KT88 Splawn Nitro questions...

[stompboxfreak72]

I have a 2008 Nitro and a 2012. Your 2010 is going to have more in common with my 2008. The amp is dry. Has a boatload of gain but its hard to get that liquidy gain feel. I run mine in 50 watt mode using Ruby El34s. The 50 watt mode helped slightly tame the volume taper issue and I lied the feel of the amp better. I have to boost my 2008 to get saturated tones. I like the BB preamp but a Ts9 works well also.

My 2012 does not need a boost. I keep one on the board for giggles and variety but the newer model is way more saturated. Scott told me he thought I would like the changes that had occurred with the Nitro since 2008 and he was spot on. Im contemplating selling the 2008 now.

I tried my 2008 through a Mesa 2x12 with WGS Retro 30s and I had a splitting headache after that rehearsal. It was absolutely awful. Did not sound very good with Mesa Black Shadows either. The SB speakers are the only speakers I dig but I have not experimented much.

I also have a 6505+. Good god does that amp have the liquid gain ! The 5153 is a little less aggressive to my ears but the cleans on the 5153 are killer. Im contemplating the 50 watter myself.

 

[snakeman1986]

Sounds like you need a 5150. I personally like the dry sound but to each his own.

 

[Blitzie]

Okay, update guys:

I tried the Splawn with a multitude of cabs, a few different boosts and I still haven't gotten what I want from it. I decided to put it up for sale in the Classifieds. I will get another Splawn eventually

What do I get now? I need some suggestions. This is what I am looking for; "modern" gain, saturation, and articulation/clarity. I'm not really into the Marshall sound anymore. I wanna something angrier. I've fallen hard for the Baron K88 but from the clips I've heard, it's either AWESOME or TERRIBLE. It scares me a bit...but what I like, I really like. I checked out the 5150 iii but that seems less modern sounding than I want. At least from the demos I've heard.

What fits my oh-so-strict needs?

 

[bubbastain]

Seems the 5150 III (full size) should be the most easily accessible of the bunch unless you live in the boonies. If you haven't yet, try one of those in person. Clips are clips. Too many variables. Can make a great amp sound like ass or a pretty good amp sound insanely good.

 

[Blitzie]

I do live in the boonies, unfortunately. I don't think it will be too easy to try one in person. I'd really like to though if I can locate one. It seems like it's a good amp, just not very modern sounding. Too dry.

 

[Laura]

Channel 3 on the 5150 III is very modern and very awesome. I recommended that amp to another friend yesterday too. Seriously killer amp.

 

[Blitzie]

I really wish I could try one before I buy!

 

[155]

I do live in the boonies, unfortunately. I don't think it will be too easy to try one in person. I'd really like to though if I can locate one. It seems like it's a good amp, just not very modern sounding. Too dry.

dude I have the 5153 mini and its as modern as it gets on the lead channel...Im in naugatuck and I would like to try out a nitro so if you want to hook up and test out some heads im down..also have a 5150 and jvm too..have a studio too. pm me if intrested

 

[Blitzie]

I PM'd you!

 

[wizardy]

After 2 years with my nitro ive finally got a sound i like
I use v30/g12t75. In a mesa cab
Reso :0
Presence : 9
Bass: 4
Mid : 5
Treble : 3
Gain : 8
Od1

You should always use your ears to set the splawn not your eyes
Ive finally found that the treble should be very low and the presence almost full on 10 with my settings and it sounds awesome

 

[stompboxfreak72]

I traded my QR for a Baron K88. K88 has all the liquidy saturation you'll ever want. Cleans are great also. I could not cut in a mix like I wanted with the Baron. I sold it pretty quick.

You sound like you need a 5150. Be it a 6505+ or a 5153 you cannot go wrong. 5153 has way better cleans. My 6505+ has made me doubt the need for another custom amp. They can be had for cheap and they deliver.

 

[Blitzie]

How was the Baron for playing at home? I won't be playing live, just in my house. I had a 6505+ and I hated it. Too mushy. There was no treble or mids...really flat to me.

I do like the prospect of the 5150 iii though. I am dying to try one.