Bogner alchemist vs HK Statesman EL34

[Keven]

So i've gotten a bit tired of my powerhorse 100W amp and am looking for something a bit more dependable at sane band rehearsal volumes. i've tried out a few 50w all tube amps with 15w modes, the smaller brother to my amp, the YCS50H is sweet, but it would be pretty much the same tone in a smaller package.

 I do love my EL34's though so i'm wondering how the Bogner alchemist would work for heavy metal. we play stuff ranging from racer x to iced earth so i need the spongy tones, but also need something that would tighten up well with an od pedal for the heavier stuff.

also, i have never really tried an amp with dual 6L6 long enough to say i really hate/love it, so what kind of differences should i expect? seeing as i'm the manager of the store i work in, i'd rather go with brands we can stock, like bogner, hughes and kettner, traynor, peavey or vox. i personally think the alchemist would be a good move, as i've figured out i like smaller wattage heads from extensive tryouts of the 50watt traynor, but what do you guys say? i can't try the bogner out 'till i can actually order it, or find a stockist a few hours away and try it out.

also, small but important question, my cab consists of 4x V30 with russian birch plywood. it has plenty of low end response... what should i expect?

also. i just thought, i can also get a statesman el34 head which would be just as great, but how do they differ from the bogner?

[James C]

Not sure how it would react with the 4x12 cab, but i run the alchemist head through the open backed 2x12 and use it for playing metal, boosted with an MXR GT-OD, it has a great chunk for rhythm work and really cuts through the mix.

Just spent a fortnight in recording and it sounds great, will post a song once i get the masters back (don't know when this will be)

[Keven]

well, i figure it will add more bass response, that's for sure. still, i haven't really heard or tried any bogner, but i'm confident in the brand. and since our distributor can't know for sure if we can get the uberschall, the alchemist has a very fine price point.

How does it work on leads? i like my tone with lots and lots of mids, do the 6L6 scoop that up a bit or are you still in brown heaven?

[mikey5]

The bogner alchemist is great for lots of styles. I have done metal with one in the music store. Its got its own reverb and delay,channel, and boost switches that should come with it so it already has a bit of boost. If you tossed anything in front of that it would go great.

[ericsabbath]

"all tube" with 2 x 12ax7's?  :lol:
do not want
most H&K amps have hybrid preamp sections
IF this one is "pure", then it's not gainy enough to be compared with the alchemist
sounds like a great amp for clean tones, though
it's probably fender/jtm45 based


alchemist all the way for me!
and I wouldn't be worried about the mids
Jerry Cantrell uses the Fish with 6l6's power amps, an Alchemist, a Marshall Vintage Modern (kt66's) and I think his Shiva had 6L6's too
and he has the middiest live tone ever!

[Keven]

Touché! i hadn't thought about the preamp section. that settles that. thanks guys!

[James C]

As far as the Mids go, its got a mid shift function as well as the usual mid control. I usually go for a very Middy lead tone a la Dave Murray and the Alchemist can handle this no probs.

[D.Frady]

For what its worth The Alchemist is designed by Bogner and built by Line6, got that from my guy at Washington Music, his take on it was it is decent for the money but nothing spectacular. I have not played one yet but I am curious.

[Keven]

Hmm, i was indeed thinking that. the canadian distributor for this bogner amp only deals the alchemist, and they're also the only line6 distributor (SF Marketing) so your point rings true.

maybe i should stick to my traynor heads, they're also very nice for the money. i have until the tax return t decide. either that or more BKP's :D

[Will]

I think thats because Line6 also distribute the alchemist?