All the Tone, Half the Volume

Empty Pockets

BadHairDayologist
So I've moved to Atlanta and had to leave my SUNN 4x12 in Salt Lake City with my younger sister...she traded me for her little Fender 1x12 that was a lot easier to move. Thing is, I'm still powering it with my 50 watt Bassman -- a lot more power than i need for the basement apartment i'm gonna be staying in. I've gotten some offers for it so I can sell it to a good home at a good price, now I've just gotta think of a replacement.

The Orange Tiny Terror seems like what I want, all tube, switchable from 15 to 7 watts, good gain and all that, but I wanna know what else is out there.

Which Vox Valvetronix would be the best for around $400-$500? Isn't the 120 watt head in that range...with the switch to make it lower wattages?

Any other smalller all-tube heads (besides the Valve Jr...I like that amp but it's not 'me') that i should know about? I'm thinkin 30 watts is the absolute highest I can go, and I don't wanna spend more than $500 if i can avoid it.

Thanks guys.

-X
 
Re: All the Tone, Half the Volume

the valvetronix is a cool amp but not a tube amp.

the difference between a 30w amp and a 50w amp is clean headroom and thats about it. the overall volume difference is minimal

are you wanting a single channel good sounding amp or something with more bells and whistles?
 
Re: All the Tone, Half the Volume

My style is traditionally single-channel, but I'm intrigued by the world of modelling amps ever since demoing my friend's Vetta. The possibility of having so many "close enough to be convincing if not 100% accurate" tones seems cool to me, especially because I'm gonna be doing more recording by myself than playing out with a band.

It's probably gonna come down to how much i like the tone of the Tiny Terror vs. how much I want all the stuff a Valvetronix can do. And I knew it wasn't an all-tube amp but doesn't it have a preamp tube or two?
 
Re: All the Tone, Half the Volume

it uses one 12ax7 to simulate a power section. i think they are the best of the modeling amps but still not my thing, which is basically almost all live playing.

for your situation a 60w vox combo might be great
 
Re: All the Tone, Half the Volume

A Vox tube combo, or the Valvetronix? 'cuz i think 60 watts tube is gonna be too loud for me.
 
Re: All the Tone, Half the Volume

it uses one 12ax7 to simulate a power section. i think they are the best of the modeling amps but still not my thing, which is basically almost all live playing.

for your situation a 60w vox combo might be great

+1 The Vox's are great amps IMO, probably not really suited for live stuff, but for basement, bedroom, and garage, I think they're great. I've got the 15watter and I think its the best sounding modeling amp out rite now. I've demo'ed alot of them before deciding on the Vox.

I prefer the smaller wattage Vox's becuase I think the 15 watts really gets cookin' at a lower volume than say the 30. But don't think that 15 watts is not loud. Even with the volume half way, it is very loud. I just think the 30 would be waayyy louder before it starts cookin'...

Anyways, try the Vox for yourself and see if you like it. They're also coming out with the XT line for more heavier modeling tones. I'm anxious to try that and if I like it, I just might get one of those too.
 
Re: All the Tone, Half the Volume

Empty Pockets - I have an extra AD120VTH vox head (very light usage) I might be talked into selling. It's my spare.
 
Re: All the Tone, Half the Volume

The TT is a cool amp as are several other low wattage heads! I really posted in here to say that if you are now in the ATL we need to hook up!!!
 
Re: All the Tone, Half the Volume

I know that despite the advancements modelling amps continue to be looked down upon by many players, but I really can't think of anything better suited to bedroom playing and recording. I have a hard time coaxing satisfying sounds out of even the smallest "real" amps at volumes that won't disturb the neighbors, while I'm constantly stumbling across new cool and compelling tones with my modeller, while the people on the other side of the wall hear nary a peep.
 
Re: All the Tone, Half the Volume

the 60w valvetronix. the ad 15/30/50/100 dont sound as good as the ad60/120

That would be my choice too. The 60 watt ad60vtx is on sale at AMS for 500 lately, which is a steal. With the variable wattage knob on the back, you can turn it down to 1 watt! Plus you've got a myriad of effects built in as well. Its THE best choice I can think of, for apartment life.
 
Re: All the Tone, Half the Volume

WOW thanks for all the help bro's...i didn't think i'd get this many responses!

TGWIF, i'm down to jam any time you are bro! i'm not that good or anything but i'm always down to rock, and you've got plenty of sweet gear I wouldn't mind trying out.

GR8Scott...check your PM's!
 
Re: All the Tone, Half the Volume

WOW thanks for all the help bro's...i didn't think i'd get this many responses!
TGWIF, i'm down to jam any time you are bro! i'm not that good or anything but i'm always down to rock, and you've got plenty of sweet gear I wouldn't mind trying out.
GR8Scott...check your PM's!

Where are you at in the A???
 
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