What hill would you die on? Amp edition

HAL9000

soma1975 said:

Amps don't needs valves in them to sound great, but all the best sounding amps have valves. 

True. I suspect though that at least part of the reason is that solid-state amps are often perceived as lower-end and so come with cheaper speakers, cabinets, transformers, etc. No reason (other than cost) that a (preferably analog) solid-state can’t be as good.

ToneControl

Matchless DC30

ToneControl

HAL9000 said:

soma1975 said:

Amps don't needs valves in them to sound great, but all the best sounding amps have valves. 

True. I suspect though that at least part of the reason is that solid-state amps are often perceived as lower-end and so come with cheaper speakers, cabinets, transformers, etc. No reason (other than cost) that a (preferably analog) solid-state can’t be as good.

There are, they function differently, so the results are different.
Which one of those results are generally preferred is down to collective assessment of musicality.

I have played a prototype SS amp that sounded as good cleanish as quite good valve amps, but was also expensive, and was only designed shortly before modelling took off fully.

Lebarque

Less knobs the better

ToneControl

Lebarque said:

Less knobs the better

for some amps yes, for the lovely old circuit designs that worked

Dumble clones no

high gain amps also no

NelsonP

2 channel amps are better than a single channel amp + pedals, even with a shared eq

KevS

If there was just a Transistor Amp that was as Temperamental and Heavy as a Valve amp..I might consider lowering my standards to buy it.. 

stickyfiddle

thecolourbox said:

The Hot Rod Deluxe drive channel is great

Not just great - it’s better than the clean channel

Stevepage

Mesa amps cost way too much money. But I absolutely love them

dilithium85

Stevepage said:

Mesa amps cost way too much money. But I absolutely love them

I 100% agree with this. I've played 3 mesa amps, loved them all, but never owned one and they always seem just financially out of reach

Sporky

None of the statements in this thread have been scientifically tested, and thus can be disregarded. 

Trump that. 

ICBM

KevS said:

If there was just a Transistor Amp that was as Temperamental and Heavy as a Valve amp..I might consider lowering my standards to buy it.. 

HH VS Musician 100W 2x12” combo.

Stevepage

dilithium85 said:

Stevepage said:

Mesa amps cost way too much money. But I absolutely love them

I 100% agree with this. I've played 3 mesa amps, loved them all, but never owned one and they always seem just financially out of reach

I’ve been lucky to have both a Mark Iv and Triple rec at the same time, but was too stupid and sold them both. One of my biggest regrets

thecolourbox

Sporky said:

None of the statements in this thread have been scientifically tested, and thus can be disregarded. 

Trump that. 

You don't know that for a fact

Danny1969

I have a Mesa F-30 and it's nice and all but none of the Mesa's I have worked on have been well thought out design wise,  and some of the things they do just seem deliberately done to hinder repair. I've rightened a lot of the wrongs in mine and it's very unlikely to go wrong again in the same way but I find how it was designed disappointing in such an expensive amp. 

KevS

KevS said:

If there was just a Transistor Amp that was as Temperamental and Heavy as a Valve amp..I might consider lowering my standards to buy it.. 

Ah,Why Wilko Johnson pulled all those faces and played so aggressively....
I remember when starting out thinking the Green light up panel was cool..

Also are those not one of the only old Transistor Amps that have become desirable / collectible..
An exception considered acceptable by the valves only type..I can't keep up with that stuff..
I just see things and think,,What..Coron and Loco Box Pedals with premium prices etc..
Lot's of cool players played H & H though..

shaunm

Sporky said:

None of the statements in this thread have been scientifically tested, and thus can be disregarded. 

Trump that. 

“Grab the amp by the ……”

dilithium85

If you're not happy with your sound from an amp it makes more sense to change the speaker not the amp, but that's not gear your can show off

Lebarque

Valve amps are far superior in tone and feel to digital modelling.

Schnozz

95% of amps made are cheap Made in China fizz.