BAD SLO-Rack as Power Amp

[Rackman]

I'm currently running a X88-IR into a much older SM-100R for a power amp:

I'm wondering whether instead of running into the SM-100R I might be better off with a BAD SLO-Rack. Same size, presumably similar weight. I wouldn't mind gaining the deep switch - not sure if I'd use it or not. The two additional preamp channels would also be appealing.

For anyone who's run a preamp - especially the X-88IR - into the BAD SLO loop return, how does it sound?

Also, is there some recommended way to integrate the X-88IR with a SLO just using the X88-IR's MIDI capability rather than a 3rd party switcher? It seems like the SLO's loop switch could bring it in/out, but then I would have no way to run FX on the SLO's channels. The X88-IR has a loop, but I'm not seeing any reference to it being switchable.

Maybe this is just a bad idea, but I'm curious what people have tried.

 

[Dave L]

I would not consider making that switch, unless you really, really want to loop in those extra channels. And even then I would probably get another X88IR first. The SM100 is unbelievably rare and is the original SLO power section straight up, much-vaunted Deyoungs and all. I have not played the new Soldanos and can´t comment on them, but I think you would be hard-pressed to find concrete evidence that the power section of the new SLO sounds markedly better than the old one - which should be the primary question here. The SM presumably is at least 30 years old by now, though, so I suppose it might be up for recaps and such eventually.

With that said, the new SLOs should at least work better with external preamps than the old ones did, since they moved the loop so the return doesn´t feed thru the tonestack.

 

[Jack Luminous]

Please let me know if you plan to get rid of the SM-100 ! I will make an offer.

 

[cardinal]

I've no idea, but I love your rack and like the way you think haha. More is more!

 

[Rackman]

Please let me know if you plan to get rid of the SM-100 ! I will make an offer.

I'm not currently planning to sell but if I do I will put it on the classifieds here and send you a PM.

I would not consider making that switch, unless you really, really want to loop in those extra channels. And even then I would probably get another X88IR first. The SM100 is unbelievably rare and is the original SLO power section straight up, much-vaunted Deyoungs and all. I have not played the new Soldanos and can´t comment on them, but I think you would be hard-pressed to find concrete evidence that the power section of the new SLO sounds markedly better than the old one - which should be the primary question here. The SM presumably is at least 30 years old by now, though, so I suppose it might be up for recaps and such eventually.

With that said, the new SLOs should at least work better with external preamps than the old ones did, since they moved the loop so the return doesn´t feed thru the tonestack.

Yeah I'm aware it's the OG power section. And it sounds quite good. I'm sure it will eventually need a cap job but it doesn't sound like it yet. Part of this though is I'm not eager to haul unique gear around to gigs. I'm surprised they didn't re-issue the SM-100R once they A) had a preamp and B) had a rack SLO chassis as it would presumably be a very easy board to make and everything else is already available.