+1
I've been carrying my hybrid (SVT4Pro) for the last 10 or so years. Never had a single problem.
I've been carrying my hybrid (SVT4Pro) for the last 10 or so years. Never had a single problem.
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US builder(s) making "German quality" heads
- Thread starter HeavyJazz
- Start date
I really don't understand the question...does the US not make good amplifiers? Plenty of KILLER heads being produced here. Tube, Hybrid, and SS.
Hopkins
Commercial User
Say what you want. But there isn't a high end German head out there that I would trade my 700rbII for. That amp has be absolutely reliable for years and sounds better to my ear than any of those modern sounding HiFi heads.
Chef
In Memoriam
Completely and 100% disagree.
I gigged SWR and Eden hybrids for decades, with zero problems. I've gigged a Mesa Walkabout (three of them actually, one of each generation) for close to 10 years, with zero problems.
I gigged SWR and Eden hybrids for decades, with zero problems. I've gigged a Mesa Walkabout (three of them actually, one of each generation) for close to 10 years, with zero problems.
Chef
In Memoriam
No US "BMW grade" builders?
Also: disagree.
Mesa, Thunderfunk, Demeter, Jule. Fender SuperBassman300!
Seen the inside of an Ampeg Heritage SVT? Verellan Meatsmoke?
The Baer Vaklyrie will be an "artisan" grade amp, when it hits.
There are plenty more, that's just what popped to mind.
Also: disagree.
Mesa, Thunderfunk, Demeter, Jule. Fender SuperBassman300!
Seen the inside of an Ampeg Heritage SVT? Verellan Meatsmoke?
The Baer Vaklyrie will be an "artisan" grade amp, when it hits.
There are plenty more, that's just what popped to mind.
Reeves comes to mind. There's also a US builder, whom I refuse to name out of principle who makes very good gear, even if his marketing strategy is 100% smoke and mirrors, BS, and other ills normally reserved for the "hi-fi" realm...
Agree on Jule and Demeter. Been through 3 different Demeter pres and they're the only ones I found to be as silent and wide open as a high end solid state. James is the man! I would love one of those new powered heads, but man are they pricey! You get what you pay for, yes indeed.
This topic came from me recalling the amp I originally audtioned my Zon 5/2 through - a Glock Soul II though a Glock Double. It left quite the scae I guess. Man, the tooooone!!!
Agree on Jule and Demeter. Been through 3 different Demeter pres and they're the only ones I found to be as silent and wide open as a high end solid state. James is the man! I would love one of those new powered heads, but man are they pricey! You get what you pay for, yes indeed.
This topic came from me recalling the amp I originally auditioned my Zon 5/2 through - a Glock Soul II though a Glock Double. It left quite the scare I guess. Man, the tooooone!!!
You're entitled to your opinion, but my opinion and experience are contrary to yours.
For example, my Musicman amp has been chugging along for about 40 years with nothing more than an occaisional retube/bias and two worn out power switches.
Chef
In Memoriam
Aguilar comes to mind for me as a top-level US builder.
I have very limited experience with Glockenklang and I am certain they're fantastic, but there have been many comparable US builders with fantastic solid state products: Aguilar, Walter Woods, Thunderfunk, Acoustic Image.
I have very limited experience with Glockenklang and I am certain they're fantastic, but there have been many comparable US builders with fantastic solid state products: Aguilar, Walter Woods, Thunderfunk, Acoustic Image.
Most of the owners manuals that I've looked at (being curious about specs) state that Behringer's products are designed in Germany. And when it comes to performance factors such as noise and headroom, parts is parts, regardless of where the assemblies are made. On the other hand, an amp that is rated for "peak" power has effectively negative headroom.
Although Thunderfunk is supposed to be high end, I would not consider the amplifiers to have a low noise floor due to the design of the preamplifier section, It has too many EQ options and opamps in it to be considered low noise. You can reduce the audible hiss by about half by replacing the TL074s by the drop in upgrade TLE2074 unless Dave has already made that upgrade. Even then it would not really be low noise compared to other designs.
Walter Woods? Still in business?
Phil Jones?
Euphonic Audio was popular around here a while back
Phil Jones?
Euphonic Audio was popular around here a while back
As someone who's owned way, way too many German cars, if you had asked me to describe what I'd expect to see if you told me an amp was "German quality" I'd say it'd be a combo of quality components, meticulous attention to detail and a significant amount of over-engineering. I'd also say that nothing stamped out en masse in China would count.
So with that said, Mesa stuff absolutely fits in that bucket, earlier Aguilar stuff like the DB680 and AG500 (they've simplified with the new stuff but the quality and attention to detail is still there in spades,) Thunderfunk absolutely, and actually I'd say the big-iron GK stuff I've used would fit as well.
So with that said, Mesa stuff absolutely fits in that bucket, earlier Aguilar stuff like the DB680 and AG500 (they've simplified with the new stuff but the quality and attention to detail is still there in spades,) Thunderfunk absolutely, and actually I'd say the big-iron GK stuff I've used would fit as well.
