NAD

[Slartibartfarst42]

I confess I am very curious about it. I love the Orange amp as it's certainly the best I've ever owned but the risk of valves failing, the size for transportation and the weight of lugging it around all count against it. The only reason I love it is because it sounds great but if I could play the Yamaha next to it and, as you have, come the conclusion that it is virtually indistinguishable from the real thing, then I would certainly look at changing.

[AndyR]

OK

SERIOUSLY gassing for one of these now.

And the birthday is less than a month away...
...and the missus has even asked "but what am I going to get you?" since my post yesterday...

Last night, I spent the evening checking out a load of vids and reading the manual. I'm leaning towards the Dual with the 112 cab rather than the 212. I can't really justify a 212 (spacewise) in our place, and I'm likely to use the line outs for recording anyway.

Also, at the moment, I don't see me going crazy over the "both amps on at once" setting - I've fiddled with that kinda stuff in the past, I even had an amp designed to do it, but it never really grabbed me playing-wise. I can see me getting interested in that for recording, but probably not for general playing. So I don't see a big use for the 212 for me (even though I've been assured that financially the 212 is not a problem ).

It looks like a trip to the shops to try one out this weekend...

[Slartibartfarst42]

If I got one it would be the dual amp version too and I'd be using it with my Orange 1X12 cab. For those who have used these amps, am I correct in thinking I can plug into one input and still access both amp options and can I use both amps at once into a 1X12? I'm thinking of this amp as a great home option with loads of features that I can use live in my band but I also have an eye on it simply as a home option as there's an outside chance I may be moving to the Falklands, in which case live use is unlikely or at least very rare. Like AndyR, I'm starting to get some real GAS for this. My Orange amp is no problem at the moment but even with an attenuator it ends up loud at home to make it really sing and is viable because I have excellent neighbours but that may not still be the case if I move.

[AndyR]

Yep, I've read the manual Slarti - it's designed to work into either cab. It has clear instructions on wiring up cabs. And one of the example diagrams is THR100HD into a single THR112. It'll do all the dual amp stuff, including two separate guitarists into Amps I and II. The results will be "mono" into the single speaker.

You can run into the 212 like that, "mono", both speakers (which are different types) taking both amps, OR you can run it like most of the demos I've seen - Amp I comes out of one speaker, Amp II comes out of the other.

If you're recording using line out - each amp has it's own dedicated line out with its own dedicated speaker simulator impulse thingie (configurable with the software, as is reverb type, and booster type, noise reduction, and the effects loop can be set to parallel or series. And, oh yeah, the effect loop has stereo sockets, it's using TRS wiring, tip is Amp I's loop, ring is Amp 2's - if you use mono cables you have an effects loop on I only, if you use TRS cables you have dedicated loops on I and II).

Richard - I'd be real interested to know how you've wired your 212 cab? Have you tried both?

I'm planning on checking this out at the London Yamaha shop, probably Saturday. I'll be asking them to run it into a 112, and I'll probs take my own headphones too.

[Slartibartfarst42]

My interest grows!

Interestingly, I contacted Rich Tone Music in Sheffield and asked about it as an alternative to my valve amp. I've done this before and usually their response is: 'It's not a valve amp so if you want really great tone, you're better off sticking with your valve amp' but this time their comment was: 'It's seriously good and we rate it very highly indeed so well worth coming in to try out for yourself'. This seems very encouraging. Unfortunately I'm working at the weekend so I won't be able to make it there for a while. I'd be REALLY interested in what you think once you've tried it out so please keep me informed.

[_tom_]

Andy do you have any clips of your THR10? I'm after a low volume amp and it seems pretty decent, though I'm struggling to find many really good clips - they all seem to be covered in loads of effects!

[richard]

I got this amp mainly because I fancied having a channel switcher after years with a single channel amp but I wanted an amp with two identical channels which doesn't seem to be available in valve world. For gigs I'll be using identical set-ups for each amp but have one set for a little more gain and volume. I'm going mainly for older school Marshall-ish sounds.

Bear in mind that any setting on the amp gives you three ways to adjust the gain structure. You have normal pre-amp gain, the Master control is like turning up the power amp and you can add Boost to taste. The final volume just makes it louder without altering the tone. I'm using the Lead channel on both amps with the gains maxed but with different boost settings. You may be surprised at the limit to the gain on this setting unless you activate the boosts. It's basically a Plexi type sound that you can goose further with the boosts for the more typical hot-rodded sounds.

Basically, if you're going to a shop to try one make sure you have plenty of time to mess around. I would suggest having all controls at noon for your starting point apart from Presence which I would set to zero and than add to taste. If you haven't seen these already I think these are some of the better demos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8W8mpCQiYVU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pqP7bmw2cM

[AndyR]

Cheers, Richard - yep seen both those. I sat through the Andertons one as well(!)

I liked this one too (not my style of playing, and it's an official Yamaha one, but it gave me a warm fuzzy feeling about the amp)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUxozWDyDug

I like what you're saying about how you're using the Lead setting on both amps - sounds a bit like how I'm using the "Brit Blues" amp on the THR10C. There's not huge amounts of gain (even for me!) and there's no boost on the 10. I have tried a transparent OD pedal in front of it, which worked very nicely, but that kind of defeated the object of a single plug-and-play box. And then I found there is a studio compressor as a "stomp box" option in the software of the THR10 units. Switch that on, set it to no compression, and boost the result by 10db - instant clean boost, all the amp models love it!

And good suggestion for controls at noon. It looks like that's how many of the reviewers are testing it on their demos.

The main thing I'll want to confirm is can I get the "groovy" sounds (and interaction with guitar controls) out of the speaker even when I turn the final volume down. Obviously there'll be a little bit of "you need some volume to get yourself going", but I'm expecting it to be like the THR10 and other modellors - same "roaring amp" but at quiet levels. I'll be surprised if it can't, but if it doesn't I'll be thinking of getting the amp without a cab and using it through the studio monitors only.

Tom - yes I think I have got some clips of the THR10 (mines a "C" the "vintage" amps version). Let me get the missus's dinner on (well, mine, she can have some too!) then I'll dig them out and respond in your small amp thread...

[AndyR]

I'd be REALLY interested in what you think once you've tried it out so please keep me informed.

Okies... we've bought one

It does everything it says on the tin...

It's my birthday present, though - so I don't get to see it again until March 1st...

I went for the Dual amp and the 112 cab. If I was gigging I'd have gone for the 212.

I was using one of the Pacificas to try it out - had a humbucker in the bridge and a P90 in the neck, very tasty. While the guy was wiring up the amp & cab I used a THR10C next to it to dial in my "stock sound" that I'm familiar with to use as a "baseline". We discovered I could run the 100 through the 112 even quieter than I do the THR10 at home and still get some nice guitar and amp interaction.

I spent about half an hour messing about, but I knew within minutes of plugging in. I've barely scratched what it can do, but WOW...

I concentrated on the Crunch area because that's where I live most of the time for guitar sounds. I got some really cool sounds out of it. One was very close to my Laney CUB 12 running at a volume I wouldn't be allowed too often - but at barely a whisper. I also played with Clean and got some sweet "fender with a bit of hair" sounds. I can see me using Lead a fair bit, and I could see some uses for Modern. Actually, thinking about it, I didn't hear any crazy modern metal noises - maybe I wasn't trying out the valve combinations you'd need to achieve that.

It does EVERYTHING I'd need though - the three main types of Fender, Vox, and Marshall sounds I'd use for rock, blues and everything else.

I tried the "both amps at once" and, going through a single speaker, it was as I expected, OK but didn't set my world on fire. I suspect running through separate speakers could get very nice, and I intend to experiment with using it on recordings (using the line outs to separate channels).

Oh, and I tried the Boost on one of my Crunch experiments - not sure which boost it was, sounded like a clean one. That was quite tasty. I got enough from that to figure out I can have "more" on any amp setting, so I didn't bother with it too much after that.

Whether this amp really is THE "game changer" some folks are talking about, I don't know. If I was gigging and could use a loud amp, would I really go for something other than a Marshall 1974X or something? I dunno. I kinda suspect this might actually be the amp to do it.

But, no matter, this thing is really satisfying to play through and makes some truly gorgeous rock and roll sounds at manageable volumes. And setting it up feels really satisfying - the knobs feel nice, I think it looks cool and business-like. And it's REALLY easy to dial in sounds.

Over all, wow, loved it. Can't wait to get my mitts on it in March!

BIG THANK YOU to Richard for taking the plunge and posting this thread   

[Slartibartfarst42]

Well, it certainly seems to have made a big impression on you! I guess the key questions for me are:

1) Does it sound as good as valves?
2) Does it 'feel' like a valve amp but at sensible volumes?
3) Does it have the punch of a valve amp?

The thing is that I'm going to make another guitar purchase soon and at the moment it will either be a Yamaha THR100HD or a MiM Fender Standard Stratocaster in white with a maple neck. Both are a luxury for me as I currently have an Orange TH30 that sounds incredible so why change, though the wider variety of tones available on the Yamaha would be nice. The Fender Stratocaster would also offer a wider variety of tones to my current PRS and LP but then I can play everything I need with the guitars I've already got.

[richard]

Hi Andy, congratulations. I thought you'd like it. The factory setting for Boost is the MXR Microamp so, yes, a simple clean boost. With the Clean (Fender) sounds I'll try the other boosts when I get round to it (Tubescreamer and OCD). Ross (Yamaha) rep said that the amp was not really aimed at modern metal players. I've a feeling that we may see a metal model of this amp at some point like they did with the small THR amps.

I'm looking forward to my first rehearsal and gig this year (both later in the month) so I can crank it.

Slarti, yes, yes and yes. You really need to try one out and make sure that you're given plenty of time to fiddle with it.

[AndyR]

Yep... I think, for me too, the answer to all three questions is "yes, close enough" - and I was already getting those answers out of the THR10 myself (I haven't really used either of my valve amps since getting it).

If anything, the THR100H does it even better - was a much more "real" experience. That could just be because it's the raw amps going through a 12" guitar speaker rather than speaker emulated through the little full range things in the THR10.

In the long run, though, I'm only prepared to go as far as your guys at Rich Tone, Slarti - "it's seriously good, but I know from personal experience what valves might mean to you - you're gonna have to try it for yourself..."

[Slartibartfarst42]

Things keep coming up to stop me getting that Strat!!! 

EDIT: Actually, that's not true. I've been looking at buying a MiM Fender Standard Stratocaster in white with a maple neck and yesterday I came across a guy selling one that is 4 months old and in mint condition for £300 so it seemed too good an opportunity to miss. Hoping the deal will go through tomorrow night and if it does, looking at the THR100 will have to go on the backburner for a while.

[richard]

A friend came round and played his Tele through my Yamaha THR100. Using the clean and crunch settings we got  some totally convincing, gorgeous Fender just breaking up sounds. Pure Keef Richards. I am truly blown away by how well the Yamaha does this.

[AndyR]

A friend came round and played his Tele through my Yamaha THR100. Using the clean and crunch settings we got  some totally convincing, gorgeous Fender just breaking up sounds. Pure Keef Richards. I am truly blown away by how well the Yamaha does this.

I'm actually dribbling...

Mine's sat upstairs in its box in the Mrs's office - a couple of weeks to wait til I'm allowed to unwrap it.

I gave it a quick test when it arrived - it all works... then I had to put it back in the box.


Are you using the dual much yet? I found with the time I've spent - half hour in the shop, 10 mins here the other day - that I'm going to be extremely wrapped up in exploring one amp at a time. The "dual" will be VERY useful for A-B checking two amp settings while I'm exploring, but I'm not sure I'll be that interested in using A+B for a while.

The thing I loved was that I wanted to play guitar. I'm used to modellors and "experimenting" - it means you end up just fiddling with settings for a couple of hours without really playing anything. In the 10 minutes I had it going when it arrived here, I was checking it all worked... but the sound was just there, commanding "OK play your geetar".

And that's what I remember a decent "real" amp was like - turn it on, plug in, start playing before you've actually set it up. You end up exploring the sound it gives you, rather than exploring the box looking for another sound that grabs you more.

Really looking forward to this.