what's the ultimate heavy metal amplifier?

[Kosh Naranek]

Re: what's the ultimate heavy metal amplifier?

HELL YEAH!!!!

I second this!!!!!! the EL DIABLO can be set up from jcm 800 to mesa to bogner to anything else. Active EQ and tube contour controls make it very versatile without compromise and is not a modeling amp. New modern tech allows this thing to recreate any other brand amp. I have to suggest that people try this amp out.

Sweet! I got one last year. I'm mainly trying to get classic rock tones from it, but with more gain and tweaking the EQ, it certainly does extreme metal tones well too. The switchable high/low gain and compressed/dynamic voicings for the overdrive channel, as well as the attack switch provide a wealth of possibilities, from classic to extreme.

What do you guys think of the stock Ruby tubes? Have any of you Diablo owners put a different set of tubes in and noticed an improvement in tone?

 

[Gamera]

Re: what's the ultimate heavy metal amplifier?

What do you guys think of the stock Ruby tubes? Have any of you Diablo owners put a different set of tubes in and noticed an improvement in tone?

I'm actually running Svetlana 6L6's in my 60-watt combo. I bought it off eBay and it came with stock Ruby's and a set of 6L6's. Based on what I read online, the 6L6's provided a thicker sound and more gain. I thought that's what I was looking for so I used the 6L6's. I haven't actually even heard it with the Ruby's. I have read several online reviews from others who have compared and I understand the 6L6's are darker and allow for more gain. And I can confirm that assesment, especially when running in 30-watt mode. 60-watt seems a little brighter and not quite as scooped sounding.

Overall I've been quite happy with the sounds I've been getting although next time I retube I think I'll experiment with some EL34's. I understand the clean with EL34's is much cleaner and sparklier (my clean is quite warm and dark) and may work better in providing a "Strattier" tone with single coils.

By the way, where in WI are you? You didn't happen to buy at Top Shelf Guitars, did you? I noticed they were the only dealer somewhat local to me in Muskego although they never seemed to have any El Diablo's in stock when I was there.

 

[Kosh Naranek]

Re: what's the ultimate heavy metal amplifier?

Thanks, Gamera. That's interesting. The clean channel does sparkle nicely with the stock EL34's.
I had a look at the manual and it recommends adding a few db of treble and cutting the mid a few db for a Marshallesque tone on the hot channel. I've found that to be the best sound on the hot channel too. There's a lot of mids available. I cut them a few db to get a nice crisp, tough sounding tone. Then just set the gain knob to taste. I don't play with tons of gain. I like the sound to clean up if I pick lightly or turn the guitar volume down.

The tube contour knob is real versatile. Turn it up and the tone gets more edgy. If I turn it down it gets mellow.

There's no presence control but the treble control is active so it's possible to dial in really bright tones. It doesn't sound like the amp gets harsh, even with the treble boosted significantly.
Cutting the midrange more gives a more modern sound that reminds me a little of that Rectifier tone.

I'm in Grafton, formerly in Mequon. I've never been to Top Shelf Guitars. I've heard of them, but don't know where they are. I got my El Diablo head from a private seller at the Hamer guitars forum.

 

[papersoul]

Re: what's the ultimate heavy metal amplifier?

I think a lot of these super high end amps are a waste unless you are a touring pro. I tried a VHT UL and while it was nice I preferred a Rectifier or a Huges & Kettner. Think outside the box a bit. I recently picked up a used Rivera Knucklehead for $800 so I am anxious to see how that turns out for me.

I find many high gain amps way to buzzy. I will say I am a huge fan of H&K and their amps can cover any style. Bogners are great but I have no place to crank one up nor would I use it in the local clubs.

Currently I use an H&K switchblade and it is so easy to use and versatile...makes gigs a breeze.

The VHT 100UL was just no good at lower volumes and at a gig we found the Dual Rectifer and Marshall DSL to sit better in the mix. I hated the clean on the VHT.

Buckethead? He is proff the Rectifer sounds bad for lead. Amazing player, hideous tone.

I also prefer to not have matching cabs! If that were the sace, I'd have a cab for each amp head. I think that is a waste of cash. I preferred to buy my be-all-end-all cabinet, an Ear Candy Buzz Bomb with Sugar Cone speakers. A 212 cabinet that slaughters 412s.