Peavey IPR 1600 Power Amp  

I like old-school simple, and this amp is very easy to set up and use. The only thing that kept me from giving it a "9" was I would like to see more "hi" and "low" outputs for adding other amps like the Peavey PV series. I know keeping the cost down was a priority on this amp, but the only way you can use the internal crossover is to use one side for high and the other low. With the Peavey you can use both for one or the other, and send the other signal to another amp. I have the same gripe with my QSC GX7.

I also don't care for the "Peavey" light that stays on even if the amp is "off." I actually started a gig with the amp off thinking it was on. When you do turn it on the "Peavey" light gets brighter and more lights come on, but it still can be misleading to an old dude like me. The light is on - the amp is on! Well, no.

I've read where there were some problems with the first units to go out. I think I got one of those. The second gig while running one 2x12 hi/low cab on each side at very moderate volumes it died. Would power up, but nothing. I sent it directly to Peavey and got it back very quickly (props to Peavey there). There was a note "repaired to current specs" or something like that. Used it over several gigs with no problems. Totally hangs with the QSC GX7 running two subs. However, it did shutdown during soundcheck at the last gig. It immediately powered back up and no problems during the rest of soundcheck or the show that night.

If this amp continues to perform without issue, the value is very good. I have not used it on subs, but no complaints other than mentioned above. And the weight - OMG. This amp and my GX7 weigh much less than the Peavey PV2600 alone. I can pick up the rack easily with one hand. They are not as deep, either, so much more room inside the rack.

Reliability is still in the back of my mind given the above, but I always have a backup ready.

One day I'll push some subs with it just to see what it will do, and I have not ran the amp at 2 ohms. Since I got the amp back from Peavey no complaints at all. I'm still just a little scared given the initial problem and one shutdown under very light use during a soundcheck. The great thing is, you can try this amp and because of the weight would not be too expensive to return. Should it continue to perform well, I may very well add its big brother this year to my PA family.