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best modern tube amp.

#22
Mesa 400+ all the way. I sold mine due to weight because I had it in a 6 space ATA style rack with a tuner and voltage regulator. It weighed well over 100 pounds and wouldn't fit anywhere. It had tone for days and I will probably own a mesa down the line again.

If they reissue the buster or a 200 watt head offering non rackable I might get one. I've also considered a peavey vb2 in the modern tube head category. I'd love for a matamp but can't justify the cost as I'm really just a dedicated hobbyist and play about 10 hours a week only. Thought about the ashdonw little bastard if I could get one new through some offer in the 600USD neightborhood but I really don't need it, my b15n handles those duties for home use.
 
#23
The Ampeg SVT-VR or Heritage SVT is still the best IMO. The Traynor YBA-300 looks liked it'd be a pretty close contender though. The 400+ was a little too smooth for my liking, but has its charms. The Fender 300 Pro and the Mesa 400+ have both been known for being very versatile. I'd love to hear some UK stuff like Marshall, Orange, or Matamp, but they're quite expensive here. :(
 
#24
I own an 1980's dutch tubehead. It's called Multitone. And has 8xel34's. And weighs allmost 40 KG's. Wich is alot to put on top of an 8x10 or 4x12.

I'd love it to have a good compressor like the BASSMAN 300 PRO has. I'd like it to have less weight. So either it's a 100 watt version & I'd use Neodynium speakers (wich would make it sound twice as loud) or have 200 watts and there would be some serious weightsaving on the transformers.

The Peavey VB3 weighs 17 KG. Wich less then half the weight of a current 300 watt tubehead. Probably even less then half of what a Fender bassman 100 would weigh...
I'd love it to have a DI and a graphic EQ.
 
#27
alecduncan said:
Mesa has the:

400+
Mesa Boogie Bass 400+ Amplifier

and the D180, and the original 400.

Peavey has the VB-2 and the VB-3.

Eden has the WTB300V, as already mentioned. I love that head, I wish I had the funds to buy one.

Markbass makes the Classic 300, which I personally hate, but it's still an all-tube option.

My vote for the best modern all-tube amp is probably going to be the Mesa 400+. Man, that baby is incredible. But, if I was allowed any one "modern" tube head I'd probably steal a WTB300V, just fits my tone better.
Click to expand...

Ya, know about the Mesa 400's and such. I didn't mention them on the count that they no longer make'em.
 
#28
I used to own a Matchless Thunderchief, made by Mark Sampson. That will forever be the standard against which all other amps are measured. Rich, warm, articulate...simply perfect IMO.

I have played quite a few other tube amps, and I agree that the Reeves and Sadowsky are far ahead of most in the tube amp game (at least Sad was). However, the Matamp GT200 also rocks, but in a harsher, less refined (not to be misinterpreted as "worse" though) way. Beyond those, I'd say the SwampWorks Possum Stomper is more than worth a listen, though it's a hybrid and a "true" tube amp. I've always been a fan of the Aggie DB359 as well.

EDIT: I should mention that Matchless is still willing to build a TC, but I'm not sure how it would differ from the original. Price tag $2500, not too bad.
 
#29
Ampeg SVT VR. Theres a reason why 95% of the time when I see a band play live and their bass player is using a tube amp its a VR. The move to Vietnam shortly after it was released may have diminshed some of its luster (There are way too many threads and posts on this), but Ive played through the American and the Vietnam and they are both absolutely amazing.

Ive owned the VR (only sold it cuz Im a gear slut and needed to "try something new", Ive owned aguilar tube amps, i currently own a Greenamp, Ive played through Orange AD200. The VR is overall the most balanced.

The only way I wouldnt recommend the VR is if you absolutely hate the "Ampeg sound".
 
#30
djshawn47 said:
Ampeg SVT VR. Theres a reason why 95% of the time when I see a band play live and their bass player is using a tube amp its a VR. The move to Vietnam shortly after it was released may have diminshed some of its luster (There are way too many threads and posts on this), but Ive played through the American and the Vietnam and they are both absolutely amazing.

Ive owned the VR (only sold it cuz Im a gear slut and needed to "try something new", Ive owned aguilar tube amps, i currently own a Greenamp, Ive played through Orange AD200. The VR is overall the most balanced.

The only way I wouldnt recommend the VR is if you absolutely hate the "Ampeg sound".
Click to expand...

I think I see more users playing out of the Classic than the VR. Either way, it's still an Ampeg :p
 
#31
Alex1984 said:
Also, just wanted to point out that Eden previously had a rebranded "Smarvo" tube amp. That had a pretty big impact on my view of their credibility.
Click to expand...

In fairness anywhere that has amps made in the far east will be doing a similar thing, having them made in another factory. Just not all of them will be selling independently Link Removed
 
#33
Muziekschuur said:
I own an 1980's dutch tubehead. It's called Multitone. And has 8xel34's. And weighs allmost 40 KG's. Wich is alot to put on top of an 8x10 or 4x12.

I'd love it to have a good compressor like the BASSMAN 300 PRO has. I'd like it to have less weight. So either it's a 100 watt version & I'd use Neodynium speakers (wich would make it sound twice as loud) or have 200 watts and there would be some serious weightsaving on the transformers..
Click to expand...

What's the point in having a compressor on a tube amp, which compresses by itself?

My favourite tube amps aren't really that "modern", I guess. I see no need for built in compressors or distortion channels or whatsoever.

I do really, really like most SVT-classics.

But my favourite is my own FAD-Four. Made in Belgium in 2010. Don't know really that much about it technically. Has the Fender tone stack and few features (no DI, no fx loop, ...). Amp tech opened up for a routine check and his verdict was: "very-old-fender-ish" and "decently made with good quality stuff". Well, long story short, this amp sounds great to my ears.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
#34
With a graphic eq and a (tube) compressor you can get some very specific sounds. Some gritty ones, some oversmooth ones.

And if there is a floor button for on/off you basically can have a second channel. And if there is an effectloop wich can be on one or two you can go from dry to gritty wet or whatever you desire...

I think this will offer versatility.
 
#35
Great comments but thought it might lead back to an Ampeg SVT.

So excluding the SVT would be interested in the Marshall VBA and of course the Mesa 400+.

RumbeFisher gets special mention for his "Swampworks Possum Stomper"

Ashdown and Hi Watt not there yet.
 
#36
If you're looking for a lot of power Markbass makes a killer:

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If you're looking for simple, great tone with less power check out this EBS:

Link Removed

On the boutique end these Divied by 13's show up used occasionally:

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All tend to be pricy. Here is the tube amp I've owned since 1975 (new) and it sounds GREAT!:

MusicMan 65 Stack pictures by kensmithphotobucket - Photobucket
 
#39
Muziekschuur said:
I own an 1980's dutch tubehead. It's called Multitone. And has 8xel34's. And weighs allmost 40 KG's. Wich is alot to put on top of an 8x10 or 4x12.

I'd love it to have a good compressor like the BASSMAN 300 PRO has. I'd like it to have less weight. So either it's a 100 watt version & I'd use Neodynium speakers (wich would make it sound twice as loud) or have 200 watts and there would be some serious weightsaving on the transformers.

The Peavey VB3 weighs 17 KG. Wich less then half the weight of a current 300 watt tubehead. Probably even less then half of what a Fender bassman 100 would weigh...
I'd love it to have a DI and a graphic EQ.
Click to expand...

How would using neos make it sound louder ? My reading from users say you need more power to neos in order for them to measure up to ceramics in terms of volume.
 

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