Combo vs Stack

[Bradock PI]

Ok in the mini amp arena Blackstar HT5 and Orange tiny terror you can often buy them either as a combo or mini/half stack. Is there any real difference tone etc or is it just flexibility and mebbe a little boys toys syndrome - that stack even with 1x!0" 's still looks cool?

Sorry for all the Noob questions but I do enjoy the cat fights that these sometimes prompt.  :lol:

[gwEm]

more speakers project the sound better, and i believe gives a stronger, yet more defined, bass response. at least thats how it appeared with my stack of mesa theile 1x12s when i was experimenting with this

[hamfist]

A stack also isolates the power valves much more effectively from the physical vibrations of the speaker and cab. This reduces problems with microphonic and rattly power valves enormously.

[JamesHealey]

200w rack..
100w 4x12 cabs per side in stereo.
thats the only way to play in your bedroom.

Im all for stacks, I don't care what anyone says I'd rather lift a 4x12 then a Head up a flight of stairs than a single 2x12 100w combo like a Boogie DC10 (ridiculously heavy).

[Twinfan]

Small combos = great
Big powerful heads = great
Big powerful combos = not good

Powerful combos rattle the amp and valves to bits usually!

With the TT and the HT5, they're offered as heads for recording/rehearsal use by folks with large existing rigs.  For convenience and as a bedroom only amp I'd probably get the combo.  If you want to look cool, get the mini-stack, and if you've already got a cabinet you can use just buy the head  :)

[ailean]

Combo's are always open backed, with a stack you have the option of going closed back with the cab. A closed back cab is usually more focused, tighter. Also with a stack you have to option of playing with different head / cab combinations. Also in favour of a stack is that you can put an atenuator between the head and the cab, this is not relevant for low wattage amps (I love the TT by the way), but if you want a 50 or 100watt amp a combo is no good for practice. I had a Peavey 50w ValveKing, nice amp, but I couldn't work the valves at all in a flat.

So I'd say stack, hoever stack is more expensive, and the tempation to try new things is a terrible drain on your wallet!

gwEm makes a very good point, single speakers are all very well, but more is better! I used my TT through a 4x12 and it did really well, better than through the 1x12 I normally played it with. Both cabs were Orange, and both had V30's in them.

[darkbluemurder]

Head & cab PRO: flexibility, portability, more kind to the tubes
Head & cab CON: takes up more space

Combo PRO: everything in a small package, still good flexibility if the combo has an extension speaker jack.
Combo CON: may be heavy (see Mesa's Mark series), potentially harmful environment for tubes

I use a combo with a back up head when gigging.