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Comments
There’s also an issue of long-term repairability with switch-mode power supplies and Class D power amps in that if the electrolytic caps fail - just as they do in any older gear - it can often do so much collateral damage that the module is then a write-off, whereas with a valve or old solid-state amp it’s usually just a case of changing the caps.
One thing that’s nice to see about the Tonemasters is that these potentially long-term-problem modules are completely separate inside the chassis, so in theory it would be possible to replace them with a future equivalent even if the exact part isn’t available. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s practical without a bit of physical bodging though - they’re usually very specifically designed for the way they’re mounted.
But overall they do look better-made and a safer long-term bet than most other modeling amps.
"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
So if for example the systemboard dies, theoretically the same or a compatible systemboard replaces and you reinstall the OS but otherwise any components, daughter boards etc are fine to just hook up to the new. If it kills the cpu with it though or you can’t get a board compatible with the memory in situ etc then it can quickly become unviable to repair compared to replace.
Obviously everyone has different tolerances but as a volume on 6-7ish user the 0.2w for me I’d be really disappointed if neighbours knocked on the wall in the daytime.
I think I’d struggle to hit that requirement even with a Yamaha THR10 and me sat directly in the beam.
I can kinda see for similar price of either this might be a good option for both home and gigging. I’d like to try one for my own curiosity, but if only one or the other and weight not a big issue then don’t really see the point.
That said, I 100% would not buy one, and I know it's for purely illogical reasons. I like valves. You can tell me how transistors are superior in every way (as the owner of Session amps told me many times in pubs) and I will still want valves. I won't go down the Kemper/Helix/AxeFX route, because they will no doubt sound excellent - but I'll still want valves.
Is it logical? No. Will my knowledge of that change my mind? Also no.