What power amp do you recommend if I was to get a M4

[cyndicate]

Been thinking of going with a rack setup, what do you guys suggest as a Power amp for the M4?

 

[Jeff Hilligan]

VHT 2/50/2 or 2/90/2 all on your preference...I use them both, a mono Peavey classic 60 and my proto type Mod 50 2 space power amp!

 

[aeroic]

Been thinking of going with a rack setup, what do you guys suggest as a Power amp for the M4?

I'm using the VHT 2/90/2 with 6550 power tubes. I have tried an assortment of power amps (every mesa besides the Strategy, every marshall, peavey, VHT 2/50/2, etc). The only power amp that I have had that beats the VHT 2/90/2 is the VHT 2150. But that's a 4-space power amp, and one heavy beast!!! The 2/90/2 is the same circuit with a step down in the transformer. (The transformer in the 2150 is MONSTEROUS!!!!). But the 2/90/2 is by far the best, biggest, and baddest power amp I've ever played. I had a Mesa 2:90 for about 6-8 months, and the the VHT 2/90/2 eats it for dinner!

Eric

 

[Hectic Watermelon]

I have had a 2/50/2, then a 2/90/2, then a 2/90/2 and a 2/50/2...finally it's back to the 2/50/2. It has more of a classic Marshally vibe to me. I thought the 2/90/2 had too much headroom and was just too damn loud for most reasonable applications. With my band, if I need that much power at a gig, then of course we are getting sound reinforcement, so the point is moot. Funny war story with my 2/90/2. I was tracking the solo in my tune, Subterranean Rapid Transit in the studio and the flippin' thing arced on me! If you have never seen a tube arc, it is spectacular. Two internal components that aren't supposed to touch, TOUCH and then, WHAM!!! - it welds together and bursts the tube with a terrifying POW! - shooting a loud, hissing, sparkler all over the place! It was dark in the studio, and it just rained sparks for like 5 seconds - that seemed like a lot longer!

There is no comparison whatsoever between the MOD50 power section and the VHT power amp in my opinion. The MOD50 power section is an amazing second stage of tone sculpting that drives, compresses, growls, snarls, and basically kicks lots of ass. The VHT is a great sounding amp, but it lacks personality compared to the MOD50's power section. Also, the MOD 50 will let you get fatter tones at a low volume. The lower power mode on the VHT is still lethal before it gets spongey. However, if you don't want spongey, then you will LOVE the VHT! I actually plan to build a secondary stereo rig with two E2s and the VHT 2/50/2. So, it's not like I dislike the VHT; I just prefer the MOD 50 if I have the choice. I recorded the first HWM album with the VHT, but in retrospect wish I'd had the MOD 50s!!!

 

[aeroic]

I have had a 2/50/2, then a 2/90/2, then a 2/90/2 and a 2/50/2...finally it's back to the 2/50/2. It has more of a classic Marshally vibe to me. I thought the 2/90/2 had too much headroom and was just too damn loud for most reasonable applications. With my band, if I need that much power at a gig, then of course we are getting sound reinforcement, so the point is moot. Funny war story with my 2/90/2. I was tracking the solo in my tune, Subterranean Rapid Transit in the studio and the flippin' thing arced on me! If you have never seen a tube arc, it is spectacular. Two internal components that aren't supposed to touch, TOUCH and then, WHAM!!! - it welds together and bursts the tube with a terrifying POW! - shooting a loud, hissing, sparkler all over the place! It was dark in the studio, and it just rained sparks for like 5 seconds - that seemed like a lot longer!

There is no comparison whatsoever between the MOD50 power section and the VHT power amp in my opinion. The MOD50 power section is an amazing second stage of tone sculpting that drives, compresses, growls, snarls, and basically kicks lots of ass. The VHT is a great sounding amp, but it lacks personality compared to the MOD50's power section. Also, the MOD 50 will let you get fatter tones at a low volume. The lower power mode on the VHT is still lethal before it gets spongey. However, if you don't want spongey, then you will LOVE the VHT! I actually plan to build a secondary stereo rig with two E2s and the VHT 2/50/2. So, it's not like I dislike the VHT; I just prefer the MOD 50 if I have the choice. I recorded the first HWM album with the VHT, but in retrospect wish I'd had the MOD 50s!!!

I totally understand where John is coming from. For me, I get most of my tone from the preamp, and use the VHT as a power section. I've been very happy with it, but that's me . I personally like the sound of a 6550 more than a EL34 (i've always loved JCM800's with 6550s vs EL34's for instance).

John. One curiousity...did you ever try the 2/90/2 w/ 6550's??? Or did you use the KT88's? I personally think the KT88's are the most lifeless power tubes on the market. I know ppl that like them, but I personally think they sound very harsh. 6550s have a warmth and buttery midrange to them that I've yet to find in another tube.

But then again, that's my personal taste.

Eric

 

[Resonant Alien]

Another vote for the VHT 2/50/2. Loving mine!

 

[cyndicate]

Cool! What would be a good price to pay for the 2/50/2 used? It seems like a killer power amp

 

[Resonant Alien]

They keep their value used - VHT has notoriously looooong lead times for new ones. I think new ones are $1050 or so, most used ones I saw when I was looking were mostly around $750-900.

 

[TheGrooveking]

Mr. Hilligan it didn't go un-noticed that I see you listed a Mod-50 proto power amp? Is there an Egnater power amp coming? Please say it is so, I tried to buy Brent Mason's old red Egnater power amp, but he wouldn't let it go.

TheGrooveking

 

[Hectic Watermelon]

I saw that too...I think it made me start getting all gushy.

 

[Hectic Watermelon]

John. One curiousity...did you ever try the 2/90/2 w/ 6550's??? Or did you use the KT88's? I personally think the KT88's are the most lifeless power tubes on the market. I know ppl that like them, but I personally think they sound very harsh. 6550s have a warmth and buttery midrange to them that I've yet to find in another tube.

But then again, that's my personal taste.

Eric

KT88s only. You may have a point then. Actually, Stevie Fryette (Mr. VHT) fixed it and actually suggested reinstalling KT88s.

 

[LUKATHERFAN]

The VHT 2/50/2 is a great poweramp,and from what I'm seeing
from other players seems to really beat up the Mesa/Boogie gear...
I also once had a Peavey Classic 60/60 that was a good power
amp for the money,and you can find those online fairly priced....
BUT- If there is a poweramp brewing down at Bruce's shop and
it's based somewhat like the MOD50 power section, I'd be thinking
pretty hard about holding out at least until you have some idea
of a time frame for build and pricing.....Jeff will let us know!!.....

 

[aeroic]

John. One curiousity...did you ever try the 2/90/2 w/ 6550's??? Or did you use the KT88's? I personally think the KT88's are the most lifeless power tubes on the market. I know ppl that like them, but I personally think they sound very harsh. 6550s have a warmth and buttery midrange to them that I've yet to find in another tube.

But then again, that's my personal taste.

Eric

KT88s only. You may have a point then. Actually, Stevie Fryette (Mr. VHT) fixed it and actually suggested reinstalling KT88s.

Everyone that has played my VHT 2/90/2 w/ 6550s has loved it! I'll see if I can find my old "comparison" recordings of the same rig / mic setup / etc when we did recording tests of the 6550s vs the KT88's. The difference is quite amazing. The KT88's didn't cut through the mix as well, and they had this hollowness to them compared to the 6550's. The highs on the KT88s was pretty piercing too.

Eric

 

[hank]

Mr. Hilligan it didn't go un-noticed that I see you listed a Mod-50 proto power amp? Is there an Egnater power amp coming?

yes, would love to know before going with a VHT (and I have time since a purchase is a bit down the road)!

 

[guitarslinger]

depends.

1/2 the time, I play a VHT 2150 (brighter, bassier, meaner)


the other 1/2 of the time,


I use the power section of 2 Egnater Seminar amps. (Marshally, sweet, smooth, gorgeous)

 

[aeroic]

depends.

1/2 the time, I play a VHT 2150 (brighter, bassier, meaner)


the other 1/2 of the time,


I use the power section of 2 Egnater Seminar amps. (Marshally, sweet, smooth, gorgeous)

gotta love those 2150s!!! they sound amazing!! i used the Egnater seminar amp for a while as a power section. it sounded awesome too I just got a 2/90/2 now to get my rack down to 6 spaces.

eric

 

[guitarslinger]

depends.

1/2 the time, I play a VHT 2150 (brighter, bassier, meaner)


the other 1/2 of the time,


I use the power section of 2 Egnater Seminar amps. (Marshally, sweet, smooth, gorgeous)

gotta love those 2150s!!! they sound amazing!! i used the Egnater seminar amp for a while as a power section. it sounded awesome too I just got a 2/90/2 now to get my rack down to 6 spaces.

eric

Well, I have to have a separate rack for the 2150. it's too heavy to combine with any other gear

 

[aeroic]

depends.

1/2 the time, I play a VHT 2150 (brighter, bassier, meaner)


the other 1/2 of the time,


I use the power section of 2 Egnater Seminar amps. (Marshally, sweet, smooth, gorgeous)

gotta love those 2150s!!! they sound amazing!! i used the Egnater seminar amp for a while as a power section. it sounded awesome too I just got a 2/90/2 now to get my rack down to 6 spaces.

eric

Well, I have to have a separate rack for the 2150. it's too heavy to combine with any other gear

can you say....beautiful!!!!!

 

[Resonant Alien]

depends.

1/2 the time, I play a VHT 2150 (brighter, bassier, meaner)


the other 1/2 of the time,


I use the power section of 2 Egnater Seminar amps. (Marshally, sweet, smooth, gorgeous)

gotta love those 2150s!!! they sound amazing!! i used the Egnater seminar amp for a while as a power section. it sounded awesome too I just got a 2/90/2 now to get my rack down to 6 spaces.

eric

Well, I have to have a separate rack for the 2150. it's too heavy to combine with any other gear

Just got wood

 

[dfrattaroli]

Been thinking of going with a rack setup, what do you guys suggest as a Power amp for the M4?

I think this is something you need to play with a bit. If at all possible, wait till you have the M4. Then bring the M4 to different shops and try it with different amps. Buying used helps here since you can try a PA and then sell it without $$ loss if you don't like it. No matter how many people say they love the VHT, that doesn't make it the right amp for you.

There are a number of amps I'd like to try with my M4 when it arrives. That list includes the VHT 2/50/2 but it also includes several Mesa amps, the Carvin TS-100, the Randall RT2 and certainly anything Egnater may come up with. I'm more into Mesa-type tone than Marshalls for the most part and I have had a Mesa 50/50 that was great in my opinion. Great build, quiet, lots of bottom. Can't imagine it getting any better. But I think with the M4 something a bit more transparent might be better since you really want the modules to show their colors. The Carvin TS100 is such an amp. I've never tried a VHT so I can't comment but I will eventually.

My point is however, it's smart to ask and find out what other people use but don't use that information to determine your choice. Use your ears for that.

PS

When the M4 first arrives, I'll be running it through the power section of my Mesa Road King II head. That can't be bad. I could have all 4 channels of the RKII and the 4 modules in the M4. Nice!


Dave