HR50+ - Smallbox - Helios: Who's Compared All 3?

[Junk Yard Dog]

I play in a rock/hard rock cover band and prefer amps no more than 50 watts and no less than 40. I've been scouring the boards on all the info I can on these three heads. We do all 70's to some modern rock today, ala AIC and Foo Fighters.

I know these are all great heads, but I'm looking for the one that suites me best. I like a good cut since I share the mix with another guitar player and something that does not have to be cranked to sound good. It will not be my bedroom amp; strictly for band jam and live use. Play small to medium clubs, and usually mic'd, but not always. I like some stage volume because we're not running much through ear pieces or monitors.

I like some sort of on board solo boost, but will settle for a good loop that I can put an EQ or clean boost in to boost leads. I don't use any effects other than a wah in front.

For the Helios, I would get the 50w when it comes out, not the 100.

I'm leaning toward the Smallbox, but love Soldanos and Bogners. I've always played modded Marshalls and have one in the stable already. I'm looking for a number one amp and will have my Marshall as a backup.

Any recent experiences with these and comparisons is greatly appreciated. Cheers!

 

[Racerxrated]

I've had an HR100...throw a boost of some type to tighten it up and its a great cutting marshall type tone. Used for a grand. The other two I'm sure are amazing, but also more expensive....

 

[Junk Yard Dog]

Cool! My only concern with the HR is the loop. I see some used, band have yet to play anything other than the SLO.

 

[ubermetaldood]

I have. The ultimate is the Soldano Hot Rod. 80's & classic rock, the Smallbox. Most versatile of the three and smoother/warmer, the Helios.

 

[Junk Yard Dog]

I have. The ultimate is the Soldano Hot Rod. 80's & classic rock, the Smallbox. Most versatile of the three and smoother/warmer, the Helios.

Cool, thanks. Questions:

1) can the HR50+ loop handle clean/volume boost via foot pedal without compromising tone? Or would I need some other work around?

2) Which is the best sounding great at small to medium gigs without going super loud?

Cheers!

 

[Junk Yard Dog]

So I ran up to GC platinum room after work and played the Soldano HR25 and Friedman Smallbox. Here are my thoughts after about 20 minutes with each individually. Played both guitars with a Les Paul Traditional.

HR25
Really dug it through the Soldano 2x12 with V30s. I thought the Normal channel was great. With the gain all the way up on this channel I thought it was chunky and had more enough gain for AC/DC and a little beyond. The Overdrive channel was great too, but I noticed with the gain maxed out, it had a little sizzle to it that I could not tell if I liked or not. The tone controls were pretty responsive an had a really good range. It cleaned up well with the guitar volume rolled back, but I think Strats do this better than LPs. This amp was on my list first, but after playing it, I realized that I want a 50w for sure. Great amp, but I think I'd like the HR50+ better for my live needs.

Smallbox
Loved it, though I thought it would have touch more gain on the Plexi and BE channel. I have a 5153, which has over the top gain. The one thing I did not have time to do was put a boost in front, but I've heard it takes those well, so I'm sure that would satisfy my ultra metal needs when I have them, which is rare, since I play in a rock/hard rock cover band. The tone controls were also responsive. The bright switch had a more noticeable difference on the Plexi channel. I only got the amp up to about 8:30 on the Master, so I bet it is more response and dynamic above that, of course. Overall, it was a great rock sound and was very convincing in response and how it would go over in a live setting.

Overall, I dug both a lot. The HR25 made me want to try to the HR50 even more. It seemed like the Soldano could get really bright or dark based on how you set it. I really wanted to love the Smallbox more, and I'm sure I would if I had opened it up more. It seemed to have a slightly less "raw" mid/cut, but no less subtle. The Smallbox had the perfect amount of gain and with a boost, it would be even better.

The Smallbox is still highest on my list of the three amps, but I have yet to try the Helios. I have watched a ton of clips on all three amps (HR50 having the least), and out of all three, the Helios is the one that sounded superb in every clip. I just wish they were shipping so I could try one out soon.

Any other thoughts and experiences are appreciated. Cheers!