Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: opprobrium_9 on February 09, 2008, 05:57:21 PM

Title: Egnater Rebel vs. Blackheart Killer Ant!
Post by: opprobrium_9 on February 09, 2008, 05:57:21 PM
Ok fellas, so i am determined, with the little amount of money that i make this summer, to finally purchase myself a valve amp.  I don't want to break the bank on this one and these two, seemingly great, new additions to the valve amp world are like a dream come true: compact, portable, low-wattage, etc. etc.

So EGNATER'S REBEL:

(http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/chaosreaper101/egnaterNAMM.jpg)

- As far as i can discern it will be 500 USD
- Switchable wattage from 1W to 20W
- Select between 6v6 and el84’s
- Effects loop
- Weighs 5 pounds

There is limited info about this amp online, and the egnater site doesn't even say anything about it :rock:

Next contender:

BLACKHEART'S Killer Ant:

(http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/chaosreaper101/Blackheatkillerant.gif)

(http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/chaosreaper101/Blackheart_Killer_Ant_and_Cab.jpg)

- <1 Watt RMS, Single-Ended, Class A, 1W resistors in the signal path
- Outputs: 1 x 16 ohm jack, 1 x 8 ohm jack, 1 x 4 ohm jack
- Solid State Rectifier  :?
- DC Power to filaments for super quiet operation
- 139.99 USD estimated street price

(Designed to mate with the Killer Ant (it’s not really as disgusting as that sounds), Blackheart’s new slightly-larger-than-palm-sized BH110 “Killer Cab” $139.99 USD street price)

THE BATTLE (COMMENCE DESTRUCTION  :twisted:):

Which one do you think would be better suited for a pedal arsenal (something that i intend on building over time).  The Egnater has a dedicated effects loop, but effects loops tend to suck out the tiniest bit of tone (so i'm told).  The killer ant on the other hand has no such thing, but it is solid-state rectified.  Would the Egnater also be solid state rectified you think?  The killer ant is incredibly cheaper but the Egnater might be more versitile, i'm not quite sure...  There is something to be said of the simplicity of just a volume control like on the Killer Ant, which means that it actually might be just as good, if not better, with pedals as the Rebel.  So these are some of the questions that are sifting around in my head right now.  I want something compact, one of these two is the answer.  I am leaning towards the Killer Ant, but i really don't know anything about rectifiers so someone may have to clarify that for me.  Feel free to add in any extra arguments!

If you don't really care to answer, at least you can thank me for dumping some amp porn on ya  :P
Title: Egnater Rebel vs. Blackheart Killer Ant!
Post by: AdamB on February 09, 2008, 06:45:50 PM
Egnater all the way!!!

My mod 50 should be here on Wednesday :)

Anyway.....

The Egnater Rebel also has a full EQ and seems like more of a proper amp if you know what i mean
Title: Egnater Rebel vs. Blackheart Killer Ant!
Post by: Will on February 09, 2008, 06:52:50 PM
I'm no expert, but valve rectification isn't too common. Marshall made the switchover when they went from JTM's to Plexi's I think.
so... Don't let the words solid state put you off in that aspect :P
Title: Egnater Rebel vs. Blackheart Killer Ant!
Post by: Adam.M on February 10, 2008, 03:16:47 AM
The blackhearts are made by Crate, and are designed by the same dude who designed the Epi VJ's.

They're designed from the ground up to be modded and tinkered with, so unless your up to doing some tinkering... egnater all the way.
Title: Egnater Rebel vs. Blackheart Killer Ant!
Post by: viking on February 10, 2008, 05:04:07 AM
No comparaison possible.The Egnater is  much better.
Title: Egnater Rebel vs. Blackheart Killer Ant!
Post by: opprobrium_9 on February 10, 2008, 07:27:18 AM
Well, i am glad i posted this.  I would still like to get more opinions, but it is looking like the Egnater!
Title: Egnater Rebel vs. Blackheart Killer Ant!
Post by: noodleplugerine on February 10, 2008, 10:17:33 AM
Deffo the Eggy.
Title: Egnater Rebel vs. Blackheart Killer Ant!
Post by: dave_mc on February 10, 2008, 04:36:19 PM
holy cr@p that egnater looks badass. $500?!?!

EDIT: i just realised i should have read your post first about "no info on their website" rather than search their website...  :lol:
Title: Egnater Rebel vs. Blackheart Killer Ant!
Post by: PhilKing on February 10, 2008, 08:23:55 PM
Even if the Egnater isn't solid state rectifier, you can get one that plugs into the valve socket from a few places.  The best are these:

http://www.radiodaze.com/tube-solidstate.htm
Title: Egnater Rebel vs. Blackheart Killer Ant!
Post by: opprobrium_9 on February 11, 2008, 02:18:03 AM
Quote from: PhilKing
Even if the Egnater isn't solid state rectifier, you can get one that plugs into the valve socket from a few places.  The best are these:

http://www.radiodaze.com/tube-solidstate.htm


why would i want to make a tube rectifier solid state?  This is exactly what i was complaining about.
Title: Egnater Rebel vs. Blackheart Killer Ant!
Post by: noodleplugerine on February 11, 2008, 07:32:24 AM
Quote from: opprobrium_9
Quote from: PhilKing
Even if the Egnater isn't solid state rectifier, you can get one that plugs into the valve socket from a few places.  The best are these:

http://www.radiodaze.com/tube-solidstate.htm


why would i want to make a tube rectifier solid state?  This is exactly what i was complaining about.


Because they're better.
Title: Egnater Rebel vs. Blackheart Killer Ant!
Post by: Will on February 11, 2008, 11:22:44 AM
I think Hunter's opinion would be good here, doesn't his Budda thingy have tube thingy? Oh, and TF's JTM
Title: Egnater Rebel vs. Blackheart Killer Ant!
Post by: opprobrium_9 on February 11, 2008, 06:46:28 PM
Quote from: noodleplugerine
Quote from: opprobrium_9
Quote from: PhilKing
Even if the Egnater isn't solid state rectifier, you can get one that plugs into the valve socket from a few places.  The best are these:

http://www.radiodaze.com/tube-solidstate.htm


why would i want to make a tube rectifier solid state?  This is exactly what i was complaining about.


Because they're better.


And this is because...

Quote from: Will
I think Hunter's opinion would be good here, doesn't his Budda thingy have tube thingy? Oh, and TF's JTM


Hunter's oppinion, which is what?
Title: Egnater Rebel vs. Blackheart Killer Ant!
Post by: Will on February 11, 2008, 06:55:35 PM
Quote from: opprobrium_9
Quote from: noodleplugerine
Quote from: opprobrium_9
Quote from: PhilKing
Even if the Egnater isn't solid state rectifier, you can get one that plugs into the valve socket from a few places.  The best are these:

http://www.radiodaze.com/tube-solidstate.htm


why would i want to make a tube rectifier solid state?  This is exactly what i was complaining about.


Because they're better.


And this is because...

Quote from: Will
I think Hunter's opinion would be good here, doesn't his Budda thingy have tube thingy? Oh, and TF's JTM


Hunter's oppinion, which is what?


Don't know yet, PM him if you can't wait, or Twinfan.

I have heard that the JTM45 gets muddy in the bass area, maybe that is because of the tube rectifier
Title: Egnater Rebel vs. Blackheart Killer Ant!
Post by: maverickf1jockey on February 11, 2008, 09:59:48 PM
Generally valve rectifiers are described as 'spongy'.

They are only really of use for replicating a '60s clean sound or AC/DC style crunch.

A solid state would have a better response; think EVH and not Angus Young in distortion. These aren't known for great cleans but have a much better distortion quality (in terms of clarity and harmonic complexity).

Ideally the best way to do things would be to have multiple channels; a clean with a valve and a distortion with a trannie (I am loathe to recommend multi-channel bells and whistles style amps though seeing as my current set up is as spartan as I dare get it).
Title: Re: Egnater Rebel vs. Blackheart Killer Ant!
Post by: FELINEGUITARS on August 09, 2008, 01:18:10 AM
OK - just resurrecting this with some updated info
The Rebel is based around the Egnater SL2 module from the Modular amp series
This gives a Marshall JCM - JCM800 kinda tone
The variable power and power tube selection is very cool

It is part of a line designed to be sold via Guitar Centre and Musician's Friend (part of the GC empire as well)

Bruce Egnater also designed the Randall Modular amps too, although I would rather have the Egnater one for sure
Title: Re: Egnater Rebel vs. Blackheart Killer Ant!
Post by: AdamB on August 09, 2008, 07:29:24 PM
Both channels of my SL2 have quite fair bit of gain, especially B. Saying that, i use a ceramic pig, but only have it on half gain
Title: Re: Egnater Rebel vs. Blackheart Killer Ant!
Post by: AdamB on August 10, 2008, 07:07:47 AM
Someone should jump on some of these if you can get him to ship to the uk, really really good prices!!!

http://www.rig-talk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=33218 (http://www.rig-talk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=33218)
Title: Re: Egnater Rebel vs. Blackheart Killer Ant!
Post by: Roobubba on August 10, 2008, 11:08:58 AM
Just guessing at what sort of music you want to play, oppo, and factoring in that you want an amp that can take pedals (ie has good clean headroom...), surely you should be looking more towards a higher output amp known for good cleans? Those amps look lovely (well, scratch that, the egnater looks okay!), but I'm not convinced that they'll a) do brootalz particularly well or b) take pedals particularly well, which appear to be two of the key factors for you.

Or am I missing the point?

Roo
Title: Re: Egnater Rebel vs. Blackheart Killer Ant!
Post by: FELINEGUITARS on August 20, 2008, 10:25:58 PM
OMG - how cute is this little stack
(http://www.egnateramps.com/images/Rebel20Ad.jpg)
Title: Re: Egnater Rebel vs. Blackheart Killer Ant!
Post by: Philly Q on August 20, 2008, 11:44:26 PM
OMG - how cute is this little stack

Very! 

Notice that this one has seven knobs but the one at the top of the thread only has six.
Title: Re: Egnater Rebel vs. Blackheart Killer Ant!
Post by: FELINEGUITARS on August 21, 2008, 12:31:36 AM
Yes - there was a slight spec change
They added a standby switch to prolong valve life
The switch that was in the place where the standby now is used to switch between EL84 and 6V6 valves.
So now there is a knob that blends between the two choices which seems like a really cool idea

I want one for the workshop!!
Title: Re: Egnater Rebel vs. Blackheart Killer Ant!
Post by: opprobrium_9 on August 21, 2008, 05:36:04 AM
Just guessing at what sort of music you want to play, oppo, and factoring in that you want an amp that can take pedals (ie has good clean headroom...), surely you should be looking more towards a higher output amp known for good cleans? Those amps look lovely (well, scratch that, the egnater looks okay!), but I'm not convinced that they'll a) do brootalz particularly well or b) take pedals particularly well, which appear to be two of the key factors for you.

Or am I missing the point?

Roo

Yeah, ultimately Metal is the goal, and br00thalz is the name of the game for sure, but i want good cleans too.  So what would you suggest other than these two?  From the looks of things right now i won't be getting an amp anytime soon, due to several factors out of my control, but i would be curious to hear what suggestions (if any) you have and what you think would work for me.  You are the one with all the tricked out equipment right?  The Diezel and Blackmachine etc?  I cannot afford anything like that yet.  Also, i don't think i am a good enough player to even think about owning that kind of equipment yet.

Also, thanks for the extra info Jonathan! :D
Title: Re: Egnater Rebel vs. Blackheart Killer Ant!
Post by: noodleplugerine on August 21, 2008, 07:09:57 AM
Just guessing at what sort of music you want to play, oppo, and factoring in that you want an amp that can take pedals (ie has good clean headroom...), surely you should be looking more towards a higher output amp known for good cleans? Those amps look lovely (well, scratch that, the egnater looks okay!), but I'm not convinced that they'll a) do brootalz particularly well or b) take pedals particularly well, which appear to be two of the key factors for you.

Or am I missing the point?

Roo

Yeah, ultimately Metal is the goal, and br00thalz is the name of the game for sure, but i want good cleans too.  So what would you suggest other than these two?  From the looks of things right now i won't be getting an amp anytime soon, due to several factors out of my control, but i would be curious to hear what suggestions (if any) you have and what you think would work for me.  You are the one with all the tricked out equipment right?  The Diezel and Blackmachine etc?  I cannot afford anything like that yet.  Also, i don't think i am a good enough player to even think about owning that kind of equipment yet.

Also, thanks for the extra info Jonathan! :D

That's Nolly, Roob uses a 5150 into awesome sounding K100s.
Title: Re: Egnater Rebel vs. Blackheart Killer Ant!
Post by: AdamB on August 21, 2008, 09:07:18 AM
Any luck with any sellers Jonathan?
Title: Re: Egnater Rebel vs. Blackheart Killer Ant!
Post by: FELINEGUITARS on August 21, 2008, 09:53:53 AM
Any luck with any sellers Jonathan?

Yes - heard from Indoor Storm yesterday
THey say the M4 preamp can ship in October
I'm really pleased but need to sell some other amps & stuff that wont be getting used and take up space

So I'll probably sell my:
Marshall JCM 800 2205
Fender Prosonic
Wolftone 20w head and 1x12"
Atomic Reactor amp (the one that takes a POD or other modeller)
Cornell Stinger (A Romany before they changed the name to Romany)
ADA Nuno Bettencourt rig (ADA MP1 & ADA T100s power amp)
Soldano SP77 rack preamp
ENGL E530 rack preamp
Title: Re: Egnater Rebel vs. Blackheart Killer Ant!
Post by: AdamB on August 21, 2008, 12:47:31 PM
Mint!

Pleased for you mate :D
Title: Re: Egnater Rebel vs. Blackheart Killer Ant!
Post by: dave_mc on August 21, 2008, 03:03:51 PM
that looks pretty nice. are those things made in the states? what's the price again?

i'm not too sure about that headline, though... it's a bit close to "about to get arrested" for my liking... :oops:
Title: Re: Egnater Rebel vs. Blackheart Killer Ant!
Post by: FELINEGUITARS on August 21, 2008, 06:41:35 PM
No Dave - think they are made in China
The head is $500 (£250ish) and will sell through Guitar Center - same as the tourmaster range
But still very nice
Title: Re: Egnater Rebel vs. Blackheart Killer Ant!
Post by: AdamB on August 21, 2008, 08:17:39 PM
I'm getting one!!

I can't wait! I hope they sell them over here too, they'll push the TT's off the shelves
Title: Re: Egnater Rebel vs. Blackheart Killer Ant!
Post by: opprobrium_9 on August 21, 2008, 11:16:36 PM
Just guessing at what sort of music you want to play, oppo, and factoring in that you want an amp that can take pedals (ie has good clean headroom...), surely you should be looking more towards a higher output amp known for good cleans? Those amps look lovely (well, scratch that, the egnater looks okay!), but I'm not convinced that they'll a) do brootalz particularly well or b) take pedals particularly well, which appear to be two of the key factors for you.

Or am I missing the point?

Roo

Yeah, ultimately Metal is the goal, and br00thalz is the name of the game for sure, but i want good cleans too.  So what would you suggest other than these two?  From the looks of things right now i won't be getting an amp anytime soon, due to several factors out of my control, but i would be curious to hear what suggestions (if any) you have and what you think would work for me.  You are the one with all the tricked out equipment right?  The Diezel and Blackmachine etc?  I cannot afford anything like that yet.  Also, i don't think i am a good enough player to even think about owning that kind of equipment yet.

Also, thanks for the extra info Jonathan! :D

That's Nolly, Roob uses a 5150 into awesome sounding K100s.

Ah, for some reason i always get those two confused.
Title: Re: Egnater Rebel vs. Blackheart Killer Ant!
Post by: dave_mc on August 22, 2008, 07:24:19 PM
No Dave - think they are made in China
The head is $500 (£250ish) and will sell through Guitar Center - same as the tourmaster range
But still very nice

thanks jonathan. i figured at those prices they'd have to ship the manufacture elsewhere...

:)