Rackmount Power Amps

[dystrust]

I'm planning on moving back to rack gear in the near future and I was wondering what your opinions on these power amps were. I previously used a rack setup with a Soldano preamp and I couldn't get a tone I was happy with. I'm suspecting this was due to the POS power amp I used at the time. I don't want to repeat this mistake so I'd like your input on the poweramps above.

 

[DBentley]

Re: Rackmount Power Amps

I voted Marshall EL-34 50/50
I've borrowed one for a gig and it was very very nice indeed.
Plus I prefer EL-34s

 

[Hawkman]

Re: Rackmount Power Amps

I've always liked my VHT 2502. Check out the reviews at http://www.harmony-central.com/Guitar/Data/VHT/Two_Fifty_Two-01.html

 

[dystrust]

Re: Rackmount Power Amps

I've been leaning toward the 2/50/2 as I really love that classic EL-34 grind. However I'd also like to have the deep low end from the KT-88s in the 2150 or 2/90/2. Those of you that have played the 2/50/2 and 2/90/2, how does the low end compare? I know you can compensate for this with the depth knob, but I'm not quite sure how it works.

 

[some_dude]

Re: Rackmount Power Amps

What tone are you looking for? 6L6 and EL34 based power amps will give you completly different sounds. (EDIT - Looks like you answered that in the post above, damn my slow typing)

I had an older Mesa 50/50 and I really liked it. I only sold it to get a 2:100, which I also really like.

I'll probably buy another 50/50, because the 15w and 50w power modes came in handy (I like to overdrive my power amp).

 

[dystrust]

Re: Rackmount Power Amps

The tone I'm looking for is a cross between Youthanasia era Megadeth and Facelift era Alice in Chains. I know that Dave Mustaine used a CAE 3+SE into a VHT 2150 on Youth and Marty used a similar setup. On Facelift Jerry Cantrell used a Bogner Fish, but I don't know what power amp.

I love the thickness and huge bottom end of Youthanasia, but I want more a raunchy tone like Chains.

 

[Hawkman]

Re: Rackmount Power Amps

The tone I'm looking for is a cross between Youthanasia era Megadeth and Facelift era Alice in Chains. I know that Dave Mustaine used a CAE 3+SE into a VHT 2150 on Youth and Marty used a similar setup. On Facelift Jerry Cantrell used a Bogner Fish, but I don't know what power amp.

I love the thickness and huge bottom end of Youthanasia, but I want more a raunchy tone like Chains.

The 2502 will deliver these tones. I put EL34's in one side and 6L6's in the other side for even greater sonic flexibility. For the most articulate EL34 sound, try the JJ E34L which has higher grid control (see http://www.jj-electronic.com/tube_el34.htm) and won't break up as fast. I've never tried the 2902, but I can't imagine anything being much punchier than my 2502. To quote Ted Nugent..."It will blow the balls off a charging rhino at 60 paces."

 

[Hawkman]

Re: Rackmount Power Amps

Stevie Fryette and his team at VHT are usually pretty good about fielding questions like this. You might shoot him an email at sfryette@VHTAMP.com

 

[some_dude]

Re: Rackmount Power Amps

Bogner Fish Preamp & MosValve 500-watt power amp

Sometime before the Dirt tour he started using Mesa 2:90's or 2:95's.

 

[Hawkman]

Re: Rackmount Power Amps

If VHT is your thing... Keep an eye on this auction (stupid low starting bid!) http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10171&item=3727456647&rd=1

 

[dystrust]

Re: Rackmount Power Amps

Hawkman, do you have any samples of the 2/50/2 with a high-gain preamp? I'm thinking of using a Soldano pre with this power amp and I'm looking for an idea of what it sounds like.

 

[Hellion]

Re: Rackmount Power Amps

My Marshall 8008 PA works like the end stage of a Valvestate. I heavily process so it really doesn't make much difference if the end stage is Solid State of Tube. They're not a terribly reliable amp, but it seems to be running better than it was after I bought it and after it's been fixed several times. It does have an advantage in that it stays consistent night after night.

 

[dystrust]

Re: Rackmount Power Amps

I do use some effects ala Smashing Pumpkins, but my typical sound is very raw with a minimal amount of processing. I've used SS power amps in the past, but have had to run an outboard EQ to get the frequency response I'm looking for.

 

[lastwinj]

Re: Rackmount Power Amps

one of my mono rack power amps. they rock.

germ

 

[Hawkman]

Re: Rackmount Power Amps

Hawkman, do you have any samples of the 2/50/2 with a high-gain preamp? I'm thinking of using a Soldano pre with this power amp and I'm looking for an idea of what it sounds like.

I have recorded a few tunes with the VHT and a Randall RM4 preamp.

This tune featues the Super Lead + module (high gain) during the solo(s)
Watch It

Here's another one... Forget You

And another...
Turn This Movie Around

 

[dystrust]

Re: Rackmount Power Amps

Thanks. I'll have a listen to those as soon as I get to a computer with speakers.