NAD - Bogner Helios Eclipse

[Bad.Seed]

Scored this amp used, and have been curious about these for some time.

Haven't gotten more than 30 minutes with the amp, and there are lots of options, so here are my initial impressions.

It very much reminds me of a high gain Marshall 1987X that I used to have, tonally. Obviously, the Helios has far more gain, and many more options, but it has that same nasally (not bad) Marshall roar. It seems a fair bit darker than my other M Type amps, and very thick on the 80's mode. Definitely reminds me of some Motley Crew type tones with the gain around 11 O'Clock and the gain up on 80's mode.

Eclipse mode was essentially unusable on both channels. Grainy in a non musical way, tons of feedback. Just not pleasant sounding. Hot mode was more of a hot rodded plexi sound to my ears. Has some jangle, could probably clean up nicely. Didn't try though.

I'm not 100% sure it will stay, but I'd like to try it with different cab and pickup combos. I like it, but dunno if I can justify the price tag when I have a Friedman and Diezel sitting next to it that I love to pieces.

Here's a sloppy play video on channel 2, 80's mode - boosted with an MXR M77 od. Guitar is an Lp Traditional with Wolfetone Marshallhead bridge pickup.

 

[WizardSouth-JP]

agree, the Eclipse + mode with gain past 12:00 is unusable. dumped mine at Guitar center for $2400 and was happy to see it go. I preferred the original Helios 100 and even the most recent EVH 50w over the Eclipse. Perhaps putting some 12At7 in it would help control the gain.

 

[Bad.Seed]

agree, the Eclipse + mode with gain past 12:00 is unusable. dumped mine at Guitar center for $2400 and was happy to see it go. I preferred the original Helios 100 and even the most recent EVH 50w over the Eclipse. Perhaps putting some 12At7 in it would help control the gain.

This one came with JJ's across the board in the preamp, which IMO, is a surefire way to deaden an amps preamp tones. I want to do some tube rolling and see what happens but I'm not sure I love it just yet.

 

[WizardSouth-JP]

agree, the Eclipse + mode with gain past 12:00 is unusable. dumped mine at Guitar center for $2400 and was happy to see it go. I preferred the original Helios 100 and even the most recent EVH 50w over the Eclipse. Perhaps putting some 12At7 in it would help control the gain.

This one came with JJ's across the board in the preamp, which IMO, is a surefire way to deaden an amps preamp tones. I want to do some tube rolling and see what happens but I'm not sure I love it just yet.

I put a couple Mullard CV4004 in mine as they're known for being pretty quiet, the amp was still super gained out and noisy in Eclipse +
Running in 80's or Eclipse with gain lower it was alright but nothing special.

 

[DragonCrestPC]

My buddy and I had the same feelings (eclipse was unusable and found the amp nasally ), he sold it two days after buying it.

 

[peckhart]

I love my Helios 100. One of the amps that has stuck around the longest for me and even though I occassionally try other amps I always end up coming back to it. I'm good with using it as a one channel amp, but even though I don't need the switching capabilities the Eclipse has made me curious since it was announced.
Can't justify pulling the trigger w/out selling something and I would hate to sell the Helios 100 only to not like the Eclipse as much.
The good news is a local guitar player I know recently got one and offered to let me check it out. We are going to swap amps so he can try one of mine out as well in a few weeks.
My hunch is I'll stick with what I have, but I'm still looking forward to trying it out!

 

[flimz]

I love mine! I dont use Eclipse modes...I dont need that much insane gain. Hot mode for me.
I loved my original Helios, but wished it had more flexibility/channels. Eclipse...problem solved!

 

[LP Freak]

It’s obvious this amp never took off for a reason.

 

[the4thlast1]

I have an Eclipse also, I think it sounds killer ! ........That being said I do agree the eclipse mode is not where the amp shines , I guess it could be used for leads but IMO there is plenty of gain on the other two modes to achieve whatever gain tones you might want to get out of it. The Hot mode alone with a boost can do anything, I use that mode for Rock to Metal rhythm and 80s for leads if I want more compression. Clean channel is lush . The amp does have a forward midrange but I don't find mine to be nasally although I did change the JJ EL34s . I don't think those power tubes are a good match, I tried a bunch ( I have a lot of tubes around ) the JJ EL34 aren't bad but they don't have much bass which isn't the best combination for an amp that has a lot of mids already. I would go with the TAD (Chinese) or Ruby (chinese) EL34bstrs, or the JJ E34L ...I also like Gold Lion KT77s in there a lot. I also did some preamp tube rolling, after I settled on what tubes I like in the amp I am digging it a lot, its a really versatile head with lots of character.

 

[flimz]

I have an Eclipse also, I think it sounds killer ! ........That being said I do agree the eclipse mode is not where the amp shines , I guess it could be used for leads but IMO there is plenty of gain on the other two modes to achieve whatever gain tones you might want to get out of it. The Hot mode alone with a boost can do anything, I use that mode for Rock to Metal rhythm and 80s for leads if I want more compression. Clean channel is lush . The amp does have a forward midrange but I don't find mine to be nasally although I did change the JJ EL34s . I don't think those power tubes are a good match, I tried a bunch ( I have a lot of tubes around ) the JJ EL34 aren't bad but they don't have much bass which isn't the best combination for an amp that has a lot of mids already. I would go with the TAD (Chinese) or Ruby (chinese) EL34bstrs, or the JJ E34L ...I also like Gold Lion KT77s in there a lot. I also did some preamp tube rolling, after I settled on what tubes I like in the amp I am digging it a lot, its a really versatile head with lots of character.

Totally agree. I think the whole reason the Eclipse was created in the first place, was to address issues people had with the original version. If you approach the amp in that mindset, you will be very happy...as I am!
Personally, I dont think the amp needs the eclipse modes. Yes, they are noisy, and yes the levels of gain are just silly. "Hot" mode is fat, singing, punchy and less compressed. Its just like the original Helios in that regard. A Bogner style modded plexi.
On my next re-tube I will try the TAD's or Ruby EL34bstrs. Your description sounds like a winner for this amp.

 

[311boogieman]

It does sound thick!


HNAD

How would you compare it to your Quick Rod(s)?

 

[Deleted member 13074]

Take your time with the beast
If using V30s: rear presence on zero, punch off, variac on
Swapping to a more forgiving speaker like GBs or Creambacks brings those controls back in play
Eclipse mode great for solos. Keep gain down to 10-11 o'clock
80s mode adds diodes
Very powerful EQ
Tweak away, and when it gives up the goods, it is a wonder to behold

 

[skoora]

I think that vid sounds great. I like heavy tones that sound a little out of control and it’s meaty and angry lol. The Friedman’s to me just don’t get raggedy or mean enough. I don’t know if revisions took the mean out of the BE-100 but I played one 3-4 years ago that I thought sounded great but I haven’t been liking most Friedman’s I’ve tried in the last year or so.

 

[skullfxr]

It does sound thick!


HNAD

How would you compare it to your Quick Rod(s)?

This is what I want to know.

 

[the4thlast1]

It does sound thick!


HNAD

How would you compare it to your Quick Rod(s)?

This is what I want to know.

Ive also owned Quickrod and Nitro amps. The Bogner is a lot different to me in the way it feels. The Splawns are more stiff and dry. The Bogber has more character, more compression, more squish without being loose .

 

[Bad.Seed]

It does sound thick!


HNAD

How would you compare it to your Quick Rod(s)?

This is what I want to know.

Ive also owned Quickrod and Nitro amps. The Bogner is a lot different to me in the way it feels. The Splawns are more stiff and dry. The Bogber has more character, more compression, more squish without being loose .

I would agree with all of these statements.
I can put together a short shootout video tonight, as I'm curious to compare them myself. But again, it'll be on my cell as my recording equipment doesn't stay where these amps are.

 

[skullfxr]

It does sound thick!


HNAD

How would you compare it to your Quick Rod(s)?

This is what I want to know.

Ive also owned Quickrod and Nitro amps. The Bogner is a lot different to me in the way it feels. The Splawns are more stiff and dry. The Bogber has more character, more compression, more squish without being loose .

I would agree with all of these statements.
I can put together a short shootout video tonight, as I'm curious to compare them myself. But again, it'll be on my cell as my recording equipment doesn't stay where these amps are.

That would be really cool.

Just to be upfront, I am not in budget for a Bogner atm, so don't just do it for me.

But I am curious.

 

[Bad.Seed]

It does sound thick!


HNAD

How would you compare it to your Quick Rod(s)?

This is what I want to know.

Ive also owned Quickrod and Nitro amps. The Bogner is a lot different to me in the way it feels. The Splawns are more stiff and dry. The Bogber has more character, more compression, more squish without being loose .

I would agree with all of these statements.
I can put together a short shootout video tonight, as I'm curious to compare them myself. But again, it'll be on my cell as my recording equipment doesn't stay where these amps are.

That would be really cool.

Just to be upfront, I am not in budget for a Bogner atm, so don't just do it for me.

But I am curious.

No worries!

I enjoy doing videos like this, honestly. I'm lucky enough to own some amps that not a lot of people can get their hands on, so doing comparison videos (especially for my play style of thrash/crossover) seems to be beneficial to a good amount of people.

Plus, who doesn't like shooting out some badass amps?

 

[skullfxr]

It does sound thick!


HNAD

How would you compare it to your Quick Rod(s)?

This is what I want to know.

Ive also owned Quickrod and Nitro amps. The Bogner is a lot different to me in the way it feels. The Splawns are more stiff and dry. The Bogber has more character, more compression, more squish without being loose .

I would agree with all of these statements.
I can put together a short shootout video tonight, as I'm curious to compare them myself. But again, it'll be on my cell as my recording equipment doesn't stay where these amps are.

That would be really cool.

Just to be upfront, I am not in budget for a Bogner atm, so don't just do it for me.

But I am curious.

No worries!

I enjoy doing videos like this, honestly. I'm lucky enough to own some amps that not a lot of people can get their hands on, so doing comparison videos (especially for my play style of thrash/crossover) seems to be beneficial to a good amount of people.

Plus, who doesn't like shooting out some badass amps?

Sounds good bro! I will definitely check the clip out on monitors.

?

 

[John4021]

Take your time with the beast
If using V30s: rear presence on zero, punch off, variac on
Swapping to a more forgiving speaker like GBs or Creambacks brings those controls back in play
Eclipse mode great for solos. Keep gain down to 10-11 o'clock
80s mode adds diodes
Very powerful EQ
Tweak away, and when it gives up the goods, it is a wonder to behold