I
InGodWeTrust
Member
A couple of months ago I purchased the new version of the Hot Cat 1x12 combo. It had most of the things we love about Bad Cat amps but really fell short as a stock amp asis. As far as my ears can tell the boost on each channel is a simulation of the EF86 circuit which it no longer has for obvious reasons (reliability of tubes etc.)
The amp comes stock fully loaded with re-branded JJ's. While they are very quiet HG tubes they have a sterile, somewhat brittle lifeless tone at best which makes this amp sound just meh regardless of speaker configuration used with it. I considered taking it back but wanted to give it a chance so I went to work.To make a long story short I ended up putting NOS Valvos in V1 thru V3 and a ANOS long Black plate RCA in the PI position. The JJ EL34's had to go also and were replaced with an old pair of NOS Svetlana Winged C's. This is not even the same amp anymore...it now retains all shimmer and Chime that a Bad Cat should without the harshness and brittle lifelessness it had before, and so MUCH more. These new versions truly are remarkable amps with the right love and I actually can't believe they come stock as they due for a $2000 amp. They are doing a really good design a great injustice. You can not even begin to believe that they are the same amp...they really are that good. If you try one out DO NOT be put off by the stock sound. The work and expense of properly tubing this is well worth it.
I also had to do the same to my Black Cat and the improvement was astronomical.
In my opinion the Custom voiced Celestion V30's is not an ideal pairing for this amp. I also prefer 2x12 cabs over 1x12 combo's. I am planning to load one of my 2x12 cabs with either Cream Backs or Golds and am curious as to the opinion of those more experienced with those speakers what they think would be a better match and why. Currently I am running it thru a 2x12 with a well broke in V30 and a CL80 and this sounds much better than the V30 in the combo.
I would also like to add that I am going to add a Synergy SYN 1 and a Friedman BE/BB module to this mix so bare in mind the compromise. Thank you in advance for your input.
The amp comes stock fully loaded with re-branded JJ's. While they are very quiet HG tubes they have a sterile, somewhat brittle lifeless tone at best which makes this amp sound just meh regardless of speaker configuration used with it. I considered taking it back but wanted to give it a chance so I went to work.To make a long story short I ended up putting NOS Valvos in V1 thru V3 and a ANOS long Black plate RCA in the PI position. The JJ EL34's had to go also and were replaced with an old pair of NOS Svetlana Winged C's. This is not even the same amp anymore...it now retains all shimmer and Chime that a Bad Cat should without the harshness and brittle lifelessness it had before, and so MUCH more. These new versions truly are remarkable amps with the right love and I actually can't believe they come stock as they due for a $2000 amp. They are doing a really good design a great injustice. You can not even begin to believe that they are the same amp...they really are that good. If you try one out DO NOT be put off by the stock sound. The work and expense of properly tubing this is well worth it.
I also had to do the same to my Black Cat and the improvement was astronomical.
In my opinion the Custom voiced Celestion V30's is not an ideal pairing for this amp. I also prefer 2x12 cabs over 1x12 combo's. I am planning to load one of my 2x12 cabs with either Cream Backs or Golds and am curious as to the opinion of those more experienced with those speakers what they think would be a better match and why. Currently I am running it thru a 2x12 with a well broke in V30 and a CL80 and this sounds much better than the V30 in the combo.
I would also like to add that I am going to add a Synergy SYN 1 and a Friedman BE/BB module to this mix so bare in mind the compromise. Thank you in advance for your input.
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