Genz Benz having trouble...new amp?

[Spivonious]

So my Benz has broken down for the second time in 3 months. I can only guess that it's not up to gigging, since it ran fine for 2 years in the bedroom.

Anyway, once I get it fixed under warranty (3 yrs, runs out in two months) I'm going to sell it.

So I need suggestions on what amps to check out. Combos are nice, but I have a feeling that all that vibration is what killed the amp, so I'm going head/cab this time around. I would like something that I can get a couple good sounds out of (useable clean, classic rock crunch, metal rhythm/lead) that won't break the bank. Tubes are a must. I'm a fan of EL34s (love the mid punch) but I'll look at others. I'm not a fan of the Mesa sound; I find it a little too dark.

My El Diablo is 60W and that is plenty, so I'd like to stay in that range (plus it's cheaper to retube).

I also don't like lugging around heavy things, so a 2x12 will most likely be my cab choice. I'm not a fan of Vintage 30 speakers, but they do sound nice when paired with the right amp.

Ideally I'd like to stay under $1500 for the pair. Any suggestions?

[Wayniac]

not sure on the head in that wattage range, but teh Genz Benz G flex cabs hold up very well. I have 2 that were gigged and they held up fine

[slash]

not sure on the head in that wattage range, but teh Genz Benz G flex cabs hold up very well. I have 2 that were gigged and they held up fine

Randall Mts head. You can pick what ever modules you want for what ever floats your boat. I own one paired with the above mentioned cab.

check out this thread for discussions about it and other amps. http://www.jcfonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=96951

[toejam]

Carvin V3

[Dreamland_Rebel]

i'd look at Randall if you want more versatility. or a Marshall DSL100 if you want a bare bones workhorse.

[toxikdeth]

You could probly get a used splawn with a 2 by 12 cab.

[roodyrocker]

Randall Mts head. You can pick what ever modules you want for what ever floats your boat. I own one paired with the above mentioned cab.

check out this thread for discussions about it and other amps. http://www.jcfonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=96951

Exactly what I was thinking too! Plus you can retube it easily yourself and you could stick with EL-34's or switch to 6L6's or even a combo of the two if you want.

[Outlander]

see Trem's add in the classified section- Randall RM 100. Great deal, get a used 2x12 and you'll be in your price range.

[Spivonious]

Thanks for the suggestions. It seems like everyone likes the Randall.

I ended up getting a great deal on a B-52 AT-100 with an old Peavey VTM 4x12 so I picked that up. We have a show on Saturday so I needed something.

I will definitely keep the MTS in mind though.

[DonP]

Thanks for the suggestions. It seems like everyone likes the Randall.

I ended up getting a great deal on a B-52 AT-100 with an old Peavey VTM 4x12 so I picked that up. We have a show on Saturday so I needed something.

I will definitely keep the MTS in mind though.

D'oh!

I've heard a lot about reliability issues with B-52's and blown output trannies. Saw this first hand at Nashville GC. A used B-52 was powered up without a cab. Tried getting it to work but no output.

The new B-52 worked.

Now operating a tube amp without a load can blow any amp, but these might be a little easier to blow than other.

Just be nice to it.

[Soap]

not sure on the head in that wattage range, but teh Genz Benz G flex cabs hold up very well. I have 2 that were gigged and they held up fine

I have it and its golden.
It's the backbone of my rig.
It's the one piece I won't sale, trade or let someone borrow.

Does loud well and softer quieter stuff well too.
IMO it does both really well.
All around it's a very good "all in one cab."
Don't waste your money on any other cab get the 2x12 Genz Benz G-Flex.
It's a solid cab that's built like a tank. Has built in handles on both ends.

No matter how promising the price is there's nothing more frustrating when inheriting someone else's headaches. Don't buy used. Buy it new.
You'll be happy you acquired one.

Amp? A completely different approach.
To me, amps are like cars.
Meaning, I have to test drive the car before I buy it and so is the same with an amp.
I gotta play through it spend sometime with it before I buy it.
I may go with the intention to buy.
Once plugged in and playing through it for a bit I leave it.

Spend some time reading reviews to get a general idea. That might help a little too.

[Spivonious]

D'oh!

I've heard a lot about reliability issues with B-52's and blown output trannies. Saw this first hand at Nashville GC. A used B-52 was powered up without a cab. Tried getting it to work but no output.

The new B-52 worked.

Now operating a tube amp without a load can blow any amp, but these might be a little easier to blow than other.

Just be nice to it.

Yeah apparently they had a design flaw in the first batch. My friend got one when they first came out and it died within a month. That was years ago though, so I'm feeling confident.

Just in case I got the extended warranty at Guitar Center. It was only another $30 on top of the $225 they wanted for the head.

The cab is an old Peavey VTM series 4x12. Seems oversized (it's my first 4x12, but it seems bigger than others) and loaded with Celestion G12K-85 speakers.

Got out of the store with a speaker cable, extended warranty, and tax for $600.

The G-Flex speakers are definitely nice; my combo has one in it. Massive presence in the room even though it's just a 1x12.