Tube Works RT3300R opinions

Really liked mine. One of the "tubiest" sounding SS amps out there.

Note: The output transistors they used have been out of production for years. If it blows, it'll be at best a big, heavy preamp. At worst, a doorstop.

 

Had that in a combo and sold it to a good friend who now uses it in his church. Would have loved to own the head version.

However, I have to echo Will's concerns of the ability to repair it. I had a 100 watt TW guitar combo that sounded fantastic. Brought it into have a broken tube socket replaced and something happened during that process. It would play for 60 seconds and then shut down. Said shop took another look at it but couldn't bring it back to life, and it wasn't worth sending it to Butler at his shop rate so I dumped it on CL.

Having said that, I don't think I can fault the amps, but now I prefer to stick with gear that I am more confident I can get repaired, especially if it is older. Like my Mesa 400. There is an older Seymore Duncan head on CL nearby but I am avoiding it for this very reason.

Eric

 

I have three of their amps - all sound fantastic. As for the "can't get the output transistors" issue, not really an issue if they don't blow - not terribly likely IMO.

 

Mine Is in my "pile of stuff to fix later".

It's a big pile.

They did make some great stuff though.

 

I've owned and gigged one since about 2004. I've never had the least issue with it (touch wood, quick!) and I've been hard pressed to find a head that I think sounds better. The pots do tend to get a little scratchy after 2 decades, and I've never really heard the limiter do much, but the effects loop controls are excellent, and the DI is really good, either pre- or post EQ. The EQ is very useful. Everything you need, and nothing you don't.

I've changed the 12AX7 preamp tube a couple of times, and there is some tonal difference with different manufacturers. I'm using a Tube Amp Doctor right now, which gives me just a bit of grit when I dig in.

Here are my impressions with various cabs:

• Ampeg 410 - Fairly loud, never got past a slight nasal tone.
• Carvin RL6815 - With one 15" and two 8" + tweeter, this was an awesome sound! But it weighed over 100 pounds with the RT installed in it.
• Traynor TC1510 - Again, a great sounding pairing, but too heavy to schlep.
• Acme B2 - This 4 ohm cabinet pairs nicely, and since the RT is 2 ohm capable, a pair of these 210's sounds really good.

Make sure that you get a rack case for it. I recommend a 3-space so that there is some additional gap for ventilation. I had a 2-space and it seemed to amplify the fan noise, like a wind tunnel. Note that this amp predates Speakon connectors, so you live with 1/4" jacks.

I just got a GB Shuttle 6.2, so my RT-3300 might be on the block soon.
I also have the little brother RT-3100 combo for bedroom practice, and don't see replacing it.

 

I don't know about rust. Mine had a couple of scratches on the top cover and I just shot a coat of black spray paint over it: good as new. As stated, keep it in a case and there should be no reason for it to get damaged or rust.

Our band plays rock covers in local bars, as well as some small outdoor parties (40-90 people), and my single Acme B2 (4 ohm) has been plenty. We've been told to turn down. The Acme is quite power hungry, so a BFM 210 should get quite loud, I assume. It really is a surprisingly powerful amp, but don't expect it to do stadiums.

The FET preamp is always clean, but far from sterile. Tastes good. I do prefer it for slap, although that's not really my thing.

 

Regarding the FET pre, I concur with @abarson. The tube side warms it up and can get gritty when pushed hard, but a pedal would be better. I prefer a Trace Elliot SMX tube pre as it adds beef to the already good sound they have. But the 3300 is a great sounding amp. Remember, it's 300 watts RMS, max is probably much higher.

I ran a speaker cord into the Henry 8x8 I had and it was plenty loud. Want volume? Add cabinets.