Genesis servo-bass amplifiers

No, not a hiccup in 2 years. I'm running at a 65 setting and often play really loud and I've never felt the amp get warm. Probably something wrong with the bias adjustment or a bad output transistor. Do a search and find a good tech because GAT charges a first born.

Hi Ngjockey,

Which Genesis model do you have?

Do you listen to a lot of electronic music (i.e bass from computers, not real instruments)?

Thanks for the response,
rgignac

350's with BG ribbons and 1600W amp.

There's your problem, the electronic "music" ;)

What bass cables are you using? I had several problems with my bass towers when using the older audioquest cables from the bass amp to the bass towers. Several times through any music I would even see the woofers bounce in and out in an awkward fasion. If you do have the older cables I would suggest you upgrade them.

Hi Brutusab,

I did upgrade my 350SEs to the new servo-bass cables. Bass performance definitely improved, but I still experience transient overloads.

Thanks,
rgignac

I have had both the 2.5 and the 201's and in addition to the midrange ribbon on the 201's failing due to being run too low [B and G out of Carson city Nevada makes the midrange ribbon for the 201's and according to my discussions with them, they suggest a crossover frequency of no lower than 165Hz whereas the Genesis crossover is right around 85Hz] so that was always an issue when I had them and I ran them with both Sonic Frontiers Model 3SE monoblocks,Conrad Johnson's largest tube amps as well as various high end solid state amps. The larger redesigned amp that is provided with the newer 201's which was extensively used throughout the product line has that nasty tendency to shut off at the most inopportune times. In my case the finale to Mahler's second symphony would shut the amp off every time when I played the speakers at lifelike listening levels as well as many other symphonic or rock recordings that have extreme amounts of low frequency material. I spoke with Gary at Genesis several times regarding this and was informed that "if you drive them to high levels the amp will shut down and we really cannot remedy that problem." I was blown away to say the least and that along with the repeated midrange failures caused me to sell the 201's for a very reduced price to an Audiogoner whose preferences ran to jazz and lighter classical music [who had a much smaller room than my 20 by thity eight foot dedicated listening room with sixteen foot ceilings] as this does not drive the amp or speakers into their failure modes. There was really nothing that could be done at that time to remedy these issues, perhaps the current models have addressed these issues. Considering the price I and the marketing of the system I felt somewhat deceived. Bear in mind I have had literally dozens of high end speakers over the last forty years so I am not new to the audio game. I also worked in the business while going to college and professional school and have met many of the various audio pros ranging from Albert Von Schweikert to Malcom Scholl of ADC and Audioanalyst, as well as many of the So Cal and East Coast Audio gang! Hope this helps as I know how frustrating these speakers can be. Best regards, Carl F. Tenckhoff

I have the newer round amp on my 300s and if I listen to anything with serious bass it will turn off. In addition to that when I turn the bass amp on it will trip my main amp to temporarily shutdown. I think there are some serious design issues with this amp.

I have Genesis 201s and experienced a similar issue. Given the vintage of these speakers (over 10 years old) the amplifier power supply capacitors begin to fail. A competent local technician checked it out. The power supply capacitors were shot and needed replacement. $300 later I got the amp back and it is positively fantastic. No further problems whatsoever.

The design and execution of these speakers are so far ahead of their time there are few to compare even today. Have your amp power supply checked out it it will likely need some attention.

The only other suspect could be bass amp cable deterioration although this is more remote. Once this issue is resolved you will be thrilled with the performance!