Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum
Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: Brow on August 02, 2010, 08:10:03 AM
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Hey guys.
Sorry for the long post............
For the past couple of months I've been saving up to buy myself a new amp. It dawned on me that for the last few years I've not really been playing music I actually like for the most part, so I've had to change my tone from a cross between 70s/80s Rock to something to fit run of the mill light rock and pop covers.
Now i'm back doing the stuff that got me playing in the 1st place, 70s Classic Rock and 80s Rock (Guns N Roses, Bon Jovi, other 'glam' bands) I've decided to get myself a decent amp so that I can ditch alot of my OD and gain pedals and go back to alot more simpler setup.
Up until the last few days I'd pretty much decided on a Splawn as if I used either 2 two button footswitches or a switching system I could have Clean, OD 1 low gear, OD1 high gear, OD2 low gear, OD2 high gear and either of the OD2s with a volume boost for solos. This would pretty much cover any kind of OD tone I'd ever need and allow me to go down to just a wah and a tuner infront of the amp.
I've recently heard about an Egnater amp called a Tourmaster 4100 that also looks like it could do almost what the splawn can, and is also cheaper. Not that that matters too much but is always something to take into account I guess.
This is basically a post to ask an opinion of these 2 amps and also if anyone else has any other suggestions of anything else I could look into.
As for budget I currently have £1500 saved up as well as a few other bits I could use in part exchange if possible.
Thanks!
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Bogner XTC would also do what you want.
Just sayin' ;)
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Good amps, but IMO the Marshall JVM series beats those. Great one, much more versatile.
Oh.... and a lot cheaper in the UK!!!
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Bogner XTC would also do what you want.
Just sayin' ;)
No probs!
It's not an amp I've ever used or looked into, so I honestly have no idea about it.
Thanks for the suggestion.
Good amps, but IMO the Marshall JVM series beats those. Great one, much more versatile.
Oh.... and a lot cheaper in the UK!!!
I've looked into the JVM and I've never found a clip of it where I prefer it's tone over the Splawn tbh, but having never used 1 in person, I guess I couldn't say 100% for sure.
My main issue that there are no music shops anywhere near me, so before I buy in person I'm needing to draw up a list of amps to track down to try before I part with my cash :lol:
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GuitarGuitar stock Bogner, if you can get to one?
The XTC is a great piece of kit, and there's a guy selling a used one for £1800 on MusicRadar:
http://www.musicradar.com/forum/showthread.php?t=61795
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I am selling my Ecstasy 100B, but it's 2500€ 8)
I would stay away from the Tourmaster, IMO it has some good sounds, but not great tone, and it weighs a ton, which will sooner or later get on your nerves.
But the Renegade is a nice amp, really nice you can try it as well at guitarguitar. Or with your budget, you should look into the MOD50, it's pretty amazing and you can get modules that fit your needs. You should be able to get used for 1500GBP or a little more even new. They are currently moving production to China and it will get cheaper.
Another amp I would seriously consider in your case (being in the UK) - a Cornford Mk50 MkII. It's a little more than the 1500 but it would surely not stop to amaze you tone wise.
Apart from that, there are gazillions of amps that fit your budget and requirements. You could also ask Martin from MJW amps to build you exactly what you need.
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I am selling my Ecstasy 100B, but it's 2500€ 8)
:o
If only it was a bit cheaper....
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I am selling my Ecstasy 100B, but it's 2500€ 8)
:o
If only it was a bit cheaper....
I would go as low as 2,300€ (which is 1,900GBP right now) - but that is the minimum. Comes with really nice tubes as well, most of the preamp are Penta's some of them out of production, really nice, and the Ruby EL34BHTs in the power amp still have no more than maybe 70h playing time on them, so they're easily good for another 6 months.
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There is a new splawn call Street Rod! There are sound clips too! Check it out!
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Thanks for the posts guys.
I may have a lead on an Ecstasy 101b and a cab, but until I get an email reply, I'll keep quiet about that 1! 8)
There is a new splawn call Street Rod! There are sound clips too! Check it out!
The Street Rod is pretty much just a 40w Quick Rod in a combo from what I gather, so I'd probably just go for the QR in that case. I do agree it sounds great though! :D
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I've now seen/heard clips of the EVH 5150III and it sounds like it may do what I want.
Anyone own or used 1 of these?
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I've now seen/heard clips of the EVH 5150III and it sounds like it may do what I want.
Anyone own or used 1 of these?
I have played one, and thought it was Ok. Channel 2 is quite nice, but I found the amp overall a bit harsh and stiff.
The 5153 straight cab however, is awesome!
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You need to try these out in person mate - everyone likes different things and opinions are like aresholes!
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You need to try these out in person mate - everyone likes different things and opinions are like aresholes!
+1
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You need to try these out in person mate - everyone likes different things and opinions are like aresholes!
Yep!
My main problem is that Splawns/Egnaters/MESAs/Blackstars etc are in Cheshire, the 5150 III is in Doncaster, the Bogner may be in Manchester so that means I need a list of possible amps before I do any testing.
I REALLY hate bugging you all and questioning everything, but I don't really have much other choice at the minute :?
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Given the money you'll be spending, and the personal nature of all gear really, you'd be a brave man to take a punt without trying anything in the flesh.
Barring the 5150 III, a quick trip East will cover all the others in one day. Sounds like you're heading to Sounds Great and somewhere in teh city centre for the Bogner?
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Given the money you'll be spending, and the personal nature of all gear really, you'd be a brave man to take a punt without trying anything in the flesh.
Barring the 5150 III, a quick trip East will cover all the others in one day. Sounds like you're heading to Sounds Great and somewhere in teh city centre for the Bogner?
Nah, I have no intention of spending this much cash without trying the amp out in person!
I just need to get a list together so that I can do as much travelling as I can in 1 go and try to minimise distances etc where I can.
Sounds Great are the only Splawn stockists in the country, and the Bogner is a private sale but I haven't heard back yet so not sure how feasable that is at the minute! :lol:
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Well if you're coming to Sounds Great let me know and I'll bob along if you fancy some company, plus you can always try out my XTC on the same day ;)
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i still need to go to Sounds Great and have a heated debate on the finer points of customer service all over Gary's face.
have we mentioned an MJW custom build in this thread?
If you wanted something like a Soldano Decatone i could maybe hook you up something.
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The ear has no memory. Just remember that if you don't get to direct A/B amps.
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For the switching options you're after u can't beat the jvm, has MIDI inputs too so if you want to add in a decent effects system like a tc nova you can change amp channels and effects with one click. Great Amp. I'm dying to try the 5150 III as well, which. Shop did u say they were on demo ?
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The Egnater Mod 50 is totally sweet and with the interchangable modules you can change it to suit your moods
Two forum guys have them (Adam B and Catalyst77) whilst I went for the rack mount version that takes 4 modules = 8 channels.
Another option is the Randall RM100 or Lynch Box
Takes 3 modules (but single channel only) but 3 killer sounds available and changeable
The prototype one I had (signed by & used by Lynch) was great but too loud for home and pretty heavy to lug around
The guy who had it off me is selling it for about £550 (without modules ) as he has gone for the 4 slot rack preamp and power amp for more versatility.
Modules are getting customised too by various guys like this one:
http://www.salvationmods.com/ (http://www.salvationmods.com/)
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Well if you're coming to Sounds Great let me know and I'll bob along if you fancy some company, plus you can always try out my XTC on the same day ;)
Cheers for the offer Dave. I think I still have your mobile number from when we had the get together last Feb in Manchester. Had a new phone since then though so there's every chance I may not have due to my technical incompetence with some phones! :lol:
i still need to go to Sounds Great and have a heated debate on the finer points of customer service all over Gary's face.
have we mentioned an MJW custom build in this thread?
If you wanted something like a Soldano Decatone i could maybe hook you up something.
I don't think a MJW has been mentioned so far no. I tried an Orion last Fenruary but didn't get too much time on it due to not wanting to hog it over other forum members.
I've never looked into Soldano to be honest. Is that 1 a channel switcher or single channel amp?
The ear has no memory. Just remember that if you don't get to direct A/B amps.
VERY good point! I'll definitely bear that in mind when I eventually get around to travelling to test amps in person :D
For the switching options you're after u can't beat the jvm, has MIDI inputs too so if you want to add in a decent effects system like a tc nova you can change amp channels and effects with one click. Great Amp. I'm dying to try the 5150 III as well, which. Shop did u say they were on demo ?
The JVM was 1 of the 1st amps I looked into when I 1st started saving towards an amp. I looked into sound clips and while it was a good sounding amp, nothing I found really blew me away if you know what I mean?
The 5150 III I saw online was at Electro Music in Doncaster and GAK in Brighton (??) has them too.
The Egnater Mod 50 is totally sweet and with the interchangable modules you can change it to suit your moods
Two forum guys have them (Adam B and Catalyst77) whilst I went for the rack mount version that takes 4 modules = 8 channels.
Another option is the Randall RM100 or Lynch Box
Takes 3 modules (but single channel only) but 3 killer sounds available and changeable
The prototype one I had (signed by & used by Lynch) was great but too loud for home and pretty heavy to lug around
The guy who had it off me is selling it for about £550 (without modules ) as he has gone for the 4 slot rack preamp and power amp for more versatility.
Modules are getting customised too by various guys like this one:
http://www.salvationmods.com/ (http://www.salvationmods.com/)
Cheers for the suggestion Jonathan.
I'd heard of those amps but had never looked into them. Do Randall do something very similar? A mate of mine has a Randall modular type amp and swears by it.
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I've got a 5153 and I like it, it sounds good and it's easy to dial in and versitile.
If you are going to give it a try I would advise you make sure you try it with the matching cab or at least something greenback related. I have a 2x12 with g12-65's, I hated it with V30's.
I have heard from those who have had both it's like a poor mans XTC but voiced a little more mordern and agressive, a bit of a cross between and XTC and an SLO.
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the decatone has 3 channels of varying gain each with a bright switch and a shared tube buffered fx loop with wet/dry control.
It also has a shared eq for each channel.
The crunch channel is great but the overdrive isn't as good as on other soldanos (still good though!).
the channels are footswitchable
I personally wouldn't buy a new one as that means dealing with sounds great, but you can pick them up second hand for less than £1400. I happen to know someone building similar amps to the decatone.
The Bogner Ecstasy would be more versatile I think. lots more bells and whistles.
I've never played a 5150III or a Splawn. and probably never will.
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http://www.randallamplifiers.com/Amplifiers/MTS-Heads/ (http://www.randallamplifiers.com/Amplifiers/MTS-Heads/)
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How about a Koch Supernova. 5 channels. Midi. Variable power outputs. It's a beast of an amp!
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How about a Koch Supernova. 5 channels. Midi. Variable power outputs. It's a beast of an amp!
Yeah, it looks it! :lol:
(http://images4.thomann.de/pics/bdb/205614/456975_800.jpg)
Do you need a degree in astro physics or something to use that!
Looks quite a cool concept but a bit out of my price range at £2k I'm afraid!
Thanks for the suggestion though!
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When I was looking to get a new amp I played quite a few different ones : the 5150 III, Mesa stiletto, Marshall 2203 and the JVM 410. Out of those I liked the 5150 III the best( tight and moderately compressed, though did sag @ higher volumes)2)Marshall 2203(sparkly and crunchy, good old rocknroll tone, not compressed much @ all,not versatile enough for my applications)3)Mesa stiletto(just as much gain as the 5150, best clean channel of all the amps,versatile enough,lacked a certain roundness/fullness that I was really looking for in the gain channels)4) JVM 410(very versatile, clean channel not too bad, never could get it to come to life no matter how I adjusted it, the low gains sounded good but, the high gains sounded modeled or solid state to me. Ultimately, I went with an 09' Quickrod and could not be happier with my choice. I have never played through a Bogner or an ENGL(always wanted an EL34 Invader in my dreams) or a Framus but, I am sure they all sound badass. Good luck!
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When I was looking to get a new amp I played quite a few different ones : the 5150 III, Mesa stiletto, Marshall 2203 and the JVM 410. Out of those I liked the 5150 III the best( tight and moderately compressed, though did sag @ higher volumes)2)Marshall 2203(sparkly and crunchy, good old rocknroll tone, not compressed much @ all,not versatile enough for my applications)3)Mesa stiletto(just as much gain as the 5150, best clean channel of all the amps,versatile enough,lacked a certain roundness/fullness that I was really looking for in the gain channels)4) JVM 410(very versatile, clean channel not too bad, never could get it to come to life no matter how I adjusted it, the low gains sounded good but, the high gains sounded modeled or solid state to me. Ultimately, I went with an 09' Quickrod and could not be happier with my choice. I have never played through a Bogner or an ENGL(always wanted an EL34 Invader in my dreams) or a Framus but, I am sure they all sound badass. Good luck!
Thanks for the info!
I'm hopefully going to try out a Bogner 101b next weekend, but if that doesn't pan out then the next 1 on my list to pick up would be a Quick Rod.
I managed to try a Cornford Roadhouse 30 at the week that was originally on my list. It was an ok sounding amp but had a very thin sound whereas I prefer something with a bit more body and power to the tone.
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I prefer something with a bit more body and power to the tone.
You'll like the Bogner ;)
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my cousin is also considering a splawn so it looks like we might be doing a trip up to manc an a few weeks to try some out
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my cousin is also considering a splawn so it looks like we might be doing a trip up to manc an a few weeks to try some out
Cool :D
From how much hassle I'm getting from the Bogner seller (:roll:), I can quite likely see a QR in my future too! :twisted:
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my cousin is also considering a splawn so it looks like we might be doing a trip up to manc an a few weeks to try some out
Cool :D
From how much hassle I'm getting from the Bogner seller (:roll:), I can quite likely see a QR in my future too! :twisted:
Sorry for some spam. If you like thick tone and versatility, you could buy my Steavens. I want to sell it as I have too many multi channel 100W amps and I look to get more dissimilar stuff rather than too much overlap. The Steavens and the XTC are quite similar. You can check my clips on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/jaeger28
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One minute selling the Bogner, now the Steavens??? You're as bad as me!! :lol:
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One minute selling the Bogner, now the Steavens??? You're as bad as me!! :lol:
Dude, I'm bad, but not THAT bad :lol:
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One minute selling the Bogner, now the Steavens??? You're as bad as me!! :lol:
:? errrm..... NOPE! :lol:
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Seems like I have a reputation!!
:lol:
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Sorry for some spam. If you like thick tone and versatility, you could buy my Steavens. I want to sell it as I have too many multi channel 100W amps and I look to get more dissimilar stuff rather than too much overlap. The Steavens and the XTC are quite similar. You can check my clips on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/jaeger28
It's not spam if I'm asking for opinions on amps to look into 8)
Got anymore info about the amp? I've never heard of them before.
For the money I'm looking at spending I'd also be looking to try before I buy, so not sure how much of an option that is if I was considering buying yours? Especially as I don't know if they're even available over here for me to try 1st :lol:
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Sorry for some spam. If you like thick tone and versatility, you could buy my Steavens. I want to sell it as I have too many multi channel 100W amps and I look to get more dissimilar stuff rather than too much overlap. The Steavens and the XTC are quite similar. You can check my clips on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/jaeger28
It's not spam if I'm asking for opinions on amps to look into 8)
Got anymore info about the amp? I've never heard of them before.
For the money I'm looking at spending I'd also be looking to try before I buy, so not sure how much of an option that is if I was considering buying yours? Especially as I don't know if they're even available over here for me to try 1st :lol:
Testing will be difficult, I don't think it's at any dealer in UK.
All info on Steavens.com
I bought the amp new about 9 months ago from music-station.eu, price there as you can see: 2,890€
I am selling mine for 1,850€ which is about your price range (a bit more than 1500GBP as of today's exchange rate).
Here is some more info, pics vids:
Features:
-4x6L6 or 4xEL34 for 100W (currently JJ6L6GC)
-4 Channels: Clean, Crunch, Meat, Heat
-Two EQs (one for clean, one for dirty)
-2 Master Volumes
-Additional boosts switchable per Channel or Midi Program: Gain, Mid,
Treble Boost
-Effects Loop, Ser/Par, (On/Off switchable)
-Footswitch can run either direct access mode or 3x4Midi/Programs
-Full MIDI implementation, to store channel, Master Volume, Boost
and Loop Status in up to 99 MIDI Programs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBS02KmxlWE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbOgR2eVrZI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-4JG2d1ejY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4sxe2vrvmc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plyh6aPL-nA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8OvId4VPZA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAS7NJ_MueQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLW3SpQ6jfI
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looks like you've made up your mind but I came across a good vid of the 5153
http://www.rig-talk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=75231
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Testing will be difficult, I don't think it's at any dealer in UK.
All info on Steavens.com
I bought the amp new about 9 months ago from music-station.eu, price there as you can see: 2,890€
I am selling mine for 1,850€ which is about your price range (a bit more than 1500GBP as of today's exchange rate).
Here is some more info, pics vids:
Features:
-4x6L6 or 4xEL34 for 100W (currently JJ6L6GC)
-4 Channels: Clean, Crunch, Meat, Heat
-Two EQs (one for clean, one for dirty)
-2 Master Volumes
-Additional boosts switchable per Channel or Midi Program: Gain, Mid,
Treble Boost
-Effects Loop, Ser/Par, (On/Off switchable)
-Footswitch can run either direct access mode or 3x4Midi/Programs
-Full MIDI implementation, to store channel, Master Volume, Boost
and Loop Status in up to 99 MIDI Programs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBS02KmxlWE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbOgR2eVrZI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-4JG2d1ejY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4sxe2vrvmc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plyh6aPL-nA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8OvId4VPZA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAS7NJ_MueQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLW3SpQ6jfI
Hello.
Thanks for the offer, but for what I'm spending I want to be able to try what I'm going to be buying 1st.
Good luck with the sale though!
looks like you've made up your mind but I came across a good vid of the 5153
http://www.rig-talk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=75231
Not necessarilly, I'm prone to changing my mind up until the last minute as there's always some random thought in my head ready to completely change my decision around! :lol:
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Bah, get an SLO.
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Bah, get an SLO.
Did you read his first post? He wants lots of flexibilty, not just a simple two channel amp :?
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Bah, get an SLO.
Did you read his first post? He wants lots of flexibilty, not just a simple two channel amp :?
:P The tones he wants are EASY to pull out of an SLO.
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Now you show me an SLO on sale for 1500 GBP and I'll grab it right away!
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Now you show me an SLO on sale for 1500 GBP and I'll grab it right away!
That's not impossible. At least in the US. :\ Bah I remember ten years ago when an SLO was just over 2000us(used).
Just looking over ebay now and there was one for 1,669gbp. :\
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Now you show me an SLO on sale for 1500 GBP and I'll grab it right away!
That's not impossible. At least in the US. :\ Bah I remember ten years ago when an SLO was just over 2000us(used).
Just looking over ebay now and there was one for 1,669gbp. :\
Yeah then ship it here: 200$
Import/VAT: 400GBP
Makes it about 2200GBP
And you end up with a head that is 117V still. :?
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Now you show me an SLO on sale for 1500 GBP and I'll grab it right away!
That's not impossible. At least in the US. :\ Bah I remember ten years ago when an SLO was just over 2000us(used).
Just looking over ebay now and there was one for 1,669gbp. :\
Yeah then ship it here: 200$
Import/VAT: 400GBP
Makes it about 2200GBP
And you end up with a head that is 117V still. :?
Oh geez. I completely forgot about that. :\ WOAH 400gbp came to about 625us! GEEZ thats insane!