Diezel VH2 vs VH4
- Thread starter Pierre
- Start date
Mr. Chainsaw
Member
Not at the same time, but I've had an older VH4 (2005 I think) and a VH2. 6L6s in the VH4 and KT77s in the VH2. From my experience:
- The VH4 had more punch/thump than the VH2. Not to say the VH2 was lacking in any way, but there was enough of a difference that I could feel it while playing.
-Channel 1 on the VH2 is really damn good as you already know. The VH4 channels 1 and 2 weren't bad but not VH2-level good, even with the bright switch.
-Channel 2 on the VH2 did hit have quite a bit of gain fairly quickly, never really ran it past noon. It did get somewhat close to the VH4 Channel 3/4 but again not exactly the same and it was more of its own thing.
-Tried running the VH4-2 pedal into the VH2 for fun and sounded cool but obviously not the same as a VH4, and not close enough to use as a true substitute unfortunately.
-I don't like KT77s/KT88s (except for cleans) so that could've had some influence in my experience with the VH2. I never checked what preamp tubes came with the VH4, and the VH2 was stock.
There's been some changes to the VH4 over the years, supposedly newer ones are a bit more open and less compressed than the older ones. I currently have a newer Hagen and have been enjoying it with the EL34s it came with. Would've liked to have tried both the VH4 and VH2 with EL34s. I'll continue hunting for another older VH4, or maybe even a newer one. I don't miss the VH2 that much with the Hagen covering the VH2's Channel 1.
The VH2 was nice and I don't regret trying it out, but in the end it's not a VH4. Both are great amps, and expect them to stand on their own in different ways.
- The VH4 had more punch/thump than the VH2. Not to say the VH2 was lacking in any way, but there was enough of a difference that I could feel it while playing.
-Channel 1 on the VH2 is really damn good as you already know. The VH4 channels 1 and 2 weren't bad but not VH2-level good, even with the bright switch.
-Channel 2 on the VH2 did hit have quite a bit of gain fairly quickly, never really ran it past noon. It did get somewhat close to the VH4 Channel 3/4 but again not exactly the same and it was more of its own thing.
-Tried running the VH4-2 pedal into the VH2 for fun and sounded cool but obviously not the same as a VH4, and not close enough to use as a true substitute unfortunately.
-I don't like KT77s/KT88s (except for cleans) so that could've had some influence in my experience with the VH2. I never checked what preamp tubes came with the VH4, and the VH2 was stock.
There's been some changes to the VH4 over the years, supposedly newer ones are a bit more open and less compressed than the older ones. I currently have a newer Hagen and have been enjoying it with the EL34s it came with. Would've liked to have tried both the VH4 and VH2 with EL34s. I'll continue hunting for another older VH4, or maybe even a newer one. I don't miss the VH2 that much with the Hagen covering the VH2's Channel 1.
The VH2 was nice and I don't regret trying it out, but in the end it's not a VH4. Both are great amps, and expect them to stand on their own in different ways.
I have the same feeling about the VH2 ( mine has KT77 ) .....channel 1 really pleasant ....from clean to crunch , very open sounding..... add an overdrive and it can cover a lot of tones ; but what bothered me is the second channel : supposed to be channel 3 of the VH4 and as you mentionned above , i never past it after noon too .....may be changing the V1 preamp tube with a 7025 or even a 5751 to reduce the gain ????
And that sizzle , fizzle sound ( i have a 2x12 diezel cab with v30 ) ....always cleaning up the guitar volume !!!
It's like the VH4 seems noy have that fizzle or may be i'm wrong ? bad ears ??
So don't get me wrong ....really a good amp , but i think i'll have to order a VH4 to compare before selling the VH2 ( and trying different preamp tubes with the VH2 ) ....my other question i want a 4x12 cab but always wonder about G12K100 ....some advises ???
And that sizzle , fizzle sound ( i have a 2x12 diezel cab with v30 ) ....always cleaning up the guitar volume !!!
It's like the VH4 seems noy have that fizzle or may be i'm wrong ? bad ears ??
So don't get me wrong ....really a good amp , but i think i'll have to order a VH4 to compare before selling the VH2 ( and trying different preamp tubes with the VH2 ) ....my other question i want a 4x12 cab but always wonder about G12K100 ....some advises ???
Mr. Chainsaw
Member
I've read about trying a 5751 in v1 but never had the chance to try it myself, although I had considered it. Could definitely be on option.
Yea my guess is it's the v30s. I tried a few different 4x12 cabs and speaker combos for my Diezels and always ended up liking greenbacks on top/v30s on bottom best with whatever cab I used, but I also do like using all v30s. Could also use some EQ and preamp/poweramp volume adjusting.
Unfortunately I've only tried them as a top pair in an older Mesa half-back 4x12, hard to really give an opinion. There's also the rear-loaded vs front-loaded debate. Found some links that have info for the g12k100:
https://www.rig-talk.com/forum/threads/speaker-battle-v30-vs-g12k-100.24795/
https://www.rig-talk.com/forum/threads/k100s-vs-v30s.118178/
https://www.rig-talk.com/forum/threads/v30s-vs-k100s.182932/
Ventura
Well-known member
I can only put it to you this way.
I have a VH4 and have *zero* desire for a VH2.
If I had a VH2, I *know* I'd want a VH4.
That's it that's all. YMMV.
That's it.....i think i'm gonna explore all the VH2 possibilities ( with different preamp tube ) and gonna order a VH4 to compare ....but my feeling is you gonna end up with the VH4 .....last question will be ( i have a 2x12 with v30 ).......v30 but in a 4x12 or a v30 in rear loaded oir a G12K100 .......no ideas so ......
yet searching for the perfect sounding match !
yet searching for the perfect sounding match !
Techdeth
RESIDENT ROCK PROFESSOR
I have both . I must say channel 2 of vh2 is my fav channel out of all 6 . Both amps are great of course but the vh2 channel 2 has definitely won me over most
JustinCorrigible
Active member
G
Get the K100s while you can if you’re curious, they are discontinued. Redbacks might be a good alternative.
the other John Browne
Well-known member
I'd love to try a VH2 to see how it stacks up against the VH4. Sadly they don't show up used at decent prices often enough
FLUXX
Active member
If you already have a 2x12 with V30s, just get a 2x12 with G12k100s, and put the 100s cab on top of the V30s cab.
I use that exact combination with both my VH4 and my VHX.
Perfect speaker mix for Diezels to my ears.
I bought a 440 Live Cabinet off their store on Reverb.
Excellent 2x12 cab, for way less than other "name" cabs (only $530)
It pairs perfectly with my Mesa 2x12.
Ventura
Well-known member
Yep. K100s - definitely.
Techdeth
RESIDENT ROCK PROFESSOR
Man I can’t say enough good about vh2 . I got it on trade not expecting much and ended up liking it better than my vh4 . It shocked me
Techdeth
RESIDENT ROCK PROFESSOR
Fl with v30s . Love it . I use it for my Hermansons too : but I’ll say this . I love my diezels with Marshall cabs best . Especially BV 1960
Oh, I was under the impression the VH2 was purposely made as a more affordable VH4 with channels of 1 and 3 of the VH4. I didn't know it might be its own beast, sounds like it's close but not the same. Then other posts are people saying channel 2 of VH2 is the best gain channel and they sold their VH4, wow that's hard to believe.
angelspade
Well-known member
I have heard from a few that owned both that the VH2 channel 2 is very similar to channel 3 on the VH4...But slightly different. Some actually prefer it.