XTC or Ultra Lead

[gbsmusic]

If you could choose one or the other, what one. I've found a couple of good prices on both, I love the XTC but I've never heard an ultra lead and I wont be able to hear it before I buy it. Or any thoughts on something else in the 2300 to 2500 range? Thanks!!

 

[J.B.]

Had both side by side multiple times. I'd take the XTC in a heart beat!

If you can't try an Ultra Lead before you buy, I would highly reccomend not getting one. They really are a love or hate amp IMO.

 

[gbsmusic]

Thank you!!

 

[Robotechnology]

They're both excellent amps. The main difference is the feel. The VHT is more open and the Bogner is more compressed. I like the Bogner more for leads but, the VHT more for rhythm.

 

[chunktone]

Had both side by side multiple times. I'd take the XTC in a heart beat!

If you can't try an Ultra Lead before you buy, I would highly reccomend not getting one. They really are a love or hate amp IMO.

+1 I totally agree. I've tried many VHT's and been unimpressed every time. But I REALLY like the XTC.

 

[billm408]

XTC every day of the week & twice on Sundays. Had a UL on loan for about 30 days and it's really cool at low-mid volume, but got a real raspy top end at gig levels. Couldn't dial it our w/o things getting muddy. I love their power amps and wanted to like it, but....

XTC sounds great at any volume, but it's not for everybody. The low mid voicing is smooth and liquid, but it's not a punch-you-in-the-face kind of amp.

 

[crwnedblasphemy]

XTC every day of the week & twice on Sundays. Had a UL on loan for about 30 days and it's really cool at low-mid volume, but got a real raspy top end at gig levels. Couldn't dial it our w/o things getting muddy. I love their power amps and wanted to like it, but....

XTC sounds great at any volume, but it's not for everybody. The low mid voicing is smooth and liquid, but it's not a punch-you-in-the-face kind of amp.

I would take the XTC as well....although I have only played an Ultralead for about 10 minutes, It is pretty stiff. I own a Legacy, and I am guessing the XTC feels a lot like it. I would rather have that feel than stiff.

 

[AmpliFIRE]

XTC for sure

 

[Apex1Rg7X]

I cant speak about the XTC but i recently bought a new UL without ever trying one and i can say i like it more than any other amp ive ever owned including my old Einstein. I guess for my style it suits me more.

 

[IS350xtrm]

My gut instinct is that I'd get the XTC because you will SOUND like a better guitar player. The UL will make you BE a better guitar player. I was never happy with my UL when I had it because it showed my sloppy playing, but the more I played it the better I got and the better it sounded... ULs are not forgiving, but they sound mean as hell if your playing is up to snuff. Bogners are easy to play and very forgiving.... Just my 2 cents though.

 

[boof]

tried both side by side in the store when I was looking for an amp. walked out with the xtc

 

[Inca Roads]

Just get both!

 

[guitarslinger]

Even though I'm a VHT fanboi, I reach for the Fish over the GP3 9 times out of 10.

Do the X.

 

[guitarman967]

I just sold a newer style Ultralead(to someonein this thread haha) and I have a 101B right now and I honestly can't say one is better than the other.
The Ultralead might be the better rhythm amp and the XTC a better lead amp but it's totally a feel thing.

The Bogner is more "brown" sounding in the mids which I love but the Ultralead gives you alot more control over the tone shaping.
To be honest that was the only problem I had with the Ultralead. There was too much control. I'm not a fan of super tweaky amps anymore. Same reason I got rid of the Mark IV
If you so much as look at these amps wrong they sound different...
The Graphic on the VHT is so sensitive that a very small adjustment makes a big difference in how the amp sounds reacts to your playing..

I will say that the XTC's Blue mid gain channel is a bit more inspiring to play that the Ultralead's middle channel. Again, it comes down to your playing style I think but I love the old school marshall heritage in the XTC!
Probably the only amp I've played that actually does nail that old marshall tone on steriods that everyone's always raving about in other amps..

 

[Rayneman]

Ha.

The UL has the capability of sounding more modern, and clearly more "brutal" if that's your thing. The XTC is gooey, without a lot of punch. I love my XTC, but it isn't my first choice for certain types of music. I don't use boost pedals, so the amp is what it is.

As guitarman967 said, the UL and its EQ is super-sensitive, and the slightest tweak on the higher frequencies of the graphic can make the amp pretty nasty up top. However, I used it for several cover gigs and it was wonderful. I had to tape down those damn rocker switches on the footswitch to keep from changing them when switching channels though.

That said. I am trying to trade my UL for an Uberschall, but I haven't had to actually commit to doing it since I don't have an imminent offer. So for now, I keep the UL.

Anyway, it is my opinion that if one has the means to do so, even if at different times, it is supremely worth it to try both. Its almost silly to say that, as we all know that the OP will, in fact, do that eventually...its in his/our nature.

 

[Greazygeo]

I found the XTC a very difficult amp to play on.....very sluggish or sloth like. The UL is awesome especially when you can wind it up. The rhythm channel was my favorite. If you like a very clear amp go UL.....if you like mushy and dark, go XTC.

 

[se7en]

XTC for me. I don't like dry, stiff amps though. I like a little bit of give and an amp that blooms more than the UL does. I also found the UL's raspy on the high end at gig volumes.

 

[mctallica1]

Axe Fx Damnit!



I have never played an XTC....love UL's though. But I would take a CL over the UL.

 

[ToneFreak]

I've never liked XTC's until I tried the new Anniversary one... white head box looks extremely cool.

Sounds like the 100B's I like so much, but were discontinued. Not as dark, more open and had a tighter feel. The Anniversay XTC is the only channel switcher I would consider if I were going in that direction.

 

[Greazygeo]

XTC for me. I don't like dry, stiff amps though. I like a little bit of give and an amp that blooms more than the UL does. I also found the UL's raspy on the high end at gig volumes.

Mine was not raspy at all.....tons of gigs with it.