Solid state Randall equivilent to RT50C?

[wilkinsi]

I want a backup and eventually a replacement amp for my RT50C, one that sounds identical or near as dammit to my RT50C, only I'd rather have a solid state one. Recommendations?

[Twitch]

I understand the lack of responses here. If all your gonna do is use the effects loop Id recommend a power amp. The last one I used that I found was pleasing was made by Eleca. It was a cheapy but I used it with my gnx3 and to this day it was one of my favorite live setups. Before that I used a Digitech twin tube gfx1 and an old Crown D150a. Power amps really like floor and rack processors. Just ask the Axe-fx guys.

[wilkinsi]

I was hoping to retain that Randall character. I don't recall there being any current poweramps by Randall except those designed be used in a stack.

[VitaminG]

can you describe the character of the poweramp of your Randall? Do the powertubes impart much character at bedroom volumes?

[wilkinsi]

Even at bedroom levels, the poweramp of my Randall sounds fuller than that of the Marshall JMD501 I used to own. I can't describe it any other way.

[VitaminG]

the RT50C comes standard with 6L6s, the JMD501 with EL34s. So I'm not sure how much it comes down to a specific "Randall flavour" and how much is just the type of power tubes.

have you checked out the Crate Powerblock?

[j2379]

YEP! back when i actually gigged and had half stacks that was one of the mods i had done to all my marshall or marshall type heads. swap those EL34 for 6L6s, tighter thumpier bottom with less mid range, EL34 do sound a bit smoother.

the RT50C comes standard with 6L6s, the JMD501 with EL34s. So I'm not sure how much it comes down to a specific "Randall flavour" and how much is just the type of power tubes.

have you checked out the Crate Powerblock?

[wilkinsi]

Well, my amp came back with JJ's. Unbeknown to me at the time, they are EL34's, not 6L6's. Still, it made no difference. Either the speaker itself is worn, or the preamp tubes (the 5 silver cylinders) play some part in it. Whilst I was looking inside, I saw 1 red and 1 black 1/4" jacks going into a metal plate. I take it those aren't compatible with cabs?

[leftykingv2]

My power amp has been a Marshall EL 34 100/100 Dual Monobloc for years. I don't have a clue about Randall power amps but the Dual Monobloc has never failed me. It's very durable and super powerful. It has eight EL 34's and it's 100 watts per side stereo. It's so loud I've never used it in my home. It was strictly used during my heavy gigging days.

[wilkinsi]

I see Crown poweramps were mentioned. Should I be going for 50w per side or more? I want to be playing loud enough as not to be able to hear me picking the strings. I only only want two 1x12" cabs, but the only ones I've seen by Randall have the Celestion Greenbacks. I would like the Celestion Seventy80 speakers, same as in my RT50C.

[roodyrocker]

My power amp has been a Marshall EL 34 100/100 Dual Monobloc for years. I don't have a clue about Randall power amps but the Dual Monobloc has never failed me. It's very durable and super powerful. It has eight EL 34's and it's 100 watts per side stereo. It's so loud I've never used it in my home. It was strictly used during my heavy gigging days.

The Marshall Dual Monoblocs are really nice amps! I use them with my Marshall JMP1 and JFX1 racks. They weigh a ton but sound like it too Another option is the Randall Rt.2/50. You can run both sides with 6L6's, EL34s, or even one type on one side and the other in the opposite side simultaneously. It's a heavy power amp too. You'd have to look to the used market for either the Marshall or Randall power amps. Oh, and Celestion Greenbacks always sounded good to me. I just don't know that they'd last long in a 1x12 cab with either of these power amps. A 4x12 would work out nicely but 1x12 might blow up some speakers when turning it up.

[leftykingv2]

I forgot to mention that RoodyRocker!! They do weigh a ton. I put mine into a small road case with wheels on it. I just checked my old manual and it weighs 34.5 Kilos which is about 76 lbs.

[roodyrocker]

I forgot to mention that RoodyRocker!! They do weigh a ton. I put mine into a small road case with wheels on it. I just checked my old manual and it weighs 34.5 Kilos which is about 76 lbs.

Yep, but once you fire up that rig I bet you forget about all that weight and you get pure rock tone I know I do.