Epifani UL501 - Will I Like It?

[billinbrasil]

Well my 800RB is getting tired and temperamental in its old age. It doesn't owe me anything, I bought it new in 1985 and it's been flawless until recently. But now the output is fluctuating and it's making some static noise. I intend to get it fixed but it's time to think about a new amp.

I've got a line on a new, in the box, Epifani UL501 for a decent price. The problem is that it's 800 km from where I'm at, so I cannot test it. Coming from the 800RB, will I like the Epi?

I run the GK at mild boost with the mid contour off and go through two Epifani PS112 cabs. Is the UL501 capable of grit or is it clean hi-fi only? From what I've read, it's been described as "warm hi-fi", which might be interesting for me, if I can get a slight bit of grit out of it.

TIA

 

[Wasnex]

I read through the long thread from 2010 on the UL501. My take is it's voiced similar to UL902, but a bit more mid forward.

I have a UL902C and think of it as a clean machine. The tone reminds me of a really nice channel strip (HiFi).

I used to play an 800RB and currently own a 2000RB and 700RB. IMHO GK sound is different than Epifani. I like both, but you may not.

The UL501 is a pretty old design and I don't get the impression it was very popular.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Well my 800RB is getting tired and temperamental in its old age. It doesn't owe me anything, I bought it new in 1985 and it's been flawless until recently. But now the output is fluctuating and it's making some static noise. I intend to get it fixed but it's time to think about a new amp.

I've got a line on a new, in the box, Epifani UL501 for a decent price. The problem is that it's 800 km from where I'm at, so I cannot test it. Coming from the 800RB, will I like the Epi?

I run the GK at mild boost with the mid contour off and go through two Epifani PS112 cabs. Is the UL501 capable of grit or is it clean hi-fi only? From what I've read, it's been described as "warm hi-fi", which might be interesting for me, if I can get a slight bit of grit out of it.

TIA

Great amps but be prepared to stick a pedal on the front side. I used the PS1000 (...matching amp for your PS series cabs) and, while being warm, didn't hit the soft break-up you've described. That being said, the platform did lend itself well when hosting peripherals.

Riis

 

[mikeswals]

I had a UL501 several years ago. It had gobs of power. I'm a Mesa guy, and I liked that amp....it was not clean like many modern amps, it was warm like an Aguilar is. No it didn't break up, but it has a bit of gutsy character in it sound.

 

[6thplanet]

As for the GK, is this the old effects loop switched jacks acting up?

 

[HeavyJazz]

The 501 will be a step up in my experience. Solid head for sure. There's actually a UL902 in the classifieds currently at a great price as well.

 

[billinbrasil]

As for the GK, is this the old effects loop switched jacks acting up?

I've had the effects loop jumped out for 15 years or so….