VHT poweramps: 2/50/2 vs 2/90/2?

[JoshuaLogan]

I've heard that there isn't a whole lot of difference in volume between the 2/50/2 and the 2/90/2.... but apparently there is a difference in tone. What exactly is the difference? Is the 2/50/2 warmer sounding, because of lower headroom? Which is better for aggressive high gain stuff? Just wondering.... because I would kinda assume the 2/90/2 would be the way to go, but I think I remember seeing a few people say they prefer the 2/50/2.... so, I figured I'd make a thread to ask.

 

[Hectic Watermelon]

I used both for an Egnater rack preamp rig for a while. I gravitated towards the 2-50-2 ultimately as I enjoy more of an old-school sounding power section. The KT-88s feel better-versed for modern metal and rock to me. FWIW, I now use a dual head rig mostly, but occasionally I'll split to the 2-50-2 in the studio if I want less color form the power section for some weird reason.

 

[JoshuaLogan]

I used both for an Egnater rack preamp rig for a while. I gravitated towards the 2-50-2 ultimately as I enjoy more of an old-school sounding power section. The KT-88s feel better-versed for modern metal and rock to me. FWIW, I now use a dual head rig mostly, but occasionally I'll split to the 2-50-2 in the studio if I want less color form the power section for some weird reason.

Cool.... how about for cleans? I know the KT88's have more headroom... so does that benefit the cleans as well?

 

[guitarslinger]

cleans will be cleaner with the 2902.

 

[Hectic Watermelon]

I used both for an Egnater rack preamp rig for a while. I gravitated towards the 2-50-2 ultimately as I enjoy more of an old-school sounding power section. The KT-88s feel better-versed for modern metal and rock to me. FWIW, I now use a dual head rig mostly, but occasionally I'll split to the 2-50-2 in the studio if I want less color form the power section for some weird reason.

Cool.... how about for cleans? I know the KT88's have more headroom... so does that benefit the cleans as well?

I have found that even if playing the 2/50/2 really cranked (ie. with no sound reinforcement) there is still headroom galore. It is a very, very loud amp.

 

[Giga]

In the proces of buying a poweramp I've tried both. I thought the 2/50/2 had more juice/gravy to the tone and was plenty loud for my purposes so that's what I bought.
Later on I switched to KT77's and really liked them. It's like a very good mix between the EL34's and the KT88's to me. Enough life in the tone and still a lot of thump.

The strange thing is that with my UL I never felt it sounded sterile while that was my feeling about the 2/90/2

Giga.