TheMagicEight
New member
Which did you like more and why? I love my 101b and find it hard to believe something could be better, but there's a lot of hype around the 20th and curiosity is becoming overwhelming!
billm408
New member
I've A/B'd them pretty extensively. The 20th Anni is an improvement across all channels IMO. First it's voiced a little differently with more upper mids and slightly less compressed. The clean is much better and requires less tweaking to dial in any number of great tones. Both Blue & Red have more gain on tap than a 101B and the Plexi channel snarls with some serious crunch on the 20th Anni. Over all, the amp is more open and leans more towards Marshall type tones while still maintaining that uniquely Bogner quality. The 101B is a darker more compressed sounding amp- which might be what you're looking for. I'd highly recommend playing one if you have the chance.
se7en
Active member
20th has a tighter attack and somewhat more of a spongy, 101b-like feel if you put it in 'Old' mode...really like that setting, too. You can boost the plexi mode now. The vintage/modern mode is more effective than using the high and low inputs of the 101b from what I can remember. The bright switches are more useful and it's real hard to dial in anything harsh, depite the added bite.
The 20th can blur the line between good Marshall crunch and the Bogner low-mid warmth/punch...Ultimately it's easier to dial in for me than the 101b was. If I want a Marshall-like tone - Tight excursion and cranking the mids will do it...if I want more of an Uberschall tone, the new red channel has some more aggression. The clean channel is more lively...much improved. The best part of the design is the simplicity, despite all the knobs/switches.
The 20th can blur the line between good Marshall crunch and the Bogner low-mid warmth/punch...Ultimately it's easier to dial in for me than the 101b was. If I want a Marshall-like tone - Tight excursion and cranking the mids will do it...if I want more of an Uberschall tone, the new red channel has some more aggression. The clean channel is more lively...much improved. The best part of the design is the simplicity, despite all the knobs/switches.
Bronco
Well-known member
Guys, this is great feed back...my question is:
Is the 20th $1800 better than a 101B (based on going price for each). In other words, if I spend the extra $1800 or so, is it worth it?
Is the 20th $1800 better than a 101B (based on going price for each). In other words, if I spend the extra $1800 or so, is it worth it?
jlbaxe
Active member
HELL YES!!!!!!!! 
se7en
Active member
I think so due to the increased attack response and dynamics and the fact that it excels regardless of the mode selected. It's hard to get the amp to sound bad.. the learning curve isn't as daunting in that sense, so ultimately it's easier to get what you want out of it. I like a good dose of mids and that extra bit of high mid bite makes it more suited to my style... also sounds wider, more organic and more aggressive...more kerrang to the chords...richer leads...better string separation, tighter overall, but plenty of bloom.
Bronco
Well-known member
#&^$%*(#(@)!!
You guys are bastards.
Alright...I kind of knew what the answer would be...thanks.
You guys are bastards.
Alright...I kind of knew what the answer would be...thanks.
billm408
New member
IMO... no, but I still want one! 
I had the chance to buy one for 3K, but couldn't afford it when the opportunity came up- still kicking myself. But I'm not convinced it's $1800 more amp. YMMV.
I had the chance to buy one for 3K, but couldn't afford it when the opportunity came up- still kicking myself. But I'm not convinced it's $1800 more amp. YMMV.
Ventura
Well-known member
Bronco":1coq1jq0 said:
As sad as this may sound, my answer is "yes". Especially if you get the top-drawer, fully loaded, EL34 version. By this I mean including the A/AB option. It's outrageous. I guess one way to put it is there are a lot of $1800 amps out there, even $2500 amps out there that you WON'T NEED OR WANT after buying this trick amp. That's the best way to say it - it does it all man, so very , very well. It's an updated and refined amp from the older 101 series... Boutique capacitors and components, different preamp circuit, TONS of tone toggling switches and adjustments, and NO MV on the front means true tube saturation - it's f*ckin' blissful in every respect.
Sorry to be honest.
V.
Nico
Active member
The 20th doesn't have a master volume on the front?!?!
How does this amp sound at bedroom volume.
I have a Diezel Einstein 50W that sounds superb in that aspect, just as good as cranked, for real
How does this amp sound at bedroom volume.
I have a Diezel Einstein 50W that sounds superb in that aspect, just as good as cranked, for real
se7en
Active member
Nico":ezy2w4ll said:
No master in front, correct. The amp sounds great no matter what the volume... As you crank it more it opens up and breathes better.
Ventura
Well-known member
se7en":3qyrxa37 said:
Not to be an ass, but a 120W head isn't designed for 'bedroom level' playing... My 20thA, albeit extremely tasty at lower volumes, bloody well kills it when it's opened up. Like having multiple amps in one head - most certainly already that with just being a 20thA - but when she's turned up, it's like heaven.
V.
S