Three amps fit me perfectly - decided to move on from the 4th

[HowieJams]

That's what it's about Mr. Howie...........finding an amp that inspires you to play! And you won't know until you play them in person.

Exactly, the Victory definitely does that as do the Soldanos, but for some reason the Friedman while it sounds good does not do that for me?

 

[rsm]

EL84 = Vox AC15, AC30.

IMO

 

[Speeddemon]

I just can't accept EL84 powered amps, as EL34 is what I much prefer. I've wanted to try the JEL50 (which is the same preamp as the JEL20), but after reading your comments and others, it sounds like it might not have the liquid feel I like. The Jose does have a very good liquid feel for leads, and the rhythm tone is even better (huge sound). Not a super high gain amp, but maybe something to consider.

Wouldn't a Bogner 3534 35W or 50W (new version with the added toggle switches) be something for you then?
Euge ('El Caballo Verta') did a nice video on it, as did Michael Nielsen.
Pretty thick and smooth, with still a bit of that Marshally core sound.

 

[BABMusic]

Wouldn't a Bogner 3534 35W or 50W (new version with the added toggle switches) be something for you then?
Euge ('El Caballo Verta') did a nice video on it, as did Michael Nielsen.
Pretty thick and smooth, with still a bit of that Marshally core sound.

Absolutely. I have Bogner on the list of amps I would love to try. I love lower wattage EL34 amps in general. The Ecstasy or the Snorkler seem like something I might love.

 

[cobrahead1030]

I had a Mesa Fillmore 25w combo for about a year, that sounded fine, but I just never really connected with it.

A local marketplace trade for an older rectoverb 25, and I couldn’t be happier. I mostly use the clean channel in pushed mode.

 

[HowieJams]

I had a Mesa Fillmore 25w combo for about a year, that sounded fine, but I just never really connected with it.

A local marketplace trade for an older rectoverb 25, and I couldn’t be happier. I mostly use the clean channel in pushed mode.

We all have different ears and stuff we like the sounds of.
I just sold my JEL-20 and I am sure the buyer will be super happy and love it, but for the stuff I play I needed smoother and darker tones.

 

[gibson08]

I thought about the Syn20, so many great options, but truth is I am happy with my 3 amps I have now.

That right there is all that matters.

 

[HowieJams]

That right there is all that matters.

I am sure I will end up with another amp sooner or later, but not a pressing need.

 

[romanianreaper]

I think everyone likes what they like and can't be forced. I remember trying to be a Mesa guy back in the 90s. I got a Dual Rectifier and had a Single Rectifier. Sounded amazing but i'm a Marshall tone guy.

I definitely wouldn't get the 20IR based on what you have. As you guys know, I have one and it is an amazing amp. It can chug, great built-in clean, loud, etc. But you have amps with bigger tubes and you will miss that. An el84 tube amp kind of trims off tones and certain frequencies. Not a bad thing but for hard rock and metal, that is when you notice it.

I just got the Syn-2 and threw my SLO-II and Killer Kali modules into it. Then into my other new buy, the Fryette PS-2a with two 6L6 tubes. Here is the difference. The 20-IR sounds great with the Synergy modules. The Syn-2 into the Fryette sounds huge just hitting one power chord. It is like this huge distorted thud that is so inspiring.

Now I still can enjoy the Synergy experience but sounds like I'm leveling buildings in a Godzilla movie. Just huge sounding. I think if you go the Synergy route, just get so much more out of the modules I to a bigger amp. The 20IR is a great amp though.

 

[DanTravis62]

I think everyone likes what they like and can't be forced. I remember trying to be a Mesa guy back in the 90s. I got a Dual Rectifier and had a Single Rectifier. Sounded amazing but i'm a Marshall tone guy.

I definitely wouldn't get the 20IR based on what you have. As you guys know, I have one and it is an amazing amp. It can chug, great built-in clean, loud, etc. But you have amps with bigger tubes and you will miss that. An el84 tube amp kind of trims off tones and certain frequencies. Not a bad thing but for hard rock and metal, that is when you notice it.

I just got the Syn-2 and threw my SLO-II and Killer Kali modules into it. Then into my other new buy, the Fryette PS-2a with two 6L6 tubes. Here is the difference. The 20-IR sounds great with the Synergy modules. The Syn-2 into the Fryette sounds huge just hitting one power chord. It is like this huge distorted thud that is so inspiring.

Now I still can enjoy the Synergy experience but sounds like I'm leveling buildings in a Godzilla movie. Just huge sounding. I think if you go the Synergy route, just get so much more out of the modules I to a bigger amp. The 20IR is a great amp though.

The synergy modules are great

But they really, really benefit from a big power section - especially a big tube power section.

Obviously the modules sound good with a small power amp. Whether its SS, class D, or even running into IRs. But when you pair the synergy stuff with a big, powerful power section like a rack power amp or the return of a big iron tube amp, something absolutely magical happens to it

 

[romanianreaper]

The synergy modules are great

But they really, really benefit from a big power section - especially a big tube power section.

Obviously the modules sound good with a small power amp. Whether its SS, class D, or even running into IRs. But when you pair the synergy stuff with a big, powerful power section like a rack power amp or the return of a big iron tube amp, something absolutely magical happens to it

Yep, and I have seen it first hand. These same modules just beef up and hit you in the chest.

 

[thegame]

All those amps combined barely total 100w. I’m afraid my constituents and I cannot endorse this campaign. I’m sorry for this regrettable outcome.

 

[skoora]

I've never even thought of trying EL34's in my Mark V ............ hmmmmm what a dummy ..... option has been there forever and I've never tried it

34’s will transform that amp in the best way. Had mine for over 12 years and ran 34’s the whole time. Really helps dial in the top end on dirty tones, even for channel 1. Helps Edge setting out a lot and will give up some really cool late 70’s Marshall tones but with a lot more gain available.

 

[RaceU4her]

We all have different ears and stuff we like the sounds of.
I just sold my JEL-20 and I am sure the buyer will be super happy and love it, but for the stuff I play I needed smoother and darker tones.

that prs MT15 would probably suit you

 

[HowieJams]

I think everyone likes what they like and can't be forced. I remember trying to be a Mesa guy back in the 90s. I got a Dual Rectifier and had a Single Rectifier. Sounded amazing but i'm a Marshall tone guy.

I definitely wouldn't get the 20IR based on what you have. As you guys know, I have one and it is an amazing amp. It can chug, great built-in clean, loud, etc. But you have amps with bigger tubes and you will miss that. An el84 tube amp kind of trims off tones and certain frequencies. Not a bad thing but for hard rock and metal, that is when you notice it.

I just got the Syn-2 and threw my SLO-II and Killer Kali modules into it. Then into my other new buy, the Fryette PS-2a with two 6L6 tubes. Here is the difference. The 20-IR sounds great with the Synergy modules. The Syn-2 into the Fryette sounds huge just hitting one power chord. It is like this huge distorted thud that is so inspiring.

Now I still can enjoy the Synergy experience but sounds like I'm leveling buildings in a Godzilla movie. Just huge sounding. I think if you go the Synergy route, just get so much more out of the modules I to a bigger amp. The 20IR is a great amp though.

Thanks for the info.
I do not think I will go Synergy just yet.
My new Soldano cab is rated for 150w, gives me many options.

 

[HowieJams]

All those amps combined barely total 100w. I’m afraid my constituents and I cannot endorse this campaign. I’m sorry for this regrettable outcome.

My 3 amps actually are exactly 100w combined, 20 + 30 + 50 = 100

 

[HowieJams]

that prs MT15 would probably suit you

I was looking at that one for a bit, looks a little too metal geared for my taste.

 

[Frehley12]

What cab and speaker were you using with the JEL-20?

 

[HowieJams]

What cab and speaker were you using with the JEL-20?

Friedman 1x12 closed back with a Celestion G12M-65

 

[rstites]

We all have different ears and stuff we like the sounds of.
I just sold my JEL-20 and I am sure the buyer will be super happy and love it, but for the stuff I play I needed smoother and darker tones.

With that description, I'd at least be checking out something in the Mesa Mk lineup. Not that you need to replace the one that just left, and I love my Soldano....which is definitely a darker, smoother take on a high gain Marshall but still not what I'd really classify on that side overall.