Does this amp exist?

[Stu]

I currently have a Vox AC15H1TV and am very happy with the sounds it produces. More specifically I love using the EF86 channel turned up so it just starts to break up and then using pedals to push it further. This way the amp provides a thick clean sound which has great dynamics and I can use pedals for distorted rhythm and lead sounds. I am also really happy with just using a single volume control with basic tone control options.

So what I'm am looking for is a single channel amp with similar characteristics to the EF86 channel but without the top boost channel cluttering the amp. Also I think a bit more clean headroom may be necessary for some gigs although so far the AC15 just about stays clean. I'm also looking to get it in a head and cab format.
Now the extras that would set my ideal amp apart would be a built in attunator/ power scaling and a direct recording out for late night recording sessions.

So far I have looked at:
THD univalve/Bivalve
Dr Z
Hayden MoFo
H & K Puretone
Cornell

Overall simplicity, portability and ease of use is key.

Any suggestions are welcome.

Thanks

[martinw]

If you're not in a hurry, my Roadstar Mondiale (18 or 36 W) has an EF86 channel. If you want it simpler I can delete the 'normal'channel so it's a single channel.

I can do it with Power Scaling and a DI out.

I've got a 3 month waiting list though, and I may well be closing my order book soon to allow me to focus on brigning down waiting times for a while.

[Twinfan]

^ Martin beat me to it!

A much more expensive option is the Matchless DC30....

[Stu]

Hi Martin,

thanks for the quick response.

That sounds much like what I was thinking about. I'm not in a rush as I'm quite happy with the Vox but if I can tailor my ideal amp then I'd look to make a change. I live in Bristol, is there any where I could try the amp you suggested?

Thanks,

Stu

[impossible]

In terms of off the shelf, The thing that sprung to mind for me was the Egnater Rebel 20. It's a bit of a features monster, but it's small and the front is quite tidy.

6V6 and EL84 power sections with blend knob between them.

Power scaling 1W to 20W

Effects Loop. I don't know if sending the preamp out is quite the same as having a recording/DI out? I suppose not.

[tomjackson]

The rebel doesn't have the EF86 preamp channel though.  Also, with the combined cab which has a Celestion 'Elite 80' (probably a seventy 80) is would not match the headroom the AC15 with the blue IMO

I think 30 Watts are needed to make a diference, not massively louder but more headroom. 

[impossible]

Well I was mostly thinking about the 20W head version of the Rebel, but I overlooked the EF84 part. Actually I've never heard of those so I'll be doing some reading!

[martinw]

I live in Bristol, is there any where I could try the amp you suggested?
Thanks,
Stu

No, sorry. Its a custom amp built to your spec, so it's not like buying an off-the-shelf amp. Obviously that doesn't suit everyone.
Give me a ring or email if you want to have a chat about it.
Cheers  :)

[dave_mc]

the blackstar artisan has an ef86 channel, and you can try those in shops. I didn't much like it, and (based on all I've heard, I haven't tried his amps) I imagine martin's amp would kick its ass, but if you're adamant that you don't want to buy something without trying it...

[Stu]

Thanks for all your responses.

I am definitely happy buying a custom build as most of my guitars are custom but with those I tried out similar models before ordering so I new I was happy with the overall tone/feel etc.

Given the setup of my current amp using the EF86 channel and built in speaker is it fair to say that the sound will be similar to your Mondiale EF86 channel into a suitable cab? I know different amps will differ in sound even if the tubes and speakers are the same but if I knew tone wise I would be in the same ball park but with a bit more headroom, power scaling and recording out then it would be a pretty safe bet.

Also I'm not committed to the EF86 but it seems to suit single coils, humbuckers and hollow bodies equally well and allows their natural tone to shine through. It also has a three dimensional quality and is very responsive to playing dynamics. I only aim to use it for clean and slightly driven sounds so if any other amp/tube combination gave a similar quality then I would also try that.

Does any one know if the EF86 has a specifically individual sound? Also I have heard some concerns about its reliability as a tube.

Sorry for the essay and thanks for reading.

[martinw]

Given the setup of my current amp using the EF86 channel and built in speaker is it fair to say that the sound will be similar to your Mondiale EF86 channel into a suitable cab? I know different amps will differ in sound even if the tubes and speakers are the same but if I knew tone wise I would be in the same ball park but with a bit more headroom, power scaling and recording out then it would be a pretty safe bet.

Yes, that about sums it up.

Does any one know if the EF86 has a specifically individual sound? Also I have heard some concerns about its reliability as a tube.

IMO yes , it does have it's own sound. Chimey when clean and can be surprisingly gainy, with a complex midrange. And yes, finding good ones is more of a problem than with other preamp valves. Don't let that put you off if you like the sound though, there are good ones out there. Having a head instead of a combo will help here, and cushioning on the valve socket helps too.

[Stu]

Great, thanks Martin.
I've sent you an email

[Stu]

After getting a realy good overview of the different custom options Martin can provide I just wanted to get some general opinions on a few things.

Has any one had good results from using a line out from a valve amp and a speaker simulator or is it better just to use a hardware/software modeller for quick recordings and micing a cab for serious takes?

Also my current combo has a Celestion blue speaker And just wondered if any one else has got similar performance from a cheaper unit?

Thanks

[Twinfan]

I've used a Palmer speaker simulator between my head and cab before to get recordings.  Not perfect, but what is?  Software is by far the easist use for a quick recording.

If you like the Blue, there isn't a cheap version out there as far as I'm aware otherwise we'd know about it!

[Stu]

I guess my plan was to take the AC15h1tv which I'm really happy with and take away the channel I don't use, get it in head form for added flexibility, add power scaling to get the tone just where I want it at bedroom levels and add to the flexibility by being able to use it without a cab for practice/recording and still get a better sound then amp modeling.

I think I just need to decide if 15/18 Watts provides enough clean headroom. Most venues Mic amps anyway.

Work out if I can improve on the sound of standard amp modelers using a Line out/Speaker Simulator.

And if I could save some money by using a different speaker to the Celestion Blue whilst retaining quality and dynamics.

HMMMM, Any input welcome.