Power Amp Recommendation

[Rocky]

Hi,

I was hoping somebody might be able to recommend something for me as I can't seem to find what I want.

What I am after is a low(ish) power power amp, for practise and/or recording. I had a Marshall mini stack I used as a practise amp, but I've recently bought a rocktron preamp. I would like a power amp to go with it, but nothing too big/loud/expensive.

I am after something like:

Marshall EL84 20/20 (Can't find one)
Mesa/Boogie 20/20 (Can't find one, too expensive)
3rd power sv3015http://www.3rdpower.com/product_hlh_sv3015.htm (too rare, too expensive)
Marshall Valvestate 8004 (Can't find one)

I'm not too fussed with tube vs solid state, as long as it sounds good.

Anyone got any ideas?

[NZRS-Dave]

I think Marshall NZ have some 20/20s landing quite soon.

[xCaptainx]

most axe fx/hd500 guys are using the rocktron velocity 300. Its pretty versatile and a steal at $800.

Matrix GT800 is a new poweramp that's pretty loud and light. Similar price I think?

[maccayoung]

+1 on the Rocktron velocity. Cheap and good. The reactance and presence dials are awesome for dialing in 'tubey' goodness at any volume.

Musicplanet have them for $800:
http://www.musicplanet.co.nz/shop/Brows ... Y-300.html

or Guitar Center in the US for around $670 NZD including shipping and duties:
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Rocktron-Ve ... locity+300

If you go with the Guitar Center option you'll need to buy a jug cord or US to NZ adapter and remember to switch the voltage on the back. It could also be a pain in the arse if you need to sort out the warranty, but I've never had a problem with mine. Once you get the adapter and jug cord it's probably only a $100 difference between the US and NZ price.

[jeremyb]

Music planet are a forum sponsor so with 10% off you're saving $50 on buying overseas and get a local warranty, just sayin'...

[capt abaham]

QSC make power amps

[handsoffmatt]

There seems to be not enough good guitar power amps on the market right now...

MESA are awesome, but expensive. I have a SImul-Class 2:90. It is amazing. the 20/20 was great but is discontinued this year. The 2:50 is pretty cool - but also expensive
Marshall are awesome, but expensive. Valvestate stuff is discontinued. All they have is the 2x20W, 2x50w and 2x100w tube options.
Fryette are awesome, but VERY expensive
3rd Power I have never used. I assume they are good, but expensive and very unavailable here in NZ.
Rocktron Velocity is good, and not expensive. Won't satisfy the "tube-geek" though

Last NAMM show I talked myself blue in the face trying to convince Blackstar to design a line of mid-price tube power amps. I think that would be a winning product!

FWIW, I have a simul-class 2:90 in stock @ $2,999 - and with our current 25% off deal - that becomes a VERY good value buy.

[xCaptainx]

Last NAMM show I talked myself blue in the face trying to convince Blackstar to design a line of mid-price tube power amps. I think that would be a winning product!

I would be all over that in a heartbeat if they did! haha

Yeah the Rocktron needs a lot of tweaking. Which is fine if you're the digital 'tweak away till the wee hours of the morning kind of guy' like I am haha.

[jeremyb]

Tube wise building something could potentially be an option?

[Rocky]

Thanks, definitely some useful stuff here.

Does anyone know how much the Marshall 20/20 is likely to cost when they come in? Thats definitely one that's at the top of the shortlist.
I have seriously considered the Rocktron Velocity but 150W/channel is too much for me, do they still sound good turned down to (loudish) bedroom practise type volume? What about the Velocity 100? It doesn't seem to be available in NZ, and also doesn't have the reactance and definition controls.

I also wondered about this:
Electro-Harmonix 22 Caliber http://www.musicplanet.co.nz/shop/Brows ... LIBER.html

Are they designed to be used with a preamp? The demo videos I have seen seem to be using them with a guitar plugged straight into them.

I have also considered building, but not sure if my electronic skills are quite up to the job. I've tackled the odd solid-state/pedal type project, but amps might be a bit beyond me. Having said that, if anybody can point me to any info on DIY stuff that might fit what I'm looking for, I would be more than grateful.

Thanks again for all the replies, much appreciated.

[maccayoung]

The Rocktron is fine at low volumes, that's the beauty of a solid state amp. The velocity 100 is the same as the 300 with less watts and no reactance and definition knobs (which are essential in my opinion).

The 22 caliber is a power amp but it'll break up once you get past a certain volume. I'm not entirely sure it'll keep up with a drummer either. EHX also make a 44 caliber which is louder so it has more head room before it breaks up. And it will keep up with a drummer as seen in the clip below.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K50TeyYv ... re=related[/youtube]
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6IEaSGL ... r_embedded[/youtube]

I've got a marshall 9100 tube power amp that sounds great but is a pain in the arse due to its size/weight. I've done a/b tests with the velocity 300 and I reckon the velocity is 90% there. And with the reactance and definition knobs it beats the marshall in terms of tweakage at any volume.

I know I'm pushing the velocity pretty hard but for the price I don't think there's anything close to the same bang for buck ratio.

[edit] great, now after watching those youtube vids I find myself gassing for a 44 caliber.... [/edit]

[maccayoung]

Oh man, these youtube demos of the ehx 44 caliber are making me think that it could be a pretty good option:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qKUA5FN_DY[/youtube]

Maybe see if you could demo the velocity and the 44 caliber in-store?

[rickenbackerkid]

Have you considered by a non-guitar power amp? QSC, Crown, Lab.gruppen, and many more. Older low watt ones turn up to TM all the time.