Rocktron Velocity 300... Experiences?

[IndyWS6]

What is the verdict on the Rocktron Velocity 300 for use as the power section behind a modeler (Eleven Rack, POD, Axe, etc.)? How does it compare to the Matrix?

Thanks in advance...

 

[Jerome Allen]

I had one for a short while, right after they 1st came out. I tried it with a few different preamps...VooduValve, Prophesy, Randall MTS, POD XT. I sold it after just 1 quick a/b with my VHT 2/90/2. The Velocity is a workable power amp. But it does sound solid state and lacks a certainly "warmth" of tubes. Another often looked possibility is buying a Fender combo with the Power Amp In option. At one point, I ran my preamps into a Hot Rod DeVille 4x10" (bypassing the Hot Rod's preamp section). The tubes in the Fender really warmed things up . It was a killer rig that turned a lot of heads and didn't cost a lot of money.

 

[IndyWS6]

Thanks...

I have a rack rig with a Mesa Simul 2:90 that will sterilize small woodland creatures , but it started having an intermittent issue that I'm trying to sort out. That got me to thinking about the possibility of a lighter-weight solid-state option. I'm just window shopping out of curiosity more than anything.

I'll get my 2:90 sorted out and, most likely, stick a couple of .44 Magnum's on the pedal tray so I have a backup option in the event of a failure.

 

[romanianreaper]

I absolutely hated that amp and sent it back to the store within hours. Not sure if I got a "lemon" but to me it just sounded sterile, harsh, etc. It was like a Metal Zone pedal.

I have the Matrix and love it! It sounds like it has tubes and is way more versatile. Has alot of power and options.

 

[IndyWS6]

I absolutely hated that amp and sent it back to the store within hours. Not sure if I got a "lemon" but to me it just sounded sterile, harsh, etc. It was like a Metal Zone pedal.

I have the Matrix and love it! It sounds like it has tubes and is way more versatile. Has alot of power and options.

How much do those run? I could use it as a 1U backup amp for my 2:90 if the price is reasonable...

 

[jski59]

I too thought it was just ok, but not great. Ok at home but really couldn't keep up with a loud band.

Plus, it's damn heavy.

 

[Shask]

I absolutely hated that amp and sent it back to the store within hours. Not sure if I got a "lemon" but to me it just sounded sterile, harsh, etc. It was like a Metal Zone pedal.

I have the Matrix and love it! It sounds like it has tubes and is way more versatile. Has alot of power and options.

Did you ever get to compare the Matrix and ART SLA?

 

[flimz]

I bought one for live use with my Eleven rack. It fried and melted within the first 30 seconds of usage. It surely mustve just been a lemon, but it was enough to scare off a replacement. So I bought a nice Crown, and it was awesome AND reliable with the 11R.
Just my 2 cents

 

[JackTripper]

I picked up a used 300 on ebay for $275, use it as a back up (with voodu valve) to my tube amps for gigging situations. Have used it for w/d/w purposes too. Not bad sounding for that purpose. It's a workhorse, I've had no problems. A cool feauture is that it has low and high freq EQ capabilities.

 

[///MK]

IMO
Velocity 300<ART SLA2<Matrix. Ive owned all three and used them all in my Axe-FX rig. Although I still prefer the sound of the Axe-FX through a good tube power amp and cab, the Matrix sounds the best by far out of the solid state jobbies. If you don't need the extra power (I did) that the matrix gives you the SLA is acceptable and is very flat (think studio monitor power amp). and the Rocktron although is a good bargain. Pales in comparison to the other two. If money is an issue I would go with a used SLA-2. if you are fanatic about tone and want to use a modeller for your main rig it is hard to beat the matrix.

 

[IndyWS6]

IMO
Velocity 300<ART SLA2<Matrix. Ive owned all three and used them all in my Axe-FX rig. Although I still prefer the sound of the Axe-FX through a good tube power amp and cab, the Matrix sounds the best by far out of the solid state jobbies. If you don't need the extra power (I did) that the matrix gives you the SLA is acceptable and is very flat (think studio monitor power amp). and the Rocktron although is a good bargain. Pales in comparison to the other two. If money is an issue I would go with a used SLA-2. if you are fanatic about tone and want to use a modeller for your main rig it is hard to beat the matrix.

Are the Matrix amps sold in the U.S.? What kind of price tag do they have?

 

[IndyWS6]

IMO
Velocity 300<ART SLA2<Matrix. Ive owned all three and used them all in my Axe-FX rig. Although I still prefer the sound of the Axe-FX through a good tube power amp and cab, the Matrix sounds the best by far out of the solid state jobbies. If you don't need the extra power (I did) that the matrix gives you the SLA is acceptable and is very flat (think studio monitor power amp). and the Rocktron although is a good bargain. Pales in comparison to the other two. If money is an issue I would go with a used SLA-2. if you are fanatic about tone and want to use a modeller for your main rig it is hard to beat the matrix.

Are the Matrix amps sold in the U.S.? What kind of price tag do they have?

I saw where TM has the GT800 for $699. Does anyone else resell them? Is that the best price available?

 

[JackTripper]

The GT800s go for $700 new, and I've seen a few in the classifieds here or on the 'bay go for about $600 used. I was considering buying one a few months back, but it's overkill for my limited needs. They seem to hold their value.

 

[romanianreaper]

I absolutely hated that amp and sent it back to the store within hours. Not sure if I got a "lemon" but to me it just sounded sterile, harsh, etc. It was like a Metal Zone pedal.

I have the Matrix and love it! It sounds like it has tubes and is way more versatile. Has alot of power and options.

How much do those run? I could use it as a 1U backup amp for my 2:90 if the price is reasonable...

If I remember right, I paid $700. Does that sound right to anyone?

 

[romanianreaper]

I absolutely hated that amp and sent it back to the store within hours. Not sure if I got a "lemon" but to me it just sounded sterile, harsh, etc. It was like a Metal Zone pedal.

I have the Matrix and love it! It sounds like it has tubes and is way more versatile. Has alot of power and options.

Did you ever get to compare the Matrix and ART SLA?

Hey Shask! No, I never did get a chance with the SLA. I think the banana-clip thing worried me.

 

[Shask]

I absolutely hated that amp and sent it back to the store within hours. Not sure if I got a "lemon" but to me it just sounded sterile, harsh, etc. It was like a Metal Zone pedal.

I have the Matrix and love it! It sounds like it has tubes and is way more versatile. Has alot of power and options.

Did you ever get to compare the Matrix and ART SLA?

Hey Shask! No, I never did get a chance with the SLA. I think the banana-clip thing worried me.

Yeah, those are annoying but pretty easy to deal with. You can either spend some money on special cables, or just make them like I did.