After hearing the recent TPS video on EL84 amps, and loving the sound of the HC-30 I started to look into the amp a bit more.
I then seen that a Badcat Blackcat is basically the same, I think? So a lot more affordable with negotiable differences.
I already have a Badcat Cub 40R combo which has the EF-86 switchable pre-amp section which sounded so good on TPS. So maybe I just need a good 2x12 instead of using the stock speaker to give it more oomph?
I’ve also noticed the Blackcat 30r hand-wried head with cab for sale in the classifieds, which tempted me to “upgrade” and get the proper 2 channels like the Matchless, however it’s a bit too far for me to drive to collect.
Anyone able to weigh in here and talk me into/out of GASing to replace my current Badcat? Anyone compared the Badcat to the Matchless?
Comments
I've put mine (one of the earliest Bad Cats) up against various Matchless HC30s and DC30s in the studio on a number of occasions, and in blind tests I've ALWAYS picked the Bad Cat. For me personally, that's the best amp ever made.
There's one of these old ones in the classifieds just now with an original cab. If I wasn't skint I'd be buying that to have a second one. If I was you I'd be driving across the country today to pick that up!
I've had various newer Bad Cats too, and they are wonderful amps, but none has ever quite captured the magic of those earliest ones. The build quality is different too - they've lost the military-grade jack sockets of the original, for example, and the second rectifier socket. Plus, you can no longer chain the channels, which is a real pity.
Of the newer ones, the model just before the K Master version was my favourite, but if you can find an original four-input Black Cat 30 in great nick, jump on it.
I cant comment on the early Badcats, but I trust Stu Macs ears and knowledge.
But for me, having owned two Bad Cats, the Matchless do have a little bit ‘more’ - of everything. The more recent Bad Cats are good, but as Stu says above, some components have been changed and they are not Matchless good.
In other words, superior... your need for “more oomph” ?
Lord above, my 15w Nighthawk is one of the loudest, room filling 3D amps Ive ever played.
Neils Bad Cat is very close to me and I was tempted. Its an amazing price, with everything you need.
The fickle part of me though wants that lit-up Matchless logo chiming away !
We are rehearsing tomorrow night and Im already excited.