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Other points…
Different boosts and different attenuators will perform differently.
With attenuators, you need one rated for at least double the power of the amp really - although that won't usually be an issue with a 20W amp.
The attenuator needs to match the impedance of the amp, although some are more 'universal' than others.
It will shorten the life of the valves a bit but shouldn't (if the amp is well-built) do any other harm.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
I've tried a couple. It's not actually bad-sounding, but it is very average. It also contains three components, is rated at best for 45W (and I wouldn't run a cranked 45W amp into it) the standard model doesn't even have a proper casing, and it's *over £200*. It has to be the most overpriced attenuator there is.
Seriously, £219 for this?
http://medias.audiofanzine.com/images/normal/dr-z-amplification-brake-lite-1015230.jpg
Possibly, plus there's a bit of extra complexity. It also may not sound as good as you expect - if you think it's going to give the exact same sound as a cranked amp but quieter, you're likely to be disappointed. You will get an overdriven amp sound - but because the speaker is being driven less hard and being damped more heavily, and not least because your ears don't respond in the same way at lower volume, it will not give the same listening experience.
To be perfectly honest, the right overdrive pedal can often sound as good.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
Personally I'm not all that fond of a cranked Princeton, but that's just me.
Cheers
It's got enough output to be used as a clean boost and the OD sounds very natural especially with Fender style amps.
Having said that, I used a Hotplate for years with good results.
There can be an issue with the impedance curve as well - some are *very* different from a real speaker (including the Hotplate, when the Bright switch is engaged) which can sound bad with some amps or put a lot of strain on the valves (again including the Hotplate, with Marshall-type amps in particular).
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein