Orange Amp Questions

[matko1x]

Hello SD Forum, I have posted before about looking into an Orange Amp
I am curious about the...
50w Rockerverb MKII
100w Rockerverb MKII
100w OR100
I will try not to jump around on the same topic too much, please bare with me. I practice mostly with a band and by myself. I do play out, but rarely these days. I play mostly hard rock/metal, yet I’m not looking for a huge ‘metal-only sound’ from my amp. It’d be nice to have a bit of versatility.
I have a blackstar ht studio 20. I get drowned out playing with my band. Plus the overdrive channel sounded much better in the store than at home. I believe its because I had nothing to compare it to in the store. Yet I still enjoy the clean channel and will use this amp as a bedroom only amp.

My questions are about both the sound quality and sound levels of these few different amps.
1. As far as sound level. I’ve read since a 50w amp vs 100w amp is only a few sound decibels difference, I’m wondering if I should go with the 100 watt and have a bonus of more headroom? Yet will 100 watts be truly overkill for my situation? I have played the rockerverb 100 MKII in guitar store and enjoyed the sound (both clean and dirty channel with the gain around 3:00 before it got too fuzzy), yet the volume wasn’t above 8:00. I’m sure when I play at home, I’ll push the volume up more.

2. Also, what is this ‘sweet spot’ I hear about with an amp? Does this occur when the tubes are being really pushed? Is there a big sound difference when this occurs?

3. If anyone with any experience playing these amps tell me about the sound quality of the dirty channels? Will I achieve enough ‘drive’ with enough gain for a rock/metal type style of playing? I have looked over numerous videos of the OR100 and do like the sound as much as the Rockerverb amps.
Any suggestions or experience are greatly appreciated! Apologies for a long winded post. Thanks for the help. - MK

 

[everdrone]

Re: Orange Amp Questions

overkill is all perspective. for your ears? prolonged exposure to 5 tube watts is overkill without hearing protection.

you may want to define what rock/metal type of sound you are trying to achieve. for me, I prefer the or100 as it has been written countless times in the Orange forum (you may want to use the search button there) that the rv50 does not have enough low end for my downtuned sludge/doom/heavyrock.

 

[matko1x]

Re: Orange Amp Questions

True.. well I dont use hearing protection very often, but then again Im not playing at ear piercing levels where it hurts.
As far as the sound I play.. it ranges from Skynyrd, U2 to Tool, Deftones, Breaking Benjamin and Incubus. I do use downtuning at times.

 

[everdrone]

Re: Orange Amp Questions

True.. well I dont use hearing protection very often, but then again Im not playing at ear piercing levels where it hurts.
As far as the sound I play.. it ranges from Skynyrd, U2 to Tool, Deftones, Breaking Benjamin and Incubus. I do use downtuning at times.

ya if you dont downtune it will cover those fine with 50 watts. if you downtune then go with more watts / bigger bass transformer ... I prefer my tv50 and it definitely can cover all of the above, it is very versatile but really voiced for black sabbath type heavy rock. also it has a built in attenuator.

or100 is even more classic rock but could do all the above

it is always a compromise you see...

Tool, Deftones, Breaking Benjamin and Incubus are modern sounding bands so I recommend the rockerverb 100 and an expensive attenuator for quieter situations, since that is more up your alley.

 

[Big Flannel]

Re: Orange Amp Questions

Pepper Keenan has been using TH's with Down. His tone is pretty righteous.

 

[matko1x]

Re: Orange Amp Questions

I am thinking of heading towards the 50 watt route. 100 watts may be a bit much in my situation of mostly playing at home. Im eyeing the RV50, plus the new Dual Dark 50. Both of these have the attenuator option which is interesting, in addition, power scaling option. I am also liking the distortion sound from the DD50 from a few online videos I've watched. I'll wait to see how the clean sounds turn out also.

 

[matko1x]

Re: Orange Amp Questions

Oops, I meant the TV50 also

 

[Johnny the Kid]

Re: Orange Amp Questions

My experience in trying out different Orange amps are that they aren't too tight. They have a little looser sound and for some styles it's amazing. For others, it's not so great.

 

[UberMetalDood]

Re: Orange Amp Questions

I have become a huge fan of Orange amps. I have been gassing for a Rockerverb 50 and OR100 my self. I like the OR100 more as an amp overall, but like the tone and gain structure of the Rockerverb slightly more. I haven't tried either one with pedals, but straight into the amp is fantastic. I had an AD30 but didn't have good luck with analog effects pedals OR digital effects pedals. I need an FX loop.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Orange Amp Questions

I've owned a boatload of good amps, and when I hear someone talk about gain and volume restriction, I know they should usually be buying the highest gain amp of it's brand.

As much as dual EL-84 amps are suggested for moderate volume with gain, I think EL-34 and 6L6 amps turned to 3 sound better in most cases.

But most importantly, try to choose an amp in person by playing it, because it's a huge gamble to buy online based on clips. In person, you know it as soon as you hear the first note.