Thanks guys
Well I had a bit more time to play with my new toy and have a look at it's guts... First things first: except for the power valves (but I knew it already) and possibly V2 and V3 preamp valves (which are Mazda instead of Mullard), the amp is stock, and in very good condition. It's a thing of beauty FWIW - yes, we've all seens pics already, but seeing it is something else, the wiring and lead dress work is just unfreakingbelievably clean O_o. The big caps are very probably stock too but seem ok and there's no hum nor power loss AFAICT. I'll ask my tech to have a look at it when changing the power valves (I ordered a pair of Winged C) but at least I'm confident I can use it 'til then.
Now for the most important part: tone. Well... This amp is kind of a revelation to me. Saying it has a ballsy tone would be quite an understatement - it's just the most massively huge, thunderous, growly, spanking, rich and detailed crunchy tone I've ever heard, and this is only at rehearsal volume (master barely at 9 o'clock, power section barely working), straight into the amp. Add a pair of good low-gain ODs and a bit of reverb or delay (this thing just LOVES stompboxes) and it's getting insane, while still at way lower gain settings than what I'm used to. Now set the master about noon and it's rock'n'roll armageddon time, period. I've played more than a couple high wattage amps already (70s NMV Marshalls, Mesa Rectifiers etc) but never really cared for them, but
this is something else, really. I'm sorry to have to say but my little custom-built head - which everybody says sounds great - sounds just like a cheap toy practice amp in comparison...
TL;DR: this thing ROCKS, and I'm in love
