Jet City Pico valve - any thoughts?

[herbychimp]

Hi -

I am doing my best to aquire a low-wattage reasonable priced tube amp and have come across the Jet City Picovalve model. A chap is selling his on ebay complete with new valves (currently at £32! sure that this wont last) Anyhow, after watching some youtube demos on all the usual suspects (Blackstar / Fender / Vox / Marshall) the Blackstar HT-5 looked like a shoe-in, although I would prefer a less-modern sounding overdrive. I would prefer the head + cab idea rather than a combo and I have also looked at the Orange stuff which is a bit more pricey - is it that much better? The Picovalve has a big selling point revolving around the easy to change valves but I wondered whether anyone actually had any experience? The reviews are very mixed and an instant valve change seems to be in order if purchased. I would appreciate any thoughts.

cheers

Stef

[TheyCallMeVolume]

I have heard a few very good things about this amp, but then again like you said, also heard some bad ones too. Never actually played the amp though, unfortunately :/ 

I feel as though anything that doesn't get mostly positive reviews with a few negatives sprinkled in, it probably isn't worth buying. I'm not sure just how much you're willing to spend, but I know Marshall is coming out with 1-watt heads and combos this year of most of their really famous amps. I'd definitely look into that.

[AndyR]

I'm not sure just how much you're willing to spend, but I know Marshall is coming out with 1-watt heads and combos this year of most of their really famous amps. I'd definitely look into that.

I heard about this the other day, and got all excited. But apparently they're limited editions "for collectors" and have a price to match?! :lol:

I'd say also look at the Laney CUB range. I have a CUB12 combo and love it, a couple of the other guys on here have the CUB10. They're not what I'd call "modern sounding" in the overdrive department. They're single channel, master volume, the 12 has a "less than 1 watt input" that I use quite a lot with complete satisfaction. The 10 uses different valves than most of the other small amps about, and it does sound heavenly. Give it a try and you might be sold on it like the other guys were. I nearly went for the 10 myself, but decided the 12 gave me more versatility for just a spot more cash.

The Jet amps I haven't tried, I was under the impression most of them were aimed at more modern (more gain) than I'm interested in. But I have read good things about them on here.

[Twinfan]

I really liked my Jet City 20w head, so I would imagine the Pico Valve will be good too.  If you can get it cheap enough, it has to be worth a go I reckon!