Apparently Power amps matter

[threadkiller]

My Fryette 2502 is at the shop so I borrowed a TOA solid state power amp from a bandmate just to use until I get it fixed. If your wondering about getting a good pre-amp and skimping on the power amp, don't. Compared to what I'm used to hearing it is thin and lifeless. I was wondering if the Fryette was worth the money. Based on what I'm hearing without it, I'd have to to say a resounding yes.

 

[Nico]

Well, it does matter of course, but the comparison is only fair in that one unit is cheaper than the other, nothing more

.... One of the best tube power amps VS. cheap solid state unit.

To see if the Fryette is worth it you should try out against some decent tube power amps and see if it is worth the extra cost

 

[skoora]

You need to try it against a Randall or Peavey tube power amp for a better value comparison. Or a Mesa 50/50.

 

[glassjaw7]

You need to try it against a Randall or Peavey tube power amp for a better value comparison. Or a Mesa 50/50.

I agree. The Fryette compared to a solid state p.a. is like comparing a Pittbull to a Marshall MG. Not even close.

 

[jasonP]

I had a Crown power amp before I tried a couple tube power amps for my wet/dry/wet setup and I found the SS to basically be more processed sounding and lifeless.

 

[threadkiller]

I had a Crown power amp before I tried a couple tube power amps for my wet/dry/wet setup and I found the SS to basically be more processed sounding and lifeless.

Yeah, my sound advisor of 20 years (dad) has been trying to convince me that a solid state power amp would sound just as good as my fryette and be a lot cheaper without having to worry about tubes etc. I now officially call BS on that idea.

 

[Ventura]

I had a Crown power amp before I tried a couple tube power amps for my wet/dry/wet setup and I found the SS to basically be more processed sounding and lifeless.

Yeah, my sound advisor of 20 years (dad) has been trying to convince me that a solid state power amp would sound just as good as my fryette and be a lot cheaper without having to worry about tubes etc. I now officially call BS on that idea.

Well, all in all there aren't THAT many to choose from out there, tube poweramps that is... When I did my search and research, it came down to:
Fryette
Marshall
Peavey
Mesa

I chose Fryette as it had the most headroom, depth AND presence controls, and had the best reviews. I can't say I've tried many others, I just went on pro reviews and feedback and also direct commincations with the amps. Steve Fryette was awesome to speak with - done, and can't say I'm at all displeased. SS to me is just 'not there', and although that's funny seeing that the Axe is really gaining popularity, the amp still has to have that hot tube sizzle...

Peace,
V.

 

[6AM]

Well, all in all there aren't THAT many to choose from out there, tube poweramps that is... When I did my search and research, it came down to:
Fryette
Marshall
Peavey
Mesa

Rivera still makes a power amp, too.

 

[Ventura]

Well, all in all there aren't THAT many to choose from out there, tube poweramps that is... When I did my search and research, it came down to:
Fryette
Marshall
Peavey
Mesa

Rivera still makes a power amp, too.

A day late and a buck short. Didn't even look at Rivera... Shame.

Thanks though, are they popular?? I've never heard of Rivera poweramps. I know they make some kickass heads (had the pleasure of playing a couple), but never knew they made rackmount amps. Cool.

V.

 

[jerrydyer]

the power section and the PI which is techinically the power section are huge in good tone.

 

[moltenmetalburn]

Don't forget to add these to the list:

Engl e850 and 840.

Brunetti silver bullet.

Randall rt250.

Carvin Ts100.

Z vex imp. ( axe fx bedroom practice)

 

[GuitarGuyLP]

For the Mesa 50/50 doesn't sound that good with the Mak4. The power section of my wife's Behringer bass amp sounds better.

 

[Ventura]

For the Mesa 50/50 doesn't sound that good with the Mak4. The power section of my wife's Behringer bass amp sounds better.

Yep. A lot of research pointed to this verdict. I stayed away from Mesa anything when it came to the poweramps. I just wanted MONDO headroom, and apparently KT88's are very neutral in the Fryette design.

To each their own, I'm very happy with mine. I don't think I've ever heard a 2U rackmount poweramp sound this bloody loud before...deafening, really.

V.

PS - GGLP, how you liking the Mak4..?? I'm beyond impressed, personally. Seriously, thing's off the hook.

 

[jlbaxe]

I think the RT2/50 is an under rated amp just because it has Randall on the front. Bruce designed it and all the boards in side have Egnater on them. This amp should be right beside a VHT power amp and is more user friendly and versatile being able to use any tubes.

 

[threadkiller]

Yes, I've heard very good things about the randall power amps

 

[GuitarGuyLP]

For the Mesa 50/50 doesn't sound that good with the Mak4. The power section of my wife's Behringer bass amp sounds better.

Yep. A lot of research pointed to this verdict. I stayed away from Mesa anything when it came to the poweramps. I just wanted MONDO headroom, and apparently KT88's are very neutral in the Fryette design.

To each their own, I'm very happy with mine. I don't think I've ever heard a 2U rackmount poweramp sound this bloody loud before...deafening, really.

V.

PS - GGLP, how you liking the Mak4..?? I'm beyond impressed, personally. Seriously, thing's off the hook.

Now that I am not using the Mesa I have not taken it off of the Makoplex channel in a while. I am really getting to know how the controls interact, and that is one mean pissed off sounding channel. It is perfect for the Trivium, and Metallica stuf that I am playing right now. I don't try to go for the tone on the albums, I am just going for what I want to hear, and for heavy agressive stuff the Makoplex channel just nails it.

I just quit my job (long story) Friday is my last day, and I should have a few days off between jobs (hopefully not much longer than a few weeks) I am planning on making some clips. My Ibanez with WCR Ironman in the bridge sounds perfect with this amp!!!!

Once I have explored all of the Makoplex channel I will move on to the crunch channel. I have played with it a bit, but I think that for what I am playing right now it might need a bit of a boost, but I will be spending a while with it next week, then it is on to the Dorado which to me doesn't have the same bite as the Makoplex, but I might just have to tune it in more. I am amazed at how different the three distortion channels sound. So many sounds in one box!!!!

 

[Little B]

for imaginations sake, if you took out all the power section related items from your fav. all tube head,or hybrid head for that matter and laid it all out on a table in front of you, youd essentially have your poweramp.....if you study the components,yes they really do matter....When I started session work,I remember some of the best advice I ever got was "when your buying a poweramp,do your absolute best to not skimp in this area!"

 

[Little B]

Lordy,Lordy,Lordy!!! You otta hear all those cabs runnin all at once!....ive gigged like w/ that a few times...It was heaven for me....not sure bout everyone else that was in the first few rows...l.o.l.

 

[Ventura]

Lordy,Lordy,Lordy!!! You otta hear all those cabs runnin all at once!....ive gigged like w/ that a few times...It was heaven for me....not sure bout everyone else that was in the first few rows...l.o.l.

I can't imagine how incredible all those heads and cabs running at once must sound. Absolutely SICK!!

As for skimping on poweramps, I am totally amped (no pun intended) on my Fryette (formerly VHT) 2U 2/90/2 poweramp. It kicks ass, is BLOODY powerful, and very clear and clean. I haven't had much experience with poweramps, but I think my first choice and first purchase was a good one.

Peace
V.

 

[Ventura]

Hey V I need some feedback on how the fryette plays with the axe fx , drummer loud scenarios..

PM en route.
V.