Bogner Ecstasy 101B vs 20th Anniversary

[Mike D]

I've wanted to own an XTC for a long time and am now putting together the money to finally afford one. I'm on the fence about which model to purchase. Ideally, I'd test both of them out myself somewhere and come to the decision that way, but I'm not in a position to do so. I remember briefly playing an XTC many years ago and fell in love with it (I believe it was a 101B). Either way I will be looking for one with EL34's. does anyone here have any experience with both models so I can be more aware of the differences between them? I've done some research online already but thought I'd reach out here as well. Thanks!

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Bogner Ecstasy 101B vs 20th Anniversary

My 1995 "white chassis" 101B has been my favorite amp for 12 years. I think it's the perfect EL-34 channel switching amp.

I've briefly plugged into a 20th Ann. amp, and of course it's also a tone monster. But for some stupid reason, they opted for 6L6's after revamping the circuit....using Sozo caps instead of Wima. The XTC was designed as a "super Marshall" so putting 6L6's in it makes no sense to me.

Overall, I'd suggest searching for a used 101B and save yourself $2000. Bogners are freakin expensive, and they don't come up used all the time. But when they do, have the cash in hand ready to go.

Here's what the website says about it.
http://bogneramplification.com/ecstacy

 

[Mike D]

Re: Bogner Ecstasy 101B vs 20th Anniversary

Thanks for the feedback. In the event I choose the 20th Anniversary, I'll opt for the EL34 version. I'll definitely stay on the lookout on the used market though too!

 

[Jake]

Re: Bogner Ecstasy 101B vs 20th Anniversary

Definitely try to play both if you can. I underwent this exact same issue, not for the XTC but for the Shiva vs. the Shiva 20th Anniv.

Ultimately after playing on both I decided on the 20th anniversary since the KT88s cranked fit my style better the regular Shiva (with EL34s) did. If there is any correlation between Shiva/Ecstacy models (and I don't know the answer to this, maybe 'joners does) the 20th Anniversary Shiva definitely had a more modern American hard rock style, while the regular Shiva fit the more British classic rock mold.

FWIW, I did a side-by-side comparison and played each one for a long time before I decided.