Tube amp choice - need help

Triad · #1 10-03-2011, 05:26 PM

Hello guys... same ol' story here: decided to get an all-tube amp but... even if the market isn't huge there are several alternatives!
I've already got a good 4Ohm cab (SWR Henry 8x8") and would need something loud enough for small/medium gigs.

What I've found:

The good ol' SVT2Pro - used around €1100

EBS T90 Classic - NEW around €1100

Ashdown DP200H - NEW around €1400

Ashdown BTA400 - NEW around €1400 (this one should have the ABM series preamp so I guess it's not all tube?)

Ampeg SVT CL - ex-demo around €1100

Orange - €1300 used, €1500 new

Peavey VB2 - around €1000 new

Traynor VBA200 - around €800 new, €500 used.

Markbass Classic 300 - around €1600 new

Didn't consider the various Hiwatt, Matamp etc. 'cause they're hard to find. Marshalls... VBA and JCMs should be awesome but I don't trust the brand too much. Had a couple of their UK combos years ago (Valvestate 150 and DBS4x10") and they were ultra-heavy and IMHO had lowest volume for the declared watt/size.

I'd like versatility 'cause I play both rock-style with a pick (dirty sound) and slap stuff (ultra-clean).
Pros/cons: the T90 is the weakest one but is also the lightest one of the list (16kg). It's made in Sweden, I guess.
The Ampeg is a classic of all tube amplification but it's very heavy and expensive. I probably don't even need 300w. The Ashdown... no weight on the specs list. Looks very well made but don't know where it's made, I guess UK.
The CL has the same problems of the SVT and is probably less versatile. Don't know anything about the Orange.
I count to sell my other amps after I got the all tube so I need something good for most situations. As often happens, I can't try before I buy

but if I buy new I can probably return the item if it ends up not being good for me. Any advice? I've been spending hours researching... it's not a cheap buy so I guess you understand I'm trying to get all the informations I can. Thanx in advance.

Clammy · #2 10-03-2011, 06:52 PM

Not sure if you've already crossed the Marshall VBA 400 off your list, but if you haven't, take a look at one. They're pretty available over in Europe (certainly more-so than here in North America). I just got a used one, and it sounds awesome!

Cheers!

Triad · #3 10-03-2011, 07:22 PM

Well... there are different models and several years: VBA, JCM... I didn't put them in the list 'cause they're almost as expensive as Ampegs and (I guess) they're more "one trick pony" amps... but I could be wrong, I can only guess after reading some reviews.

Sartori · #4 10-03-2011, 07:37 PM

Between those, I'd say that look at either the Ampegs or the Ashdowns, given what you said you're looking for as far as sound. Ampeg heads are actually a lot more versatile than a lot of people seem to give them credit for.

For what you need, I think maybe you should also look at Mesa's 400 and 400+ amps.

**B-string** · #5 10-03-2011, 07:39 PM

I don't think you will have any trouble with versitility in the CL, but she is heavy!

Sartori · #6 10-03-2011, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triad

Well... there are different models and several years: VBA, JCM... I didn't put them in the list 'cause they're almost as expensive as Ampegs and (I guess) they're more "one trick pony" amps... but I could be wrong, I can only guess after reading some reviews.

No amp that has an EQ section is a one trick pony.

Also, the VBA-400 is a very different amp from JCM's. 400 watts, for starters.

SactoBass · #7 10-03-2011, 07:44 PM

I had a VBA400 about ten years ago when I played in a Yes tribute band. That amp rocked!!

I have also owned an SVT-CL and and SVT-VR, and the VR sounded waaaaaaaay better than the CL.

Triad · #8 10-03-2011, 07:46 PM

I know that the eq. can change things but you know... some amps still retain their character whatever you do with the controls. Some amps are dark sounding and there's no way to make them bright or "flat"... some are mid scooped and you have hard times dialing a nasaly tone.
As I said, I'm extremely ignorant about tube amps as I never got into them in 13 years of playing. I only tried a B2 (or 3?) by Laney that SHOULD be all valve but it could be hybrid... it happened years ago.
Yes, I know the CL and the SVT are heavy. I've just got the 8x8" (45kg) because of its tone, impedance (4Ohm) and size (a tall cab is heaven!). 36kg for the amp are a lot, still have to understand if they're worth it.
I always have the good alternative of the Terror Bass (that should be not too far from an all valve in terms of preamp drive) but since I'm in the market I thought I should have got "the real thing". I actually have 2 heads and 3 cabs but I'd gladly let go one or both the stacks to keep the Henry and the tube amp.

rodl2005 · #9 10-03-2011, 09:06 PM

Remember the new Traynor YBA300. LIGHTWEIGHT & 300w.
Also, the Ashdown BTA is an all tube amp-tube pre amp of the ABM & all tube power amp. Just different to the Drophead amp

nysbob · #10 10-03-2011, 11:17 PM

At the risk of repetition, I'd say you owe to yourself to at least TRY a VBA400. I've heard of them going for reasonable dough over there, and the one I checked out was very impressive.

With your box though...the orange, peavey or traynor would all probably work fine.

Alex1984 · #11 10-03-2011, 11:53 PM

Yeah, given the availability of Marshalls, you should try them. Between the SVT-CL and SVT 2-Pro, probably not too much of a difference aside from one being rackmountable and having an EQ, but I agree the VR sounds nicer. Traynor YBA-200s are worthy contenders especially at that price, but they do seem pretty quiet for a 200W amp.

JimmyM · #12 10-04-2011, 01:12 AM

I prefer the VR too, but I don't hear worlds of difference between it and the CL or 2 Pro. I guess some could interpret it that way, but to me they all sound pretty close, and they all sound like SVT's.

Duke21 · #13 10-04-2011, 01:26 AM

I would listen almost blindly to JimmyM regarding the choices of Ampeg units.
Regarding the EBS T90, it is a great amp, my step-som is playing one. Great tube tone with his EBS 4x10 Neo. It is a very simple amp, low, high, presence and volume, thats it. But it have a good DI, so 100W should work fine most of the time.
The T90 is the one that will give you dirty tone quite easy without being too loud, but then without PA you would lack a bit clean headroom. It is actually the only "issue" my step-son is having with the T90, he could with a bit more clean headroom, well just a bit.

Devo-lution · #14 10-04-2011, 01:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duke21

I would listen almost blindly to JimmyM regarding the choices of Ampeg units.
Regarding the EBS T90, it is a great amp, my step-som is playing one. Great tube tone with his EBS 4x10 Neo. It is a very simple amp, low, high, presence and volume, thats it. But it have a good DI, so 100W should work fine most of the time.
The T90 is the one that will give you dirty tone quite easy without being too loud, but then without PA you would lack a bit clean headroom. It is actually the only "issue" my step-son is having with the T90, he could with a bit more clean headroom, well just a bit.

Yeah, that's the issue most guys playing 100 watt valve amps seem to encounter. Without PA, you have to push the amp a little. You don't really hear this that much in a bandmix though.

JimmyM · #15 10-04-2011, 01:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duke21

I would listen almost blindly to JimmyM regarding the choices of Ampeg units.

I appreciate that, Duke

but I'd still encourage those who haven't played the different SVT models to try them out if they can and make up their own minds.

johnk_10 · #16 10-04-2011, 02:11 AM

i decided to use my '07 SVT-VR with my 4x12 V4 cab loaded with 2512-II's on the gig last saturday night and i was in bass tone bliss all night. it was so good that it actually made me wonder why i hadn't been using on every gig in the last year, but i intend to use it alot more now.

Triad · #17 10-04-2011, 05:28 AM

Thanx guys... I found a JCM for €700 and a VBA400 for €900. But... is it true it's 50kg?!

Found a B stock CL for €1000. But to be honest I'd prefer the SVT2 for the extra features that probably make it more versatile on the long term.
100w would PROBABLY be enough with the 8x8" but you know... I'm spending 1000 bucks, I'd like to cover every situation with the amp with the choice of clean or dirty sound.
In terms of sound I'm sure everybody here has its choice... but in terms of versatility? How is the VBA against the SVT? The EBS is really simple... maybe too much. The Orange sounds a bit dark but it could be an impression...

Duke21 · #18 10-04-2011, 05:44 AM

The VBA is heavy, at 400W with tubes and old design, it could not be light.
The EBS is simple, but not too simple. You have modern features as the D.I. The only thing you lack is mids knob and compressor. But you do not really need these 2 features, at least the compressor.

Triad · #19 10-04-2011, 05:51 AM

I probably don't need more than 200w for everything... but if the difference between the JCM and the VBS is only €200...

Which head has the most versatile tone? I mean... I also slap and would hate a dark sounding amp with a highs knob that can't make it brighter (for example).

smemm · #20 10-04-2011, 07:38 AM

If you can get your hands on one of the Traynor YBA 200 2's it is a very solid choice. I just picked one up for 300 CAD and am very happy so far.