Frontline205 & GJgo test the IIC+ Reissue against the OG!

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In the context of guitar amps, "punch" refers to the amp's ability to deliver a tight, impactful, and dynamic sound that feels immediate and powerful, especially in the midrange and low frequencies. A punchy amp often provides a sense of percussive force and clarity, making the notes feel "alive" and cutting through the mix effectively.

Punch is influenced by several factors, including:

1. Amp Design: Tube amps often deliver a more dynamic and punchy response compared to solid-state amps.


2. EQ Settings: Emphasizing the midrange and controlling the bass and treble can enhance punch.


3. Speaker Response: Speakers with a fast transient response and a tight low-end contribute to punchiness.


4. Cabinet Design: Closed-back cabinets typically produce a more focused and punchy sound than open-back designs.


5. Playing Dynamics: The player's attack and technique can also affect the perception of punch.



Punchy amps are particularly favored in genres like rock, metal, and blues, where rhythmic clarity and definition are essential.
 
Red Snapper said:
Curious, have you ever played through a Mark VII through a real cab (like my Mesa 2X12 vertical)? I have one and it moves air just as expected. All of the Mark V's that I have played through sound too compressed, boxy, and are unimpressive. Maybe check your cab or settings. I think the Mark VII is Randall's masterpiece and sounds great.... It's not a one trick pony.
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Curious, what's your opinion on:

a 20w amp vs a 100w amp?
 
One of the punchiest amps I've ever played was actually solid state, the Randall rg100es thru two 4x12's, at about 4 on the master, it hits you in the chest hard with palm mutes... on another note I had the 300 watt Randall rg3003h solid state head but it had no punch at all, loud as fuck but no punch to it. So I agree that solid state amps generally have less punch to them I think there are a few exceptions out there, namely vintage solid state amps by Randall and Ampeg. Those Randall's sound like tube amps at volume actually, very very close IMO.
 
anomaly said:
One of the punchiest amps I've ever played was actually solid state, the Randall rg100es thru two 4x12's, at about 4 on the master, it hits you in the chest hard with palm mutes... on another note I had the 300 watt Randall rg3003h solid state head but it had no punch at all, loud as fuck but no punch to it. So I agree that solid state amps generally have less punch to them I think there are a few exceptions out there, namely vintage solid state amps by Randall and Ampeg. Those Randall's sound like tube amps at volume actually, very very close IMO.
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I remember a RG 80es combo I had, and I didn't know how SS power sections worked vs tube....I plugged it into a 4 ohm cab and the vol doubled vs the 16 ohm cab I also had. But I agree, those amps punch above their wattage level.
 
Racerxrated said:
I remember a RG 80es combo I had, and I didn't know how SS power sections worked vs tube....I plugged it into a 4 ohm cab and the vol doubled vs the 16 ohm cab I also had. But I agree, those amps punch above their wattage level.
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Ya, SS amps are the opposite of tube amps, they run more efficiently the lower the ohms. So it's generally best to run most of them into a 4 ohm load. I think that's why a lot of people think they are so underpowered compared to tube amps because they are running them into 16 ohm cabs?? So they're not getting the full wattage. A rg100es into a couple 8 ohm Mesa cabs (4 ohms) is fucking loud as fuck! As loud and punchy as most 100 watt tube amps I've played... they seriously move some air at full volume. The rg80es is great too, that's what Cantrell used in the early days of AIC, pre-facelift release (they were already playing those songs though). He always had a great tone with that amp.
 
Gjgo, I have a JP, and I’ve never played a real C+. The reissue just isn’t in my budget right now. Is there any way to get the feel of the JP closer to the bounciness of the real thing? I usually keep my channel volume around 9:30, but I find running the presence pulled around 3:00 helps give a more open feel.
 
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Mesabooger said:
Gjgo, I have a JP, and I’ve never played a real C+. The reissue just isn’t in my budget right now. Is there any way to get the feel of the JP closer to the bounciness of the real thing? I usually keep my channel volume around 9:30, but I find running the presence pulled around 3:00 helps give a more open feel.
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Cranking the presence helps, but to really get it to open up I've found you have to crank the channel volume up over 1:30 or so. Loud AF. So, maybe with an attenuator? Haven't tried that.

Or, trade it for a Reissue and you'll be 90% there.
 
anomaly said:
Ya, SS amps are the opposite of tube amps, they run more efficiently the lower the ohms. So it's generally best to run most of them into a 4 ohm load. I think that's why a lot of people think they are so underpowered compared to tube amps because they are running them into 16 ohm cabs?? So they're not getting the full wattage. A rg100es into a couple 8 ohm Mesa cabs (4 ohms) is fucking loud as fuck! As loud and punchy as most 100 watt tube amps I've played... they seriously move some air at full volume. The rg80es is great too, that's what Cantrell used in the early days of AIC, pre-facelift release (they were already playing those songs though). He always had a great tone with that amp.
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Your making me want an rg80 now
 
I think the problem with the describing the "punch" from an amp lies in the ability to capture that for someone who you're trying to explain it to when you're not in the same room.

I'd also venture to say it lies more in the power amp section of an amp rather than the preamp section.

So if you could slave a non-punchy amp into a beefier power amp, you may get the punch that you are looking for.
 
nightlight said:
I think the problem with the describing the "punch" from an amp lies in the ability to capture that for someone who you're trying to explain it to when you're not in the same room.

I'd also venture to say it lies more in the power amp section of an amp rather than the preamp section.

So if you could slave a non-punchy amp into a beefier power amp, you may get the punch that you are looking for.
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Definitely. And, this is exactly why players need to experience some amplifiers, rather than attempt to judge them from a recorded clip. Clips are great but, obviously, do not describe the whole experience of the amp. Part of what makes an amp great to me, is the punch...amps that sound great but don't punch don't last long here.

Having a great power amp, like a Mesa S400 for example does allow for a great amp without punch, the ability to punch.
 
Racerxrated said:
Definitely. And, this is exactly why players need to experience some amplifiers, rather than attempt to judge them from a recorded clip. Clips are great but, obviously, do not describe the whole experience of the amp. Part of what makes an amp great to me, is the punch...amps that sound great but don't punch don't last long here.

Having a great power amp, like a Mesa S400 for example does allow for a great amp without punch, the ability to punch.
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I have a Rectifier Stereo 2:100 power amp that delivers the goods.

I have so far only been able to use it in regular mode, without the modern mode engaged that reduces the negative feedback. Been dying to try out that mode with my Mesa Boogie Quad, I predict it will sound nuts.

Currently drooling over the VHT 2/90/2, which I plan to acquire sometime in 2025, just so that I'll have a good pairing for my VHT GP3.

All said and done though, I do have a lot of amps that create a lot of sound pressure, though they can make your pants flap.

That's good enough for me, I guess.
 
nightlight said:
I think the problem with the describing the "punch" from an amp lies in the ability to capture that for someone who you're trying to explain it to when you're not in the same room.

I'd also venture to say it lies more in the power amp section of an amp rather than the preamp section.

So if you could slave a non-punchy amp into a beefier power amp, you may get the punch that you are looking for.
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I've done this slaving 60 W Mark IIs and IIIs into a M180 power amp and it turns it into a CRUSHING experience. Shifts the mids, too. So, yes.

That said, I set up a Helix through the same M180 and the push was not there. It was on par with a stock Mk VII.
 
GJgo said:
I've done this slaving 60 W Mark IIs and IIIs into a M180 power amp and it turns it into a CRUSHING experience. Shifts the mids, too. So, yes.

That said, I set up a Helix through the same M180 and the push was not there. It was on par with a stock Mk VII.
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I've tried modellers through power amps as well. Sounds great, but they have a very smooth character, so perhaps that doesn't lend itself to the idea of pushing air.
 
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