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You can always use an attenuator, power scaling or master volume if you want the amp to break up earlier, the first two apply even if by break-up you only mean power amp overdrive.
"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
For those who live in a flat, a valve amp + Captor X + headphones is one answer. (A modeller + headphones being the other.)
In the past the problem with guitars was they were too quiet! Making them really quiet kind of defeats the purpose somewhat.
Throw a duvet over the cab
If it's too quiet all you hear is the strings anyway.
Trading feedback here
The fryette powerstation option works really well, but at very low levels I would say it is as good a a good drive channel with a good master volume.
For me the best option for low level playing that doesn't annoy neighbours or family is using load boxes with IR tech through studio monitors/headphones. A good load box is key to getting the feel right.
Bear in mind that you are feeding in the same guitar signal level at the input. So, as you drop the amp's internal voltages with PS/VVR/etc, you will introduce more and more distortion. More than the same amp has without PS/VVR.
(See "Brown sound" stories.)
There are also designs from Valveheaven.com using some repurposed TV valves and unusual ideas for the HT supplies and output transformers. I have successfully used a 100v line transformer costing less than £10 on an 18watt 2 x EL84 amp.
To keep costs down I also use 6N2P dual triode valves - available on Ebay - in place of ECC83 (12AX7), you just need to wire the heater 6.3v ac to pins 4 and 5 and leave pin 9 alone.
Nick
Thing is, when you get right down the 12" speaker, and the cab I suppose, aren't really working properly and it becomes pointless. Imo.
At that point you're probably as well going headphones.
I have a Ox box too, so all bases covered.
Trading feedback here
View my feedback at www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/comment/1201922
Have to say that if Boss did a new version of the Katana with the AIRD X-models from the GT1000/GX100 I’d be really interested, as through headphones at least I think they’re fantastic.
Airborne sound can be limited by shutting windows and doors, you can get an idea of how much is leaking by listening from outside the room. But if your cab is on the floor (depending on house construction etc., etc.) then quite a bit of volume can be transmitted as structure borne sound.