NAB (new amp build) - Introducing the V2 Caldera

[V2a]

A new 50w V2 Caldera was born last week. Here's the essential info:

Tube Compliment:
2 x EL34s, 3 x 12AX7

Class:
AB push-pull with adjustable fixed bias. Individual bias jacks and adjustment pots per power tube.

EQ and volume:
Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence, bright switch, pre-amp gain and master volume.

Topology:
Single-channel with lower- and higher-gain modes accessible by front-panel switch. All-tube signal path (no diodes used for distortion). Sonically, the tones are in the 'modern M*rshall' camp.

FX Loop:
Optional Metro FX loop

Other:
- Solid-state rectifier
- world's greatest standby switch (that is, there is no standby switch).
- back-panel 'bottom' switch for extra low-end thump.

 

[V2a]

send me one, I will film a thorough demo.

that's not out of the question...

 

[LP Freak]

Looks classy

 

[MrDowntown]

That's one clean clean looking head. Very nice.

Would love to hear those 34's cooking.

 

[Beyond Black]

Looks sharp. Nice, clean design.

 

[JMMP]

Sounds like a great design. As a nerd, I love the name you chose! Perfectly fitting for a higher gain amp.

 

[JackBootedThug]

nice

 

[mooncobra]

clips!!! lets hear this bad boy!!!

 

[311boogieman]

Yeah - need some kind of clip please.


Looks awesome.

 

[V2a]

Thanks, Gents.

On the looks: I tried to make something modern looking. The tones are squarely in the 'modded M*rshall' camp, but I didn't want the amp to look like a typical M-style amp.

On the Name: thanks for the kudos, JMMP. I have higher-gain amp with a fun name, but I plan to use 'Caldera' for my flagship amp for a while...

Sounds: clips will have to wait for a while, but so far I am very happy with this amp. Some early inspiration for that came from amps like the Top Hat Emplexador and Fargen that had a 'Plexi' setting and a 'JCM' setting (or 70s and 80s settings, respectively). But this amp has more distortion on tap in the higher-gain mode than either of those amps. There are a few 'boutique' amps in the $2500+ range that cover similar sonic ground.

-- John

 

[V2a]

Here's a photo of the Caldera with it's higher-gain brother, the V2 Denogginizer.

 

[Gutmann]

Cool amp, great unique design and look! I really like to hear a demo...

 

[duesentrieb]

Looks cool. Congrats.

 

[V2a]

Notice that the Caldera is sporting chicken-head knobs in the last photo, while the Denogginizer has the 'stock' 1510-style knobs. What is your preference?

Also notice that I opted for an pilot LED for a modern look rather than the usual pilot lights for Marshall and Fender. I think this helps to create a unique look. What say you?

 

[HilltopExplosion]

Chicky-Chicky-Bok-Bok! That's just me though, easier to see and more user friendly.

 

[V2a]

Chicky-Chicky-Bok-Bok! That's just me though, easier to see and more user friendly.

Thanks for the input!

 

[tfridgen]

Do you do 2 channel 100 watters?

 

[V2a]

Do you do 2 channel 100 watters?

My current plan is to do the following:
- nail down these two amp designs (Caldera and Denogginizer) with current 'prototypes'
- make small batch (or batches) of these two 50W amps
- play around with some other power amps for these two amps. Will probably start with a 25W design with 2 EL34s.
- start designing a 2-channel amp with footswitching, to be mated with 20, 25, or 50W power amps.


I'll consider do some 'one-off' amps for people who want a different power supply (e.g., 100W, 10W single-ended), but I don't want to deviate too much from the roadmap above. How about a quad of EL34s running at 50W instead of 100W?

-- John

 

[V2a]

Here's another Caldera with gold faceplate and black tweed cab.

One of these badges should do...

 

[Gutmann]

I'd take this one too, but I prefer the other look. This one is too close to Friedman (the knobs) and Suhr Badger imo.

The Black Tweed ist great!
Black Tweed and silverface with chickenheads for me