NAD: Egnater Mod50 (SL2 and VX)

[peckhart]

I got my Mod50 loaded with the VX and SL2 modules. I didn't have a lot of time to play, but enough to plug in my LP and give all the channels a run through.

I was really surprised by the VX module. On Ch A I got a pretty nice clean that had just the slightest hint of break up, but was nice and full with some jangle up top. Ch B could really get rocking and had a lot more gain than I expected. Lots of funk and blues tones for me on this module.

Moving over to the SL2 I was very surprised at the amount of gain on Ch A. I was thinking it would be more of a mid gain crunch thing, but I was getting some pretty saturated and aggressive high gain tones here. Ch B has even more gain and I would argue too much as getting up over 2:00 or so caused uncontrolled feedback. The channels are slightly different and I could see setting up Ch A for full out rock and roll rhythms while B is set for leads with a bit more gain and volume. Ch B does seem a little thicker and smoother to me.
I can see where the SL2 is definitely very similar to the Renegades Ch 2.

So for my first impression I like this amp. There is a lot of control over the tone and it seems to have a wide range of useable tones and gain levels. Good clarity and plenty of power and thump on the low end. I think I might lean towards something with a more aggressive biting edge than what the SL2 does, but that could change with a tube swap as it currently has 5881s. EL34s might bring back some of that grind I am looking for.

Looking forward to playing with this amp more and working on integrating it with my HD500.

 

[Buckeyedog]

SL2x and the EG5 are next to try for more edge/bite.

 

[peckhart]

I would like to check out the SL2x and EG5, but I did splurge on a Jaded Faith SL-OD100 and JF XTC. They won't get here until next week when I will be on vacation so its going to be some time before I can play around with everything.

 

[Buckeyedog]

Ha Ha, get used to it!!! Also play around with pre amp tube swaps in the modules. That's always fun and can yield some pretty cool results.
Check your bias too just to make sure it's correct and of course it's so easy to do. I loved power tube swapping when I had mine.

 

[MarcoR]

I did splurge..............JF XTC.

Great choice and an awesome lead tone. A dual version, Yes?

 

[peckhart]

I did splurge..............JF XTC.

Great choice and an awesome lead tone. A dual version, Yes?

No, I grabbed the pair used for what seemed like a decent price and what I could justify to spend right now to try these two. They were on the top of my list to try, but are the single channel versions. If I end up really loving either I may upgrade to the dual.

 

[peckhart]

Ha Ha, get used to it!!! Also play around with pre amp tube swaps in the modules. That's always fun and can yield some pretty cool results.
Check your bias too just to make sure it's correct and of course it's so easy to do. I loved power tube swapping when I had mine.

Yeah I have a slew of various 12AX7s around. I have 6L6s and EL34s too so I have a lot of ways to experiment. I love the ease of swapping tubes and measuring/adjusting bias in these amps.
I have no idea how old any of the tubes are. I only quickly pulled one preamp from the chassis itself and it was a JJ.

 

[Buckeyedog]

Ha Ha, get used to it!!! Also play around with pre amp tube swaps in the modules. That's always fun and can yield some pretty cool results.
Check your bias too just to make sure it's correct and of course it's so easy to do. I loved power tube swapping when I had mine.

Yeah I have a slew of various 12AX7s around. I have 6L6s and EL34s too so I have a lot of ways to experiment. I love the ease of swapping tubes and measuring/adjusting bias in these amps.
I have no idea how old any of the tubes are. I only quickly pulled one preamp from the chassis itself and it was a JJ.

Great!! I think I probably spent more time fidding around with tube swapping than playing the darn thing!! Just loved the ease of it all. But the tones are very good too. Keep us posted after you get back from vacation.

 

[peckhart]

I just came across this comment from Bruce. Might have to put an order in at mouser.com

************************************************************************

It is very simple to change your SL2 to a SL2X. You must change two parts on the circuit board. Any tech with good soldering skills can do this.

Change C5 from .001u to 680pF (tightens low end)
Change C18 from NO PART to 470p (add high end)

 

[HughJasol]

While some will take the shortcut and do the "X" mod from the top the PCB without disassembling the module; I highly recommend you do it properly by fully disassembling the module, doing all your soldering/desoldering from the back of the PCB. Just be careful with the short ribbon cables while working and while reassembling.

 

[peckhart]

While some will take the shortcut and do the "X" mod from the top the PCB without disassembling the module; I highly recommend you do it properly by fully disassembling the module, doing all your soldering/desoldering from the back of the PCB. Just be careful with the short ribbon cables while working and while reassembling.

Sounds like you have done this before? I haven't even pulled a module yet to see what it is all going on so I don't know what is involved with disassembling it fully.

I got my HD500 set up with the amp tonight and had some patches set up controlling the amp switching. Seems like it will work out great. I was playing low volume, but had some great tones going.

 

[drewiv]

I think it's time to head to MTS forum and get in over your head.

Seriously, go read over there, tons of info and really friendly people.

 

[peckhart]

I think it's time to head to MTS forum and get in over your head.

Seriously, go read over there, tons of info and really friendly people.

Oh, I have been

That is where I landed the Jaded Faith modules. I am nitrous12 over there.