought, the light in the power switch often dies (not sure why) but it doesn't affect anything so if that's the case with yours don't worry about it. Also the power switch is on in the up position and off in the down.
Here's 2 more live tracks with the same rig to give you an idea of how the B200s sounds.
Title: Re: B200s - Why is this the Warmest SS Amp?
Post by: rnolan on February 11, 2016, 12:00:37 AM
Not sure if this MP1 is still up for grabs (http://adadepot.com/index.php?topic=1364.0), it will be a 240v model as he's in Europe (11Miles), what's the power in Brazil ? Anyway, you can put in the MDRT which can be wired for both 110 or 240v and is probably the most worthwhile mod for a MP1 (http://www.marshalljmpmodshop.net/miscellaneous_parts_and_replacement_tubes.htm)
Title: Re: B200s - Why is this the Warmest SS Amp?
Post by: idouglascs on February 11, 2016, 10:30:46 AM
rnolan, thank you very much for all the great info and soundclips. Congratulations for your beautiful and smooth tone, so detailed and really cuts through.

Here in Brazil in my city we have a 220v power. My B200s is 110v (imported from USA), my plan is to use a 220v -> 110v adapter like I do with all my imported gear, do you see any problem?

I'm glad to see that there is still parts being sold for MP1, you can be sure I will get one as soon as possible and maybe do some mods. I just need someone qualified enough to replace the parts.

Yesterday I discovered that my current amp (a PA amp) colors my tone in a bad way. It add to much boomy bass, cut the mids and gives a harsh high end. To find this I bypassed the amp connecting my mixer direct to the speakers. It was a low volume sound (obviously) but a balanced smooth tone that inspires to play. I hope B200s gives me this sound at high volume.
Title: Re: B200s - Why is this the Warmest SS Amp?
Post by: Dante on February 11, 2016, 04:01:35 PM
Exactly as Kim and Richard have stated, you get out what you put in. Oh, and it can get LOUD too. The one thing I loved about it was I thought it actually got cleaner as I got louder, but that could be me expecting it to distort.

Enjoy that little brick of volume
Title: Re: B200s - Why is this the Warmest SS Amp?
Post by: rnolan on February 12, 2016, 05:11:36 AM
Well thanks so much for the congrats  :wave: just me doing my thing  >:D . You'll love the B200s, they are great amps, and as Dante says, when you turn them up, they just keep on cooking  >:D in a very nice way.
The up side with B200s is there is plenty of room to install a 240v toroidal (will be around $100), running off the step sown tranny wont be a problem (will work fine), and this is how my mate ran Dante's old B200s for a while when it first arrived, worked fine but is a bit of a pain having to have the step down transformer... We got an appropriate 240 v toroidal fitted, all good and now no step down required  :thumb-up: The transformer replacement is very straight forward, Hey MJMP is it 30v 3 amps ? Now if you get an MP1, then I'd send it to MJMP in Belgium for work... Not that others aren't qualified, but he knows them better than anyone else I've come across..
Title: Re: B200s - Why is this the Warmest SS Amp?
Post by: MarshallJMP on February 12, 2016, 05:22:24 AM
The transformer is 2 x 30Vac @ 3.9A
Title: Re: B200s - Why is this the Warmest SS Amp?
Post by: rnolan on February 12, 2016, 05:55:08 AM
Thanks MJMP.. Ok so get a 220v > 2 x 30Vac @ 3.9A toroidal fitted when you can, meanwhile, the step down will work fine..
Title: Re: B200s - Why is this the Warmest SS Amp?
Post by: idouglascs on February 16, 2016, 10:44:41 AM
Thank you rnolan, Dante and MarshallJMP!

Yesterday I got my B200s.

My first impression was: Hey it's miles better than my old PA amp. Much smoother, even at high volumes.
Some hours later (could not stop playing) I plugged my JMP-1 direct to the ADA, it was good until I raised Marshall's volume to push it a little... Than it became AWERSOME!

I don't know if it was only my impression but pushing the amp input I heard some compression, a fuller sound. But it was a little late so I couldn't test it louder.

My B200s is in mint condition, with minor scratches on the top. The only problem is scratch noise in the volume pots. I normally open all my rack gear as soon as I get them to clean and spray contact cleaner. But I am a little afraid to open B200s. Any safety recommendations?

Thank you all.

Title: Re: B200s - Why is this the Warmest SS Amp?
Post by: idouglascs on February 16, 2016, 11:14:33 AM
My actual gear:

Note a space left above B200s for a MP1 or a Triaxis (if I can get the money because Triaxis is still out of my reach).

My actual gear:

Note a space left above B200s for a MP1 or a Triaxis (if I can get the money because Triaxis is still out of my reach).

(http://s13.postimg.org/nhu14t0z7/image.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/nhu14t0z7/)

(http://s22.postimg.org/aa9m53myl/image.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/aa9m53myl/)
Title: Re: B200s - Why is this the Warmest SS Amp?
Post by: Kim on February 16, 2016, 12:42:34 PM
Nice! Now, you know we're gonna talk you out of getting a Triaxis at this ADA site, right?  ;)
Title: Re: B200s - Why is this the Warmest SS Amp?
Post by: idouglascs on February 16, 2016, 01:00:35 PM
Nice! Now, you know we're gonna talk you out of getting a Triaxis at this ADA site, right?  ;)

In fact I really want to be convinced not to buy a Triaxis.  :thumb-up:

I got the money to get an ADA MP1 right now, not the Triaxis.

But... I really like Mesa Mark series tone, and Triaxis have them all.

But... MP1 was used by some of my idols like Paul Gilbert and Metallica (Black Album??) etc.

It's a hard decision to me.
Title: Re: B200s - Why is this the Warmest SS Amp?
Post by: idouglascs on February 16, 2016, 01:15:32 PM
I just found a MP1 Classic a guy is selling here in Brazil.

Ada Mp1- Classic - Pré-amp Valvulado 2x12ax7
http://produto.mercadolivre.com.br/MLB-733077783-ada-mp1-classic-pre-amp-valvulado-2x12ax7-_JM (http://produto.mercadolivre.com.br/MLB-733077783-ada-mp1-classic-pre-amp-valvulado-2x12ax7-_JM)

I'm afraid about the side holes (I don't know the official name) that are broken.

There are other MP1 in perfect condition but it's not the Classic.
Title: Re: B200s - Why is this the Warmest SS Amp?
Post by: MarshallJMP on February 16, 2016, 01:20:28 PM
The classic wasn't used by guys like Gilbert and Metallica,just a heads up.The classic sounds different from the MP-1.

As for the B200S opening up,just make sure you unplug it and lett the caps bleed out for a few minutes and you'll be safe to open it.
Title: Re: B200s - Why is this the Warmest SS Amp?
Post by: idouglascs on February 16, 2016, 02:23:01 PM
The classic wasn't used by guys like Gilbert and Metallica,just a heads up.The classic sounds different from the MP-1.

As for the B200S opening up,just make sure you unplug it and lett the caps bleed out for a few minutes and you'll be safe to open it.

I didn't know the Classic has a different sound, I thought it sounded like the original MP1 with some bells and whistles, like a better cab emulator and a new voice.

Now I will have to get both. ;)
Title: Re: B200s - Why is this the Warmest SS Amp?
Post by: idouglascs on February 16, 2016, 03:22:39 PM
(http://s21.postimg.org/pmmpc31yr/image.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/pmmpc31yr/)

(http://s21.postimg.org/hiel7cfjn/image.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/hiel7cfjn/)

(http://s21.postimg.org/5mruj694j/image.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/5mruj694j/)

(http://s21.postimg.org/psvci24s3/image.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/psvci24s3/)

(http://s21.postimg.org/rw5rpq4kz/image.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/rw5rpq4kz/)

(http://s21.postimg.org/nyii0bhrn/image.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/nyii0bhrn/)
Title: Re: B200s - Why is this the Warmest SS Amp?
Post by: idouglascs on February 16, 2016, 03:25:45 PM
Now I'm a bit worried about the disconnected blue wire. It comes from the transformer.

But the amp is working perfectly.  :???:

Looking at my serial can you say if this is a newer or older revision?
Title: Re: B200s - Why is this the Warmest SS Amp?
Post by: MarshallJMP on February 17, 2016, 06:11:10 AM
The blue wire is normal,it's just a different tap on the primary winding.From what i could find one tap is 117ac and the other one is 100Vac (for use in Japan).The 220V types have also 2 taps,one for 220Vac and one for 240Vac.Altough i have always seen that the 240Vac tap is used.
Title: Re: B200s - Why is this the Warmest SS Amp?
Post by: idouglascs on February 20, 2016, 04:38:51 AM
The blue wire is normal,it's just a different tap on the primary winding.From what i could find one tap is 117ac and the other one is 100Vac (for use in Japan).The 220V types have also 2 taps,one for 220Vac and one for 240Vac.Altough i have always seen that the 240Vac tap is used.

Thank you MarshallJMP!

This amp is a great piece of gear. I like it more and more, everything I throw at it is beautifully reproduced.

I can play it loud for a long time without as much ear fatigue.

Title: Re: B200s - Why is this the Warmest SS Amp?
Post by: MarshallJMP on February 20, 2016, 09:11:49 AM
No problem. :thumb-up: