30W vs 15W tube amp.

[DJ20]

Hi guys. I'm buying a new amp,and I really really like one model,but the difference is: there is 30W and 15W version of same amp,both are EL84s. I tried 50W amps (2x6L6 and EL34),and they are just "overkill" for me. I also tried Laney VC 30,and I think it's too loud. BUT.. there is always but. I didn't noticed any huge headroom difference between 50W and 30W tube. So I was wondering: will there be any huge headroom difference between 15W and 30W? Since I'm talking about one chanell amp,I think 15W will break earlier,but I was wondering,can I get clean sound loud on that amp.

Tnx for answers.

 

[Anonymous]

Are we only talking Laney?
Obvisouly the headroom will depend on amp model and preamp structure, whether they have a master volume or not

 

[chunktone]

You will notice a lack of headroom when playing with a band, I know I have. I have found EL84's to lack low end. ymmv.

 

[rupe]

What amp? What guitar/pickups? What kind of music are you trying to do and in what setting are you doing it?

Without knowing those things, there are no meaningful answers.

 

[tripstan]

Unless your playing only spanky country, 15 watts won't cut it with a rock band.

 

[Mudder]

As mentioned, it will depend. A 15w tube amp could be alright with a band if your drummer isn't killing it, or you mike it. A 30 would be more versatile, but a 30w could be real loud if you're pushing it naturally to break up. For example I had an AC30 that was as loud as any amp I've owned. By the time I got to some nice power tube break up it was at live band volume.

 

[rupe]

Unless your playing only spanky country, 15 watts won't cut it with a rock band.

Not true...depends on multiple other factors

 

[C1-ocaster]

Hi guys. I'm buying a new amp,and I really really like one model,but the difference is: there is 30W and 15W version of same amp,both are EL84s. I tried 50W amps (2x6L6 and EL34),and they are just "overkill" for me. I also tried Laney VC 30,and I think it's too loud. BUT.. there is always but. I didn't noticed any huge headroom difference between 50W and 30W tube. So I was wondering: will there be any huge headroom difference between 15W and 30W? Since I'm talking about one chanell amp,I think 15W will break earlier,but I was wondering,can I get clean sound loud on that amp.

Tnx for answers.

From just a technical numbers perspective, IF the amps truly put out only 15 and 30 watts.
The difference in volume at maximum will only be about 3db.
That is a noticeable difference, but not a huge difference.
To get twice as loud as a 15 watt amp can do you'd have to have a 150 watt amp, or 10 times more power.

That 3db difference could make a difference though. It might be enough to either put you right in with the live band or just not quite enough if the rest of the band is a bit louder than what you can do.

That's for an overall volume perspective.
As for the clean headroom, there are more variables to consider as other's have mentioned.
The power tube's can make a difference as to how much clean headroom you'll have before some natural distortion kicks in.
The pre tubes will also have an effect as some can play cleaner at same amp setting levels.
Some pre's have lower output and can be used to gain some headroom.
Etc....

Try the amps first and make sure to crank them up.
If you're getting them from an online source and can't try first, make sure their return policy doesn't cost you too much to try the amps.

 

[DrugDM]

In a band context IMHO the challenge is if you are already cranking the amp it is hard to get extra headroom for solo's. Now if you have a good sound guy it then does not matter...This past weekend I was playing in a band through an 18 watt Jackson Ampworks which sounded great however when I hit it with my Suhr iso boost during a solo, I did not get extra volume but more saturation.

 

[joepete77]

I have found that if you plan on using it in a band situation that 15 watts doesn't cut it. You think that it will be loud enough but it just isn't , even in a 1 guitar band. 30 watts is fine for band situations.

 

[Mesa\Kramer]

Go for the 30 watter, it does have a volume knob.
Just set the volume knob to your needs weather that be "2" "4" "1" or what ever.

I know many guys claim to play and gig with 5 - 15 watt amps un mic'd, but they must be playing some real light weight rock, or soft Jazz, cause those aren't going to hang well with a loud hard hitting drummer.

Also The more wattage, the more bottom and and clean headroom typically

So many people these days seem to be afraid or guilty of having too many watts
Especially over at TGP

 

[rupe]

I know many guys claim to play and gig with 5 - 15 watt amps un mic'd, but they must be playing some real light weight rock, or soft Jazz, cause those aren't going to hang well with a loud hard hitting drummer.

Here's a '63 Epiphone Pacemaker (1x10 combo, about 10 watts from a pair of 6AQ5's), unmic'd at a blues jam and recorded with a little digital point and shoot camera (you can see it sitting on a chair in the lower right portion of the screen still). No pedals/boosts...just guitar>cord>amp (volume at about 7-8...it doesn't get louder after 4-5, just dirtier). The drummer isn't pounding but that amp can still hang pretty damn well when they do. Mic it up through the PA and you could play an arena.

15 watts can be plenty depending on the situation, which we still don't know. If the OP is using a strat or tele and plays a classic/roots music style, it will likely be plenty. If he has a Les Paul with a JB in the bridge and plays metal, then more wattage will be beneficial. It's all about the application.

 

[C1-ocaster]

I know many guys claim to play and gig with 5 - 15 watt amps un mic'd, but they must be playing some real light weight rock, or soft Jazz, cause those aren't going to hang well with a loud hard hitting drummer.

Here's a '63 Epiphone Pacemaker (1x10 combo, about 10 watts from a pair of 6AQ5's), unmic'd at a blues jam and recorded with a little digital point and shoot camera (you can see it sitting on a chair in the lower right portion of the screen still). No pedals/boosts...just guitar>cord>amp (volume at about 7-8...it doesn't get louder after 4-5, just dirtier). The drummer isn't pounding but that amp can still hang pretty damn well when they do. Mic it up through the PA and you could play an arena.

15 watts can be plenty depending on the situation, which we still don't know. If the OP is using a strat or tele and plays a classic/roots music style, it will likely be plenty. If he has a Les Paul with a JB in the bridge and plays metal, then more wattage will be beneficial. It's all about the application.

So true.

It really is amazing how loud even 10 watts can be.
Another thing people forget to consider is the efficiency of the speakers they using.
Let's say you have a 15 watt amp and are considering 30 watt to get more volume.
If you're using a speaker with 87db efficiency, then you'll 87db with 1 watt at 1 meter.
If you use a speaker with 90db efficiency, then you've just increased the volume the same as using a 30 watt amp into the lower efficiency speakers.
It's just something to consider and geek talk about.

Plus, if you have 15 watts into only 1 speaker you can get that 3db increase by using 2 speakers, effectively doubling the power output by way of 2 speakers. To get another 3db increase you have to move to 4 speakers.

OP:
What kind and amount of speakers are you planning to use with that amp?
Regarding clean headroom, higher available power is more important to bass frequencies as it takes more power to create the longer sound waves of low frequencies. It's the reason why bass amps have huge power, they need it.
Higher frequencies don't need as much power for the speaker to create the sound.

 

[Heritage Softail]

The thump. That is one big thing that will change. When you hit it harder for dynamics, the thump will be less.

I tried a Dr Z Maz 38 and 18. Definitely a big difference in how it felt at a semi loud volume. Like flooring the gas in a 6 cylinder vs a V8.

Personal preference. The difference is magnified with a dirt pedal that compresses the input. A triple wreck pedal worked much better with the 38. I wanted the amp for a versatile combo to plat modern country to metal with a few pedals.

Good luck on the tone quest