PV CS-200X noise ?

Doug Jones · Post by **Doug Jones** » 20 Jan 2006 11:02 pm

I have a Peavey CS 200X power amp I've been using in my stereo practice rig at home. I usually have the input sensitivity up around +12. I decided to try it at a practice thinking I could use it on stage and found the noise level very high both in stereo and bridged mono and at differing impedance settings with a variety of speakers with the input sensitivity up. I experimented with my gain structure on my preamp and couldn't get the noise out. My ? is are these normally noisy amps? I had really wanted to use it bridged at 4ohms with a 4ohm BW for the stage, but it's way to hissy and loud. Any comments?

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 21 Jan 2006 3:55 am

What kind of input do you have to the power amp. One cause of noise in power amps is a low input level. Most power amps require "line level".

David Higginbotham · Post by **David Higginbotham** » 21 Jan 2006 6:34 am

You may want to be careful suing a 4 ohm speaker with the amp in bridged mode. It will likely overheat the amp. Probably best to use an 8 ohm bridged. You will have less output, but much easier on the amp.
Dave

Doug Jones · Post by **Doug Jones** » 21 Jan 2006 3:04 pm

Ahead of the unit is an Evans rack amp with a TC Electonics M300. I've experimented with the gain structures on both and still hissy. I'll try taking the M300 out of the loop and see what happens.

Mike Wheeler · Post by **Mike Wheeler** » 21 Jan 2006 3:16 pm

Doug, with the speaker hooked up, but nothing plugged into the input, turn the gain up to where you plan to use it. Does it still make the noise you describe? If so, you may need to take it to a qualified tech. Those little 200s aren't very noisy at all when they're in good condition.

I tend to think that you may not be driving it with enough signal form your preamp. Set up the rig like you want to use it, but turn the amp's gain way down and crank up the preamp's output till you hear it distort when you play. Back it off about 25%, then bring up the amp's gain to playing level. Is it still too noisy then? If so, a good tech needs to see it. I'd suggest sending it to Peavey/Mike Brown. Good luck.

Some of the other tech here might have some better suggestions.....come on guys.

edit: Just read your last post. Start with one preamp device and your guitar, then switch to another. Could be one of you devices that's the culprit...just a thought.<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Mike Wheeler on 21 January 2006 at 03:20 PM.]</p></FONT>

David Higginbotham · Post by **David Higginbotham** » 21 Jan 2006 3:56 pm

Doug, if memory serves me correctly, the M-300 has an output level switch on the rear, but no in/out level controls. May want to check that. You are on the right track to just try the Evans preamp and the power amp without the M-300. Good starting point.
Dave

Doug Jones · Post by **Doug Jones** » 21 Jan 2006 9:43 pm

Thanks for all the info. Long story short; it was the Evans! I took out the Evans, put in my G.D.Walker preamp with the M300 and hardly any noise and it's plenty loud. -DJ-
OK 2 close..............