SLO vs. Hot Rod 25?

[reverymike]

Which would you rather have? The SLO is a classic, loud as balls, iconic tone. . .but isn't the HR25 a more updated, lower watt version of the SLO?

I have a SLO. . .but I'm considering selling it and getting the 25.

Am I crazy?

 

[Racerxrated]

Which would you rather have? The SLO is a classic, loud as balls, iconic tone. . .but isn't the HR25 a more updated, lower watt version of the SLO?

I have a SLO. . .but I'm considering selling it and getting the 25.

Am I crazy?

I wouldn't, at least until you try a 25 first. I've listened to people tell me that this amp or that amp is as good, or sounds the same....
They don't. When it comes to amps like a great Superlead, SLO, 2C+, VH4 etc etc, those amps have their own thing and even a smaller wattage or modern updated version by the manufacturer still fall short. That's been my experience. I'm sure the HR25 is a great amp but if you like the SLO, keep it.

 

[Jeff Hilligan]

The 25 was pretty accurate. To me it was flubby on the low end at lower volume. Once your moving air it has that thing. Just not as much as the SLO.

 

[fusedbrain]

I've owned both at the same time, still have the SLO.

The HR25 is pretty close as far as tone goes, but the feel and punch is nowhere close to the big guy.

The HR25 is generating approx 25 watts from 2 6L6's running at a way lower plate voltage ( I believe it's around 300 volts ). All the things that are missing vs the SLO, such as the note attack, definition, tightness and ball shaking punch, are a direct result of the design decision to make the HR25 a 25 watt, 2x 6L6 amp.
Mike did a great job of getting the SLO tone into a smaller package that is usable at much lower volume, but when you compare the 2 amps directly, it's no contest.

 

[Rdodson]

He will make it a 45-50w version if you want, just have to custom order it. I like the 25w version, but it is its own thing.

 

[Gadzz]

I'll find out shortly just ordered a HR25 looking forward to it!!

 

[chadprsman]

Never had a SLO, but love my HR25!

 

[jlb32]

Played a SLO and Hot Rod 25 side by side and preferred the HR25 overall so I ordered one new. That was over 4 years ago and I still love it today more than ever. They are almost identical tonally IMO.

The Hot Rod 25 is Mike's 25th anniversary model. He made sure he did it properly, no short cuts.

Either way IMO you can't go wrong with the SLO or Hot Rod 25. They are both amazing amps.

 

[cecilbag]

To me the biggest things by about the slo is the feel. It just feels perfect but the tone is also so unique. It’s just an amp that has its own thing all to itself. If you like it, you cannot replace it.

 

[JohnRageOn]

Which would you rather have? The SLO is a classic, loud as balls, iconic tone. . .but isn't the HR25 a more updated, lower watt version of the SLO?

I have a SLO. . .but I'm considering selling it and getting the 25.

Am I crazy?

I wouldn't, at least until you try a 25 first. I've listened to people tell me that this amp or that amp is as good, or sounds the same....
They don't. When it comes to amps like a great Superlead, SLO, 2C+, VH4 etc etc, those amps have their own thing and even a smaller wattage or modern updated version by the manufacturer still fall short. That's been my experience. I'm sure the HR25 is a great amp but if you like the SLO, keep it.

Well put!

 

[blackba]

Is there a reason you can't own both? Use the HR25 for lower volume gigs and the SLO for higher volume gigs.

The HR25 has a number of differences compared to the SLO
- Loop
- No Bright/Normal Switch
- No Clean/Crunch Switch
- Significantly different power amp (100W versus 25W)
- Different Transformers. I know SLO uses DeYoung, not sure what the HR25 uses
- More gain on the Overdrive Channel on the HR25
- DC heaters on the HR25, versus AC tube heaters on the SLO

Here is another thread on the subject. The HR25 has a number of differences compared to the SLO
https://www.thegearpage.net/board/index ... o.1922709/

 

[reverymike]

I could own both, but as it is now, the SLO just sits in its case. I normally gig with a 101b or old Marshall. I was contemplating selling the SLO, picking up the HR25 (so I still have that Soldano flavor when I need it), and use the difference in price to pickup some new stuff.

 

[jdel77]

Keep the SLO. It's not just about the tone, that amp has a feel you won't get in any other amp.

 

[glpg80]

So I'm going to play the part of devil's advocate.

You stated you need the cash, you don't play the amplifier, so I see no reason to hang onto something you don't use or play and could use the investment somewhere else.

Someone else could be playing it as their main amp. If you ever want another, they're abundant on the used market. One SLO is no different than another - he builds them all to mil-spec tolerances.

I say don't get the 25W because it falls short, and sell the SLO because you don't play it.

 

[paulyc]

Pull 2 tubes from your SLO for 50 watts, maybe have a triode/pentode switch installed and call it a day. That should cut it to 35-40 watts maybe...

 

[jlb32]

I personally do not think the Soldano Hot Rod 25 falls short at anything. If you do not play the SLO then why keep it. Buy something you will enjoy more. The Hot Rod 25 might be that amp. I personally find my HR25 to be amazing at home and at gigs. It does it all at all volumes and sounds very close to the SLO without having to kill your hearing to enjoy it.

 

[IntenseJim]

I’ve worked too many hours this weekend to post a polite reply.....

https://www.thegearpage.net/board/index ... /26312264/

 

[BrentSSL]

Jet city it is there Slo

 

[ewill52]

is the 25 loud enough to gig with?

 

[Rdodson]

If you have H magnet speakers, for instance the Creamback G12H-75, it will be more than loud enough. My personal favorite is the Scumback H75 LD model.