I own a 2008 silverface and a 2011 blueface... I've had both in my possession simultaniously since Feb.
Let me first say that if I owned them months apart I'd be hard pressed to tell the difference so we're talking fine lines here. I've A/B'd them both in the studio and at gear days with other guitarists present and here's what I've found...
The silverface is more compressed and a bit darker. It sounds killer live and I love it. It has a grind to it the blueface won't nail. I've done Peter's less compression mod and the difference is still there, but it brings them closer in tone.
The blueface (2011) has a bit more 'sparkle' on ch1 & 2. I find I have to run both channels with the bright switch off vs the silverface needs them on. The presence knob cuts a bit differently and the newer amp as a whole has more highs/presence. Ch3 is awesome on both. I love the cut on the blueface but also the grind of the silverface. recorded the blueface almost always sounds better to my ear in my situation at least, but I can get the silverface to start sagging with enough gain.
I don't use ch4 very much so it's hard to comment on it.
Overall every guitarist I've had A/B them always prefers the newer one a bit. (even a Herbert owner)!
I hope that helped some!!
Either way they're both amazing amps!!! I probably exaggerated the differences in my descriptions. Also, keep in mind that every single amp will sound a tiny bit different.
