Anyone ever convert a IIC+ to a IIC+ coliseum?

narad

narad

Well-known member
So, as stated in the title. I have a 60w non-geq. I think it sounds awesome with some outboard eq, but tbh I don't play it so much because hooking it up is not super convenient, especially with how I like to do it -- post poweramp with an attenuator loop. I thought about selling it, but my feeling is that the 60W non-eqs are not super valuable at the moment -- would you say maybe $3k? And I'd have to sell it as just the chassis since it's a combo cab.

But, I also experimented with Mesa bass amps, and I have one of the big-ass D-180 rack units with the massive transformers and 6 6l6s. Probably the M-180 is the more well-known one -- the D-180 preceded it and had a little preamp you could use theoretically for guitar or bass, but I think they're quite similar. I haven't liked it so much as a bass amp, so was thinking about selling it, but tonight I popped it open to look at the transformers. The PT is 0180322. I did a quick search -- that seems to be the transformer used in the IIC+ coliseums? The OT is SD 190555, which also seems to be the coli transformer. Now in my mind an HRG is my dream IIC+ and weirdly I never had an opportunity to buy one at a good price, but I can't make that, but it seems like I have all the era-specific parts to make a IIC+ coli, and probably even a bunch of the power amp parts in this D-180? Maybe I could wire it in pentode and then I'd have a super powerful HRG type experience.

Anyone else out there do that? I know some guys have swapped PTs for similar wattage amps, but weirdly never heard of anyone going full coli.
 
Did you try slaving it into the bass amp with a mesa or Ibanez EQ in the loop? I mean it would be an amazing project and a hell of an undertaking. Nothing punches like a Coli. As Mike Bendenelli explained to me the preamp whispers while the power amp roars!
 
Mike Oxhuge said:
Did you try slaving it into the bass amp with a mesa or Ibanez EQ in the loop? I mean it would be an amazing project and a hell of an undertaking. Nothing punches like a Coli. As Mike Bendenelli explained to me the preamp whispers while the power amp roars!
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I haven't -- I have a Mark III coli and I've done that experiment there and it was great, though really not that significantly different from the III coli itself. But what an inconvenience.
 
I'd just slave the amp into the d-180 like the other poster said, with a GEQ as well. I'm sure it would sound amazing. I don't think those power amps were made just for bass, they were intended for guitar rack rigs too, if I am correct.

Plus, I think it would be much more inconvenient to try and build your own iic+ colliseum. Just slave and it'll sound pretty damn close to one I'm sure.
 
anomaly said:
I'd just slave the amp into the d-180 like the other poster said, with a GEQ as well. I'm sure it would sound amazing. I don't think those power amps were made just for bass, they were intended for guitar rack rigs too, if I am correct.

Plus, I think it would be much more inconvenient to try and build your own iic+ colliseum. Just slave and it'll sound pretty damn close to one I'm sure.
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I'll probably try that tomorrow, will A/B against an actual IIC+ coli. But kind of inconvenient. If I can use these two amps to make something as good or better than an HRG (like Ola's clips), then it's worth it in my mind. Wouldn't be me though -- I'd need to convince Mike B to do it.

I think @GJgo is the guy I'm trying to tag -- you ever try this?
 
Just food for thought. I run my Synergy IICP module into a 300 watt SVT power amp (technically my BV300 return) and it sounds massive.
 
I've slaved all the Marks into the M180 I had, it was maaaassive. And easy- it sets up in seconds. IMO destroying two perfectly good amps to try & make a frankenstein is much more difficult and probably not worth it in the long run.

I would recommend rack mounting the C+ along with the D180 and a rack mount EQ. Then it's a piece of kit ready to go. Just remember the C+ will still need a speaker load, or perhaps a load box instead.

FWIW, of the 9 IIC+ I've had the SR was the most satisfying to play. The 60s are pissed off and the no EQ amps have the best feels.
 
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