Need a little help with some specs between VH4 and the VH4S

P00PDOG

New member
I noticed in the specs of the VH4 that the output is a range of 90 to 180 watts...but in the range of the VH4S its only 50 per side....I'm assuming that this is dependent on which tubes are in the unit, so is it possible to get that 50 to go to 80 per side (160 watts total) on the VH4S?

What I am trying to achieve, is the replacement of two 100 watt heads with the 1 VH4S but I would like to keep the power at least similar/close.
 
Typically, the stated wattages on guitar amps is WILDLY low.

It's generally accepted that the standard 4xEL34 "100 watt" amp will actually output around 150 watts at maximum volume.

If you play your two 100w amps on maximum...no, the VH4S probably won't give you the same output.
If you play them at sane levels, yeah, you'll likely be able to make the switch.

What amps are you using currently? The VH4S sounds great cranked and may have more cut than your current amps so you wouldn't need as much power in the first place.

I'm guessing you're doing a Wet/Dry thing?
 
You are talking one power amp section in the Vh4 and two power amp sections in the Vh4s. It is a true stereo amp. Tube type and their rating will of course fluctuate output power. For example if the Vh4 is rated at 100 watts the Vh4s is rated at 2x50 watts.
 
~Abstract~":30j0f5f8 said:
Typically, the stated wattages on guitar amps is WILDLY low.

It's generally accepted that the standard 4xEL34 "100 watt" amp will actually output around 150 watts at maximum volume.

If you play your two 100w amps on maximum...no, the VH4S probably won't give you the same output.
If you play them at sane levels, yeah, you'll likely be able to make the switch.

What amps are you using currently? The VH4S sounds great cranked and may have more cut than your current amps so you wouldn't need as much power in the first place.

I'm guessing you're doing a Wet/Dry thing?


I'm using a Carvin MTS 3200 on one side, and a Marshall LM6100 on the other. Had some issues with my 6100 so I'm looking at different options.

So in the range of "90-160" what tubes are used to get you there? KT88's?

I'm usually at 12 o'clock on master volume and channel volume. If I try to go louder it starts to break up (in a bad way). Not doing wet/dry. I'm using a pod hd 500x but only for effects and it has a good stereo out thing....I put about a 20 ms delay on one side to widen the sound a little, and stop the phasing issues. It sounds great in the ol man cave, but on stage it is a bit harder to get them to cut through....

I like a lot of gain/distortion and I am constantly having issues hearing the other side amp (on stage). Regardless, even if I don't pair down, I still need to replace the amps....had them since the early 90's and after a 12 year hiatus, started the ol band again....
 
I'd just get the VH4S. I would be surprised if 2x50w is not loud enough for you. I wouldn't worry much about tube swapping either, just run a set of factory KT77's in it.
 
RJF":3s77ibm0 said:
I'd just get the VH4S. I would be surprised if 2x50w is not loud enough for you. I wouldn't worry much about tube swapping either, just run a set of factory KT77's in it.


yep.

:thumbsup:
 
Thanks for the advice guys, appreciate it. I'll have to play one to see though...I'm in Phila and there is a place that I think sells em so I'll go check them out.
Cheers
 
What kinda cabinets are you using?

You may consider a more sensitive speaker for even greater output from the VH4S. (But I'd stick with the KT77's...they're amazing tubes)

I'm running mine into 2 Marshall 1960B's with G12T-75's...not super efficient, but still damn loud.
If you're using inefficient speakers, you very well could have an issue with volume...which might be the reason you're currently using two large amps. ;)
 
~Abstract~":azxzx1yo said:
What kinda cabinets are you using?

You may consider a more sensitive speaker for even greater output from the VH4S. (But I'd stick with the KT77's...they're amazing tubes)

I'm running mine into 2 Marshall 1960B's with G12T-75's...not super efficient, but still damn loud.
If you're using inefficient speakers, you very well could have an issue with volume...which might be the reason you're currently using two large amps. ;)


Yeah, I'm running through a Marshall 1960A on my side, I replaced the speakers before calling it quits in 2002. I replace with something close to what was in there and its a 240 watt cab so I guess they are 60 watts each...not 100% sure what brand or model but they came recommended at the time. My other cab is a Matrox nl212. I had it because I tried digital for about a second but I didn't have the time or money to really do it right, and live with an axefx just didn't work for me (or the other band members). Admittedly, I probably didn't do it right...I had a month to make up my mind weather I wanted to keep it so instead of taking the risk I just sent it back.
The Matrox is loud as sh1t, but really focused, and because of it being extended range cab the low end is too rubbery/loose for my taste. The Marshall cab just sounds better to me....I'm more of a lower mid range chugger if you get me. I'm looking for more lower mid type of punch, a bit lower then my Marshall provides, but with a fast attack....

Been going crazy researching every amp made....wife calls it amp porn...Anywho, I ended up here. I'm guessing I'm on the right track, eh?
 
~Abstract~":20evt8kx said:
Have you considered a Herbert?

180w and I don't think anyone else does "lower mid type of punch" as well.

Yeah, for me it is between the VH4/S or the Herbert. I really need to try them out first but I'm leaning towards the VH4 for channel 3 alone.

If I could afford it I'd have one of each. :D
 
Ch2+ on the Herbert is...IMHO...better...but perhaps I should say 'just as good'. :thu:


I started with a Herbert. It was/is the sound I hear in my head. But I really wanted Clean/Crunch/Rhythm/Lead...and only the VH4 (or Hagen) will do that easily with a single footswitch click without modifications.

I feel I give up a tiny little bit of tone in exchange for a HUGE leap in usability (for what I play).


Good luck on the search! It doesn't get much more fun that trying out Diezels. ;)
 
To my ears, the VH4 is darker to me than the VH4S by a tiny bit. To hear what a VH4S would sound like, you can try a
VH4 with two tubes pulled. It's a touch brighter and is a special tone, especially with EL34.

I run 6550 SED in my VH4 and it is a behemoth in both tone and volume. LOUD, LOUD, LOUD !!!!!!
It also does not have the de-compression mod so in a band mix it cut's through. Best funkin amp designed and made.

I have had a 99', 00', 05' and 07' VH4 and have never been let down.
 
MARK2C":2uzv1msz said:
To my ears, the VH4 is darker to me than the VH4S by a tiny bit. To hear what a VH4S would sound like, you can try a
VH4 with two tubes pulled. It's a touch brighter and is a special tone, especially with EL34.

I run 6550 SED in my VH4 and it is a behemoth in both tone and volume. LOUD, LOUD, LOUD !!!!!!
It also does not have the de-compression mod so in a band mix it cut's through. Best funkin amp designed and made.

I have had a 99', 00', 05' and 07' VH4 and have never been let down.

Thanks....Have you played the VH4S in a stage situation? If I get the S, I plan on using two 4x12 cabs...
 
P00PDOG":11v9ahkt said:
MARK2C":11v9ahkt said:
To my ears, the VH4 is darker to me than the VH4S by a tiny bit. To hear what a VH4S would sound like, you can try a
VH4 with two tubes pulled. It's a touch brighter and is a special tone, especially with EL34.

I run 6550 SED in my VH4 and it is a behemoth in both tone and volume. LOUD, LOUD, LOUD !!!!!!
It also does not have the de-compression mod so in a band mix it cut's through. Best funkin amp designed and made.

I have had a 99', 00', 05' and 07' VH4 and have never been let down.

Thanks....Have you played the VH4S in a stage situation? If I get the S, I plan on using two 4x12 cabs...
Again, I don't think you are going to find a VH4S to be too quiet. Especially with two 412 cabs, that alone does more for your volume than a few extra watts. Don't forget, a 100w amp is only a few decibels louder than a 50w amp. A 50w amp will be louder through a 412 than a 100w amp through a 212. I run two 412's with my rig, I don't play out, but at home with both my heads in my avatar mildly cranked it is insanely loud.
 
Back
Top