Diezel VH4 - How many versions and which is 'best'?

[Higgs]

Yeah, you're right and it's similar to a '96 Blueface, but the '96 had 4 prongs with a dipped cercamic disk and a Wima, on the right side a 100k resistor, on the new one you fine 3 cables and 3 prongs, a wima cap and a 33.2k resistor on the right side. And another change I've noticed, maybe you can tell me what's going on there because I don't know hahaha on that clean channel tone stack, above the two vertical caps they changed the resistor from a 680 ohm to a 2.2k.

Based on your description, the one you're asking about is probably the cathode resistor for the input stage. There have been a couple other additional values for that resistor, depending on what else is going on with that first stage in each revision.

 

[LightsOfSorrow86]

Based on your description, the one you're asking about is probably the cathode resistor for the input stage. There have been a couple other additional values for that resistor, depending on what else is going on with that first stage in each revision.

It seems like you are the one than can help me. Could I send you a pm here tomorrow?

 

[mwc]

Im not sure if you have succeeded comparing your amp to an older model but i have been looking for someone who would be open to share photos of his newer one. I have an old VH4, im more than glad to take it out from it’s case and take a few photos if we could compare it to your newer one.

My 2023 VH4

 

[LightsOfSorrow86]

My 2023 VH4

Could you send me some pictures in detail via pm to compare it to mine? I'd like to see the values of the components. Thanks.

 

[GiorgioV]

Resurrecting an old thread but I’d like to add some thoughts on my 2016 VH4 since it doesn’t seem like there’s much info here about mid 2010s models.

I would describe the head as very balanced, with elements from both older and recent ones.

The amp is not bright nor dark, all tone pots at noon, as well as presence and depth, is a very good starting point for most channels regardless of cabs.

Exceptions are channel 1 and 4. Channel 1 really likes the treble to be cranked up higher, around 3 o clock, to bring out the detail. Channel 4 is very full sounding and will not get fizzy unless you raise both treble and presence significantly. It’s strictly in the “lead channel” territory for me, while I’ve heard that more modern vh4 offer a brighter, more rhythmic oriented channel 4.

As for gain, it definitely has more than the reports I’ve heard about earlier models,

Channel 2 especially can go from old school light crunch around noon, to very dynamic classic rock around 1/2 o clock, to old school hard rock around 3, which doesn’t seem the case on pre 2007 heads.

Hope it helps!

 

[LightsOfSorrow86]

I have a 2015 and I agree. I've seen video of latest iterations and mine has less gain on channel 3, just a tad. Mine with the controls at 12 is dark, really dark. Channel 4 is beautiful, liquid, perfect for lead stuff, channel 2 is crispy and sound good boosted, I can't say the same for channel 3.