Which amp to choose???

[CombatWombat]

I can't make a darn decision!

I think it's pretty much come down to the VOX valvetronix 50w, which is hybrid solid state/tube or the pure solid state Johnson Marquis 60w.

They are both meant to model a bunch of different amps, but the Johnson models more and seems like it has a more intuitive design to me.

As far as tone goes, I don't think that I can hardly tell a difference. I mean, the valvetronix DOES have some tubes in it...but I don't know that it's really making much of a difference in this case. I may just be drawn to the idea of owning a tube amp.

Has anyone played either or even both of these amps? What have your experiences with them been like? I need to stop messing around and make a decision.

[Drunkenmaster]

I think I've played on the Johnson amp before. I'm not a big fan of amp modeling stuff. I have played a fender cyber-twin and would have to say that it's better than the Johnson. I'm not sure what the price comparison is on all of those are, though. Are you dead set on a solid state?

[CombatWombat]

I'm not deadset on anything, really...especially a solid state. I'd love to get a tube amp, I'm just not sure how deep my pockets are at the moment.

The Cyber Twin is a ways out of my price range. I'm thinking no more than about $500-600. I'd like to spend less if I thought I could get a comparable tone with less power. For example, a 60w amp instead of 120.

[Six Ways]

There's a lot of things to consider here. If you can't tell the difference between the tones, and I mean you really can't, you've still got to think about what kind of thing you're using it for.

I assume at those power ratings that you're not thinking of using these live or anything particularly? Cos if you ARE, you need to see what they sound like fully cranked up, for one thing. Tubes can sound different when all the way up, especilly if you're overdrving them. And check what they sound like with different effects in front of them and in the loop assuming they have effects loops.

Plus, valves can burn out, and it can be a bitch replacing them. It's not tooooooooo difficult, but it's just a pain in the arse, you know? I have a tube/tranny hybrid, second hand, and I've not had any trouble with it yet (and the tube-overdrive is fucking sweet) (and the whole thing's loud as hell (useless info snippet, felt like saying it)) but you just never know.

Meh, just thoughts.

[Drunkenmaster]

For that kinda money I'd look into a Marshall JCM 800 combo amp on ebay. Those bitches rock.

[adolan]

These amps are great for the money...you can prolly find one used for a decent price....

http://www.fender.com/products/search.php?partno=0213202000

[hurdy gurdy mann]

Originally posted by Six Ways


Plus, valves can burn out, and it can be a bitch replacing them. It's not tooooooooo difficult, but it's just a pain in the arse, you know? .

what are you talking about? if a tube burns out just do the following:

1. pull the tube out of the socket when its cooled off
2. figure out what kind of tube it is (usually printed on the glass envelope)
3. buy a new matching tube
4. put new tube in the socket.

FOCUS:

if i were you, combat, i would go with the amp with tubes. tubes can produce total harmonic distortion. tube overdrive is a (this is my opinion, and the opinion of many others) much better sound than solid-state distortion. however, tube overdrive might not be what you are after.

if you are looking for some type of insane high gain dimebag darrell type tone, solid state is the way to go. still, many metal artists use tube amps. some mesa boogie amps, for instance, produce plenty of overdrive to accomodate a heavier style, as do some marshalls. i think for the most part, the pumpkins used a lot of tube amps

also, what kind of clean tone are you looking for? something warm and smooth or something very bright? although it is not impossible to get bright tone with a tube amp (see: vox ac-30) some solid state amps handle the clean tones better (see roland jazz chorus).

you probably won't notice a huge difference in clean tones unless you a/b the amps.

if you play them back to back and really can't distinguish between tube overdrive and solid state distortion, then go with a solid state amp. there is no sense in buying something with tubes if they aren't important to you. also, it would be one less thing to maintain, and you wouldn't have to wait for them to warm up before playing.

those are my two cents, but to answer your question i have no experience with either of the amps. i've never been interested much in the modeling amps.

[Fab]

Originally posted by hurdy gurdy mann
3. buy a new matching tube
I think this is the bit that can cause trouble.

[hurdy gurdy mann]

you mean price-wise or finding a matching tube? unless there is something wrong with the bias in your amp, you shouldn't have to replace tubes too often.

[CombatWombat]

Thanks, everyone, for the input. You all have some useful knowledge I can see.

As far as what I'm looking for out of the amp is a a nice, warm sound when clean but maintains good clarity and I also plan to use slight to moderate overdrive. I also have a number of fx that i'd like to start incorporating into my music. The reason why I am considering this Vox (the johnson is out now) is because it felt fairly easy to dial in a number of different sounds and it has a number of built in fx.

However, I would not want to sacrifice quality if I could find something that was comparitively priced that will allow me the versatility that this vox would seem to.

Also, I've decided to change my specs a bit and am now looking at the 212 range at around 100-120W. The Vox, in this category, costs about $550. I also haven't completely ruled out the idea of a sperate head and cab in the $900-1000 range. That's pretty iffy though.