In need of a little help...

[huffbuff]

Hello all, long time lurker, first time poster.

As a younger appreciator of huge racks and rigs and someone who will probably never gig, I was looking for a little help on buying a new amp. What I want is for it have enough to get into the 80's rack tones, while still being able to play some more classic rock pieces. As you can tell by my username, I am a big huff fan, but I don't have amps that can get me into 80's territory. My eventual goal is to build a rig around this amp, so effects loop is a must. My main problem is I don't know whether to go the pre/power route, or to go with a head. I have been a big fan of the 3+SE and X99 for a while, but after hearing the recent videos of the Bogner Helios, I am also interested in that. I have the money for only one of these amplification systems, and it will be a while before I ever get enough cash flow to consider another. One more thing that needs to be considered is that immense power is not needed, and the amp will need to be able to be brought down to somewhat reasonable volumes to play in the house.

So, the main question is, what amp/pre+poweramp will get me solid cleans, classic dirt and 80's rack tone lead and crunch?

I almost forgot to mention that my budget is $2500, the less expensive the better.

Thanks in advance for your help

 

[rlord1974]

Get an Egnater M4 preamp. Load it with BMAN, VOX, SL2 and EG5 modules. That will cover Fender cleans, Fender grit, VOX cleans, VOX grit, Marshall overdrive, Marshall grind/lead, and Soldano-inspired tones. All in two rack spaces.

This should run you around $1,600 used (shipping included), which will leave you with $900 to get a good power amp (e.g., VHT 2/50/2, VHT 2/90/2, Mesa 2:90, Mesa 2:50, Mesa 20/20, etc.). If you don't need stadium-level headroom/volume, I recommend you pair the M4 up with either a VHT 2/50/2 or Mesa 20/20.

 

[moronmountain]

Power amp-wise I would get a VHT/Fryette. I would do the 2/90/2 because I like KT88's, but would get the 2/50/2 if I had to have EL34's. As far as a pre-amp, I would still get the VHT/Fryette, but you should get something that suits your ear/style. Having said all that, I prefer heads, and most of them are actually powered quite a bit less than a rack amp. Even 100 watt heads are nothing compared to many rack amps. JMO

 

[JimmyBlind]

Mesa Boogie Triaxis takes some beating. The 3+SE also slays so I see why you're looking at that. I had an OD100SE+. Pretty fierce amp.

I know I'll get vilified here, but have you considered an AxeFX? If you aren't phased by your tone being provided digitally, they really do sound incredible. Perfect for practicing with headphones or monitors and you can be saving up for a power amp if you want to push some air.

 

[huffbuff]

So, is pre/power the way to go?

To answer about the Axe-FX route, I'd prefer if what I get will retain some of it's value in case it doesn't work out exactly how I like.

I am considering the M4 pre. It seems very flexible, and I am aware the Egnater has a pretty good track record, but I'm concerned about not being able to try/hear it in person. Also, are modules like Salvation mods worth going for? Are they really any better than the regular Egnater Modules?

And finally, the big question, does the Egnater really stack up well with the preamp classics? I know it's versatility cannot be beat, but I don't exactly need something that is as versatile as the Egnater.

 

[Ventura]

So, is pre/power the way to go?

To answer about the Axe-FX route, I'd prefer if what I get will retain some of it's value in case it doesn't work out exactly how I like.

As it stands right now, the Axe FX gear retains its value better than standard analogue gear. I'm not kidding. I bought my Axe-II a couple years back, paid rack rate for it, sold it the other day on eBay for $2100 not including shipping. Same goes for current FRFR monitors - most cats are buying them - and if they don't like 'em, they shave maybe 10% off the retail price and BOOM, they're gone. Even the more archaic Axe-FX Ultras are still bringing in over $1500.

I know, crazy innit?!?!? First time I've ever witnessed a piece of hardware that requires software to run that's constantly exposed to regular updates; outweigh its counterpart in the non-digital realm. But it's true.

Good luck with the search!

 

[some dude]

So, is pre/power the way to go?

IMO, no.

Pre/power amp set ups are going the way of the dodo bird, and if it weren't for the Axe FX guys trying to use their box like it was a real guitar amp I don't think there'd be any interest in tube power amps any more (Mesa's discontinued all of theirs except one).

A good multi-channel head will do just as much for less money, and there's probably a hundred or more small companies trying to produce the ultimate Fender or Marshall, many of which are designed with features meant to give a better low volume tone than the vintage originals.

Long story short, unless you want to collect vintage pieces I'd look at getting a nice head and some pedals.

 

[rlord1974]

I am considering the M4 pre.....are modules like Salvation mods worth going for? Are they really any better than the regular Egnater Modules?

Well, that's subjective. I had 16 modules at one time - stock Egnaters, a few Randalls, a few Salvations, a few Jaded Faith, a few by Scott Souter, GigMods, etc. The "modded" modules can sound great, but I typically found myself going back to the Egnater dual channel modules. They worked for me in a gigging situation.

And finally, the big question, does the Egnater really stack up well with the preamp classics? I know it's versatility cannot be beat, but I don't exactly need something that is as versatile as the Egnater.

Again, that's subjective. I had two M4s at the same time I had a Bogner Fish, Soldano X88, Boogie Quad Preamp and Marshall JMP-1. The Egnater M4 got the most play time. Take that for what it is worth. Again, "good tone" is subjective - it all comes down to what works for you.

What I will say is you are not sacrificing good tone going with the M4 versus a CAE, Soldano, etc. They ALL have great tones in them.

I recommended the M4 to you, as it will give you the most versatility in 2 rack spaces, and will enable you to get a wide variety of classic amp tones (e.g., Fender, VOX, Marshall, modded Marshall, Soldano, Boogie, etc.), whereas the CAE, Soldano, etc. won't do that.