Splawn users. 3 VS 4 preamp tubes? Opinions?

[Bloodrock]

So I just scored an excellent condition Splawn Competition for $875. I'm a hot rodded Marshall junkie but have never owned a Splawn. I was wanting to know you guys opinions and differences between the 3 and 4 pre versions of Splawns? The one I got is a 3, but for the price I couldn't pass it up.

 

[JerEvil]

Never tried the 3. I know when I posted my NAD about my Quick Rod someone mentioned a 3 pre version of the QR and said it was a screamer.

 

[Lord Toneking]

I have an old 3 pre QR. I think the 3 pres are a bit more angry sounding. They're also more noisy. The 4 pres had the updated clean channel. Not sure if the new competitions have 4 pres because its a single channel amp

 

[crwnedblasphemy]

Agree with Lord Toneking.

3 was a little more noisey if you were close to it....I never needed a noise suppressor or anything though....It's not like a 5150.

4 seems a little more smooth. I've owned a Comp before too...and it was a little more bright than my quickrod...sounded a little more HiFi to my ears.

 

[bubbastain]

I'm pretty sure the Competition only comes with three preamp tubes. Either way, I used to own a Competition and it was a very cool amp.

 

[Inca Roads]

I've owned 3, Three Pre-Amp Tube Quickrods.
I've played a 4 Pre and have always prefered
the 3 Pre better. The 3 Pre's are just more Pissed Off
and Angry!!! I've played many Splawns and
always liked the Nasty Grind of the 3 Pre over
the 4. I don't buy Splawns for a Clean Channel
anyway, I have other Amps that got that covered.