Best low cost high gain amp to use 4CM w/ Axe-fx

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mortega76

mortega76

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I currently own a QSC GX5 that (as far as I can tell) sounds pretty good into my Marshall 4x12 1960 can and Flextone 4x12 cab... But since I've joined this forum I've developed a small itch for a tube power amp but the ones I'm looking at are (similar to) the VHT 2/90/2 and that sucker is about $1400!!! I figured I could look into getting a high gain amp and using the 4 cable method to use the power amp to push the Axe-fx. I thought maybe the jet city 100 watter, peavey valveking or if I have no other choice a Bugera. What do you guys think?
 
Try a used Mesa Mark IV, lots of tonal options to dial it in right.
 
Poweramp makes a HUGE difference I found, even with high gain tones that are supposedly preamp based. My Axe sounded like night and fucking day through my ENGL head poweramp vs. the VHT I had for a bit. Quality of the FX loop would probably make a difference too. I'd try and find a good deal on a 5150 or Krank if I was you.
 
If you're looking for a full head, low cost, I'd say take a look at the Peavey Windsor Head--it's basically a Plexi clone. The preamp is nothing to write home about, but the power stage is 4 x EL34 and I've run several preamps into the effects return and it's BIG and LOUD with clarity. (Oh, and I've got one for sale ;) )

Bugera is all over the internet with reliability problems. Evidently one of their connectors melts and takes out the OT power connector. YouTube it.

There's other amps out there to be had on the cheap... just need to find what works tonally for you (EL34, EL84, 6L6, KT88, etc.)

Cheers,
 
ENDITOL":1km4p145 said:
Poweramp makes a HUGE difference I found, even with high gain tones that are supposedly preamp based. My Axe sounded like night and fucking day through my ENGL head poweramp vs. the VHT I had for a bit. Quality of the FX loop would probably make a difference too. I'd try and find a good deal on a 5150 or Krank if I was you.
Click to expand...

So which did you prefer & why, the Engl or the VHT? Which VHT was it?
 
The Axe is very picky when it comes to the 4CM in my experience.

It worked great with my VHT's and OK with my Randall and Egnater Modular gear.

TERRIBLE with every Mark series amp I tried it with, when using the Mark preamp. HIIIIISSSSSSSSS.

And yes, I use hum eliminator.


There was a huge thread on the fractal forum on the topic a while back....not sure if it is still there or not. Someone from Fractal chimed in about all the conversions that happen being the culprit.

I am not technical enough to know why it happens, I just know what my experience is.


I love, love, love my Axe, but I don't use it for 4CM any more.


I have a Digitech GSP1101 that I use with my Mesa Mark III for the 4CM and it works great. ( I only use it for pre and post effects and my clean tone....use the Mark III preamp for all my main gain tones).


Oh yeah...my absolute favorite power amp with my Axe is a Mesa Simul Satellite rackmount. Heavy and bulky, but it sounds AWESOME :rock:
 
Ry Manchu: Thanks for the info on the Mark IV but after search on prices for that sucker... it's showing up on Sweetwater for $2000!!!

Endy!!!! I didn't know you were here too! I've seen you on the Axe-fx forum... I'm surprised you didn't like the VHT... seems to be the power amp of choice for the Axe-fx.

Racerevlon: The Peavey Windsor sounds like a pretty good option... but this review from Guitar World makes the amp sound like an old school 80's amp... it also has some weird "chorus" effect. Is that really how it sounds? Also, is it stereo? Thanks for the input! How much are you selling yours for?

Mctallica1: Thanks for chiming in! Great info... I'll have to look up that thread.

I never knew tube amps were that cheap!!! The Windsor goes for $400!!!
 
Ok... Peavey Windsor. It's basically a Plexi clone with a couple modern features like effects loop and "Texture" control. The texture control basically re-shapes the power stage on the fly for either Class AB Push/Pull operation or Class A single-ended operation, or any point in between. It has 3 x 12AX7 and 4 x EL34.

I've never experienced any weird chorusing effects with mine... strange.

I use mine mostly for the power stage, bypassing the preamp stage, which isn't really all that strong.

I was going to let mine go for $300.00. It's in brand new condition and has only been played a handful of times, mostly using the power section. Comes with factory (extremely generic, round) footswitch (controls the boost, if memory serves).

Cheers,
 
Ok, after getting a chance to demo a bunch of great amps (and power amps) at Matt's house... it has me re-visiting the possibility of getting a "low cost high gain amp" because I doubt my wife will let me get a Fryette for $1500...

Ok... please give me your thoughts on the following amps... some of the choices are going to be blasphemous, I know... but please bear with me.

Peavey Windsor 100 watt head
Peavey Valveking 100 watt head
Bugera 333
Bugera 333XL
Bugera 6260
Bugera 6262
Bugera 1960 Classic 150 Watts Head

Can't think of any other sub-$500 (new-ish) amp that has a fx-loop so that I can only use the power amp section to drive my Axe-fx... anyone have experience with these setups? Would they even be worth/better than my current setup of QSC GX5?

Thanks again!!!

What's up with the Bugera TriRec I just heard about? hm....
 
Out of curiosity, why are you looking at getting a "full" head if you're only going to use the power stage to power your Axe-FX? Why not just get a nice power amp like a Mesa 20/20 or Marshall EL84 20/20. Both can be found for around $500 and both kick some major tail. I had a JMP1 running into a Marshall EL84 20/20 and it was loud as heck and had tone for days.

If you're not going to use the pre-stage of the head, I'd spend the $$$ getting a more robust clean power amp.

Just a thought...

Marshall: EL84-20-20">http://www.marshallamps.com/product.asp ... EL84-20-20</a>

Mesa: http://www.mesaboogie.com/Product_Info/ ... tereo.html
 
Hey Mo

Sorry your visit to my house is gonna cost you some $ :D

Check out a Carvin TS100. They are only $550 brand new direct from Carvin. I think I remember people having good results with those and the Axe. Try researching it on the Fractal Forums.

If you really want the head set up. I'd go for a use Peavy 5150/6505 before anything Buegera. The Buegera will just blow up on you.
 
Racerevlon: I figured that if I get a "high gain" amp I could use it as a "backup" if my Axe-fx were to ever fail on me... do you think the Marshall 20 watt or the Mesa would be enough to drive two 300 watt 4x12 cabs?

Matt!!! hahahahaha no doubt!!! This is probably gonna be a costly visit!!! :lol: :LOL: Carvin TS100... $550? Wow... I could have sworn when I looked at them over two years ago that they were over $1000... wow... I wonder how they would compare your Fryette 2/90/2... you said the Fryette had the kt88 tubes (never thought I'd ever talk or remember anything about tubes) that are very aggressive sounding right? Again, I can't thank you enough for your hospitality and insight... thanks a bunch!!!

Edit: Looks like the Carvin is only 50watts per channel but 100 watts bridged... will that be enough to drive two 300 watt 4x12 cabs? (Marshall 1960 cab and a Flextone cab)?
 
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