Tube Bedroom Amp?

giannifive · 09-06-2006, 02:30 PM

Anyone ever try one of these Crate v58s?

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...mbo?sku=487779

I'm looking for something quiet yet tubey. All I need really is a low-power tube power amp since I'll be using my POD as a preamp. (I'd plug the POD into the FX return of the V58.)

Or does anyone know of a good low power tube power amp (<=5W)? I already have a cabinet.

Drew · 09-06-2006, 02:35 PM

Not that one, but I played the prior incarnaton. Surprisingly cool. It has a headphone out that can be configured to run as an FX loop - throw an EQ in the loop and odds are you won't even want your Pod. I'm sure the gain had a bit of solid state assist to it, but even with just one gain, one tone, and one volume control, the range of tones available from glassy, jangly cleans up to modern crunch/chunk was rather impressive. I very nearly bought one, and would still love to grab one, rip out the chassis, and turn it into a head.

metalfiend666 · 09-07-2006, 03:59 AM

Why not get one of those Atomic amps and keep the volume low? They're only 18w. I've got a 40w Marshall poweramp and I can turn that down to bedroom levels without badly affecting my tone, so I'm sure the Atomic would be fine.

urklvt · 09-07-2006, 04:48 AM

I have the Atomic so I agree with metalfiend, but depending on your budget you could try one of these: http://zvexamps.com/

They're expensive as hell for what they are.

These are cool too:
http://www.songworks.com/14watt.html

garcia3441 · 09-07-2006, 05:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by urklvt

These are cool too:
http://www.songworks.com/14watt.html

This is my practice amp.

From the website:

How loud is 1/4 watt?
A good example of 1/4 watt of power in this amp is how loud most people normally speak. Its perfect for bed room/studio use.Case in point: I have a 4 year old son and a 2 year old son, I can get the VH 1 or Hendrix vibe at a level that they can be asleep in the next room and I won’t wake them.The little amp also has a master for total control of volume level.

urklvt · 09-07-2006, 08:16 AM

Got any sound clips? I've had trouble finding any.

noodles · 09-07-2006, 10:48 AM

I really can't say enough good things about this. My friend lent me one to try out. I "lost" his phone number.

Drew · 09-07-2006, 10:52 AM

I really need to bite the bullet and buy one of those, don't I? My Nomad sounds surprisingly full at low volumes, but the lead tones KILL with the master between 3-4 and the channel volume maxed.

What do those run for, anyway?

EDIT:

Quote:

Built-in Noise Reduction

The THD Hot Plate is the only attenuator on the market with built-in noise reduction to reduce the hiss and hum between notes. Its passive, single-ended noise-reduction system provides approximately 10dB of broadband noise reduction without gating or pumping and without affecting the tone of the amp. A by-product of the noise reduction circuit is that it generates light via a front-mounted bulb as you play. The harder you play, the brighter it glows.

Dude. I require this. $300, eh? Not cheap, but manageable - next paycheck, maybe.

Toshiro · 09-07-2006, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noodles

I really can't say enough good things about this. My friend lent me one to try out. I "lost" his phone number.

+1, though I have a Weber attenuator. Works the same.

noodles · 09-07-2006, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drew

I really need to bite the bullet and buy one of those, don't I? My Nomad sounds surprisingly full at low volumes, but the lead tones KILL with the master between 3-4 and the channel volume maxed.

I'm going to have to buy one when my friend asks for his back. It is amazing how good the amp sounds through one. Unless you're getting a significant part of your tone from speaker distortion (this only happens with lower wattage speakers), then it really does sound like a cranked amp at bedroom volume. The Road King really isn't noisy at all, so I usually keep the bulbs off, which does give you a slight (but noticeable) improvement.

Do you know what a Road King on ten sounds like? Fucking amazing.

garcia3441 · 09-07-2006, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by urklvt

Got any sound clips? I've had trouble finding any.

Unfortunately, I sold all of my recording equipment to help pay for my treatments.

darren · 09-07-2006, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noodles

Do you know what a Road King on ten sounds like? Fucking amazing.

So do you keep the Hot Plate in your circuit all the time with your Road King's power section maxed out, then use the Hot Plate's attenuator as your master volume? I may have to try this to see what the Classic 50/50 sounds like with the tubes running hard. I rarely have it over 3.5 or 4.

kmanick · 09-07-2006, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noodles

I really can't say enough good things about this. My friend lent me one to try out. I "lost" his phone number.

I run my 5150 and my B-52 At 212 thru one of these (the 16 ohm version).
I don't think I could imagine not using one now that I've had it for a while.
both of my amps come alive when cranked and this makes it a very manageable for practice levels.

7StringofAblicK · 09-07-2006, 12:55 PM

Cool design, but pricey.

one day maybe...

Leon · 09-07-2006, 01:24 PM

i've read a lot about attenuators, and how they can really burn up your amp's power transformer. anyone know anything about that?

John, my Nomad sounds pretty good at low volumes

giannifive · 09-07-2006, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leon

John, my Nomad sounds pretty good at low volumes

If only I got paid for all the time I waste searching for inexpensive used Mesa gear online... Unfortunately I'm looking one category below budget (<=$300; I believe it's called cheapskate), so I haven't found anything yet. I'm still holding out hope to find a 20/20 or a small combo (Studio 22, etc.), though.

Actually, with a 45W amp at bedroom volumes you're probably hearing all preamp, right? Don't the power tubes only affect the tone when they're cranked?

noodles · 09-07-2006, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darren

So do you keep the Hot Plate in your circuit all the time with your Road King's power section maxed out, then use the Hot Plate's attenuator as your master volume? I may have to try this to see what the Classic 50/50 sounds like with the tubes running hard. I rarely have it over 3.5 or 4.

Well, since I haven't had it very long, I haven't gigged with it yet. I'm still playing around with it and figuring out where I want to set it at. It has several fixed cuts, and one variable cut. The variable cut sounds the worst, because you're putting more circuitry into the chain. Plus, I don't want to run my amp at ten all the time, because there really is no need to put that much wear and tear on the power section.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leon

i've read a lot about attenuators, and how they can really burn up your amp's power transformer. anyone know anything about that?

The Marshall Power Brake is so well known for blowing up output transformers, that people call it the Marshall Power Break. So far, I have yet to hear a horror story involving the THD. Keep in mind that running the power section harder is going to decrease power tube life, but that has nothing to do with an attenuator.

Leon · 09-07-2006, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by giannifive

If only I got paid for all the time I waste searching for inexpensive used Mesa gear online... Unfortunately I'm looking one category below budget (<=$300; I believe it's called cheapskate), so I haven't found anything yet. I'm still holding out hope to find a 20/20 or a small combo (Studio 22, etc.), though.

Actually, with a 45W amp at bedroom volumes you're probably hearing all preamp, right? Don't the power tubes only affect the tone when they're cranked?

ahh, gotcha.

yeah, it's pretty much all preamp. ...and now that i think about it, why not just get a tube preamp with a solidstate poweramp? you'd get a good deal of tube tone, and you can turn it up or down without changing the tone.

giannifive · 09-07-2006, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leon

yeah, it's pretty much all preamp. ...and now that i think about it, why not just get a tube preamp with a solidstate poweramp? you'd get a good deal of tube tone, and you can turn it up or down without changing the tone.

I've been reading so many contradictory statements about which tubes color the sound most substantially (preamp or power tubes), that I think I just need to bite the bullet and buy *something* and try it. I may go with a tube pre eventually, but I think first I need to replace my current POS power amp. Maybe a Mosvalve 962 is the way to go, with a tube mic pre inbetween that and my POD.

darren · 09-07-2006, 02:51 PM

According to THD's site, their attenuators should not wear out the components of your amp any more quickly than the would if a speaker load were attached.

You will probably accelerate the aging process of your power tubes because you're running them so hot all the time, but according to THD, your transformers should be fine. If they fail, chances are they were going to fail anyway.

For all intents and purposes, the amp "sees" a speaker load when the Hot Plate is attached.

Leon · 09-07-2006, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darren

According to THD's site, their attenuators should not wear out the components of your amp any more quickly than the would if a speaker load were attached.

You will probably accelerate the aging process of your power tubes because you're running them so hot all the time, but according to THD, your transformers should be fine. If they fail, chances are they were going to fail anyway.

For all intents and purposes, the amp "sees" a speaker load when the Hot Plate is attached.

i've heard that side of it too. i would really like to get a Weber attenuator (with the speaker motor) sometime, pending i can get myself around the fear

https://weberspeakerscom.secure.poww...r/minimass.htm

urklvt · 09-07-2006, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by garcia3441

Unfortunately, I sold all of my recording equipment to help pay for my treatments.

I'm sorry to hear that dude. I hope you're doing ok.

garcia3441 · 09-07-2006, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by urklvt

I'm sorry to hear that dude. I hope you're doing ok.

I'm doing great, but my bank account is another story

. I may have to get a.......job, when this is done.

Jason · 09-07-2006, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by garcia3441

Unfortunately, I sold all of my recording equipment to help pay for my treatments.

dude that's fuckign awfull

when you goto get new gear drop me a pm ill help ya out.

garcia3441 · 09-07-2006, 09:02 PM

Sweetwater and I are going to become very good friends.

09-06-2006, 02:30 PM	#1
giannifive Occasional Poster Join Date: May 2005 Location: Santa Barbara, CA Posts: 1,070 Thanked: 10 $giannifive is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $giannifive is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $giannifive is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $giannifive is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $giannifive is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $giannifive is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $giannifive is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$	Tube Bedroom Amp? Anyone ever try one of these Crate v58s? http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...mbo?sku=487779 I'm looking for something quiet yet tubey. All I need really is a low-power tube power amp since I'll be using my POD as a preamp. (I'd plug the POD into the FX return of the V58.) Or does anyone know of a good low power tube power amp (<=5W)? I already have a cabinet.

09-06-2006, 02:35 PM	#2
Drew Fear the Polo! Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Somerville, MA Posts: 21,484 Thanked: 145	Not that one, but I played the prior incarnaton. Surprisingly cool. It has a headphone out that can be configured to run as an FX loop - throw an EQ in the loop and odds are you won't even want your Pod. I'm sure the gain had a bit of solid state assist to it, but even with just one gain, one tone, and one volume control, the range of tones available from glassy, jangly cleans up to modern crunch/chunk was rather impressive. I very nearly bought one, and would still love to grab one, rip out the chassis, and turn it into a head. __________________ "...and everything under the sun is in tune, but the sun is eclipsed by the moon." http://www.metalguitarist.org

09-07-2006, 03:59 AM	#3
metalfiend666 - Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Basildon, England Posts: 9,676 Thanked: 46	Why not get one of those Atomic amps and keep the volume low? They're only 18w. I've got a 40w Marshall poweramp and I can turn that down to bedroom levels without badly affecting my tone, so I'm sure the Atomic would be fine. __________________ www.metalguitarist.org

09-07-2006, 04:48 AM	#4
urklvt Words under my name Join Date: May 2005 Location: Leesville, LA Posts: 2,511 Thanked: 2	I have the Atomic so I agree with metalfiend, but depending on your budget you could try one of these: http://zvexamps.com/ They're expensive as hell for what they are. These are cool too: http://www.songworks.com/14watt.html __________________ "Dude, you need to find the right fucking meds to be on, because you are the most unstable person I know."

09-07-2006, 08:16 AM	#6
urklvt Words under my name Join Date: May 2005 Location: Leesville, LA Posts: 2,511 Thanked: 2	Got any sound clips? I've had trouble finding any. __________________ "Dude, you need to find the right fucking meds to be on, because you are the most unstable person I know."

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09-07-2006, 10:48 AM	#7
noodles I'm your huckleberry Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Woodbridge, VA Posts: 17,832 Thanked: 300	I really can't say enough good things about this. My friend lent me one to try out. I "lost" his phone number. __________________ Noodles Division: American Metal without the suck. kxksales@gmail.com "Somewhere along the way, the Straight Talk Express lost some wheels..." --Barack Obama on John McCain

09-07-2006, 12:55 PM	#14
7StringofAblicK Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 2,930 Thanked: 25 $7StringofAblicK is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $7StringofAblicK is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $7StringofAblicK is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $7StringofAblicK is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $7StringofAblicK is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $7StringofAblicK is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $7StringofAblicK is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$	Cool design, but pricey. one day maybe...

09-07-2006, 01:24 PM	#15
Leon {##[====:::. • Super Moderator • Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Nebula, Ohio Posts: 12,262 Thanked: 81	i've read a lot about attenuators, and how they can really burn up your amp's power transformer. anyone know anything about that? John, my Nomad sounds pretty good at low volumes __________________

09-07-2006, 02:51 PM	#20
darren Decibel Guitars Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Greater Toronto Area, Canada Posts: 10,179 Thanked: 57	According to THD's site, their attenuators should not wear out the components of your amp any more quickly than the would if a speaker load were attached. You will probably accelerate the aging process of your power tubes because you're running them so hot all the time, but according to THD, your transformers should be fine. If they fail, chances are they were going to fail anyway. For all intents and purposes, the amp "sees" a speaker load when the Hot Plate is attached.

09-07-2006, 09:02 PM	#25
garcia3441 Tone Whore Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Little Rock, AR Posts: 5,439 Thanked: 88	Sweetwater and I are going to become very good friends. __________________ "Im sick and tired of hearing things From uptight, short-sighted, narrow-minded hypocritics All I want is the truth Just gimme some truth. " John Lennon

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Tube Bedroom Amp?