Tone Test: Mark IIB+ vs. IIC++, Coliseum!

[GJgo]

Finally had a chance to put this one together. I've said for a while now that my IIB+ was gained somewhere between a C+ and a C++, and closer to the latter, however I was low on C++ to illustrate this until the other day when the latest came back from Mike B. I sold both of my old C++ after getting the B+ KRG because it smoked them IMO, I love me a huge power section! The new one I got solves my issues though in that it has the compliment of pieces parts I've come to prefer. For example, I prefer the H/S pentode to D triode. I also prefer C++ to C+. I also prefer all 4 I had with the RP11 over the one I had with the RP10 (small sample set to be fair). And, I prefer the PT105 over the X101 & 100.

I've got lots of thoughts in the talking portion and here's my take- The IIB+ records better in terms of aggression. However, in the room, the IIC++ (as expected) has slightly better bounce & clarity and is still the king. I'm telling you it's very close, though.. Through all my Marks the B+ Coli is the only one that's passed my "how does it sound in my band mix" test, and I sell amps that don't work in the band.. I'm REALLY looking forward to trying this new C++ in the band! I played it in the band as a stock C+ before I sent it in and the guys all loved it over the III black & III red I had at the time- they all called out the clarity & tone. Now it's just a more pissed off version.

 

[MetalHeadMike]

Nice! I really liked the loop modded IIB I had.

 

[Beyond Black]

Both sound great. The ++ has a little more grease and grind to my ear. That IIB is no slouch.

 

[Racerxrated]

Good stuff Jeremy!

 

[Kordoba]

My favorite of the bunch is II C ++ pre into KRG power.

 

[RaceU4her]

My favorite of the bunch is II C ++ pre into KRG power.

i agree, that iib isnt far behind though

 

[Exo-metal]

My favorite of the bunch is II C ++ pre into KRG power.

Nothing slays this, no amp made period.

 

[SpiderWars]

I could see some preferring the IIB+'s more open tone for certain parts/songs. But the IIC++ has the saturation. You can't really dial in the saturation with the IIB+...but can you dial in that more open tone with the IIC++? And what if you boost the IIB+?

 

[Racerxrated]

I could see some preferring the IIB+'s more open tone for certain parts/songs. But the IIC++ has the saturation. You can't really dial in the saturation with the IIB+...but can you dial in that more open tone with the IIC++? And what if you boost the IIB+?

And, the bouncy feel of the C+ only exists...with the C+. No comparison imo. That B+ does sound nice though.

 

[braintheory]

Both sounded good, but the c+ has that unique quality in the highs where it’s very aggressive yet still very smooth and saturated, giving the c+ that “it” factor, that extra 1% that’s the crucial determiner of an amp being truly exceptional and not just nice imo much like with a Klon, Pre-Rola Greenback and other holy grail pieces of gear

 

[GJgo]

I'm trying to find words to describe to you guys what this is like in the room. The gain levels are actually on par with each other so a boost doesn't really do much for comparison's sake. They both have the bounce & the bloom under your fingers. The Mark III for example does not have this. Also, honestly for reverby tones & classic rock I've always liked the B+ better.

The B+ is a little darker & more compressed. In a way it's like if there was a Mark IV Coliseum.

The C++ has that little extra top end & smoothness, and clarity, that makes it the best ever. Agreed about the "it" factor.

I kicked around the idea of trading preamp boards but I should probably quit while I'm ahead! If I transferred all the pots & jacks with it there only looks to be a few wires connecting the preamp & power amp sections.

 

[anomaly]

You'd hurt the resale value if you switched the boards I think??

 

[Exo-metal]

Not if it was done by the factory. There were many upgraded IIB amps and who wouldn't want a C+/++ Coliseum friend?

 

[IIBornotIIB]

Transplanting the preamp board is one part... the C+ KRG has a different power supply board than the B+ KRG. Outcome may be close to a C+/++ KRG, or, maybe not?...best to consult with Mike B on that.