Power amp, what are my options?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Bob Savage
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Bob Savage

Bob Savage

Well-known member
I really want to setup my Axe-Fx with a power amp, but I simply cannot afford the VHT option(s). Mesa is even more than I want to spend (not really wanting a 50/50 or 20/20). I really like the idea of the Atomic amp setup, but they're not available.

So, what are my options? I can go with a cheap SS, but everybody is raving over the VHT setup, and I thought the Atomic setup was killer too, and these are both tube.

Hep me out here...
 
I have heard the Carvin poweramps work really well with the Axe.
 
If you wait 6-24 months, Egnater has a SWEEEEET one rackspace power amp coming out that actually takes 6L6's, 5881's, EL34's, etc.
 
Egnater is supposedly releasing a 1 space 30W/60W stereo/mono bridged power amp very shortly. May want to hang out for a bit. Randall RT2/50 is another inexpensive flexible option. :thumbsup:
 
Bob Savage":29awfbwx said:
I really want to setup my Axe-Fx with a power amp, but I simply cannot afford the VHT option(s). Mesa is even more than I want to spend (not really wanting a 50/50 or 20/20). I really like the idea of the Atomic amp setup, but they're not available.

So, what are my options? I can go with a cheap SS, but everybody is raving over the VHT setup, and I thought the Atomic setup was killer too, and these are both tube.

Hep me out here...
Click to expand...
Do you have a set price or budget that you can spend on a poweramp?
 
My self I would wait for the Atomic ... it is voiced for the Ax. You know the advantages. That is what I want to do .... but I do not have a Ax yet or the extra (?) money. Every time I buy less than what I want I just end up screwing around more than anything else. Then getting what I wanted in the first place.
 
Bob, from what I remember, there was a discussion on the Axe-Fx forum about why Atomic was using a tube power section, I recall (could be off on this?) that the headroom was sufficient that the power amp would not color the sound. So how different would this be from a quality solid state?

Since you are considering Atomic cabs, what about these powered cabs from Tech 21, designed for preamps / modelers: http://www.tech21nyc.com/products/powerengine/powerengine60.html Pretty darn inexpensive too.

If you want a clean tube power am that doesn't color the sound, then for my money, I'd go with a quality solid state power amp. I'd go for a Carvin DCM1000 for about $350 direct. A few Axe-Fx owners use these too.

If you want a tube amp that colors the sound, what about a Randall MTS RT/2/50? http://www.randallamplifiers.com/Amplifiers/MTS-Rack-Gear/ Has a easy-to-use bias section, and can have different tubes per side not sure how you'd switch it with the Axe-Fx. As tube power goes, these aren't bad Sweetwater has them new for $1100 with free shipping?

My $0.02 worth.
 
The old Tubeworks Mosvalve is where I'd go if I couldn't spring for a VHT......
 
I'm not sure what the used market is but that may be an alternative.
 
Bob Savage":3o2m11a2 said:
Not sure what my budget is, because I don't even have a MIDI footswitch for the thing. I'm probably getting ahead of myself here because the switch is gonna cost some coin too. Urgh...
Click to expand...
midi controllers.. I'd go with either:
- Rolls Midi Buddy. Cheap (can be had for $40), strudy and big buttons. Basic only patches switching
- Behringer FCB1010. Also cheap (can be had for $80 or $100). Good quality (not best) but has lots of features and options.

For poweramp, check into the Peavey Classic series. The Peavey Classic 60/60 is a great little poweramp (i've seen them as low as $150). takes 4 6L6s and 2 12ax7s. Loud and punchy. You can also check into the Peavey 50/50 which has EL84s (i've seen it as low as $200/$225). The carvin T100 (around $150/$200) or TS100 are very good too. I had the T100 and it was very well made poweramp. Loud as hell for 50watts (can bridged for 100watts).


Good luck!
 
ONLY WAY TO GO. :lol: :LOL: :yes: :thumbsup:
vht-2150.jpg
 
Greazygeo":30fn533u said:
The old Tubeworks Mosvalve is where I'd go if I couldn't spring for a VHT......
Click to expand...
used one of those since forever with my rack for the wet signal. Still have it in my Axe rig should the VHT conk out on a gig...BUT...i fucking hate it with the Axe, compared to the VHT totally lifeless.
 
Bob Savage":1ml1lwvd said:
Guys, thanks for all the input!

Not sure what my budget is, because I don't even have a MIDI footswitch for the thing. I'm probably getting ahead of myself here because the switch is gonna cost some coin too. Urgh...

Greazygeo":1ml1lwvd said:
The old Tubeworks Mosvalve is where I'd go if I couldn't spring for a VHT......
Click to expand...

Like this one? https://media.photobucket.com/image/tube ... 61ae_1.jpg
Click to expand...
yikes, yup.
 
I'm not opposed to Peavey, maybe I'll check out those... great input, thanks guys!

Oh, and I did have the FCB controller, never used it and eventually sold it. Maybe that's the ticket on the cheap since it has expression controllers too. Hmmm...

Bummer, too much and too far: http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/ms ... 68022.html
 
Oh, I'd LOVE a VHT power amp, it's just not in the cards right now unless I sell something, and I gots nothing I wanna sell... yet.
 
Bob Savage":1ktnfisi said:
Oh, I'd LOVE a VHT power amp, it's just not in the cards right now unless I sell something, and I gots nothing I wanna sell... yet.
Click to expand...
Carvin would probably be your best bet, then.
 
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