SLO 100 vs PT100 vs 20th xtc opinions? cash burning a hole

[Jdub]

Tough thread as it's all preference which is personal. The 20thA is a formidable amp - very very versatile and extremely flexible, and all of it is totally usable. Getting the Class A/AB switch is pretty slick to say the least. I am sure the PTs are awesome amps, can't say as I've never spent much time with 'em, but I have had an SLO and an HR100+ and the 20thA was no contest.

So it goes. I'm now wondering about the OD/PT scene - damn this forum

Mo

Hey Mo.

Thanks for your input... No contest in which direction?? sound like 20th anni xtc takes your cake? Do you use it with a drummer? I love the XTC( all versions) in my bedroom, and would love to have again for all the greasy goods it delivers when playing solo..... but toss in a snare and a kick drum and the xtcs have always got lost in the mix for me.. still I love them for what they do. they are like a hagen daz chocolate malt..so very tasty but not something I can live off.. that has been my experience to date but maybe the 20th is that much better...hmmmm

 

[TrueTone500]

If I were you, I'd give the PT a go...if it doesn't live up to your long term expectations, you can always go back to the SLO...grab a used PT to keep the experimentation costs down, and have a blast

I really dig the PT 100...great clean, and very versatile gain channel.

that is exactly what I would like to do but I cant find one.. I know I can pick up an SLO later but I am a now guy. Just sold my Bogner Goldfinger 45 and I cant sit still. someone offer up a PT 100. 2500.00 cash... otherwise...... Dom , I am coming for your SLO bro..

The fact that you sold the Bogner Badfinger 45 is a positive indication that you weren't looking to expand your vintage tone library. I've personally found the Goldfinger 45 to be the best sounding Bogner yet... Even better than my 100B. I found nothing about the PT100 amplifier that made me think that it was worth the coin I paid for it. I thought the clean was good - not the best. The gain channel reminded me of a VHT "Pitbull" type tone... I sold it after only 3 days usage.

The SLO is the "grand-daddy" of what great modern guitar tone sounds like. Since you've actually gigged with an SLO - you know that nothing (except a VOX AC30) cuts-through the mix like an Soldano SLO 100 - nothing!

"If you can't dial-in a good tone within the first 15 seconds of playing - but a different amp!".
Bruce Zinky

 

[se7en]

All great amps...I had an SLO, but sold it...it just wasn't gritty enough for me on chords and needs to be cranked to sound right...(yes I had a depth mod - didn't like what it did to the low end). As a lead amp, though it's hard to beat. Thought the clean was a bit sterile.

The PT100 has the best clean channel, but I've yet to hear a clip of the distortion side that impresses me. The 20th Ecstasy is a real gem...but, the Bogner sound isn't for everyone. It cuts just fine in my band against a Peavey 6505+ (w/ mids boosted). The XTC covers a wide range of sounds and oozes tone in all settings (probably due to the high end caps used)...I like it a lot more than the 101b even. I would definitely agree that those sound too compressed. The 20th is more open and cutting (w/ more high mids / more of a Marshall character to the gain).

 

[Nico]

Never tried the the PT-100, clips do sound great. Tried the others and currently own an Ecstasy 101B

For the tones you mention and bands you like I'd rather have the Friedman Marsha than the others.
The Marsha is an incredible tone beast!!! Its the best Marshall sound ever. From 70's rock to modded 80's tones!

Its the best Marshall that Marshall never built..

Im not telling you to buy one but at least consider it in your decision...

 

[cibyl]

You've already owned the SLO, so it's a known quantity.

You've owned an XTC but not the 20th anniversary,...so you "sort of" know what you're getting.

You've never owned a PT100.

They're all great sounding amps -- but seems to me since you've not played through or owned a PT100, I think, you owe it to yourself to try one out to at least satisfy your curiosity. After trying it out, if you find yourself not digging it and wanting the venerable SLO100 (which you know and love) you can flip the PT100 pretty easily and get yourself one.

 

[TrueTone500]

Never tried the the PT-100, clips do sound great. Tried the others and currently own an Ecstasy 101B

For the tones you mention and bands you like I'd rather have the Friedman Marsha than the others.
The Marsha is an incredible tone beast!!! Its the best Marshall sound ever. From 70's rock to modded 80's tones!

Its the best Marshall that Marshall never built..

Im not telling you to buy one but at least consider it in your decision...

+1

Although they're not my "thing" - check-out the Rhodes also. Steve39Stripes has been playing them live for a while now... Send him a pm.

 

[Wizard of Ozz]

The fact that you sold the Bogner Badfinger 45 is a positive indication that you weren't looking to expand your vintage tone library. I've personally found the Goldfinger 45 to be the best sounding Bogner yet... Even better than my 100B. I found nothing about the PT100 amplifier that made me think that it was worth the coin I paid for it. I thought the clean was good - not the best. The gain channel reminded me of a VHT "Pitbull" type tone... I sold it after only 3 days usage.

The SLO is the "grand-daddy" of what great modern guitar tone sounds like. Since you've actually gigged with an SLO - you know that nothing (except a VOX AC30) cuts-through the mix like an Soldano SLO 100 - nothing!

I wish it was that clear cut to me. But I had all 3 amps you mention above (PT100, SLO 100, and Fryette Ultra-Lead) side by side... and they don't sound anything like what you describe. The PT100 dirty channel sounds like a wicked modified Marshall 2203... EL34s, clone transformers, and all. The Fryette Pittbull Ultra-Lead and CLX are much more modern voiced amps, with a faster response, tighter bottom end, and way more bass on tap. Very dissimilar to each other. The PT100 and SLO do share a common heritage, and somewhat similar sound to one another depending on how you dial them in... but they arrive there from different paths. If you dig a modified Marshall, with the trademark aggressive high-end, biting, EL34 crunch, the PT100 is the better amp. If like a more smooth, warmer, mellow tone, the SLO is the winner. No clear-cut champ when comparing the lead channels IMHO. Both sound exceptional.

 

[RSRD]

Im with SE7EN and Ventura here. The 20th XTC would be my choice. Wizzard and I have had a few debates on this when I was on a serious SLO hunt. When I tried out the SLO i was impressed with its gain but I couldnt get that crunching lead unless I really cranked it. Also, the SLO seems to be more about one great tone. Not as versatile as the PT or XTC. As much as I love SUHR guitars I dont care for the clean channel on the PT100 nor the lack definition on the gains channel. For me it was more fizzy then crunchy.

There are a lot of great posts on here in regards to the SLO and PT but Im pretty disappointed that people would actually say that the xtc (or the shiva) doesnt cut in a band mix...are you kidding me? its what the majority of bogner users LOVE about bogners. IMO it has the best thick mid/upper mid cut then the rest. Bogners are famous for sounding like a massive wall of tone that has its own place in the mix. Ever heard the album DIRT by ALice and Chains?? Even if you dont like the band - the tone is incredible.

I stopped looking for amps now that I have the 20th Shiva and xtc. Both are incredible amps that ooze tone in every channel and have PLENTY of tonal options that you can tweak endlessly.

Back to the original question: you've had the SLO and sold it. You've had the xtc and sold it. Why go back? you would have held on to it if it was the amp for you. I'd grab a PT100 see what you think. If it's not the amp for you, sell or trade for the 20th xtc. Get them used. If you dont like the 20th then SLOs seem to pop up more frequently then the 20t xtc or PT100. So you can always end up there.

Just my 2 cents. Good luck with the hunt!!

 

[RSRD]

I Think I sold you an SLO years ago. I since have another for a few years. I had a PT100 next to it about a year. Also have a 101b and a 6550 loaded Landry LS100M.

To me the PT100 sounds like no 2203 I ever heard. Maybe one with a coating of fizz on it. I grew tired of the gain side real quick and found the SLO to have more of it's own voice. The SLO sounds like NO Marshall, IMO.

I found the PT overly bassy even with the Whomp OFF. I tried recording it and didn't like the results.
I sold it to some one on RT who quickly turned it around as well.

For my ears my Landry is everything the PT wanted to be. Modded 2203 with a great clean channel. No artifacts (fizz) in the gain.

I totally agree about the fizzy and the bassy qualities on the PT. It didnt suit me at all. But its all personal taste! you just have to try it and see if it works for you.

Trower- what was your opinion on the xtc verse the SLO / PT?

 

[Wizard of Ozz]

I Think I sold you an SLO years ago. I since have another for a few years. I had a PT100 next to it about a year. Also have a 101b and a 6550 loaded Landry LS100M.

To me the PT100 sounds like no 2203 I ever heard. Maybe one with a coating of fizz on it. I grew tired of the gain side real quick and found the SLO to have more of it's own voice. The SLO sounds like NO Marshall, IMO.

I found the PT overly bassy even with the Whomp OFF. I tried recording it and didn't like the results.
I sold it to some one on RT who quickly turned it around as well.

For my ears my Landry is everything the PT wanted to be. Modded 2203 with a great clean channel. No artifacts (fizz) in the gain.

I totally agree about the fizzy and the bassy qualities on the PT. It didnt suit me at all. But its all personal taste! you just have to try it and see if it works for you.

Trower- what was your opinion on the xtc verse the SLO / PT?

XTC vs SLO I don't compare anymore. Each has their strengths, neither cops the other's vibe/ tones.
Nothing gets this certain low mid sqush pick attack of the Bogner. It's easy to play, records well, and to cut thru crank the Presence controls near full.

The PT, I just didn't get on with it. IMO the Bogner had it's own sig tone and personality and I felt I could express myself better with it.

I remember the day, way back when, in a galaxy far, far away, on another gear forum Mr. Trower , when you called the XTC dark, muffled, and it sounded like there was a blanket over the speakers... why the sudden change of opinion? Do you just like that sound now... or???

 

[LP Freak]

I Think I sold you an SLO years ago. I since have another for a few years. I had a PT100 next to it about a year. Also have a 101b and a 6550 loaded Landry LS100M.

To me the PT100 sounds like no 2203 I ever heard. Maybe one with a coating of fizz on it. I grew tired of the gain side real quick and found the SLO to have more of it's own voice. The SLO sounds like NO Marshall, IMO.

I found the PT overly bassy even with the Whomp OFF. I tried recording it and didn't like the results.
I sold it to some one on RT who quickly turned it around as well.

For my ears my Landry is everything the PT wanted to be. Modded 2203 with a great clean channel. No artifacts (fizz) in the gain.

I totally agree about the fizzy and the bassy qualities on the PT. It didnt suit me at all. But its all personal taste! you just have to try it and see if it works for you.

Trower- what was your opinion on the xtc verse the SLO / PT?

XTC vs SLO I don't compare anymore. Each has their strengths, neither cops the other's vibe/ tones.
Nothing gets this certain low mid sqush pick attack of the Bogner. It's easy to play, records well, and to cut thru crank the Presence controls near full.

The PT, I just didn't get on with it. IMO the Bogner had it's own sig tone and personality and I felt I could express myself better with it.

I remember the day, way back when, in a galaxy far, far away, on another gear forum Mr. Trower , when you called the XTC dark, muffled, and it sounded like there was a blanket over the speakers... why the sudden change of opinion? Do you just like that sound now... or???

I hate when that happens.

 

[Wizard of Ozz]

This is about my 3rd or 4th 101b. Don't know, I just like the last two 101b's I've had. I play it thru Greenbacks and think it's a good match.

Ok... so we'll call it a change in taste then.

I do agree with you on the Greenbacks though. The 101B sounds best thru those speakers. It's adds the highs and crunchy mids the XTC needs.

 

[supersonic]

Never tried the the PT-100, clips do sound great. Tried the others and currently own an Ecstasy 101B

For the tones you mention and bands you like I'd rather have the Friedman Marsha than the others.
The Marsha is an incredible tone beast!!! Its the best Marshall sound ever. From 70's rock to modded 80's tones!

Its the best Marshall that Marshall never built..

Im not telling you to buy one but at least consider it in your decision...

The Marsha is a killer amp for sure. (I'm currently using a Marsha and SLO.) But the SLO will devour the Marsha for some things. Marsha will do all of your classic Marshall tones where the SLO just has more attitude and Mojo. Get both. Oh here is a comparison I recorded FWIW. The SLO and XTC performences are tighter and I didn't roll down the guitar volume on the Marsha but you get the idea.

Marsha> https://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_so ... ID=9625940

SLO> https://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_so ... ID=9739347

XTC> https://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_so ... ID=9744503

 

[Digital Jams]

Never tried the the PT-100, clips do sound great. Tried the others and currently own an Ecstasy 101B

For the tones you mention and bands you like I'd rather have the Friedman Marsha than the others.
The Marsha is an incredible tone beast!!! Its the best Marshall sound ever. From 70's rock to modded 80's tones!

Its the best Marshall that Marshall never built..

Im not telling you to buy one but at least consider it in your decision...

The Marsha is a killer amp for sure. (I'm currently using a Marsha and SLO.) But the SLO will devour the Marsha for some things. Marsha will do all of your classic Marshall tones where the SLO just has more attitude and Mojo. Get both. Oh here is a comparison I recorded FWIW. The SLO and XTC performences are tighter and I didn't roll down the guitar volume on the Marsha but you get the idea.

Marsha> https://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_so ... ID=9625940

SLO> https://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_so ... ID=9739347

XTC> https://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_so ... ID=9744503

Now there is an outside the box though................posting audio clips of each to help debate the question.

You are a wild man........................

 

[RSRD]

Awesome comparison though what settings are you using? if they are all set to noon then it would be a more fair comparison perhaps? I thought the marsha sounded best just based on pure note to note clarity. The SLO and XTC sounded bouncier and a tad less defined,with the SLO being less aggressive and the xtc being hairy! Thats what i hear on my speakers anyways!

Im curious as to your presence settings on the xtc. I'd like to hear it higher up but thats my ears.

All in all a great comparison clip! Thanks for posting.

 

[Ventura]

Tough thread as it's all preference which is personal. The 20thA is a formidable amp - very very versatile and extremely flexible, and all of it is totally usable. Getting the Class A/AB switch is pretty slick to say the least. I am sure the PTs are awesome amps, can't say as I've never spent much time with 'em, but I have had an SLO and an HR100+ and the 20thA was no contest.

So it goes. I'm now wondering about the OD/PT scene - damn this forum

Mo

Hey Mo.

Thanks for your input... No contest in which direction?? sound like 20th anni xtc takes your cake? Do you use it with a drummer? I love the XTC( all versions) in my bedroom, and would love to have again for all the greasy goods it delivers when playing solo..... but toss in a snare and a kick drum and the xtcs have always got lost in the mix for me.. still I love them for what they do. they are like a hagen daz chocolate malt..so very tasty but not something I can live off.. that has been my experience to date but maybe the 20th is that much better...hmmmm

Ya man, the 20thA takes the cake. As for the mix, there's a reason you don't find 'em on stages around the world - well, maybe because they're just too damn pretty too I've jammed with mine, and it's fine - but the EQ does require a change up to be more in your face. All depends on the music, I'd say it's fine overall. CAA obviously is fine on stage. As is an SLO.

Peace,
Mo

PS - I've been running my Hagen and 20thA together with a Lehle splitter - this tone - is off the hook... My own Mo's-Tonez

 

[supersonic]

Awesome comparison though what settings are you using? if they are all set to noon then it would be a more fair comparison perhaps? I thought the marsha sounded best just based on pure note to note clarity. The SLO and XTC sounded bouncier and a tad less defined,with the SLO being less aggressive and the xtc being hairy! Thats what i hear on my speakers anyways!

Im curious as to your presence settings on the xtc. I'd like to hear it higher up but thats my ears.

All in all a great comparison clip! Thanks for posting.

Settings were

Marsha- BE Ch, gain max, all eq 12:00
SLO- OD Ch, gain 12:00, all eq 12:00
XTC 100b- Blue Ch, gain max, eq 12:00, pressence 1:30
All through EVH GB cab, Sennheisser 906 mic.

 

[RSRD]

Settings were

Marsha- BE Ch, gain max, all eq 12:00
SLO- OD Ch, gain 12:00, all eq 12:00
XTC 100b- Blue Ch, gain max, eq 12:00, pressence 1:30
All through EVH GB cab, Sennheisser 906 mic.

sorry I even questioned your professionalism This is how it is done. Great comparison. Im going to re visit with different speakers for a second listen this evening.

Thanks again for this

 

[RSRD]

Settings were

Marsha- BE Ch, gain max, all eq 12:00
SLO- OD Ch, gain 12:00, all eq 12:00
XTC 100b- Blue Ch, gain max, eq 12:00, pressence 1:30
All through EVH GB cab, Sennheisser 906 mic.

sorry I even questioned your professionalism This is how it is done. Great comparison. Im going to re visit with different speakers for a second listen this evening.

Thanks again for this

 

[Bronco]

Settings were

Marsha- BE Ch, gain max, all eq 12:00
SLO- OD Ch, gain 12:00, all eq 12:00
XTC 100b- Blue Ch, gain max, eq 12:00, pressence 1:30
All through EVH GB cab, Sennheisser 906 mic.

sorry I even questioned your professionalism This is how it is done. Great comparison. Im going to re visit with different speakers for a second listen this evening.

Thanks again for this

Not sure I follow this logic. That's like test driving three cars, but not going over 25 MPH...

Each amp is totally different; if I were testing them out, I'd dial them in each differently for sure. Wouldn't you?