Traynor does it again! (15w-2w head content)

[Keven]

http://www.traynoramps.com/products.asp?type=1&cat=60&id=424

Wow. Now, i'm biased because a) I'm a canadian and b) i own their flagship amp (the ycs100H) and matching cabinet, but they really got it right on the money with the looks and functions. it's a simple amp, but with tube tone at heart. i haven't heard any samples yet but out local sales rep is bound to bring a sample when he comes along.

it's rather clever though, to solve the age old problem of power tubes being too loud, they use a 12AU7 as a power tube, I really like that idea. makes me wish i hadn't put so much work into modding my valve junior head  :lol:

and the best thing, it's all made in canada, and it retails for 549$CAD. i dunno about the brits, but for the yanks on the boards, if someone near you stocks it, try it before they raise the price!

and it's a nicely different approach to the low wattage amp, instead of el84's, they use 2 6V6's.. and 2 12AX7 for the preamp section.

[HTH AMPS]

seems like all the manufacturers are coming out with these 'birdcage' type amps at the minute.  lots of bang for the buck to be had in this market. 

don't expect a 12AU7 output stage to be quiet though - it may only be 1w, but that is still loud for home use if you crank it.  I messed round with a similar design myself switching from twin 6V6s (20w) to a single 12AU7 (1w) a year or so back.  The consensus from my research was that people weren't prepared to pay enough to be worth my while building such an amp.  All my amps are PTP built, but invariably people compare them with other amps on the market, mostly Chinese made, and go for the cheaper option. 

As it's an amp for home use, people won't spend alot on a home-use only amp.  I suppose thats why most manufacturers have gone for power options so that you can gig the amp and also switch down to 1w. 

Looks good, however that $549CAN (£322GBP) is likely to be more like £499GBP by the time it gets to UK shores.

[martinw]

it's rather clever though, to solve the age old problem of power tubes being too loud, they use a 12AU7 as a power tube....

Yes, it is good idea. 


Nice looking amp, the Traynor.  :)

[HTH AMPS]

it's rather clever though, to solve the age old problem of power tubes being too loud, they use a 12AU7 as a power tube....

Yes, it is good idea. 


Nice looking amp, the Traynor.  :)

are you running that parallel SE or PP Martin? - I tried this concept with a Hammond 125ASE running parallel SE, but PP with the Hammond 125 would work fine too.

[Keven]

true, for home use even 1w is overkill with a tube amp, but i see alot of potential in recording situations, for me anyway. on our side of the pond the oranges are a bit expensive compared to traynor, though they're not everyone's cup of tea, they're well built for the money.

nice looking Martamp :D

[martinw]

are you running that parallel SE or PP Martin? - I tried this concept with a Hammond 125ASE running parallel SE, but PP with the Hammond 125 would work fine too.

Push-pull.

nice looking Martamp  :D

Thanks, but it's an MJW!  :)

[Keven]

My Bad. but didn't your amps used to be called Martamp and changed to MJW? so i used to be right ;)

[martinw]

My Bad. but didn't your amps used to be called Martamp and changed to MJW? so i used to be right ;)

Yes, they did.  :)
Anyway, sorry for derailing your Traynor thread. That's a very cool looking amp they've done there, typical of them to be a bit different.

[Denim n Leather]

That amp looks great.  Will look super in a rack with some Manley gear! (Same cosmetics)

[Keven]

My Bad. but didn't your amps used to be called Martamp and changed to MJW? so i used to be right ;)

Yes, they did.  :)
Anyway, sorry for derailing your Traynor thread. That's a very cool looking amp they've done there, typical of them to be a bit different.

no sweat. i like a good conversation even if it means going off topic :D by the way, i took a deeper look at your website, and i think your amps are very very very very fairly priced for the quality. shame about ordering overseas, the customs would kill me. (they gave me a pretty big stroke on my first and only BKP order...) this is only going by reputation and from what i've heard of the forum goers, but i'd take a MJW over a traynor if it means anything to ya!


and yes, they gave it a really cool look. i can't wait to hear one, though i've never heard an amp with 6V6's. i reckon they're more fenderish right?

[martinw]

Thanks!  :D
As you mention it, I'll be carrying out a price review in the summer, cutting the range back a bit, and making sure my prices are right. At the moment I feel they're a bit low.
6V6's are a more balanced valve (than the EL84 for instance), but quite gutsy when overdriven. It is a sound you would associate with Fenders, especially the Deluxes and Princetons. When you hit them with a non-Fender preamp it's a unique sound.