Fryette 2/90/2 vs PS-100

[Melodeath]

Anyone have experience using both of these devices? I'm interested in the tonal differences between the two specifically as power amps. I just ordered an Engl E530 preamp and I want a good power amp for this and more than likely a synergy rig in the future.

 

[Rackman]

2/90/2 or LXII for power amps/Synergy. The PS-100 is too clean.

 

[Melodeath]

2/90/2 or LXII for power amps/Synergy. The PS-100 is too clean.

What do you mean by clean? Like it doesn't impart it's own tonal "color"?

 

[Rackman]

What do you mean by clean? Like it doesn't impart it's own tonal "color"?

Yeah it's intended as a re-amp device not a power amp. I think there's a mode it can run in that's more power amp like but the other ones still sound better.

 

[Melodeath]

Well, given your username, I will take your word for it lol! I assumed the 2/90/2 was probably better. I was just curious to hear about other's experiences.

 

[Rackman]

I would not overlook the LXII. I know it looks sort of suspicious because it's 1u with flat pack bridged transformers (2x flat pack OTs in use for 100w) but IMO it sounds good. I have other monster power amps (Hammer 320 etc, SM100R etc.) and it holds its own to my ears.

 

[Melodeath]

I would not overlook the LXII. I know it looks sort of suspicious because it's 1u with flat pack bridged transformers (2x flat pack OTs in use for 100w) but IMO it sounds good. I have other monster power amps (Hammer 320 etc, SM100R etc.) and it holds its own to my ears.

Do you have a preference between any of these? I'm pretty new to rack gear, but I was just leaning towards some sort of Fryette/VHT as I am a big fan of the deliverance and Pitbull amps, and when I eventually get the synergy modules, I wanted the end result to sound as close as possible to the original.

 

[Rackman]

Do you have a preference between any of these? I'm pretty new to rack gear, but I was just leaning towards some sort of Fryette/VHT as I am a big fan of the deliverance and Pitbull amps, and when I eventually get the synergy modules, I wanted the end result to sound as close as possible to the original.

The LXII or 2/90/2 would probably be ideal there. The LXII is sort of like the Synergy 2x50w power amp but with upgraded transformers. I would think either of the Fryette dedicated poweramp options would work well though.

 

[cardinal]

I didn't try to power station with preamps, but I did use the 2/90/2 with them, along with some Mesa power amps. I found the 2/90/2 to be stiff, cold, and sterile sounding. The Mesas were more my thing. YMMV etc.

 

[mentoneman]

I didn't try to power station with preamps, but I did use the 2/90/2 with them, along with some Mesa power amps. I found the 2/90/2 to be stiff, cold, and sterile sounding. The Mesas were more my thing. YMMV etc.

when i was using the 2/90/2 for a stereo config, i’d agree that for my tastes i prefer mesa power driving the dry and wets from a mixer setup.

however with my current wdw rig, i run the dry into the return of my mark III and the wets into the 2/90/2. it that scenario the tone of the stereo power amp is not as critical to me.

i’ve used both fryette power stations and they’re great for what they do. one of the best solutions for non master volume amps but i do still hear a difference between raw amp vs more smooth and polite running through the power station.

 

[Melodeath]

The LXII or 2/90/2 would probably be ideal there. The LXII is sort of like the Synergy 2x50w power amp but with upgraded transformers. I would think either of the Fryette dedicated poweramp options would work well though.

Just out of curiosity, have you tried the KSR PA100R?

 

[Rackman]

Just out of curiosity, have you tried the KSR PA100R?

No. I considered it. There have been reports of bad quality/customer service and while I have no idea the truth of any of it, it was enough that they're now off my "maybe" list for the time being. On paper they look good.

Honestly the LXII killed a lot of my interest in other power amps. It's 1u, only 20lbs for 100w tube (!!!), sounds good, not stupid expensive and Fryette is good to deal with. Some people don't like the presence being on a somewhat hard to access pot, but I found myself setting and forgetting.

 

[aftec]

The 2/90/2 is basically the evolution of the 2150 to a 2 rack space deal. It got a ton of good low end an umpf, it nearly impossible to overload the input stage and it will maintain headroom till your ears bleed. I would not state that that it is way different to a PS100 until ungodly volume levels.
The PS is headroom all day long too.
The 2/50/2 is a different beast, it's way more like a powersection of a tube -head, it starts producing compression and harmonics in reasonable levels, tight, but has some cool mojo. (My favourite)
Hated the Synergy, sounded dull and muffled. No idea why.
Never had the chance with the LXII, but after the Syn50-50 I'm not really interesed, due they share the same DNA.

 

[Rackman]

Hated the Synergy, sounded dull and muffled. No idea why.
Never had the chance with the LXII, but after the Syn50-50 I'm not really interesed, due they share the same DNA.

Not sure what happened with your SYN-5050 but the LXII has reasonable negative feedback controls ranging from flat to the typical scooped responses. I wouldn't call it muffled certainly.

There is some difference between the transformers, but it should be more subtle than that.