Ashdown Valve Series Hybrids - Anything new?

[EAdanikDG]

Hi, on Ashdown's website it says that the Valve series is "new", but IIRC the ABM heads have pre-amp tubes so the only new thing would be the looks, and the different wattage ratings (and, of course, the hugely priced all-tube heads.)

[EAdanikDG]

Does anyone know whether the MAG series has tubes as well?

[Sartori]

The BTA-200, 300 and 400 all have tube power amps.

The 427 and Little Bastard are all tube.

[EAdanikDG]

Oh ok, I was mainly refering to the Spyder 550, anyone know about that?

[jowens004]

The only thing I have seen in stock anywhere are a FEW Little bastards. But more of the NEW stuff should be comming into stock around the country very very soon. I would be checking around the internet at the BIG bass shops. Im sure someone will have the Spyder soon. I would love to check it out as well.

[EAdanikDG]

I meant to ask whether the Spyder 550 had a tube pre like the ABM series do (well, like I THINK they do), because if they did, what would be the point in buying one apart from for the looks? Sorry, should've been more specific

[jowens004]

The ABM series is all solid state.
The pre in the spyder is the same pre as is in the 427 small block. Its an all tube pre. New design. It has the ABM output stage which is all transistor. Should be a rock solid amp. I hope someone around gets one in. Should be a very nice sounding head based on the specs and comments fromt the NAMM show.

[EAdanikDG]

Alright, thanks.

[tombowlus]

Originally Posted by EAdanikDG

Oh ok, I was mainly refering to the Spyder 550, anyone know about that?

I saw it at Winter NAMM and briefly played through it, and it definitely had that Ashdown sound (which I like), and it did have a warm, round tone which would seem to be influenced at least in part by the tube preamp.