power amp decision... help wanted!

[Reckedtrek]

I have a chance to get either a Mackie M1400 or a QSC RMX1450 at about the same price (around $225) ...both in good condition.

I'll be using whichever one I get bridged to 4 ohm mono to power two Peavey Sp2-Ti cabs (8 Ohms each, 600 watts RMS program) in series = 4 Ohms.

I play in a 3 piece (guitar, drums, bass) classic, 80's and 90's rock band with vocals. We use the PA for vocals, and a bit of bass guitar and some kick drum in smaller clubs and bars (150 people max).

I had been using a Mackie M800 but that's "leaving" with an old band member soon.

So.... in your opinion which amp is the better deal? The M800 has been pretty good so I'm thinking the M1400 should also be pretty good, but i know QSC makes a good amp, too. Any info/advice welcomed.

Also... I hope to get a subwoofer (X-over and separate power amp) in the not too distant future so the Peaveys can focus mostly on vocals and let the sub handle much of the bass guitar and kick drum... but that's a little bit down the road.

thanks.

[Ulysses]

If reliability is an issue I would think it's not much of a contest in favor of the RMX series amp. The chinese mackie 1400 has been known to have failures and reliability issues. The QSC RMX series are tanks and some of the most reliable amps made.

[walterw]

the QSC is bulletproof, and fixable if it does break.

the mackie is basically disposable. if it breaks, you have to toss it.

[duanemassey]

I'm partial to QSC's myself.

[Reckedtrek]

Reliability is most definitely an issue... looks like the RMX 1450 may be the way to go on this one. I appreciate the answers and if anyone else wants to comment please do.