Amp Suggestions? Indecisive...

O

onlytwin

New member
I'm hoping to buy my first tube amp soon, but I'm completely lost at this point. What I'm looking for is a small amp for recording (around 5-10w) that has a warm, slightly saturated vintage tone. I was looking at a Vox Ac4 until I tried one earlier today and was completely underwhelmed. I also looked at a Blackstar HT5, which sounded better, but it's a bit gainy for my needs. Last was the Egnater Tweaker 15, which I really like, but it's also more expensive. I can afford it, but I'd prefer to spend less.

A few others I looked into:
-Laney Cub
-VHT Special 6
-AC10 (anyone tried this yet?)


Some advice would be greatly appreciated. Maybe you can make some comparisons to the ones I've played so I have a reference point.

Thanks!
 
Re: Amp Suggestions? Indecisive...

What is your budget? Have you considered a Peavey Classic 20mh? It has a switch in back to change from 1W, 5W, 20W. Has a good direct xlr out with very good cab sim that happens after power tube section, speaker defeat, USB out w/cab sim, headphone out w/cab sim, fx loop, two footswitch inputs, selectable 8 or 16 ohm speaker jack. Has Accutronics chip for digital reverb but sounds very good.
 
Re: Amp Suggestions? Indecisive...

Huh I didn't think about Peavey. Looks like a good option, although I'd prefer a combo for that price. I'll keep it in mind though.

My budget is about $300-500, but I can push it to $600 if necessary.
 
Re: Amp Suggestions? Indecisive...

yea
I haven't tried the new mini head
but I have yet to get bad tone from a Peavey Classic

try that
 
Re: Amp Suggestions? Indecisive...

onlytwin said:
Huh I didn't think about Peavey. Looks like a good option, although I'd prefer a combo for that price. I'll keep it in mind though.

My budget is about $300-500, but I can push it to $600 if necessary.
Click to expand...

They have a combo too.

Oops, sorry. Combo is 50 watts. Not what you are looking for.
 
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Re: Amp Suggestions? Indecisive...

They do make a combo version of the 20w Valve King, gives me hope that one day they'll do one for the Classic. Or maybe they'll put the new features from the 20w head into the 30w combo
 
Re: Amp Suggestions? Indecisive...

allbutromeo said:
They do make a combo version of the 20w Valve King, gives me hope that one day they'll do one for the Classic. Or maybe they'll put the new features from the 20w head into the 30w combo
Click to expand...

I was thinking the same thing. Hopefully the Classic 20 mh has good sales and they go for the 112 combo with a good vintage Celestion. The matching cab for the head has a Celestion but forget which one. Its a nice tweed covering and perfect match. I think its around $120 for cab.
 
Re: Amp Suggestions? Indecisive...

You might check out a Mahaffay Little Lanilei too. You can get great classic tones at recording levels easy with it. Amazing little amps. Either the 3350lt or hilo watt plexi.
 
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Re: Amp Suggestions? Indecisive...

onlytwin said:
Do you know how it compares to an all-tube amp? I've heard that it sounds good but doesn't come close to the TT.
Click to expand...

I have a 90's reissue Sunn model T, an Orange Overdrive 80, a green Matamp Classic 120, a first edition silverface Sunn model T, a '69 Fender Bassman, and a Micro Terror. I use the Micro Terror for all band practices, rehearsals, and smaller gigs. I use one of the cool vintage amps if it's a big show, but I've used the Micro Terror to push up to four 16ohm cabs at band practice and it sounds pretty awesome.

I honestly think it's best to invest in an extremely high quality speaker cab and push it with a Micro Terror while you save up and shop for your dream head.
 
Re: Amp Suggestions? Indecisive...

See if you can find a vintage BF or SF Fender Champ or Vibro Champ. Or if you could swing it, a Princeton Reverb, either old or one of the reissues.

Great pedal platforms, wonderful tone when maxed out. And credited with about a bazillion studio sessions.

Bill
 
Re: Amp Suggestions? Indecisive...

Orange!...might be a little pricey though...but lets you dial in almost ANY tone.
Vox is always a good option for vintage sounds..
 
Re: Amp Suggestions? Indecisive...

Spend the extra for the Tweaker 15, or buy a used one. It's a great little Swiss-Army amplifier.
 
Re: Amp Suggestions? Indecisive...

a used Carvin V3M Combo

the combo is switchable from 7/22/50 watts

weighs 35 lbs
 
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