Tubin' up a modelling/solid state rig

[ratherdashing]

It's time for me to re-evaulate my amp situation. I had to sell my Atomic a while back to cover moving expenses, but now I'm going to be needing an amp again in the near future. I am of course leaning toward buying another Atomic, but I'd like to keep my options open.

Basically, what I need is a way to amplify the Pod XT without making it sound like crap. Here are a couple ideas.

Option 1:
Guitar -> Pod XT -> tube power amp -> speakers

Option 2:
Guitar -> Pod XT -> small tube power amp -> solid state power amp -> speakers

What I am trying to do is add some tube "feel" to the Pod without coloring the sound too much. This is why I'm leaning toward option 2.

I'm also pondering experimenting with other things, like using a tube pre-amp somewhere in there, or even using an old tube PA power amp (they exist on EBay).

I think what I ideally want is a super transparent tube power amp, or some combination of tube and solid state.

Anyone else have any thoughts?

Gracias

 

[Ironjose]

Re: Tubin' up a modelling/solid state rig

i´d go with the first one, the carvin power tube amp doesnt color the signal that much as others do... but that´s only my taste, anyway you should look at the tech 21´s Power Engine is a power amp with cab...nice by the way.
JJ

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: Tubin' up a modelling/solid state rig

The Power Engine is a definite consideration. Thanks.

 

[firebirdVII]

Re: Tubin' up a modelling/solid state rig

What are you trying to get out of the tubes? Is this all simply for the even order harmonics, or do you plan on clipping the power tubes?

Sorry, I don't have any real advice, I just don't understand what you want to achieve.

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: Tubin' up a modelling/solid state rig

I definitely don't want to clip the tube power stage. I'm not too sure what you mean by even order harmonics in this context.

I am also open to any sort of solid state method of achieving what I am trying to accomplish.

 

[firebirdVII]

Re: Tubin' up a modelling/solid state rig

I definitely don't want to clip the tube power stage. I'm not too sure what you mean by even order harmonics in this context.

I am also open to any sort of solid state method of achieving what I am trying to accomplish.

I thought that even order harmonics pop up with tubes (unless you have a MOSFET or something), but maybe it happens in the preamp stages, I digress. Well in that case, I completely understand what you want, but have no help to offer (sorry).

 

[clint_41]

Re: Tubin' up a modelling/solid state rig

ATOMIC!! if you are playing big venues, then get something bigger like a 4x12 cab and a tube power amp (like a mesa 20/20 or 50/50). But the Atomic is a very sweet, tubed way to amplify the POD, and if i need it louder i mic it. and apparently they are making a 55 watt 2x12 version in the near future....

http://www.atomicamps.com