Axefx (w/ tube power amp) vs Kemper (power rack)

[mooncobra]

Who has had both, and what do you think? The Kemper power rack is pretty damn kick ass. I have it plugged into a 4x12 with g12h30 70th anniv and it kicks some ass. Obviously, I still like a full blown tube amp better, but in the field of Kemper, Axe, Helix, etc. its pretty awesome. It comes close to feeling like a tube driven amp. You can tell a little when you are playing its not, but its close. What do you prefer and why? I played an axefx2 but I guess there is a newer model out than I have tried. Of course my friend that has it says it is the end all be all of the digital world. Especially through a VHT power amp, according to him. I was curious what you guys think. I think the Kemper is awesome for recording because there are so many killer profiles especially the Michael Britt stuff. really awesome!

 

[squank]

I gigged an Axe with a Mesa tube power amp. It was a great gig rig. I sold it after I got my Kemper. The thing that was great for me was being able to profile all my own boutique amps. They sound great through a SS power amp and guitar cab or FRFR. I have a few other rigs downloaded from the exchange, but I loved my awesome amps, and the ability to take them with me really sealed the deal. Amp tones, esp high gain, are a touch better on the Kemper, but that's just my ears. Not taking anything away from the Axe.

I also dig using the FCB1010 with the Uno4Kemper chip to control it. It's a better footcontroller than you can get from either company.

 

[moltenmetalburn]

Axe fx 2 with 2150 was amazing. I defeated EVERYTHING that was modeled for power amp or cab, used it as a true preamp.

Though My answer is EITHER axe or kemper with a tube power amp. SS and cabs just dont do it as well. Not even my matrix SS was good enough.

 

[raymitchell]

Axe fx 2 with 2150 was amazing. I defeated EVERYTHING that was modeled for power amp or cab, used it as a true preamp.

Though My answer is EITHER axe or kemper with a tube power amp. SS and cabs just dont do it as well. Not even my matrix SS was good enough.

Man, I've been feeling with my Matrix (800) the way you seem to have felt with your Matrix. While I do feel the Matrix is a great power amp, especially for fly dates and all, it just isn't whippin' my ass or punching me in the gut when I just want to crank up and enjoy playing guitar or, more importantly, when I NEED to write riffs/songs.

I'm about to buy a used Mesa 2:90 (this'll be my second one) and try it with my Axe Fx II XL+. I think the same as you, defeat all power amp-related modelling and use the AF2 as a preamp with effects and let the Mesa 2:90 get the oomph back into my sound. I owned and played a Boogie MKII C+ for almost 15 years along with a 1981 Voodoo modded JCM800 and there's just nothing like a real tube power amp section driving a good 4x12.

I'm hoping like hell that changing over to the Mesa 2:90 will get it done. If not, then I'll probably have to start saving my pennies for a Mesa JP2C and use it with the AF2 and out to the Mesa 2:90 to keep things in Stereo.

I'd love for you to elaborate on the differences between the Matrix power amp and the VHT 2150.

 

[moltenmetalburn]

Axe fx 2 with 2150 was amazing. I defeated EVERYTHING that was modeled for power amp or cab, used it as a true preamp.

Though My answer is EITHER axe or kemper with a tube power amp. SS and cabs just dont do it as well. Not even my matrix SS was good enough.

Man, I've been feeling with my Matrix (800) the way you seem to have felt with your Matrix. While I do feel the Matrix is a great power amp, especially for fly dates and all, it just isn't whippin' my ass or punching me in the gut when I just want to crank up and enjoy playing guitar or, more importantly, when I NEED to write riffs/songs.

I'm about to buy a used Mesa 2:90 (this'll be my second one) and try it with my Axe Fx II XL+. I think the same as you, defeat all power amp-related modelling and use the AF2 as a preamp with effects and let the Mesa 2:90 get the oomph back into my sound. I owned and played a Boogie MKII C+ for almost 15 years along with a 1981 Voodoo modded JCM800 and there's just nothing like a real tube power amp section driving a good 4x12.

I'm hoping like hell that changing over to the Mesa 2:90 will get it done. If not, then I'll probably have to start saving my pennies for a Mesa JP2C and use it with the AF2 and out to the Mesa 2:90 to keep things in Stereo.

I'd love for you to elaborate on the differences between the Matrix power amp and the VHT 2150.

Its basically the topology difference, SS doesnt react with the poweramp and the cabinet load the way tube does. That mesa will probably satisfy you. Ive had one in the past. It can have HUGE chunk and thump especially with the deep setting.

Nothing compares with the 2150 though, girth is equal to iron and the 2150 has FULL size amp Head transformers.

 

[raymitchell]

Axe fx 2 with 2150 was amazing. I defeated EVERYTHING that was modeled for power amp or cab, used it as a true preamp.

Though My answer is EITHER axe or kemper with a tube power amp. SS and cabs just dont do it as well. Not even my matrix SS was good enough.

Man, I've been feeling with my Matrix (800) the way you seem to have felt with your Matrix. While I do feel the Matrix is a great power amp, especially for fly dates and all, it just isn't whippin' my ass or punching me in the gut when I just want to crank up and enjoy playing guitar or, more importantly, when I NEED to write riffs/songs.

I'm about to buy a used Mesa 2:90 (this'll be my second one) and try it with my Axe Fx II XL+. I think the same as you, defeat all power amp-related modelling and use the AF2 as a preamp with effects and let the Mesa 2:90 get the oomph back into my sound. I owned and played a Boogie MKII C+ for almost 15 years along with a 1981 Voodoo modded JCM800 and there's just nothing like a real tube power amp section driving a good 4x12.

I'm hoping like hell that changing over to the Mesa 2:90 will get it done. If not, then I'll probably have to start saving my pennies for a Mesa JP2C and use it with the AF2 and out to the Mesa 2:90 to keep things in Stereo.

I'd love for you to elaborate on the differences between the Matrix power amp and the VHT 2150.

Thanks for sharing, moltenmetalburn.

Looking forward to receiving the 2:90!

Happy Holidays!