what do you think is the best all-around amp head?

[robertkoa]

Interesting thread. I've come to realize that all my keepers are all excellent specimens of "versatility". That being said:

VH4: Already mentioned, and ya, this is a totally versatile, potent, beautiful sounding amp...takes color (stomps) amazingly well too.
Hagen: Same as above, but it's a bit more greasy feeling...I love it.
20thA EL34/KT77: As per the many mentions above, this amp is out-fkn-standing and can lay it out like none other.

Mak4 Preamp: Surprise surprise, it's an incredibly versatile preamp that's incredibly well priced.

There it is, and once AGAIN, surprise surprise, these are all my current heads.

Peace,
Mojo

Glad to see the MAKO Mak 4 made it onto the list- something I'm considering for recording- actually in the same League for tones as these others? That says a lot .

I would recommend this preamp, powered through a decent tube power amp, ANY day for pretty well ANY application. It's got massive breadth in its tonal capabilities, it's voiced amazingly well, it takes changes in glass very nicely and distinguishably. Ya, I'm still floored by this preamp - as I've said before - if it was priced 3x as much, people would give it more attention as it would be more "booooteeky"; but no. It's priced affordably and it's a true contender. FWIW, I run mine through a KT88 loaded 2/90/2 Fryette into a Fryette Deliverance. I've also run it through the power section of my VH4 and my 20thA. But overall, I like the transparency of the 2/90/2 due to its headroom, it lets the Mak4 speak for itself.

Hope this helps.

Mo

Thank You very much - this does help and I heard a good video on this Preamp and understand what you mean.

Channels are very different from each other and especially the first 3 have a versatility of gain range /response in each channel, has a beefy, wide bandwidth sound on all channels , sounds like actual Amp(s) rather than a separate Preamp.

Could be a great recording rig for me with a very low power Tube Power Amp and into Cab IRs- appreciate your tips on this piece-it's great when guys can admit that something like this can hang in many ways with the very top of the line stuff- and the fact that you also have the top stuff underscores what you say.

 

[MichaelG]

No experience with the Diesels yet

I do have experience with:

1) Mako MAK4
2) VHT UltraLead/CLX100
3) Egnater/Randall MTS series

and all of these can be setup to sound absolutely glorious...

EDIT: honorable mention goes to the Bogner XTC classic I had many years ago... covered all bases pretty darned well.

 

[MichaelG]

Interesting thread. I've come to realize that all my keepers are all excellent specimens of "versatility". That being said:

VH4: Already mentioned, and ya, this is a totally versatile, potent, beautiful sounding amp...takes color (stomps) amazingly well too.
Hagen: Same as above, but it's a bit more greasy feeling...I love it.
20thA EL34/KT77: As per the many mentions above, this amp is out-fkn-standing and can lay it out like none other.

Mak4 Preamp: Surprise surprise, it's an incredibly versatile preamp that's incredibly well priced.

There it is, and once AGAIN, surprise surprise, these are all my current heads.

Peace,
Mojo

Glad to see the MAKO Mak 4 made it onto the list- something I'm considering for recording- actually in the same League for tones as these others? That says a lot .

It is absolutely in the same league... I just bought a randall RT 2/50 power amp to run the MAK4 through but damn if it didn't sound disgustingly good when I had it running through a lowly Mosvalve 962

 

[guitarobert]

You will not be disappointed.

I'm eagerly awaiting James to tell me to look out for the delivery truck. I have a beauty on order. Well, to my eyes at least.

But I also like the VH4 and Hagen for this post. Triamp MkII as well.

 

[garey77]

You guys are funny.