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Author Topic: Looking for a real small tube amp head  (Read 6074 times)

Shag101

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Looking for a real small tube amp head
« on: July 19, 2006, 06:31:08 PM »
Hi All,

I'm currently in the market for a real small .5 to 2 watt all tube head.  All my amps whether they be combo or separate are WAY too loud to play in my apartment.  I need a head "not combo" that I can get a great overdriven tube sound at a nice low volume.  
I found (3) so far and was wondering if anyone has any reviews or others I can look into.  thanks

1. http://zvexamps.com/amp_view.html
2. http://warmenfat.com/
3. http://www.torresengineering.com/tintondelamp.html
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TwilightOdyssey

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Looking for a real small tube amp head
« Reply #1 on: July 19, 2006, 06:32:41 PM »
The Z.Vex is a great micro head!!
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Shag101

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Looking for a real small tube amp head
« Reply #2 on: July 19, 2006, 06:56:17 PM »
Quote from: TwilightOdyssey
The Z.Vex is a great micro head!!


The Z.Vex does seem like the most popular one.  Have you tried it with the Big D pedal to push it even farther?
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TwilightOdyssey

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Looking for a real small tube amp head
« Reply #3 on: July 19, 2006, 07:06:31 PM »
Nah, I played the Z.Vex long before I heard of HBE.
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Shag101

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« Reply #4 on: July 19, 2006, 07:37:51 PM »
Oh, also there is the Minimat from Matamp.  

The Nano will probably run me 450usd and the Matamp will probably run me 550usd.

Wonder if the extra 100usd is worth it...
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Twisted Louie

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Looking for a real small tube amp head
« Reply #5 on: July 19, 2006, 09:32:54 PM »
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froglord

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« Reply #6 on: July 19, 2006, 11:11:40 PM »
+1 on the Matamp Minimat. Simply brilliant.
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March

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Looking for a real small tube amp head
« Reply #7 on: July 19, 2006, 11:27:33 PM »
Another +1 on the Minimat http://community.webshots.com/photo/332830655/1529729431067881716EZSrjD

It a cracking little amp that will surprise you with it's versatility.
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Dakine

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Looking for a real small tube amp head
« Reply #8 on: July 20, 2006, 03:39:34 PM »
Curently thinking of minimat myself.

Plusses over a nano;

Built in attenuator
Built in DI output for recording.
REAL size tubes.
British Handmade :)
Different custom finishes.
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DeanS

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Looking for a real small tube amp head
« Reply #9 on: July 20, 2006, 06:23:36 PM »
For me the Nano suited my requirements ie it sounds like an early Vox or a Plexi at meltdown depending on settings. With a boost or overdrive in front its
simply fantastic. I like the Minimat as the 6V6 tubed version is very sweet when overdriven and the attenuator is a good idea. Wasn't impressed with the in-built booster tho.

Oh and the Nano is really loud when flat out and played thro an efficient speaker- much louder than you'd think.

Best test driving both IMO.
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Shag101

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Looking for a real small tube amp head
« Reply #10 on: July 20, 2006, 06:52:53 PM »
Thanks for all the input.

The Nano and Minimat are the most used by people I think and rated highly.  So my choice will be down to these for sure.  I like the fact that the Nano is really small and has the internal speaker.  I know the internal is a novelty but I can see myself using it a lot traveling.
The Minimat is real tubes and does have more options, but for practicing in the house and on travel the nano might be better..
I think I just made up my mind....lol

Thanks all!!!
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DeanS

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« Reply #11 on: July 21, 2006, 12:19:02 AM »
Just wanna say that the Nano does have real tubes -small they may be but  that they are the pinnacle of vacuum technology (in any case the tubes used in common guitar amps were never originally intended for guitar amplification) are extremely long lasting/reliable and are very,very musical.
I really do rate them FWIW.
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Shag101

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« Reply #12 on: July 21, 2006, 01:21:17 PM »
True about the tubes.  Actually, I was doing some reading on the internet and it seems that for really low watt amps the mini tubes sound better than the full size tubes..
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daveirl1

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« Reply #13 on: July 23, 2006, 06:41:30 PM »
have you thought about getting a silencer? this one is pretty good http://www.tubeampdoctor.com/product_info.php?products_id=385. but +1 on the nano, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7U9ylAeSvDY&search=nano%20amp here is a video of some guy showing it off.
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hunter

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Looking for a real small tube amp head
« Reply #14 on: July 23, 2006, 07:30:49 PM »
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