Author Topic: New Amp Choices? (Read 15905 times)

JamesHealey · « **on:** September 04, 2006, 10:16:23 AM »

Im interested in buying "the" amp.. u know the last one u'll ever buy because theres nothing better in existance?

my Current choices are as follows..

Bogner Ecstasy Classic -£2799 (Seriously Pricey!)
Bogner Shiva -£1399 (EL34, I like and more affordable)

Also I would like a bit more information on Splawn, Koch and others that I should consider from you guys.. so yea keep em coming what do you think is the best EL34 powered amp in the world?

Ps, I dont like 6L6 not enough midrange detail.

hunter · « **Reply #1 on:** September 04, 2006, 10:42:29 AM »

I like both, the Classic and the Shiva. Splawns are great but sound very 80s metal (at least on all the clips I heard so far).

Also keep in mind that an amp like the Shiva will give you not only an awesome distorted tone, but also the most amazing clean sound, really 3D, dynamic, punchy and "nice to the ear".

Indeed the Classic is awfully expensive.

It's hard to test any Splawns in Europe, there are no dealers that stock them.

If I were you I'd try as many amps as I can and decide based on that experience. If a certain amp make like Splawn, Mojave, Roccaforte etc. isn't available for testing, don't think about it. You don't wanna spend more than 1,000 GBP on something you haven't verified.

My own decision making process included testing several Mesas, Soldanos, Diezels, Engls, Bogners, VHTs, Kochs, Marshalls, Randall (wanted to try the Egnater too, but was a 450KM drive that I didn't wanna do for it).

Don't hurry it and only put the money on the desk once you're absolutely sure you are in "last amp ever" territory.

You don't wanna arrive home and hear the amp first time in your accustomed environment realising that you just can't get it to sound perfect ...

maliciousteve · « **Reply #2 on:** September 04, 2006, 12:11:55 PM »

You could look into Cornfords. I've played through the Carrera and i love it. If it was loud enough for band practices i would already have it.

I've heard amazing clips of Cornford MK50's and the new 2 channel MK50

hunter · « **Reply #3 on:** September 04, 2006, 12:13:42 PM »

Quote from: maliciousteve

I've heard amazing clips of Cornford MK50's and the new 2 channel MK50

Link please :roll:

maliciousteve · « **Reply #4 on:** September 04, 2006, 12:55:35 PM »

calm it love

http://www.myspace.com/cornfordrecords

hunter · « **Reply #5 on:** September 04, 2006, 01:21:20 PM »

I think this guy could play a Peavey Bandit and still sound awesome!
Thx for the tip!!!

March · « **Reply #6 on:** September 04, 2006, 02:15:52 PM »

Guthrie is a freak of a player. I am rapidly coming to the conclusion that he is probably the best guitar player on the planet, the guy can do anything!

Bainzy · « **Reply #7 on:** September 04, 2006, 02:26:36 PM »

For that kind of money, I'd get a vintage Marshall 8)

Muso · « **Reply #8 on:** September 04, 2006, 02:31:37 PM »

Guthrie Govan, I don't get it? Im not denying hes good but "best player on the planet"? please don't take this is me dissin him, I'm just amazed that hes got all these people calling him awesome when this is his first album and its not exactley ground breaking.
By the way I owned a Cornford Harlequin and I honestly didn't rate the overdrive channel, the clean channel tho very the best Ive played.

I would definately like to check out the Mojave, seems silly expensive though. The power damping thing makes it really appealing as well.

maliciousteve · « **Reply #9 on:** September 04, 2006, 02:48:04 PM »

Quote from: Muso

Guthrie Govan, I don't get it? Im not denying hes good but "best player on the planet"? please don't take this is me dissin him, I'm just amazed that hes got all these people calling him awesome when this is his first album and its not exactley ground breaking.
By the way I owned a Cornford Harlequin and I honestly didn't rate the overdrive channel, the clean channel tho very the best Ive played.

I would definately like to check out the Mojave, seems silly expensive though. The power damping thing makes it really appealing as well.

The Harlequin is meant for more clean/slightly overdriven tones for things like Blues/Rock and Jazz. But i've heard good things with a boost pedal in the front of the amp.

Bird · « **Reply #10 on:** September 04, 2006, 03:06:03 PM »

Has anyone tried the Bogner Classic? Wow that is one expensive amp, does it sound like every penny of the asking price :?:

hunter · « **Reply #11 on:** September 04, 2006, 03:13:07 PM »

It does sound awesome, but far too many controls for my taste and I was unwilling to spend that amount.

But believe me, you can very easily sqeeze out of this world harmonics out of it, and it always sounds and feels pleasant.

With A-A/B, old/new and half power switch, this is a tone monster. Luckily the classic has a few less switches than the normal 101B.

I didn't find its clean tone on par with the Shiva, but the Plexi Mode with the boost on ... THANK YOU !!!!

I honestly think there is no better amp with similar versatility.

I don't need all the bells and whistles though and it's big and weighs a ton, that's why I took its younger sister, sweet little Shiva :)

March · « **Reply #12 on:** September 04, 2006, 03:14:52 PM »

In a word... 'yes'!

Having said that, the 'super' amp market is at it's most prominent right now. There really is choice for everyone.

Having said that, I tried a Cornford MK50 MkII the other week and despite wanting to like it I could not. Personally I think the Bogner is a better amp but that's just my preference.

The Classic has just been reviewed in Guitarist to great aclaim and Bogner has always had a reputation of being up there with the very best.

Personally after trying a Ecstasy 101B recently I don't want anything else. To my ears this is the best amp I have ever heard, the Plexi channel coming close to the sounds put out by my early 70's Marshall SL. Bogners are worth every penny IMHO.

Having said that, Two Rock, Splawn, Cornford, VHT, Bogner, Hughes & Kettner, Custom Audio Electronics, Rivera, Mesa, Engl et all have all recently staked claims with their latest efforts in the 'best of the best' debate. To be honest, all this means better choice for the consumer as their is almost certainly something out there to suit your needs.

Dakine · « **Reply #13 on:** September 04, 2006, 03:44:11 PM »

Single Rectifier Mesa Boogie (back switchable for 6l6 or EL34). All tones could ever need IMO.

Bird · « **Reply #14 on:** September 04, 2006, 03:52:31 PM »

Johnny Mac has a Koch Powetone 2 and the clips I've heard sound amazing. I also tried one out and it's a monster. For the short time I played it I'd describe it as kind of between a Marshall and Mesa. It doesn't have that "grainy" distortion of a rectifier, but more grit than Marshall distortion. I'm guessing you could easily tweak it to sound more like one or the other. Clean sounds were great as well. :twisted: