Scouting for a new amp - opinions on some models?

[B2D]

Hey peoples. I'm in the process of checking the market for good tube amps that would fit my needs and replace my Carvin Legacy. It'll mainly be playing modern/hard/alternative rock. I've got some preferences and for the most part they are:

- Not more than 50W, tube, head format.
- EL34 power section preferred
- FX loop
- Reverb a plus but not mandatory
- 2 channels, will consider 3
- Independent EQ
- Good durability/build quality/warranty strength.

Some of the ones that look good on paper are:

- Marshall DSL50
- Vox AC50CPH
- Koch Multitone
- Koch Twintone
- Laney TT50
- Krank Chadwick.


Opinions/reviews/experiences on said models and suggestions for others that might work will be appreciated.

 

[J Moose]

Re: Scouting for a new amp - opinions on some models?

Rivera?!

Can't leave them out...

 

[ModestCargo]

Re: Scouting for a new amp - opinions on some models?

I've come to the point where I've realized that single channels amps are in my opinion the way to go. You start with an amp with a KILLER clean sound and after that you have all the options in the word in terms of pedals to get your grit on.

Try a couple - old/RI tweed or blackface Fender amps, Marshall JTM45 RI, etc.

 

[B2D]

Re: Scouting for a new amp - opinions on some models?

Rivera?!

Can't leave them out...

Any models you'd suggest?

I've come to the point where I've realized that single channels amps are in my opinion the way to go. You start with an amp with a KILLER clean sound and after that you have all the options in the word in terms of pedals to get your grit on.

Try a couple - old/RI tweed or blackface Fender amps, Marshall JTM45 RI, etc.

See, thats the thing... I'd prefer to use an overdrive pedal for a gain/voume boost and then get the majority of the distortion from the amp. I prefer the tonal results that come from THAT kind of setup. I've played some good sounding-setups with good amps like you're describing, but at the end of the day single channel amps are not what I'm looking for. I appreciate the suggestion, though.

 

[Bludave]

Re: Scouting for a new amp - opinions on some models?

I don't have much experience with many of the amp listed in your post, but I have played through the Koch Twintone and that is a real nice amp, but IMHO the best channel switching amp I have played through (I bought it after I played through it) is a Bogner Shiva. Buy the Bogner and be done with it.

 

[J Moose]

Re: Scouting for a new amp - opinions on some models?

I like my Rake Reverb a whole lot... not a very "high gain" head though, more like a stock '70s Marshall until the boost comes into play. I also have an '84 JCM 800 here and am really contemplating selling it...

But any of the heads are pretty gnarly & super versatile... a friend has an M60 which I like a lot... Knuckleheads are a standard...

The Riveras are about as close as I've ever found to finding a Marshall and a Fender in the same chassis without going "super" boo-teek & getting into the $4k + territory.

 

[barbarianbrute]

Re: Scouting for a new amp - opinions on some models?

out of the ones you listed, the laney's probably going to be the best value. i've owned one for a couple of weeks now that i bought new and i really like it. it's like a marshall, but more articulate and a little more pristine sounding.

the dsl 50 is a great amp too, but i prefer the dsl 100. one thing different between the two is the clean channel on the 100 is better for some reason. i don't know exactly why, but it just sounds better to my ears.

if i had to choose between them though, the laney would be my definite choice because it's built really well and you don't have to crank it to friggin hell to get a great tone out of it.

if you can afford a koch though, that's probably the best bet. that's the kind of amp i'd get if i had the money. i never heard such a perfect sounding amp before. i mean those things are optimum in every way. the tone is rich and the cleans are immaculate. i've only tried a used one out for a while, but i know how good they are. if you get one, let us know please. i'd love to hear some clips.

i posted a review of the laney tt50 and teh genz-benz, another option you can look at, in this forum. check them out if you are interested

 

[ModestCargo]

Re: Scouting for a new amp - opinions on some models?

Any models you'd suggest?



See, thats the thing... I'd prefer to use an overdrive pedal for a gain/voume boost and then get the majority of the distortion from the amp. I prefer the tonal results that come from THAT kind of setup. I've played some good sounding-setups with good amps like you're describing, but at the end of the day single channel amps are not what I'm looking for. I appreciate the suggestion, though.

So maybe it's the other way around - how important is having a "clean channel" to you? Maybe the good old JCM 800 would be your soul mate.

Course I have heard incredible things about the Bogner Shiva if you must have two channels.

 

[barbarianbrute]

Re: Scouting for a new amp - opinions on some models?

So maybe it's the other way around - how important is having a "clean channel" to you? Maybe the good old JCM 800 would be your soul mate.

Course I have heard incredible things about the Bogner Shiva if you must have two channels.

good questions here. i've been wondering about these things (not that i want to hijack this thread). lately i'm thinking a really good clean channel is not only cool for the clean tones, but it sounds cool pumping a distortion/overdrive pedal through it. i probably get more use of my clean channel that way than by itself.

 

[B2D]

Re: Scouting for a new amp - opinions on some models?

I like my Rake Reverb a whole lot... not a very "high gain" head though, more like a stock '70s Marshall until the boost comes into play. I also have an '84 JCM 800 here and am really contemplating selling it...

But any of the heads are pretty gnarly & super versatile... a friend has an M60 which I like a lot... Knuckleheads are a standard...

The Riveras are about as close as I've ever found to finding a Marshall and a Fender in the same chassis without going "super" boo-teek & getting into the $4k + territory.

I'll take a look at some different models. There's a shop in Laguna beach that has several different ones.

out of the ones you listed, the laney's probably going to be the best value. i've owned one for a couple of weeks now that i bought new and i really like it. it's like a marshall, but more articulate and a little more pristine sounding.

I test drove a GH50L (I'm pretty sure thats what it was) and it reminded me of a Marshall in the same way you describe... a little more top end and sizzle too.

the dsl 50 is a great amp too, but i prefer the dsl 100. one thing different between the two is the clean channel on the 100 is better for some reason. i don't know exactly why, but it just sounds better to my ears.

if i had to choose between them though, the laney would be my definite choice because it's built really well and you don't have to crank it to friggin hell to get a great tone out of it.

The DSL would probably be my LAST choice, but only because I know there's better amps out there for not a whole lot more money. And yeah, Marshalls do have to be running pretty hot to get their best tone and the DSL doesn't sound too great if the volume's below 4. I do have a good attenuator but I'd rather play an amp that doesn't need one... attenuators do make tubes run hot, burn out faster, and it's just one more thing to set up/mess up/forget on a gig.

if you can afford a koch though, that's probably the best bet. that's the kind of amp i'd get if i had the money. i never heard such a perfect sounding amp before. i mean those things are optimum in every way. the tone is rich and the cleans are immaculate. i've only tried a used one out for a while, but i know how good they are. if you get one, let us know please. i'd love to hear some clips.

The sound clips of the Multitone are definitely my fave of the bunch and they do sound great There's a Multitone combo for $1600 BIN on eBay right now, that's not too bad at all. For now the Koch looks like a strong candidate.

i posted a review of the laney tt50 and teh genz-benz, another option you can look at, in this forum. check them out if you are interested

Will do, thanks.

So maybe it's the other way around - how important is having a "clean channel" to you? Maybe the good old JCM 800 would be your soul mate.

Course I have heard incredible things about the Bogner Shiva if you must have two channels.

Having a clean channel is very important to me... the way I play and the music I'm going to be playing with the amp all but requires it. I can appreciate an amp that cleans up very well with the volume rolled back, but it's not the same.

I've heard nothing but great things about the Shiva, but I tried one out recently and to my suprise didn't like it very much... maybe I need to go try it again.

good questions here. i've been wondering about these things (not that i want to hijack this thread). lately i'm thinking a really good clean channel is not only cool for the clean tones, but it sounds cool pumping a distortion/overdrive pedal through it. i probably get more use of my clean channel that way than by itself.

Hijacking's allowed as long as it's constructive. One of my favorite tones is a good-sounding clean amp set loud and sticking my fulltone OCD in front of the amp... really lets the pedal shine and gets a cool hi-fi overdrive sort of sound.

 

[MetalMike_II]

Re: Scouting for a new amp - opinions on some models?

if money is no object:

try a Fuchs OD 50. No pedals needed. Pretty awesome.

I also second the Bogner Shiva recommendation. Awesome as well.

The 60 watt Deliverance ain't too shabby, but it's KT-88s.

Personally, I didn't like the distortion of the DSL 50.

 

[MetalMike_II]

Re: Scouting for a new amp - opinions on some models?

I've heard nothing but great things about the Shiva, but I tried one out recently and to my suprise didn't like it very much... maybe I need to go try it again.

what cabs did you try it with?

I've found that 50-60 watters don't drive 4x12s that well...unless it's loaded with greenbacks, but only if.

Try it with the matching Bogner 1x12, or a 2x12. It's still very, very loud, and everything is more overdriven.

Same with the Fuchs OD 50 --> matching Fuchs cab!!!!

 

[B2D]

Re: Scouting for a new amp - opinions on some models?

The 60 watt Deliverance ain't too shabby, but it's KT-88s.

Tried it, didn't like it that much... too sharp sounding.

what cabs did you try it with?

I've found that 50-60 watters don't drive 4x12s that well...unless it's loaded with greenbacks, but only if.

Try it with the matching Bogner 1x12, or a 2x12. It's still very, very loud, and everything is more overdriven.

Same with the Fuchs OD 50 --> matching Fuchs cab!!!!

I tried it with a 2x12 Shiva cab.

 

[Animal]

Re: Scouting for a new amp - opinions on some models?

If you can source one, how about an Egnater TOL-50? Has all the features you've listed except for independent EQ. 2 channels (footswitchable), seperate gain/master volumes, boost (footswitchable) and bright switches on both channels, voicing switch on clean channel, 10 watt class A switch, series or parallel effect loop, fx loop blend knob, EL-34 tubes, reverb, density knob, made in USA, and designed by Bruce Egnater.

Finished auction, but it gives you an idea:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Rocktron-EGNATE...ryZ10171QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

They get rave reviews and are very reasonably priced. They seem to sound like a refined Marshall, slight hint of Boogie with a unique character of their own without the boutique price tag. Sweet compression across the board. For the style of music your band plays it seems like it would be very suited.

TOL-50 was used in all of the songs for this band:
http://www.soundclick.com/chiefbeef

I'm currently gassing for a 4-channel TOL-100. The TOL-50 is basically the 2nd and 3rd channel of the TOL-100. You can hear some TOL-100 2nd and 3rd channel clips here:
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=146829
Scroll down to the TOL-100 2x12 clips.

I've been kicking myself after missing out on a opportunity to snap up a TOL-50 for a
great price. Now that a TOL-100 is available here I'm seriously considering one. I think the great thing about the TOL-50 is that it's relatively simple amp but has just enough features so that you don't have to stick heaps of things in and out of it to make it versatile.

 

[J Moose]

Re: Scouting for a new amp - opinions on some models?

I think you'll dig the Riveras...

They seem to fit all your requirements, especially the 'roadworthy' bit! Great tone, 55 watts from EL34's... The Knuckleheads (& most others) are two channels but have a boost on each channel so it sorta mimics a 4-channel rig.

The Laney's & Marshalls are good & all... kinda pedestrian by comparison & there's NO comparison on build quality! They're also really great when it comes to service & mods...

What didn't you like about the Shiva when you tried it?

 

[B2D]

Re: Scouting for a new amp - opinions on some models?

If you can source one, how about an Egnater TOL-50? Has all the features you've listed except for independent EQ. 2 channels (footswitchable), seperate gain/master volumes, boost (footswitchable) and bright switches on both channels, voicing switch on clean channel, 10 watt class A switch, series or parallel effect loop, fx loop blend knob, EL-34 tubes, reverb, density knob, made in USA, and designed by Bruce Egnater.

Finished auction, but it gives you an idea:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Rocktron-EGNATE...ryZ10171QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

They get rave reviews and are very reasonably priced. They seem to sound like a refined Marshall, slight hint of Boogie with a unique character of their own without the boutique price tag. Sweet compression across the board. For the style of music your band plays it seems like it would be very suited.

TOL-50 was used in all of the songs for this band:
http://www.soundclick.com/chiefbeef

I'm currently gassing for a 4-channel TOL-100. The TOL-50 is basically the 2nd and 3rd channel of the TOL-100. You can hear some TOL-100 2nd and 3rd channel clips here:
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=146829
Scroll down to the TOL-100 2x12 clips.

I've been kicking myself after missing out on a opportunity to snap up a TOL-50 for a
great price. Now that a TOL-100 is available here I'm seriously considering one. I think the great thing about the TOL-50 is that it's relatively simple amp but has just enough features so that you don't have to stick heaps of things in and out of it to make it versatile.

That looks way cool... Olin also sent me a link of him playing the Egnater Tourmaster, but I can't find any info on those. He made it sound great though.

I think you'll dig the Riveras...

They seem to fit all your requirements, especially the 'roadworthy' bit! Great tone, 55 watts from EL34's... The Knuckleheads (& most others) are two channels but have a boost on each channel so it sorta mimics a 4-channel rig.

The Laney's & Marshalls are good & all... kinda pedestrian by comparison & there's NO comparison on build quality! They're also really great when it comes to service & mods...

What didn't you like about the Shiva when you tried it?

There's a LOT of different lines of Rivera... any places to start other than the Knucklehead?

The thing I didn't like about the Shiva is that when I tried it the tone seemed too thin and spiky. I tried fiddling with the controls for about 15 minutes and playing at gig-level volume and after that long of not finding a tone I liked I shut it off. Like I said... maybe I need to go try it again.

 

[J Moose]

Re: Scouting for a new amp - opinions on some models?

There's a LOT of different lines of Rivera... any places to start other than the Knucklehead?

I'm not super familiar with the current line... At first I was going to suggest the K-Tre head since you're after the 'modern rock' thing & I've seen you talk about the CAE Overdrive amps quite a bit... K-Tre has a similar flavor to those but it's a 100 or 120 watt head. Best to ask the dealers, or better yet... call Rivera & ask them!

They're also really good about modding amps if you find something "close" but need a little more this way or that way...

The thing I didn't like about the Shiva is that when I tried it the tone seemed too thin and spiky. I tried fiddling with the controls for about 15 minutes and playing at gig-level volume and after that long of not finding a tone I liked I shut it off. Like I said... maybe I need to go try it again.

Bogner thin & spiky? Hmmm....

:scratchch

FWIW I don't know if I've ever plugged into an amp and gotten the hang of it in 15 minutes or less. I have been able to make some love it/hate it decisions in that time which usually prove themselves "right" in the long term...

 

[Ascension]

Re: Scouting for a new amp - opinions on some models?

Coming over from a Legacy the Fender Super Sonic head should feel pretty good in comparison.
From what has been said in your other posts on the way you beat on an amp you also may want to look at the Zinky stuff. GREAT tones + his stuff has a LIFETIME TRANSFERABLE warrentee. The build quality on a Zinky is absolutely incomparable to ANYTHING else within the budget for a normal player. Check um out here http://www.zinky.com/

 

[Boogie Bill]

Re: Scouting for a new amp - opinions on some models?

Mesa Stiletto Ace head. No verb, though. I actually LOVED the clean channel on this amp--I could see a jazzer using it.

Bill

 

[Hoss]

Re: Scouting for a new amp - opinions on some models?

hmmm...i don't have any really good advice here...but look forward to hearing about your findings!

i know every clip i've ever heard of the Shiva sounded awesome!

I've always dug the Rivera stuff too...alot of knobs on them bad boys though, if you're into that!?

i've always heard awesome things about Splawns too!