Is Synergy still Worthy?

[Shask]

I have been playing guitar since 85' and over the years have had huge tube amps and solid state and also chased the trends. I had a Johnson Amplification amp, LINE 6, Tech 21 analog, Fractal, etc.

Several years ago I started feeling like my tone was not organic enough and wanted that tube or close to tube tone but also wanted lighter, simple, etc. The thing I like about amp modules is that you can be a desktop recorder, coffeehouse player, or arena, and can take that module and create around it.

I really liked the Synergy tone with my 20IR amp. Then I got the Fryette and love it even more. These preamps are from the companies and then you are using whatever you need to get volume, convenience, etc. If i hadn't gone down the Synergy route I probably would have snagged a Fractal unit and did the modelling thing again. I'm glad though that I have tube sound but in a convenient package.

Right now I have my Syn-2 hooked up through a Fractal VP4, a Mesa 2:90, and 2 Marshall 4x12 cabs. HUGE tone! Best of both worlds!

 

[Shask]

I can echo some statements here. Power amp matters a surprising amount.

At first, I had a SYN-1 and no power amp. I was running it through my EVH 100S and Mark VII power sections initially. Running the IIC module through the Mark VII in IIC+ mode, we could barely tell any difference. Easy to forget which is the module and which is the amp.

I tried a couple of the small pedal board SS power amps, and they were not good.

I tried a Power Station, and felt it was too neutral.

Eventually, I landed on a KSR PA50, and it brought these modules to life in a surprising way. The Powerball module quickly became my favorite with that power amp. By then, I had already moved the IIC module (redundant with the VII), and I replaced it with the UL module, which was a close second behind the Powerball.

I also ran the Powerball module through my other guitar player's Powerball II, and there was no difference. We could not tell a difference between the module and the amp. Literally identical tone. It was kind of shocking.

I have been curious about the KSR power amps. I didnt pay too much attention to them since they weren't stereo, but the more I play, the more sometimes I prefer mono because it is punchier and clearer for high gain.

I switch my modules out all the time, but I am also currently loving the Ultra Lead and Powerball.

 

[mentoneman]

I can echo some statements here. Power amp matters a surprising amount.

At first, I had a SYN-1 and no power amp. I was running it through my EVH 100S and Mark VII power sections initially. Running the IIC module through the Mark VII in IIC+ mode, we could barely tell any difference. Easy to forget which is the module and which is the amp.

I tried a couple of the small pedal board SS power amps, and they were not good.

I tried a Power Station, and felt it was too neutral.

Eventually, I landed on a KSR PA50, and it brought these modules to life in a surprising way. The Powerball module quickly became my favorite with that power amp. By then, I had already moved the IIC module (redundant with the VII), and I replaced it with the UL module, which was a close second behind the Powerball.

I also ran the Powerball module through my other guitar player's Powerball II, and there was no difference. We could not tell a difference between the module and the amp. Literally identical tone. It was kind of shocking.

i run the dry in my wdw through the return of my mark III simul head/halfback 4x12 and it sounds killer.