Low wattage tube power amp?

[idsnowdog]

Isn't it about time that the major amp manufacturers pulled their head out of their asses? The paradigm for the last 50 years has always been that low wattage amplifiers are "practice/beginer" amps with limited features, low prices and poor sound. A "professional" grade amp has to be a 50/100/200 watt bohemoth that deafens an entire city block!

Why can't Marshall or Fender realize that a lot of people want a low wattage 5-10 watt tube power amp that can drive a 4/8/16 ohm cab? Haven't Fender and Marshall gotten the message that PA equipment and studio equipment are far more sensitive than 50 years ago and don't need high volume levels? Instead they design amps with 4 or more preamp tubes to "simulate" power tube distortion.

Wake up! Just create a 5-10watt tube power amp. Use EL84's or another low voltage tube and crank the piss out of it! I am talking about a power amp that has a line level input, volume and a presence which can drive a 4/8/16 ohms cab. It would make practice and recording life a hell of a lot easier!

Snowdog

 

[Falstaff]

Re: Low wattage tube power amp?

They will figure it out at some point. Fender is coming around with their Bassman Limited and the Twin reissue.

Your description matches the new Gibson Les Paul Junior amp...really nice PTP wired 5 watter (EL84, I think) that rocked my world when I played it in a store a month or so back. I don't know about its ability to drive a cab, but I suppose it could be modded.

 

[Curly]

Re: Low wattage tube power amp?

Well, some of the little guy like Carr and Bad Cat have figured it out.

And I've always loved Champs, even the old one without modern features, just sweet, true Class A tone.

 

[Stratcat]

Re: Low wattage tube power amp?

Well, some of the little guy like Carr and Bad Cat have figured it out.

And I've always loved Champs, even the old one without modern features, just sweet, true Class A tone.

Ditto. :wink:

 

[idsnowdog]

Re: Low wattage tube power amp?

What is sad is right now most of the development on the front of small power amps is being done by hobbyists. They lack the resources to take their products mainstream and most of us don't have the ability to build what they have created.

I am not a tube purist. I think that some solid state gear sounds better than tube but it is hard to get that power tube distortion done convincingly without going 50watts or better. It is pretty silly how much time and effort has been expended on speaker simulators, load boxes and power attenuators when the answer is really just less wattage cranked!

Snowdog

 

[sgstrat]

Re: Low wattage tube power amp?

It is pretty silly how much time and effort has been expended on speaker simulators, load boxes and power attenuators when the answer is really just less wattage cranked!

Indeed! Eric and Duane certainly knew when they recorded most or all of the "Layla" album through Fender Champs.

 

[lastwinj]

Re: Low wattage tube power amp?

if you want, i could build up a 5 watt 3 channel. simple.

germ

 

[RingoRigby]

Re: Low wattage tube power amp?

...What's everyone's take on the Fender Blues Junior 15 watt tube amp?

 

[StefanM]

Re: Low wattage tube power amp?

I am not a tube purist. I think that some solid state gear sounds better than tube

But does it feel and respond better??? Sound is only half the magic.


BTW I would like to know specifically which solid state gear is up there - I'm not arguing with you, I would just really like to know because I haven't played any myself. Are you thinking like the early Roland SS amp (can't remember the name)

 

[orbiter]

Re: Low wattage tube power amp?

The mesa 20/20 is a sweet lil 4 x EL84 stereo power amp I use it for my house~recording rig .. cus I can crank my pre for tones and still keep the volume at a reasonable level.

I like it alot, and use it daily.

I think marshall makes something simular as well.

http://www.mesaboogie.com/Product_Info/Stereo_Power/20_20_Stereo/20_20_stereo.html

also .. there are some really cool amps from the past that are low wattage tone monsters .. not all of them are super spendy.

There are also a few heads that offer a 100 watts w/ a power cut switch bringing it down to 50 or 25 watts.

 

[Blue Dream]

Re: Low wattage tube power amp?

There's the Carvin Vintage 16, 16watts can be switched to 5 with EL84's and a 12in speaker, for only $400 of course you can't try before you buy. :thumbsdown: