Should I Buy Powered or Unpowered?

Mitsumati · Mar 22nd 2017

Hello All!

This is my first time on this forum (I've been the Global Moderator for the Dr Z forum for 9 years).

I'm about to purchase a KPA. It will be used for both recording and live use. I've settled on a toaster style, but I'm going back and forth between a powered or unpowered head. I'm really interested in hearing the pros and cons from you folks about the advantages/disadvantages of buying an unpowered head and using an external amp ( into an FRFR cab). Obviously, I see the simplicity and convenience of having an internal amplifier for live applications. (And right now, the Kemper site is out of stock of the powered heads.) The price point is not an issue.

For those of you that have elected to use an external amp for whatever reason, what mfg and model did you choose, and why.

I'll take all of the advice/comments that you folks can throw at me.

Thank you!

Mitsumati · Mar 23rd 2017

I've decided on an unpowered toaster. Now the comparison shopping for an active FRFR cab!

paults · Mar 23rd 2017

Welcome!

I use a Yamaha DXR10. It, and the Atomic CLR are probably the most talked-about choices on this forum.

tubelube · Mar 23rd 2017

Just spotted this, good value?

paulkwant · Mar 23rd 2017

Mike Britt Signature Model Cab is my choice. I really like it. The CLR also gets a lot of love from Kemper players.

http://xitonecabs.com/models/m…itt-custom-cab/index.html

MaartenESP · Mar 24th 2017

Hi, welcome!

If price is not an issue I would suggest that you go for the unpowered versions. Than you're free to use any poweramp you like with it At this point I use an engl 50W tube poweramp. Best choice I ever made :p. I had good results with a rocktron velocity 300 also ;).

GRTZ!

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