VHT Deliverance 60 vs. Ultra-Lead

[Shiny_Surface]

I'll start off by saying that both amps are KILLER (my opinion!!!) They both have that VHT voicing (duh), but they are different.

- My D60 is loaded with a new matched pair of Tung-Sol Reissue 6550s and what I think are stock preamp tubes (they have a "HG" sticker on them that I assume means "High Gain?")

- My UL is loaded with a fairly new quad of stock VHT labelled Sovtek KT88s and new Tung-Sol preamp tubes in the first 3 or 4 slots (stock preamp tubes in other slots.)

I used the Deliverance 60 through my D412 cab for the first two songs we recorded in the studio this past weekend. Sounded freaking killer. I then switched to the UL (same D412) for the last two songs. The engineer commented that the D60 sounded bigger and a little meaner. I agree. The UL was smoother and tighter. The UL had less highs and was a little more "muffled" sounding than the D60, but I don't mean that in a bad way. That can be dialed out, but it is the first thing I noticed when firing up the UL.

So yeah, great amps. I use the UL live, because of the options. But to be honest, I think I like the sound from the D60 more. If I could get Steve Fryette to mod my D60 with a second footswitchable master volume for lead volume boosts, I'd be in heaven and it would be my amp of choice both live and in the studio.

Does anyone think Steve would do this if I asked? By the way, I'd still keep the UL for the versatility. I'm not using effects in the loop with my current band, so the D60 would work great. But I'm sure I'll go back to using effects in the future (probably soon), so the UL would be the choice for that.

Chris

Interesting comparison, thanks

If I want the UL to sound "brutal" I have to use the graphic EQ so it makes sense to me.....

I sort of view the UL as an upscale Mark IV in that way feature wise and use of the graphic EQ

 

[Shiny_Surface]

Oh by the way Chris instead of you getting your Deliverance modded you could just sell the UL and get a Sig_X for more versatality and a closer tone to the Deliverance

 

[AmpliFIRE]

Sounds like I would love the D60! That's one amp that I can't wait to try...

 

[Shiny_Surface]

Good point! I've thought about that, but I don't want to make that move until I hear a SigX in person. Ya know? I love the UL too, but I like the D60 just a little more.

Also, I should mention that I didn't use the graphic EQ at all in the studio and only use it live for a lead volume boost (you know that already, but I should've included that in my initial post.)

Chris

I'm waiting to hear more news/clips of the Sig_X from the early adopters myself when it comes out, I was thinking about maybe pairing it up with my UL.

Channel 3 of the UL was NOT what I was expecting when I first plugged in after reading all the VHT opinions on the various forums. I expected a real clear brutal tone instantly, but it was actually more of a lead tone out of the box but I still liked it. I can still play rhythm on it no problem, but it is pretty smooth and "smeared" so to speak. The graphic can help in that area for sure.

The 2nd channel is real clear though......

 

[Juggernaut]

Oh by the way Chris instead of you getting your Deliverance modded you could just sell the UL and get a Sig_X for more versatality and a closer tone to the Deliverance

Good point! I've thought about that, but I don't want to make that move until I hear a SigX in person. Ya know? I love the UL too, but I like the D60 just a little more.

Also, I should mention that I didn't use the graphic EQ at all in the studio and only use it live for a lead volume boost (you know that already, but I should've included that in my initial post.)

Chris

Or you COULD get one of these for your solo boost...

 

[Juggernaut]

they're a "clean" boost, no distortion, granted it's gonna drive your amp harder but you'll get a volume boost as well

 

[degenaro]

they're a "clean" boost, no distortion, granted it's gonna drive your amp harder but you'll get a volume boost as well

No you won't.
The only way this works if the input signal isn't already going into a circuit that's over driven. Like running a clean boost after an overdrive into a clean amp will bring the level up. Clean bosst into any overdrive, be it pedal, pre-amp or power am gain will just get more saturation.

 

[degenaro]

they're a "clean" boost, no distortion, granted it's gonna drive your amp harder but you'll get a volume boost as well

I have never been able to get a volume boost with using any type of OD/clean boost pedal in front of a distorted amp. A clean amp, definitely. But it's been my experience that they just kick up the distortion another notch with a distorted amp. I dunno...

Chris

You do know...

 

[skoora]

they're a "clean" boost, no distortion, granted it's gonna drive your amp harder but you'll get a volume boost as well

May I sub-respond.....Does it?



Sorry couldn't help myself. Love those Sonic comercials.
Eduardo is correct, only more saturation if the amp's already up there on the gain knob.
I already asked VHT about doing a second master on a Deliverence quite a while ago and they said no.

 

[Digital Jams]

They are dry and sterile...hate them.

 

[Bob Savage]

I already asked VHT about doing a second master on a Deliverence quite a while ago and they said no.

Ahhhhhh crap. Really? That sucks.

I'm telling you, another D60, a head cab/rack for the two heads and a head switcher and you're all set.

 

[nbarts]

VHT Deliverance is a killer amp no matter the price range. I do like 120 version better too, it has more balls & biggness. IMO Deliverance tonally kicks Pitbull's ass, looks like you've found the same.

 

[Shiny_Surface]

Since the UL doesn't seem to popular I'm inspired to try a "brewtal" clip with it now and see how mean a rhythm tone I can get going

 

[Shiny_Surface]

Since the UL doesn't seem to popular I'm inspired to try a "brewtal" clip with it now and see how mean a rhythm tone I can get going

I don't think the D60 was CLEARLY better than the UL, but they do sound and feel a little different. The D60 is slightly looser feeling (although still tight) with more highs and what seems to be a more aggressive tone. The UL is tighter with a smoother tone. All of that is without the graphic EQ on the UL.

I'm pretty sure the UL can be dialed in to sound close to the D60 if needed. But yeah, make a clip anyway!

I will definitely need to employ the graphic EQ if I do, lol.

Have you played around with the shift button by the way? I usually have it out, but it may sound a tad meaner with it pushed in even without the graphic engaged. Just thinking out loud