Author Topic: Alpha and Beta amps  (Read 3073 times)

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Offline shibbz

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Alpha and Beta amps
« on: November 15, 2012, 02:27:43 pm »
Do any of the more technically minded folk know how similar the alpha and beta series preamps are?
I've played both and kinda felt like the alpha was just a one channel beta amp.
Does this have any truth to it, schematically?

Offline loudthud

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Re: Alpha and Beta amps
« Reply #1 on: November 15, 2012, 04:33:19 pm »
They are similar but the Beta has more CMOS gain stages. The EQ sections use the same architecture but the Alpha adds a Mid Sweep control. The power amps are different. The Alpha has the CMOS soft clipper like the Coliseum 300, the Beta doesn't. The Alpha and Beta Slave amps are the same.

Offline loudthud

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Re: Alpha and Beta amps
« Reply #2 on: November 16, 2012, 06:11:23 pm »
I should add that the Alpha Slave is the same as the power amp as in the Beta Lead and Beta Bass. The Alpha power amp in the combo amps has fewer power transistors and no current limiting so it should only be connected to an 8 ohm load.

Also, the Beta preamp has a dual Drive control that adjust the preamp gain in two different places simultaneusly. This helps limit noise. The Alpha preamp Drive control only adjusts gain of the first preamp stage.