Smash
Hack
The pittbull module is one of the best. The kali is great too
J
Junk Yard Dog
Well-known member
What I’m trying to figure out is between those two, which one is gonna have the bigger thump in a live setting. I love the idea of the SYN 20 IR for variety, and the clips I’ve heard of the JEL 20 make it sound like it’s bigger than other EL 84 A I’ve had and played in the past.
Previous experience with the EL 84 A prevents me from ever looking at them, but I know advancements have been made in the last 10 years.
I lean towards the SYN20IR because I can get a variety of tone through different modules.
romanianreaper
Well-known member
I can't see them not being really close because both are using el84 power tubes and preamp tubes. But to my ears, the Synergy has more thump, especially if you are using a low end focused module.
Here is the way I'm looking at it, because I was getting ready to buy a JEL-20, and I think they both would be something I dig:
- Synergy has more preamp flexibility
- Synergy has more power options. If I decide I need more power, I grab my preamp modules and pop them into a rack, bigger amp, etc.
- The Synergy is cheaper initially.
- Maybe if we beg, Dave will create a Jake module.
I think you really can't go wrong either way.
crwnedblasphemy
Well-known member
Let me know how it is. I would probably get the SLO II as well, maybe over the Killer Kali.
Kapo_Polenton
Well-known member
I'm the opposite, I really am not loving the Synergy/Marshall JMP. I think it sounds like shit through my gt75 / V30 1960 cab. I should probably run it into my greenback/ weber 65 cab in my amp closet before I slag it more though. But even with iR's, I find it bass heavy and too much useless gain on tap. The shitty sound Fluff gets in his demo is what I also hear from mine. I think it should be tighter.
romanianreaper
Well-known member
That is crazy you say that because I just stumbled on this today and thought it sounded pretty good. What power amp do you use out of curiosity?
CarlF
Well-known member
I don’t use the bass channel part of the module. I just turn that off.
Treble channel, and the highest bright cap.
I wouldn’t make a determination based on the way Fluff dial it in I even play. I don’t even watch his videos. Watch the Leon Todd demos.
jchrisf
Well-known member
The JEL has a lot of bass to it.. and it also has bigger transformers so it is bassy-er than the Bogner modules on the SYN. I run my reactance knob at noon but I'm pretty sure I have played it in all locations and the JEL was still bigger and bolder. They both out thump my Ceriatone 2204 and 4x12 at lower volumes. The little Friedman JEL 1x12 is the best cabinet I've played. It is front ported and sounds huge in my bedroom/office. For @Kapo_Polenton, I don't like my JEL or Synergy through my 1960B Marshall nearly as much as I love them through the little Friedman 1x12. I will never get rid of this cab.
I didn't like EL84s until I got these two heads. They sound like they should.
romanianreaper
Well-known member
I think I'd enjoy either one but I've owned the Friedman PT V2 and figured I'd delve into the Synergy stuff and see how i dig it.
jchrisf
Well-known member
If I didn't have either at the moment but wanted to get one knowing what I know.. I'd get the SYN20IR because it does it all.
romanianreaper
Well-known member
Good to hear!
romanianreaper
Well-known member
I ended up ordering a SYN20IR.
jchrisf
Well-known member
I saw some great sales this week with the free 800 module even.I ended up ordering a SYN20IR.
I was able to get a Fryette PS-2A for a nice discount for my big amps and am looking forward to cranking the two in question here to see if there is a difference in tone or feel.
romanianreaper
Well-known member
I couldn't find any sales!! I just got it at regular price and figured they were not having any.
I don't know, maybe I did get it at a sale price. It was $1294 for the bundle with the amp and SLO II and probably more regularly.
jchrisf
Well-known member
That might not be bad these days.. not sure but I did see this:
I just picked up this deal so I’m probably done…….probably.
romanianreaper
Well-known member
Yeah I did end up seeing that as well and thought, well now I need a module, lol. I guess I got a good deal. I was going to get one regardless so just figured I'll pull the trigger and snag one.That might not be bad these days.. not sure but I did see this:
I just picked up this deal so I’m probably done…….probably.
It's crazy but as I was watching reviews of the Synergy, the damn Fractal AM4 comes out. I probably would have grabbed one of those if not for the Synergy G.A.S. I've had.
I'm still eyeing the Fractal AM4 and thought i might get one with my tax return as a treat. But if I fall in love with yhe Synergy stuff I might end up snagging more modules like a Crack addict.
Kapo_Polenton
Well-known member
Actually was able to fall a bit more for it theough my GB's and my Weber Legacy. I actually have a great IR i had done of my Legacy in a 2x12 years ago with a Cascade fathead and a 57 and I really like it with this module. I would say for me, the bass and gain is still too runaway and there is a lot of useless flabby gain on tap because of it. I also think I might prefer 60's mode as 70's mode gets a little too hairy. I have settled on VOL1 on 11 and VOL2 just cracked a bit to fill out the tone. I think it actually does compare favorably to my bugera 1960 and does that thing better than any other modules that have been released. I am using my with Randall lynchbox / RM100 which i actually think sounds better than the Synergy stuff. But what i have also learned this past year, is that I am an 800 guy. It's a tighter amp overall and I think an 800 takes pedals better in the mid range.
I am hoping other builders can do the same like Fender. Would be nice to have an official model.supro too.
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