Trace Elliot 250SM

The amp itself is well-made and runs cool. But, the rack ears are susceptible to bending unless your have your rack ride on its back. If it rides in a truck on its side, the rack ears will definitely bend, especially in an SKB case.

The model was brand new in 1996, a step up from 200W to 250W in 4 ohms mono. It has input gain control, peak LED, active/passive switch, two EQ pre-shapes, 7 band graphic EQ with level control, serial mono effect loop (-20dBm), DI (mic level, XLR) with pre/post EQ switch, rotary HP/LP filter, line in/out, mute button, ground lift, two speaker outputs and finally a tuner output (always on).
The layout of this amp is brilliant! All features do what you'd expect, all controls are protected by the wooden cabinet and there's a handle on the SIDE, so wou can carry its 14 kg perfectly balanced!
Tuner out, DI and mute are really neat - made me happy quite a few times. The graphic works fine, but I newer use the pre-shapes (Trace/rock settings). I'd newer dream of using the high pass part of the Contour control, but the low pass can be handy for som Motown blues.
It's all solid state, so owerloading isn't too nice. It was loud enough for about 300 people throughout 4 hours, and cold as ice at the end. The fan is always running at full speed, which can be annoying when playing at lower levels (rehearsing, recording etc.)

The direct sound is decent (for rock at least) with my Fernandes APB-4M plugged in with full bass boost. Needs a bit o' EQ though, in order not to sound too nasal. A few basic wariations can be made, nothing stunning about it. No matter what, it sounds somewhat boring. No delicate details, no dirty tube sound. It quickly gets in trouble, when trying to cope sounds with lots of low frequencies in them. The cab I use is a 15", 2x10" & a bullet tweeter, X-over at 250Hz and 4,5kHz (custom built by me). The preamp has S/N of 80dB, which is ok, and it really benefitted from getting it's sound source upgraded from a Fender P mexico.

Newer had a problem - newer think I will. It's really built to last. No parts are exposed, so even the meanest roadie shouldn't stand a chance trying to thrash it.

Warrenty is one year. Haven't had a single problem. Not even a blown fuse.

I 've been playing for 8 years now, and I bought it after 6. It was great, compared to what I was used to, but after my recent purchase of EBS pre/power amp set, it's on its way out the door. Any takers? It's WERY easy to use - even for people who have never seen it before. It doesn't get near the sound of an EBS but the Trace is ~800$ list - the EBS is ~1100$ for the preamp alone. Then comes a power amp (another 1000$) and a flightcase with rack mount options.