if there is control over the amplifier powerup lead, don't init the amplifier untill the empeg is powered up, and ready to play.

This is exactly what's built into the Mk2. Its amp-power-out is supposed to tell the amp fire up once the empeg has fully booted, and to shut down a few seconds before the empeg goes to sleep itself.

With your plans to replace the monsoon system, you'd probably not need this. Otherwise I'd suggest you try to feed its ignition feeler input from the 12V amp-out of the Mk2

Henno
mk2 6 nr 6