Fishman SoloAmp SA220 vs SA330x

[dgt178]

Originally Posted by themissal

As I said if you are using your SA220 often (3-4 times a month probably qualifies), you should have no problems.

I did.

And yes, Fishman sent me a new replacement SA330 after they received my 220. Free.

.....wow...great service.....was your 220 still under warranty?

[SalFromChatham]

Yes... still under warranty

[mikemo6string]

Regarding the expander, it's a nice, neat and well thought out add on. A mixer into the SA220 (aux in) works just as well, in my experience, as long as you know your mixer and its ins and outs. The cool thing about the expander is that it interfaces very simply with the SA330. Simple trim controls, 3 band EQ, reverb, phantom power and volume. It's designed to go with the SA330, and has a nice neat look. The stand holder is plastic, but has worked well, and the CAT5 cable works well. You can use a very short CAT6 cable, too, if you're attaching the mixer to the pole/speaker, and don't need to get the mixer next to you out front. It also fits into the "deluxe" carry bag, in its own little case.

[JakeStone]

Nice comments ... So the consensus seems to be, the SA220 has been and still is a very good choice for solo acoustic guitar/singer. But the 330x has a little bit "better" expansion feature set. Seems, from what I am reading, the sound quality is similar on both of them.

FYI - Here is a shot of the back and front of both systems...
It appears that there are some slight differences between 330 and 220.

Differences I can see...

*220 has separate Input connection for both 1/4" and XLR .. Where the 330x has the 2 combo inputs.
*330 adds low cut filters
* 220 has Effects send / return

[Chriscom]

Originally Posted by JakeStone

FYI - Here is a shot of the back and front of both systems...
It appears that there are some slight differences between 330 and 220.

Differences I can see...

*220 has separate Input connection for both 1/4" and XLR .. Where the 330x has the 2 combo inputs.
*330 adds low cut filters
* 220 has Effects send / return

Does anyone know if the separate 1/4 inch and XLRs on the 220 can all be used simultaneously? That was one feature I thought was pretty cool on the late lamented Carvin AG200/300, RIP.

[lpa53]

I like my SA220 and dont see a need to move to the 330. But I do wish that both of these would have a method of mounting that provided a smaller footprint than the heavy tripod stand. But I guess the weight of the unit, using metal instead of plastic as it does, is just too heavy.

[ctgagnon]

Originally Posted by lpa53

I like my SA220 and dont see a need to move to the 330. But I do wish that both of these would have a method of mounting that provided a smaller footprint than the heavy tripod stand. But I guess the weight of the unit, using metal instead of plastic as it does, is just too heavy.

For a smaller footprint, just don't open the legs all the way. I had a gig with really limited space and that's what I had to do. Since it's behind me, it's pretty safe.

[El Conquistador]

Originally Posted by Chriscom

Does anyone know if the separate 1/4 inch and XLRs on the 220 can all be used simultaneously?

No, both cannot be used simultaneosly,

Originally Posted by lpa53

But I do wish that both of these would have a method of mounting that provided a smaller footprint than the heavy tripod stand.

I never open the stand fully. I usually open it about 30% which gives me a nice small footprint and is plenty stable.


Steve

[JakeStone]

/\/\/\
Nice shot .. El Conquistador!

OP here..... SA220 it is!

One other minor difference I realized. The SA330x doesn't come with the carry/roller bag. The bag comes with SA220 and holds the unit, cables and stand. Minor difference ... But important to note.. Since portability is one of the "cool" things about these Solo systems. (Bag sells for $149 on it's own).

So after searching around the net...I found a great deal on a new 220 from a dealer... Just a tad over 600 bucks and comes with factory warranty too. Which after reading Sal's experience with Fishman makes me feel great about the deal.

Will be here in a few days... In time to get ready for my next gig on Friday night.

[El Conquistador]

Originally Posted by JakeStone

/\/\/\
Nice shot .. El Conquistador!

OP here..... SA220 it is!

One other minor difference I realized. The SA330x doesn't come with the carry/roller bag. The bag comes with SA220 and holds the unit, cables and stand. Minor difference ... But important to note.. Since portability is one of the "cool" things about these Solo systems. (Bag sells for $149 on it's own).

So after searching around the net...I found a great deal on a new 220 from a dealer... Just a tad over 600 bucks and comes with factory warranty too. Which after reading Sal's experience with Fishman makes me feel great about the deal.

Will be here in a few days... In time to get ready for my next gig on Friday night.

Excellent. Finally somebody who is using their head.

Steve

[SalFromChatham]

You will love it... Congrats!

Anyways, I had my gig last night... about 220 people. This was our setup; you can see the 330x on the right:




The room was big and square with high vaulted ceilings. It was loud from so many people. I was not happy with my sound. So I need to learn my system better. My vocals sounded not as crisp as I would like; it was a little muddy compared to my buddy through his Bose.

Anyways, I chalk this up to my being a noob with sound generally, and needing to understand how to tweak better.

[JakeStone]

Thanks for sharing Sal!

Looks like lots of "hard" surfaces which can be difficult to "tame"..

[JakeStone]

Originally Posted by themissal

I had the 220. Periodically it develops static in the channel, which is due to unsealed knobs. Dust. Fishman customer service is top notch.

Sal you jinxed me!

Received my "new" 220 yesterday and excitedly fired it up.

Guess what? Hiss was so loud I can hear it 12 feet away. Even with all the volumes and knobs to zero.

Since it was under warranty Fishman offered to repair it... If I sent it in for service.

Ended up calling dealer and getting a return label!

Guess this one sat too long in warehouse ?

Sounded great though!!

[martingitdave]

Originally Posted by JakeStone

Sal you jinxed me!



Received my "new" 220 yesterday and excitedly fired it up.



Guess what? Hiss was so loud I can hear it 12 feet away. Even with all the volumes and knobs to zero.



Since it was under warranty Fishman offered to repair it... If I sent it in for service.



Ended up calling dealer and getting a return label!



Guess this one sat too long in warehouse ?



Sounded great though!!

Will you order the 330, or go a different direction? Have you considered a QSC K8.2 on a pole?

[BigMamaJ40]

My 220 developed a hiss, even with all the knobs down. It was past warranty. I mailed in the “board” part of the unit to Fishman. Cost less than $50 to fix. Easy peasy!