early serial number 1997 XTC (#024) vs XTC 20th

[RG955TT]

I A/B'd my two XTC's last night and I was pretty suprised at how close they were. Yes the clean is better on the 20th and the blue was a little less conjested but the red was very similar, the older XTC being believe it or not a little richer and more girthy in the mids (I play alot of more classic rock with STP, Chicken Foot, Van Halen Foo Fighters etc etc-no metal other than a Metalica song or two). I was really shocked at how close they were. Anyone else with an older one A/B against the new 20th and what did they hear? Part of the thing may be the 20th is a 6L6 version while my #024 is EL34. I'm assuming #024 is an early 1997 because it has black chassis, no speaker switching and the attached power cable. The symbols are -^+ and from what I found translates to #024. Right now my older #024 is still my fav even considering I also have an Elmwood M90, a Diezel Einstein and Herbert, and a small rack rig with a Fish pre and Simul 395 Mesa power amp. Believe it or not, #2 other than either Bogner is the Elmwood, I was amazed at how similar to the Bogner I could make that amp sound, has slightly more upper mid thing and isn't quite as fat but was right in the hunt tone wise.

 

[Ventura]

Interesting for sure... I think the biggy is having the 20thA loaded with EL34's. It really does take it out of the 'general' arena of XTC's and puts it at its own whole level.

I've heard and played XTC's in the past, and I went with my gut on getting the EL34 20thA. It does everything bettert than the older XTC's - everything. The cleans you heard were from a 6L6 powered 20thA, correct?? Well, that's the only thing that the 6L6 loaded head may have on the EL34 loaded head. But from the gossip abounding, it's a few members sworn testimony that loading them with KT77's is off the rails and kicks up a masterpiece yet another unbelievable notch.

Just saying - I think the 20thA slays the older school XTC's by a long shot. I may get flamed for saying this, but the tone is the tone - loaded with EL34's (and now, quite possibly KT77's) this thing is just outrageously above and beyond any other XTC out there... Please, if anyone wishes to, correct me if I am wrong.

Peace,
V.

 

[TheMagicEight]

Just saying - I think the 20thA slays the older school XTC's by a long shot. I may get flamed for saying this, but the tone is the tone - loaded with EL34's (and now, quite possibly KT77's) this thing is just outrageously above and beyond any other XTC out there... Please, if anyone wishes to, correct me if I am wrong.

I admit I have yet to play through a 100b, but as for the other XTCs I've played through, this is far and away the best. I think in the past there have been bits and pieces that can definitely touch the 20th - the blue channel on the 101b is just as good when properly set up and with the right guitar and cab - but never has there been an Ecstasy where everything is this amazing and this usable!

They got it absolutely right this time.

 

[RG955TT]

Hey guys, I agree, but I just wanted to share my surprise at how good and close at least my particular example of the 101B is compared to my 20th 6L6. And since I could switch whichever head I wanted to the road headshell I have I had no particular predisposition to either. I also did not have them set up the same way, as on the 97 101B the presence has to be at at least 3 oclock for it to be in the same league as the 20th set at 11 or 12. Just wanted to share my experience. Honestly I like the red channel of my 101B better than on the 20th, just a little more girthy etc, but heh, this is just my opinion and you know what they say....might really be the difference between 6L6 and EL34's. cheers!

 

[Ventura]

Hey guys, I agree, but I just wanted to share my surprise at how good and close at least my particular example of the 101B is compared to my 20th 6L6. And since I could switch whichever head I wanted to the road headshell I have I had no particular predisposition to either. I also did not have them set up the same way, as on the 97 101B the presence has to be at at least 3 oclock for it to be in the same league as the 20th set at 11 or 12. Just wanted to share my experience. Honestly I like the red channel of my 101B better than on the 20th, just a little more girthy etc, but heh, this is just my opinion and you know what they say....might really be the difference between 6L6 and EL34's. cheers!

And really, at the end of the day, I think it's safe to say we're all pretty damn lucky to simply have an XTC of ANY variety at our disposal to play

One of the finest amps in the world, bar none!!

Peace,
V.

 

[glassjaw7]

RG, if you don't mind me asking, where did you get the XTC? I swear I saw #24 in St. Paul, MN.

 

[RG955TT]

I bought it used from a dealer in Kansas City I think about 6 or 7 years ago.