I have a decision to make. C -> C+ or C++?

  • Thread starter Thread starter GJgo
  • Start date Start date

Kill or be killed?

  • IIC++

    Votes: 19 43.2%

  • IIC+

    Votes: 21 47.7%

  • Keep it a IIC

    Votes: 4 9.1%
  • Total voters
    44
GJgo":3gxle226 said:
Hey guys, time for an update now that I've had the amps for a few months.

The C+ is a damn fine amp. Rich, harmonics, sustain, everything you've ever heard. It's great. but..

The C++ is THE BEST GOD DAMN TONE I'VE EVER HEARD. It blows my mind. It inspires me to play more. It makes me proud to play for others. When I plug it into my old 1960B I can't imagine ever wanting for anything else in a rig. Well, short of a good acoustic sound..

Comparing the two directly now, the ++ obviously has more gain but it's more than that. The character and 3 dimensionality is stronger, and it's not something you can replicate by boosting the +. Also, the ++ has slightly less mid presence all else equal. Both them are excellent in that they have no ear fatigue, which was a big problem I had with my IIIs.

So, I just sent the C+ back to Mike B. to add another plus. He told me he's actually done very few ++ upgrades to HRGs so it'll be a rare beast. I know this might seem silly to some, but the guy has to be retiring at some point & I don't want to miss the opportunity.
Click to expand...

I have an HRG++ and it kills. So massive and thick, yet still cuts. Honestly, the 2C+ is a killer amp, but I'd never own another after owning a ++. Agreed, Mike's days are numbered. He's been a working man for close to 4 decades.
 
Right on Dave, what transformer is in your HRG ++?

Just dropped a playthrough of my DRG ++. I don't think I can really do the thing justice with my amateur little recording setup, but even so I feel that the sound just crushes.

https://youtu.be/SYWQkgi58go
 
GJgo":37pdm8li said:
Right on Dave, what transformer is in your HRG ++?

Just dropped a playthrough of my DRG ++. I don't think I can really do the thing justice with my amateur little recording setup, but even so I feel that the sound just crushes.

https://youtu.be/SYWQkgi58go
Click to expand...

I settled on the 100 transformer. I had the export, 105 in simul, but preferred the 100 the most. I think it had more to do with the simul-class though. IMO the simul class made the amp too smooth. lol

Cool video. You set your amp quite differently than I do...

V1- 8.5
T- 8.5 pulled
B- 1
M- 0 (maybe 1-2 if I want more thickness)
M1- 2-3 pulled
LD- 7.25 pulled
LM- 2.75 (sometimes pull for more cut)
Presence- 3 to 4

GEQ: 80- slider is middle of top line (I may lower slightly for different guitars)
240- center line unmoved
750- slider is middle of bottom line
2200- center looks me unmoved
6600- slightly below top line (around a 1/16th below)

I'm using all Chinese 8th generation preamp tubes and Sylvania 6L6's running around 40-50%. The Sylvania tubes are rated "green" on Mesa's color scale. I have a single steel tube shield on V1.

I disconnected the reverb tank.

I play through two Mesa Traditional 4x12's loaded with V30's.
 
I'm really having a hard time listening to my old Mark amps through my V30 cabs now that I've experienced them through my 1960 cab. You really should try it.

Also on the presence- I like to dial the presence with the GEQ off, then turn it on & set the 6600 slider to suit. I think it makes it more open. Also lets me toggle the GEQ on & off for two different sounds that are both tight.
 
GJgo":fhmymlfk said:
I'm really having a hard time listening to my old Mark amps through my V30 cabs now that I've experienced them through my 1960 cab. You really should try it.

Also on the presence- I like to dial the presence with the GEQ off, then turn it on & set the 6600 slider to suit. I think it makes it more open. Also lets me toggle the GEQ on & off for two different sounds that are both tight.
Click to expand...

I use it through my Cameron cabs loaded with H30's. It cool.
 
Alright, I now have the DRG original IIC++ 105PT, and now also the upgraded HRG IIC++ X101PT. Time for some stereo CRUSHING.

This was the right call for me. I can still coax cleans that are as sweet as I need them to be from the ++, and I can get the heaviest tones I could hope for with no boost.
Quick single coil cleans iPhone clip- https://soundcloud.com/user-281594556/hrg-cleans

The DRG is a little smoother, and the HRG is a little brighter. Splitting hairs. With both having a fresh Mike B. service the differences are subtle.
 
-that sounds huge! but must sound -(FUCKIN-UGE)- in the room!!!- congrats man, if you ever wanna sell, let me know...

-I've tried just about every W/D configuration there is, I always go back to a true stereo rig, its simple, my EFX's have become the bare bones, Stereo EQ, Analog Delay & Analog Chorus-(BOSS CE 300-SUPER CHORUS)-with the Chorus being the device used to achieve "Stereo"
 
GJgo":17fca8h9 said:
Hey guys, time for an update now that I've had the amps for a few months.

The C+ is a damn fine amp. Rich, harmonics, sustain, everything you've ever heard. It's great. but..

The C++ is THE BEST GOD DAMN TONE I'VE EVER HEARD. It blows my mind. It inspires me to play more. It makes me proud to play for others. When I plug it into my old 1960B I can't imagine ever wanting for anything else in a rig. Well, short of a good acoustic sound..

Comparing the two directly now, the ++ obviously has more gain but it's more than that. The character and 3 dimensionality is stronger, and it's not something you can replicate by boosting the +. Also, the ++ has slightly less mid presence all else equal. Both them are excellent in that they have no ear fatigue, which was a big problem I had with my IIIs.

So, I just sent the C+ back to Mike B. to add another plus. He told me he's actually done very few ++ upgrades to HRGs so it'll be a rare beast. I know this might seem silly to some, but the guy has to be retiring at some point & I don't want to miss the opportunity.
Click to expand...

Sounds about exactly what I've been saying all along!
 
Lots of great info here!
I never really had an urge to move my DRG Mkiic+ to a ++,as I love it as is,but I will say I'm tempted to send my red stripe Coli in for the + upgrade..Congrats to original post on ur upgrades! enjoy!
 
Markedman":hgwj4ecw said:
GJgo":hgwj4ecw said:
Hey guys, time for an update now that I've had the amps for a few months.

The C+ is a damn fine amp. Rich, harmonics, sustain, everything you've ever heard. It's great. but..

The C++ is THE BEST GOD DAMN TONE I'VE EVER HEARD. It blows my mind. It inspires me to play more. It makes me proud to play for others. When I plug it into my old 1960B I can't imagine ever wanting for anything else in a rig. Well, short of a good acoustic sound..

Comparing the two directly now, the ++ obviously has more gain but it's more than that. The character and 3 dimensionality is stronger, and it's not something you can replicate by boosting the +. Also, the ++ has slightly less mid presence all else equal. Both them are excellent in that they have no ear fatigue, which was a big problem I had with my IIIs.

So, I just sent the C+ back to Mike B. to add another plus. He told me he's actually done very few ++ upgrades to HRGs so it'll be a rare beast. I know this might seem silly to some, but the guy has to be retiring at some point & I don't want to miss the opportunity.
Click to expand...

Sounds about exactly what I've been saying all along!
Click to expand...
Thought I read where you say the JP2C sounds EXACTLY like your C+? Not my experience at all.
 
Congrats on snagging that clean Mark IIC HRG from the mom & pop shop – it's like finding a hidden treasure, isn't it? Planning to give it the royal treatment from Mike B. sounds like a stellar idea. It's like sending your gear on a quest to level up and come back even stronger!
 
Choosing between C+ and C++ is a bit like navigating two different paths in a game – each has its own perks and challenges. You're the hero of your gear journey, and just like in a game, the choices you make define your experience. Whenever I'm at a crossroads, I've got this quirk – I roll a d20 online. It's like letting a digital dice roll bring in an element of randomness. Who says decision-making can't have a touch of fun?It's true. Demos don't always capture the full essence. Your inclination towards a traditional C+ makes sense – sometimes, the classics have that timeless appeal. And hey, being a metal guy, you're crafting your own sonic adventure.
 
Last edited:
JamirOconnell said:
Choosing between C+ and C++ is a bit like navigating two different paths in a game – each has its own perks and challenges. You're the hero of your gear journey, and just like in a game, the choices you make define your experience.
Click to expand...
There's only one game around here, me.
 
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