20th XTC or Helios?

  • Thread starter Thread starter bognerman
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bognerman

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That is the question :-)

Anyone experience both? I'm also not sure between the EL34 or 6L6 version for the XTC 20th.

I have a 101b and (for now) 100b. I find the 101b maybe too loose or grainy at times (but I don't like using the M or T excursion switches) and the 100b maybe a bit too tight/attacky.
 
Based on what you said, I think you'd really like the 20th XTC. Go with 6L6's. More balanced and less boxy in the midrange (I've had both versions). Everything is there and it ain't grainy or loose at all. No experience with the Helios, but it's a different beast.
 
se7en":1kn9jw4o said:
Based on what you said, I think you'd really like the 20th XTC. Go with 6L6's. More balanced and less boxy in the midrange (I've had both versions). Everything is there and it ain't grainy or loose at all. No experience with the Helios, but it's a different beast.
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Thanks for the input! I wonder if the 101a would also be less "boxy" or grainy in the midrange?
I've really been in EL34 land forever (other than the Shiva 20th). I have bad 6L6 memories of my 6L6 Diezel VH4
which I hated shortly after I got it. (too unforgiving)

What are you playing now? I'm not looking for tight "modern metal" tight--I'm more hard rock / metal / classic rock.
(AIC, The Cult, RATM, STP, Jane's Addiction, U2, Zep, AC/DC, ...) but tend to be on the heavier/ganier side tone-wise.
 
I play a wide range of music from jazz, blues to classic rock to modern hard rock. I like a lot of the bands you mentinoed. I've never played the 101a, but I would stick with the manufacturer's choice of tube. The 101b is more common. If you like the 20th Shiva, you'll love the 20th XTC. I had both side by side to A/B with my old drummer. We both thought the XTC was superior. There's more depth to the tone...just a wider sound. Not saying the 20th Shiva is a slouch, but it was obvious how much deeper the low end was, for example. I used to say I had to have an EL34 amp, but I love how the 6L6's sound in the 20th XTC. It was better for me than the EL34 version, which was boxy and not as full across the spectrum. I also preferred the feel of the 6L6 version. The clean channel is definitely better with those tubes as are the gain channels IMO.
 
I prefer the 101b over the 20th XTC but I think the 20th Shiva is the best amp Bogner makes and it sits in a band mix the best. You don't need the low end of the XTC. Also, you can save money and find a used Egnater Mod 50, which is every bit as good as a Bogner. Another option is the Fryette SigX which I prefer over the XTC anyway. Smoother and bigger sounding.
 
richedie":3bm5skbe said:
I prefer the 101b over the 20th XTC but I think the 20th Shiva is the best amp Bogner makes and it sits in a band mix the best. You don't need the low end of the XTC. Also, you can save money and find a used Egnater Mod 50, which is every bit as good as a Bogner. Another option is the Fryette SigX which I prefer over the XTC anyway. Smoother and bigger sounding.
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I disagree with everything you say here. :gethim:
 
Couldn't disagree any more. You can't make comparisons to other brands either. The Bogs have such a unique thing going on.
 
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