Amp Opinions

[jimman]

Hey guys I am having difficulty making a decision on my next amp and would like some input from others.

So my situation is I bought my Bugera 6260 a while back when I was really into metal and all that fun stuff. But now after some time I find myself playing lots of music classic rock and even some punk rock occasionally. What I mean to say is I am in need of a lot more versatility than the Bugera is giving me. I still play metal but getting a good metal sound is not as important to me as a good mid gain crunchy kind of sound. I also am starting to value a good clean channel. I want something that will give me good cleans and a good crunch, I can boost it if it doesnt hit metal territory.

Also size is an issue to me. I have found a stack is really more of a pain than its worth to me, I dont gig much at all these days. I also travel a lot. I am thinking a 1x12 combo would be about right for me at the moment. If I ever need more speakers than that I will just build me an external cabinet and hook the amp up to that.

So far these are the amps I have looked into. Some of these amps I have tried and some I have not. I live in a small town and dont really get to go to a guitar center or anything like that at all. So that really limits me on what I can try. It also means I really dont have much of a used market to work off of. Anyways the amps I am looking into are

Egnater Tweaker 40
Egnater Rebel 30
Bogner Alchemist
Blackstar HT-60 Stage
Jet City JCA-50
Bugera Magician (I know they arnt out yet)

My price range is flexible but I would prefer not to spend more than $8-900. Wattage wise I dont need a ton since I do mostly home practicing and recording, but I would like some flexibility if I start gigging heavily again.

If anyone can provide any opinions on listed amps that would be great. Also if anyone has any new suggestions I would be happy to hear those also. Sorry for the long post.

 

[Baltar]

Re: Amp Opinions

From the construction point of view, i'd favour the alchemist.

Ever thought of an Engl Thunder E322 (3chan 112 combo)?
I played mine for years, it was loud as hell and still portable.
It's only misstake was, not to be a Fender, when i found my Style, so i sold it.

However all of them would imo require a speaker upgrade for metal.

 

[jimman]

Re: Amp Opinions

From the construction point of view, i'd favour the alchemist.

Ever thought of an Engl Thunder E322 (3chan 112 combo)?
I played mine for years, it was loud as hell and still portable.
It's only misstake was, not to be a Fender, when i found my Style, so i sold it.

However all of them would imo require a speaker upgrade for metal.

The alchemist looked good to me, but any reviews I have seen have said it doesnt sound as good as the Egnater or Jet City. Ill definitly look into the Engl. I cant try the Engl or the Alchemist there are no shops around with them. I tried the Jet City and liked it pretty well, though the cleans could use some work. I really like the Egnater, when I tried it I could get a lot of sounds out of it.

Im also considering just getting a 2x12 cab for the Bugera and hooking up a POD through the 4 cable method. That would make the versatility much better, but i dont know if it would sound as good as a new amp.

 

[Red_Label]

Re: Amp Opinions

Out of that list, the Tweaker 40 is what has my current interest. There's one at my shop, but I haven't sat down to play it yet. Sure is a "cute" little thing with all of those switches. Reminds me of the Freyette Sig:X in that way. I had an original Tweaker and it was a great amp. Also, I played through a Rebel (1X12 combo) and that was a great little chunky combo that I'd like to have.

 

[jimman]

Re: Amp Opinions

Out of that list, the Tweaker 40 is what has my current interest. There's one at my shop, but I haven't sat down to play it yet. Sure is a "cute" little thing with all of those switches. Reminds me of the Freyette Sig:X in that way. I had an original Tweaker and it was a great amp. Also, I played through a Rebel (1X12 combo) and that was a great little chunky combo that I'd like to have.

It sure is an interesting amp. I remember being impressed with the smaller version. If you get a chance to try it let me know how you like it!