Shiva or Helios?

  • Thread starter Thread starter reverymike
  • Start date Start date
reverymike

reverymike

Active member
Which would be the amp for that woody, knocky, deep, tone? I've always thought the Shiva would be great for that, but now we have the Helios to consider as well.

My guess is that both are in that territory.
 
Can't say for sure [ yet.... ;) ] with respect to the Helios, but the 20th Shiva has a lot of what you describe going on........especially when paired up with Creambacks or Greenbacks.
 
Nobody's heard the Chelios, really
It's all speculation based on 1-2 videos
The Shiva (standard EL34 version) rules though, that's all I can say
 
I think the Helios has - from the LIMITED resources available to make any opinion on the matter - a big knock to it. It's deliberate - hard hitting - it's got that clarity which translates to suddenness and THUMP.

I've got my eye on the 20th Sheevs too - but my wants out of that amp are its cleans, and its higher gainier nastiness.

Out of the Helios? I want clarity, headroom, and serious THUMP/THUNK!!! Immediacy. Punch. Balls.

I think it's there - but only time will tell.

And yes, I'm getting both :lol: :LOL:
 
I have a 20th Shiva, and have Helios 100 on order. Was thinking it might be a little redundant but my guess is they both have their own vibe. Any amp for me these days has to have low end and mid grind. Time will tell.
 
I have 20th Anniversary Shiva with KT88's and reverb I'm selling. It's in absolutely perfect condition and has minimal playing time. If anyone is interested, shoot me a PM.
 
I guess it would depend on what you are going to use it for.The helios is kinda a one trick pony it has a great sound like a modded plexi and can clean up with volume but thats about it.A set it and forget it type.The shiva has an unbelievable clean (rivals my two rock custom sig) and has enough gain to go head to head with alot of high gain amps. I am speaking of the el34version with reverb,i have not played the kt88 version so i can't say on that but i have heard good things about it.Now dont get me wrong i am going to get a helios when i can find one but if you are asking which one should you get it depends on what you are going to do with it,if you want a do all then shiva and if you want to wait 6 months to a year then helios.
 
had an old shiva never bonded with the crunch side. Just ordered a Helios using my volume control is big. I don't play out much any more but riding the volume pot and a few pedals is a beautiful thing IMHO. Still have and love my kemper but this helios is a dream come true for me. :rock:
 
bigman12583":1rrxxl9o said:
I guess it would depend on what you are going to use it for.The helios is kinda a one trick pony it has a great sound like a modded plexi and can clean up with volume but thats about it.A set it and forget it type.The shiva has an unbelievable clean (rivals my two rock custom sig) and has enough gain to go head to head with alot of high gain amps. I am speaking of the el34version with reverb,i have not played the kt88 version so i can't say on that but i have heard good things about it.Now dont get me wrong i am going to get a helios when i can find one but if you are asking which one should you get it depends on what you are going to do with it,if you want a do all then shiva and if you want to wait 6 months to a year then helios.
Click to expand...


A few things to think about regarding the Helios and being a one trick pony. It has two inputs which deliver two different gain structures, a simple clean channel. It should take pedals well and responds incredibly to a volume knob. Also a rolled back plexi clean is a thing to behold at high volumes. I feel calling it a one trick pony is about as incorrect as calling the Twin Jet a one trick pony like so many do.

As far as the original poster and what to pick. I say if you want a more polite gain type tone go Shiva, if you want more aggressive go Helios. If you need a pristine clean go shiva, if you like to use your volume knob and plexi type cleans will work or the simple clean will work then the Helios might be your best bet. You cannot go wrong with either one, but they both have strengths in different areas. I think the Helios is going to be more woody sounding, as Plexi based amps always seem to be that way for me.

YMMV......
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top