Jtm45 doesn't have enough volume for me. Al English's amp is my old amp, so I do have a reference point to compare things to. When I run a pedal-based rig, I like to keep the amp pretty pristinely clean. the pedals I seem to like (like the Box of Rock, the Blackstar pedals, or the Blackstone) always seem to sound better into a completely clean amp to my ears. Even just a bit of hair on the amp, loses clarity and note definition.
Dave, I'd love one of the new Hiwatts, but they are just too pricey for me. I could pick up a High gain head used, within my budget, but they are PCB amps. The Custom 50 is hand-wired, but costs about £1300.
A fender twin would work well, but the big problem is that I am not prepared to lug a 2x12 combo around. I'm looking for a head. Fender Twin heads are as rare as hen's teeth. Did they even ever make any - I'm definately no expert on Fenders.