Is Synergy really that good?

[jchrisf]

I gotta check out Ben's demo.
My thinking is if these modules capture most of the essence of the real thing, that's good enough. Saves a ton of $$$ on getting a new 2203 w/ Vietnam trannys.

Yeah, I have the SYN20IR and several modules and love them. The Ecstasy module is the best sounding JCM tone I've ever played. I'm about to get rid of all my amps and just use Synergy because it is that good IMO. Michael Nielsen said the Friedman Little Sister was his favorite amp at home but when he got the SYN20IR he sold the LS... of course, he also loves the new Jose... I think he has all the Synergy equipment but has been using the 20IR to demo the modules lately.

I've heard several people say they prefer the modules to the real amp.

Ben's video should be available tomorrow on YT unless you subscribe to his Patreon where I saw it.

 

[TheGreatGreen]

This guy did and to me the real JCM blew it away

Thanks for posting that video. The real amp’s spikey high end can sound abrasive at home but that’s specifically what makes the 800 work and cut in mixes. That’s kind of what it’s known for.

However it’s debatable whether that video is showing the 800 module or Synergy’s power sections being responsible for the more muted highs. Other poweramp shootout vids would suggest it’s the Synergy amp doing that. The Bella and 800 module sounded good and while there was a similar kind of gain structure, the poweramps were also different enough that it didn't feel like the same vibe.

Makes me want to hear it paired up with a more present sounding amp like a Fryette or something.

 

[Kapo_Polenton]

Thanks for posting that video. The real amp’s spikey high end can sound abrasive at home but that’s specifically what makes the 800 work and cut in mixes. That’s kind of what it’s known for.

However it’s debatable whether that video is showing the 800 module or Synergy’s power sections being responsible for the more muted highs. Other poweramp shootout vids would suggest it’s the Synergy amp doing that. The Bella and 800 module sounded good and while there was a similar kind of gain structure, the poweramps were also different enough that it didn't feel like the same vibe.

Makes me want to hear it paired up with a more present sounding amp like a Fryette or something.

I saw that demo and felt like the real JCM also ate it for lunch. In fact, I think the synergy V1 800 sounds better than this new one personally. Maybe that is a good thing because the prices will come way down on those.

 

[fek]

This should be fun tonight. I have a 2203X here as well to use as a power amp if I get that far.

 

[jchrisf]

This should be fun tonight. I have a 2203X here as well to use as a power amp if I get that far.

fek me!

 

[romanianreaper]

I thought all of the sounds were great but could hear that slight low thud in the JCM. With that said, for a few hundred dollars, pretty amazing to be able to get that close.

 

[eero]

Kinda surprised nobody has done a straight up JCM 800 module + rack poweramp shootout against a real JCM 800 head yet, at least nothing that has come up in a youtube search.


edit: Hey, the TONE WARS guy did one between the new module at the old Synergy 800.

Video timestamped.

the Marshall module have the bright switch in off position in this comparison

 

[CarlF]

I just got it today, and I fired it up for a while. In my opinion is awesome. It kind of takes off from where the JMP leaves off.
I got four channels of Marshall, that I enhance with affects and pedals and things. Freaking awesome.
As far as comparisons and AB comparisons, in my opinion, personally, I could give two fucks. The only comparison I do is, it’s 49 pounds lighter than a goddamn Marshall head, and it doesn’t have Vietnam transformers in it. It sounds good. I got it right next to a Suhr SL67.
For me, it’s easier to dial-in a sound I like, and I can play it at any volume I want.

 

[ecalcagnino]

I just got it today, and I fired it up for a while. In my opinion is awesome. It kind of takes off from where the JMP leaves off.
I got four channels of Marshall, that I enhance with affects and pedals and things. Freaking awesome.
As far as comparisons and AB comparisons, in my opinion, personally, I could give two fucks. The only comparison I do is, it’s 49 pounds lighter than a goddamn Marshall head, and it doesn’t have Vietnam transformers in it. It sounds good. I got it right next to a Suhr SL67.
For me, it’s easier to dial-in a sound I like, and I can play it at any volume I want.



View attachment 443061

The JCM800 is outstanding.

 

[S̷͖͑m̵͎͂á̵̺s̸͚̈́h̴̬̑]

Ok. Synergy is fucking sick. Slo II module and dual rec, no boost into a 2/90 power amp is fucking GOD sound. You cant beat it. Literally the biggest sound I have ever heard

 

[jchrisf]

Ok. Synergy is fucking sick. Slo II module and dual rec, no boost into a 2/90 power amp is fucking GOD sound. You cant beat it. Literally the biggest sound I have ever heardView attachment 443116

What's going on here? Is that your room?

 

[S̷͖͑m̵͎͂á̵̺s̸͚̈́h̴̬̑]

What's going on here? Is that your room?

@RedB4Black's

 

[romanianreaper]

@RedB4Black's
View attachment 443129

So Synergy JCM into Fryette, boosted with Griffin, into Wizard 4x12?

 

[S̷͖͑m̵͎͂á̵̺s̸͚̈́h̴̬̑]

So Synergy JCM into Fryette, boosted with Griffin, into Wizard 4x12?

For me, i prefer no boosts at volume unless in a low tuning.

I am playing e standard and drop d, but the others are using drop a and that needs a boost

 

[Shask]

Ok. Synergy is fucking sick. Slo II module and dual rec, no boost into a 2/90 power amp is fucking GOD sound. You cant beat it. Literally the biggest sound I have ever heardView attachment 443116

I have been loving my SLO II and Drect modules into the Mesa 2:90 lately! Huge sound!

 

[S̷͖͑m̵͎͂á̵̺s̸͚̈́h̴̬̑]

I have been loving my SLO II and Drect modules into the Mesa 2:90 lately! Huge sound!

Yeah. It is no fucking joke

 

[romanianreaper]

For me, i prefer no boosts at volume unless in a low tuning.

I am playing e standard and drop d, but the others are using drop a and that needs a boost

I like the articulation with a boost. The chugs work better for me with a clean boost.

 

[S̷͖͑m̵͎͂á̵̺s̸͚̈́h̴̬̑]

I like the articulation with a boost. The chugs work better for me with a clean boost.

Yeah. The 800 sounds good with a boost. The other ones have enough gain, imo

The 800 is a solid module. A lot of natural presence

 

[Shask]

Yeah. The 800 sounds good with a boost. The other ones have enough gain, imo

The 800 is a solid module. A lot of natural presence

I keep thinking about if I want to grab the JCM800 module, or wait and see if they do a JVM style module. I would like more gain, but the 800+SD-1 is always a great combo also.

 

[S̷͖͑m̵͎͂á̵̺s̸͚̈́h̴̬̑]

I keep thinking about if I want to grab the JCM800 module, or wait and see if they do a JVM style module. I would like more gain, but the 800+SD-1 is always a great combo also.

The 800 is a great module, but the slo II and recto are the best I have played. And I have played quite a few. I also recommend the killer kali