low wattage tube amp thread

[mountain dave]

Blackstar HT-5 head and combo's are pretty ncie lil amps, and the isf control can make it sound tighter and more american ala mesa or looser and more brittish ala marshall..

Very nice amps

I have to agree, I got one of these a week ago from MF and I can't believe how nice this amp sounds, especially for the price, and it seems to be built resonably well too.

[phill_up]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=el5Nrkv7l8s

That little shit doesn't sound half bad,
horns you on here? what do you think?
Still no effects loops on this or the THD univalve. There wasn't one on the JCM 800 either if I recall correctly. You guys think an effects loop is a must have?

[fuel0707]

You guys think an effects loop is a must have?

Honestly, the only person who can answer that question is you. If you use a lot of time-based effects (delays, chorusing), you may be much happier running them in an effects loop, especially if you use distortion with them. However, some people are happy to run a few effects into the front of an amp and don't miss having an effects loop.

Remember that sometimes effects loop can be detrimental to tone, so if you demo an amp, compare the tone with and without anything inserted in the effects loop.

Good luck with your amp hunt.

[triplehold]

Night Train MSRP $800!

[bibz]

I've been gassing for a blackstar bt5h badly, theyve got a stack at the local music shop I can't wait to try out.

[lerxstcat]

Honestly, the only person who can answer that question is you. If you use a lot of time-based effects (delays, chorusing), you may be much happier running them in an effects loop, especially if you use distortion with them. However, some people are happy to run a few effects into the front of an amp and don't miss having an effects loop.

Remember that sometimes effects loop can be detrimental to tone, so if you demo an amp, compare the tone with and without anything inserted in the effects loop.

Good luck with your amp hunt.

There's a great sticky about effects loops at the top of this section of the board written by Pete (Twisteramps). Pete also builds awesome low wattage tube amps himself, an 18-watt Marshall clone in particular. Zeegler bought the first one which looked and sounded great.

I don't think that amp had a loop, but I'm sure he could put one in and tell you the pros and cons, and what kind would best fit your needs.

[zeegler]

There's also the Blackheart Little Giant that sells for around $180 brand new. Runs at 5w or 3w, but unfortunately no loop. The Handsome Devil runs at 15w or 7w, and has Drive and Level controls, so probably easier to get some good overdriven sounds.

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=kYj1_3A5ock&feature=related

[phill_up]

The little egnator rebel 20 is a great idea and 20 watts would be just about right. the el34s and 6v6s with the effects loop. I would feel really insecure about it if it comes from china. How does people that takes such pride in Kung Fu make such crappy products?

[ozzuk1]

I believe my blackstar HT-5 is made in china and there is nothing shabby about it, fit finish and construction is flawless..

[zeegler]

The little egnator rebel 20 is a great idea and 20 watts would be just about right. the el34s and 6v6s with the effects loop. I would feel really insecure about it if it comes from china. How does people that takes such pride in Kung Fu make such crappy products?

To be fair, their products are getting better. I had a B-52 AT-100 that was made in China, and there were a few parts that were of questionable quality, but overall it was pretty well put together. The Egnator Rebel is very likely from the same factory. Bruce Egnator designed the AT-100, and the never released 4 channel B-52 amp that I suspect became the Egnator Tourmaster.

The main reason I would be hesitant to buy a Chinese made product is that you're not doing our economy any favours.

[zeegler]

Oh yeah, check out the Bimbo 5 watter. Looks pretty cool. http://www.the-valve.co.uk/bimbo.asp

Check youtube for clips. Sounds good. I don't know what the price is though.

[Rich#6]

I believe my blackstar HT-5 is made in china and there is nothing shabby about it, fit finish and construction is flawless..

I see it listed as being made in Korea like the rest of their stuff. Can you double check?

[phill_up]

Korea can put out some really good stuff when they want to.

[Axewielder]

I bought a Mesa 20/20 thinking it would be a good bedroom-level tube amp. Fuggin hell! That thing is a paint-peeler. What's the deal with the linear taper volume pots?!? You just crack the volume, and that thing is roaring away. I actually play it with the volume completely off...the small bleed that you get through the pot is the closest you will get to bedroom level. Hell!

[Firebird V]

I have the epi Jr head and it sounds great with a pedal in front. No loop. But for the price it is awesome. My brother modded the hell out of one he bought and it sounds awesome. Great amp for modding and there are a lot of mods out there for it.