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Most Underrated Tube Head?

#42
So, you had to turn the VB2 up more than you wanted to?
Well, an SVT CL is somewhat more powerful than a VB2.
But for me, the VB2 is plenty powerful for my LOUD cover band.
So are you saying you had to turn the VB2 up to the point of distortion to get the volume you need? If so, that's an awful LOT of volume.
One factor could be the Ampeg 810e. That's an inefficient cab so for a given amount of power in, you'll get less sound power out than you would with a more efficient cab. Even so, I would think a VB2 through an 810e should be plenty powerful in a band setting.
I honestly don't know if running a tube amp closer to its power limit will significantly reduce tube lifespan compared to running the amp at a lower power. Is that what you're asking? If so, good question. Maybe someone else here can answer that.
Alembicplyr said:
Ampeg 810e, in the store, the very same one I own. Compared to some of the 300 watters, SVT CL, VR, and Fender 300 pro, the VB2 had to be run much harder in comparison.
I was under the impression, that the harder you run your head, the more taxed your tubes get, is this an accurate statement?
I'm a tube Noob ;)
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#43
Bernie P. said:
+1 on the old Earth B-2000/B-24 cab!Bought mine new many years back and still have it.Obviously not underrated by me-
PIC0005-2.jpg
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Is that Missy Elliot?

;)
 
#44
After all that being said, I went with the VR, it seemed to run the cleanest at a much higher volume than the VB2. But no mistaking, the tone of the VB2 was awesome, I just wanted a hair more power, to make up for the 810e's inefficiencies. As anyone who owns a larger cab, the term "loud" becomes a blurred gray line ;)
 
#45
I honestly don't know if running a tube amp closer to its power limit will significantly reduce tube lifespan compared to running the amp at a lower power. Is that what you're asking? If so, good question. Maybe someone else here can answer that.
Click to expand...

Heat is probably the most destructive aspect of tube operation. When you run a tube amp wide open, the tubes run cooler because they reach a point of switching on and off. They actually run much cooler that way than at idle. The power tubes heat up the most around 1/3 power because that's probably the worst case scenario for efficiency. Both of these situations would be seen on a test bench and are not really good models of bass guitar reproduction. A bass guitar signal is very intermittent, so none of this matters a whole lot.

BUT...at full power, the power supply gets taxed more and so does the output transformer.
 
#46
I'm not sure that right now there are any "underratted" tube amps. Every tube amp seems to have a large cadre of followers. I think the only "underrated" amps are the lesser known older ones from companies like Sound City, Traynor, Earth, Peavey ,etc.

Formerly I would have said that most underated current production was the YBA200-2. Those looking for really great tube tone, in a lightweight package, but not requiring as much volume, it's a great option. Properly tubed (12at7's) it has a vintage warmth that is beautiful to my ears, but it's clean power is not as loud as it's contemporary the vb2. Unfortunately it comes tubed (12x7's) for early breakup and at nearly the same price I think most folks will go with the Peavey.

Thus, I think current production "underrated" would have to go to the VB2, IMHO. It's got great tone right out of the box, good tone shaping abilities, is an absolute bargain, is reportedly over-tranny'd, and has even more volume than it's rating might suggest. That it is made in the USA and backed by Peavey is just the icing on the cake. Adding to it's claim on "underrated" is that as a Peavey it has more name-baggage to overcome than any other current tube amp.

My Traynor seemed to be precieved as strange and unique. "Peavey" often makes people wrinkle up their nose and scoff.

Even though folks look sideways at my Peavey (alot more than they did with the traynor strangely enough) I'm so content with my VB2, that I've abandoned my plans to save for a Reeves. Not that the VB2 is in the same league, I just don't feel that I need anything more at this time.

Alembicplyr said:
What kept me from getting this head, (VB2) was the sub par performance, through an 810. If I had a smaller cab, say a 410, 212, 210 etc, I would have went with the VB2.
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That's odd, I ran my VB2 through a Carvin RL810 (not terrible, but not super-efficient) all summer and had more volume than I would ever need. However, my band isn't particularly loud, and I'm, sure that if you absolutely need the muscle of an SVT or a 300pro, the VB2 probably won't do it for you.
 
#47
I agree that Peavey is making some good stuff. I have never tried the VB2 but at the prices they were blowing them out at, why not. I mean.... The tubes alone were worth almost what the amp was going for!

I think this helped Peavey to overcome name recognition and get people really playing the amps instead of looking at the badge. I have yet to play one but given the opportunity I will gladly (and fairly) A.B. it with my fender studio bass using the same cab.
 
#48
There are a lot of great suggestions in this thread. But I'll throw out something totally different: Epiphone Valve Jr.

Yup, it's only 5 watts, so we are definitely talking volume limitations, but for the dough, this thing has great tone! It can work well for practice, recording, or even live use if you are creative. I use mine to power the octave-up "rhythm guitar" signal when I use my Uni-Bass, and it's amazing how loud it can get at those frequencies.

IMG_6735.jpg


Tom.
 
#50
Reeves Custom 225....certainly not nearly as popular as the ubiquitous vintage Ampeg SVT blueline, but IMHO the hand wired, all tube Reeves sounds "more better" (and I used to own all tube Ampegs).

This Reeves rig is a tube tone monster! Every time I turn it on, let the tubes warm up, and then flick the standby switch to the on position and play my bass, I can't help saying "DAYUM!!"
 

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