VHT power amps - tone differences...subtle, huge?

[vchizzle]

Mainly talking between 2/50/2 and 2/90/2, though the 4 -EL34 might suit me best. Anyhow, those who have owned both, which did you like better and why? What are the differences between them and how big of a difference?

 

[moronmountain]

Mainly talking between 2/50/2 and 2/90/2, though the 4 -EL34 might suit me best. Anyhow, those who have owned both, which did you like better and why? What are the differences between them and how big of a difference?

Whelp I guess for me it comes down to whether you like power amp sag or a lot of tight headroom. In general I would say if you're a metal type player get the 90, if you're a classic rock kinda guy get the 50. VHT power amps are about as good as you can get.

 

[again with this]

Mainly talking between 2/50/2 and 2/90/2, though the 4 -EL34 might suit me best. Anyhow, those who have owned both, which did you like better and why? What are the differences between them and how big of a difference?

Whelp I guess for me it comes down to whether you like power amp sag or a lot of tight headroom. In general I would say if you're a metal type player get the 90, if you're a classic rock kinda guy get the 50. VHT power amps are about as good as you can get.

How does the 2150 factor in?

 

[guitarslinger]

Mainly talking between 2/50/2 and 2/90/2, though the 4 -EL34 might suit me best. Anyhow, those who have owned both, which did you like better and why? What are the differences between them and how big of a difference?

Whelp I guess for me it comes down to whether you like power amp sag or a lot of tight headroom. In general I would say if you're a metal type player get the 90, if you're a classic rock kinda guy get the 50. VHT power amps are about as good as you can get.

How does the 2150 factor in?

Pretty much a 2902 with bigger transformers/higher current/higher voltage/bigger caps. It squeezes out about 10-20 more watts per side.

 

[vchizzle]

I understand the tighter feel part between the 50 and 90. But, even the 50/CL is a pretty tight amp for a 50W, I ended up going with a 100/CL so maybe I should go 2/90/2 if I decide to go this route.

Does the 50 stay CLEAN clean at high volumes or break up? I've pretty much been a EL34 guy, not sure whether 50 will do it for me or not though. I probably can't spend what it would take to grab a 2100(if I could find one, though that would be ideal for me.

 

[guitarslinger]

I doubt a 2/50/2 is really going to "break up".

 

[Bash_Man]

I have a 2502 thats loaded with KT77s and let me tell you.. I love cranking this thing. it just gets thick, tight and aggressive the louder it gets.

For 50watts, its pretty loud for sure. Sometimes I wounder if they "under" rate it.

 

[Qweklain]

I understand the tighter feel part between the 50 and 90. But, even the 50/CL is a pretty tight amp for a 50W, I ended up going with a 100/CL so maybe I should go 2/90/2 if I decide to go this route.

Does the 50 stay CLEAN clean at high volumes or break up? I've pretty much been a EL34 guy, not sure whether 50 will do it for me or not though. I probably can't spend what it would take to grab a 2100(if I could find one, though that would be ideal for me.

2100, as in Mesa 2:100? If so, I'm selling mine for $800 + shipping.

 

[guitarslinger]

I understand the tighter feel part between the 50 and 90. But, even the 50/CL is a pretty tight amp for a 50W, I ended up going with a 100/CL so maybe I should go 2/90/2 if I decide to go this route.

Does the 50 stay CLEAN clean at high volumes or break up? I've pretty much been a EL34 guy, not sure whether 50 will do it for me or not though. I probably can't spend what it would take to grab a 2100(if I could find one, though that would be ideal for me.

2100, as in Mesa 2:100? If so, I'm selling mine for $800 + shipping.

nope.

2100 as in the VHT Classic 2100. It's the most badass power amp ever made.

Like a chrome faced 2150 with 8 EL34s. Used by Steve Lukather, Steve Vai, etc back in the 90's.

 

[Rob Tahan]

I have a 2/50/2 and it BLOWS AWAY the tone that i had from my Mesa Simulclass 2:90.
VHT really does make the best power amps!

 

[vchizzle]

I have a 2502 thats loaded with KT77s and let me tell you.. I love cranking this thing. it just gets thick, tight and aggressive the louder it gets.

For 50watts, its pretty loud for sure. Sometimes I wounder if they "under" rate it.

That sounds really appealing as long as it stays nice and clean at those high volumes. I certainly don't need more than 50W as long as it'll stay tight and clean.

The 2502 appeals more to me with the class "A" mode too as I like those lower powered tones at times. I'd bet wide open, it sounds killer in the class "A" mode. Ever use it that way for anything?


Oh, 2100 I referred to was the VHT 2:100- apparently god of all power amps from all accounts.

 

[Bash_Man]

I have a 2502 thats loaded with KT77s and let me tell you.. I love cranking this thing. it just gets thick, tight and aggressive the louder it gets.

For 50watts, its pretty loud for sure. Sometimes I wounder if they "under" rate it.

That sounds really appealing as long as it stays nice and clean at those high volumes. I certainly don't need more than 50W as long as it'll stay tight and clean.

The 2502 appeals more to me with the class "A" mode too as I like those lower powered tones at times. I'd bet wide open, it sounds killer in the class "A" mode. Ever use it that way for anything?


Oh, 2100 I referred to was the VHT 2:100- apparently god of all power amps from all accounts.

Never had a chance to try it in Class A mode. I'll give it a try this weekend for you and let you know.

IN Class AB.. this unit smokes. See, recently I decided to put the funds toward a Splawn head.. and sold 90% of my rack rig. only kept the VHT 2502 and my 3TM modded MP-1 as my current rig. All i gotta do is crank it up and play. Sounds freakn nice.

I'll see if I can record some clips this weekend for you.


Cheers

 

[Jordon]

Vaughn, what crazy shit are you thinking of doing now?!

 

[vchizzle]

Vaughn, what crazy shit are you thinking of doing now?!

Thinking I'm gonna sell my VHT 100/CL. Buy something in a slightly less modern direction(not that the 100/CL doesn't give me some classicish tones) and run a preamp out into some FX then to the VHT power.

I want something with really nice cleans and a good rock distortion tone...boost for metal if need be. I don't really have any solid plan, but there's some amps I'd like to try out. A few Divided by 13's, not sure what else. May even try running a speaker out of my Hot Cat ->some kinda load box into the VHT power amp.

Haven't got a clue really, just bored and thinking off the top of my head. I'm not using my rig right now, would like some different tone options with the ability to go back to a stereo rig if need be, only less complicated(and big) than I have now.

 

[Bash_Man]

hey vchizzle.. I recorded these clips a while back if you want to check them out using my ADA MP-1 3TM and VHT 2502 setup. the cabinet is a VHT 412 fatbottom cabinet.

http://www.netmusicians.org/?section=us ... of%20Metal

The tune "Home Sick" is the backing track from my band's last cd.


Cheers

 

[Jordon]

Vaughn, what crazy shit are you thinking of doing now?!

Thinking I'm gonna sell my VHT 100/CL. Buy something in a slightly less modern direction(not that the 100/CL doesn't give me some classicish tones) and run a preamp out into some FX then to the VHT power.

I want something with really nice cleans and a good rock distortion tone...boost for metal if need be. I don't really have any solid plan, but there's some amps I'd like to try out. A few Divided by 13's, not sure what else. May even try running a speaker out of my Hot Cat ->some kinda load box into the VHT power amp.

Haven't got a clue really, just bored and thinking off the top of my head. I'm not using my rig right now, would like some different tone options with the ability to go back to a stereo rig if need be, only less complicated(and big) than I have now.

Sounds like a plan to me, mang!

 

[vchizzle]

hey vchizzle.. I recorded these clips a while back if you want to check them out using my ADA MP-1 3TM and VHT 2502 setup. the cabinet is a VHT 412 fatbottom cabinet.

http://www.netmusicians.org/?section=us ... of%20Metal

The tune "Home Sick" is the backing track from my band's last cd.


Cheers

Yes sir, that power section is unmistakeably VHT. Nice and tight. The preamp tone seemed a little dark to me, but that might be season to taste thing. I don't think I'd need anything tighter than that cause that seemed pretty damn tight sounding. I don't think the 2902 would be necessary for me.

 

[Bash_Man]

hey vchizzle.. I recorded these clips a while back if you want to check them out using my ADA MP-1 3TM and VHT 2502 setup. the cabinet is a VHT 412 fatbottom cabinet.

http://www.netmusicians.org/?section=us ... of%20Metal

The tune "Home Sick" is the backing track from my band's last cd.


Cheers

Yes sir, that power section is unmistakeably VHT. Nice and tight. The preamp tone seemed a little dark to me, but that might be season to taste thing. I don't think I'd need anything tighter than that cause that seemed pretty damn tight sounding. I don't think the 2902 would be necessary for me.

The 2502 is definitly a tight sounding poweramp. and like i said.. the louder I crank it up, the even tighter, thicker and more aggressive it gets.

I changed the "stock" tube configuration. For power tubes I use JJ KT-77s. For phase invertor as I use a Chinese 9th Gen 12ax7 and for Drivers I use GE JG-5814WA.

I did try the VHT 2902 and to me to be honest, it was way too loud and it didnt have the "bounce" of the 2502 when doing heavy low E chug chug type tones. it was almost too stiff.

Anyways.. hope this helps.


Cheers