[zimbloth]

Short version: I don't like this amp

Although I'm in love with my ENGL Fireball, I was always curious to try out a Krank Revolution head. When I got my ENGL, I was choosing between it and the Krank Rev. I briefly had a Krankenstein, which was cool for rhythm but not much else. No, it didn't 'suck', was just too solid-state/plastic sounding on leads (Krankenstein has solid-state circuitry in it). I had always heard the Revolution head was more "tubey" (it doesnt have any ss circuitry) and many of my favorite guitarists/records use it, so although I'm elated with my ENGL, I figured I'd buy one new, compare it extensively, and if it didn't blow me away I'd return it.

So from 5:00 to 11:00 tonight I tested it out at our studio. Guitar was my Carvin DC747, which has a Seymour Duncan JB in the bridge (alder sides, maple neck-thru). Also used a Jackson COW w/ EMG707 and my Rico Jr Custom with it. Cab was my usual Mesa 4x12 w/ V30s. Used it with an Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808 and a TC Electronic G-Major. Also tried it without any of these in the fray.

To my my shock, this amp really sounds no different than the Krankenstein. The cleans are warmer, and there's less fizz in the lead channel, but other than that, it's the same grainy solid-state sound w/ no dynamics. I messed with every possible knob/configuration possible, and no matter what, the tone was extremely boring. Like the Krankenstein, powerchords on the low B string were brutal and tight, but single notes anywhere on the neck were sterile...terrible playing dynamics and sustain... it feels like the amp fights you, whereas on the ENGL or my bandmates Mesa, it practically plays itself, and it rewards you for your technique. Notes just don't sing, the tone is clear and the amp is punchy, but it just doesn't feel or sound very good at all.

I thought I'd put my Tung-Sol 12AX7 that I use in my ENGL in the Krank to see if that helped - nope, basically no difference. Perhaps the tubes in the Rev aren't very good, or perhaps the amp would sound better with the Krank Rev cab (I doubt it), but I really don't see how all these bands are coaxing good tones from this thing. I've been able to get great tones from almost any decent tube amp out there, and yes a big part of tone is in the fingers, but this thing just fights you to the death.

Needless to say, I will be sending this back shortly. The good news is that it made me appreciate even more how incredible my ENGL is. I never soured on it, I was just curious if I made the right choice when I opted for the Fireball over the Revolution, and now I know. Peace of mind is cool

[Ryan]

I only read the first paragraph and ive decided you must be an eccentric millionaire... haha

Edit: Just clicked the link in the 2nd paragraph, and its not helping your defense...

[zimbloth]

Nah, although the amp I got was $1599, I bought it from AMS using their 5 month plan. So it was something like $320 to try it out for a month. Or in this case, a day or 2.

I guess I could have put a summary in the front saying "Bottom line: I don't like this amp".

[Ryan]

haha well, i read the whole thing of course, just giving you the play by play..
I was actually interested in KranK for a little while too. So its cool wen someone described how they sound in depth. So AMS has no problem refunding that whole amount to you? Or did you pay $320 just to try it?

And that didnt help my ENGL gas at all! :/

[zimbloth]

Originally Posted by Ryan

haha well, i read the whole thing of course, just giving you the play by play..
I was actually interested in KranK for a little while too. So its cool wen someone described how they sound in depth. So AMS has no problem refunding that whole amount to you? Or did you pay $320 just to try it?

AMS has a 45 day return policy. When I return it, they will refund the $320 (was free shipping). Basically, it will likely cost me $20-30 to ship back the unit to their NJ warehouse (UPS Ground Boston to NJ = cheap). So, I would have lost $20-30 but it's worth it to me for the peace of mind of knowing I have the best possible amp out there (for my tastes/budget).

PS: People say the ENGL sounds processed, and on many records featuring ENGLs, they do kinda... but mine really doesn't. With the right tubes (the Tung-Sol in v1 helps) and setting it's glorious. The Krank if anything sounds processed.

[Ryan]

Thats so cool. I think id have a better time with a Vetta II though. I could have some serious fun with one of those I wonder how the ENGL patch sounds on that amp boosted with a TS808..

[zimbloth]

Originally Posted by Ryan

Thats so cool. I think id have a better time with a Vetta II though. I could have some serious fun with one of those I wonder how the ENGL patch sounds on that amp boosted with a TS808..

I just like to try out as much gear as possible, it's cool to know what's out there so you can know how to best find your sound. I have never liked digital amps much, but I've heard some impressive tones from some of those amps as of late, so I'd never say never. I don't have a lot of experience with the Vetta II or the HD147... I had a Pod Pro and Behringer V-Amp and hated both. I do have a Behringer GMX212 combo I use at home which for reasons unknown sounds great (actually resembles a tube amp). So, I'd be open to try anything, even a Line 6.

[Mark. A]

Thanks for the review dude, there's a new Rev 1 head at my local store, I might go and try it out with to see if I agree.

Just one more thing, I'm thinking of getting a carvin so if you could add me on AOL or msn etc that'd be cool, addresses are in my profile.

[LordOVchaoS]

I hear that the secret is to set the sweep control on 10, presence on 0, everything else noonish and tweaked to taste. Did you try that?

[zimbloth]

Originally Posted by LordOVchaoS

I hear that the secret is to set the sweep control on 10, presence on 0, everything else noonish and tweaked to taste. Did you try that?

No but I can't imagine that would help, because the main problem with the amp is not its tone, it it its responsiveness and feel, or lack thereof. As a Dual Rectifier owner yourself, I can basically promise that you'd hate the Krank. It plays stiff and as plastic as they come. The fundamental tone is alright, it's just... I really don't know exactly how to articulate it. But it was the same problem I had with the Krankenstein. Pretty good rhythm tone, but a terrible feel.

That being said, tomorrow at my band rehearsal I might fire it up and try that, but I really don't think that will make a difference. I've tried just about everything BUT what you suggested.

PS: One thing I forgot to mention, the fx loop doesnt seem to work right. Firstly theres no fx level control on the back, just a send and retur - no knobs. When I put my G-Major in the loop, you get sound but its chocked and there was a giant volume drop off...and the tone was horrible. Even with the G-Majors output/input volumes cranked, still doesn't do it. It's not my cables or anything, it's the exact setup I use with my ENGL and used with my other Mesa gear.