[Spinedriver]

I'm looking into getting a Tech 21 Trademark 300 head (it's a good deal) and I'll be using it mainly as a power source for my XTL (however the option of using it straight is always there as well).

I own the Bass Driver because I used to play bass in my current band and it's the single best pedal I've ever owned. Also, by reputation it's the bass players' equivalent of an 808 Tube Screamer. I've heard samples of the PSA-1, and they sound pretty damn good for website pre-sets (so with proper tweaking they should sound MUCH better).

I've noticed many of the people here are big fans of Digitech, Line 6, Peavey, and a few others, just wondering if anyone on here has had any experience with Tech 21 gear. Is the tone just 'not there' with thier stuff or is it that no one has really thought about it ?

Thnx

[Toshiro]

Couple of us here have owned them. Here's some interesting threads to read:

Got my Tech 21 Trademark 300 today! (added review)

tech 21 trademark 300

For pure metal tones I would look elsewhere, or get a PSA1 + Power Engine 300/400. IMO the TM300 and PSA1 share very little in common as far as tonality.

[Spinedriver]

Thanks for the links..

I plan on using my Pod XTL for my sounds, no question. It's just that in my searching, I can pick up one of these for the same as a power amp. The only difference being that if the Pod goes on the blink for some reason (it already has once), I can use the Trademark normally and still have a useable tone. Whereas if I buy a power amp and the Pod fails, I'm screwed.

That and the fact that I can't really think of many ss amp heads (with an fx loop) in my price range that'll sound as good. I have owned a Peavey XL Supreme in the past and if this doesn't pan out, I might look into an XXL head for sure. Not a huge fan of the Randall stuff and you couldn't pay me to use a Marshall AVT.

Not to mention the fact that it's 300 watts..

[Toshiro]

In that instance, it might work out for you. That amp is f'ing LOUD. I would just run a pedal for high-gain.

[Spinedriver]

Originally Posted by Toshiro

In that instance, it might work out for you. That amp is f'ing LOUD. I would just run a pedal for high-gain.

I have an Uber-Metal collecting dust here, so that's NO PROBLEM !!!

Also, I totally have to agree with Shannon that the BBE Sonic Maximizer is a must have. I remember last year when I brought a Sonic Stomp to practice, the other guitarist (the Downside here on the board) gave me the dirtiest look and just said "great, now I have to go and buy one too."

[Toshiro]

Originally Posted by Spinedriver

I have an Uber-Metal collecting dust here, so that's NO PROBLEM !!!

Also, I totally have to agree with Shannon that the BBE Sonic Maximizer is a must have. I remember last year when I brought a Sonic Stomp to practice, the other guitarist (the Downside here on the board) gave me the dirtiest look and just said "great, now I have to go and buy one too."

Unless you own a tube amp....

[Spinedriver]

I dunno but I could never 'warm up' to tube amps (pardon the pun)

I just like the 'click it on & go' kind of thing. That and I'd always be paranoid about the tubes going. I can see it now, every practice would be... " D'you guys hear that !!??!! It didn't make that sound last time did it ??"

The main reason I'm looking for a new head in the first place is because I'm running through the fx input of a Behringer BX4500 bass head. The power is there, but I'd rather something that I can use without the Pod just in case.

I did briefly think about getting a Peavey Windsor, which is $450 CDN here locally, but again, I'm not sure if I really want to do the tube thing. We play drop A and I've heard that tube heads don't react so well with really low tunings (I could be wrong, it's just what I've heard).

[darren]

I've played a PSA-1 into my rig, and found i could get a very satisfying Recto chug out of it. If you're using your Line 6 for tones, my guess is that the Trademark 300 would be a good power amp, though you might consider getting a standalone high-wattage solid state power amp instead, since the Trademark 300 will have all kinds of features that you'll be paying for and not using.

[Spinedriver]

Originally Posted by darren

I've played a PSA-1 into my rig, and found i could get a very satisfying Recto chug out of it. If you're using your Line 6 for tones, my guess is that the Trademark 300 would be a good power amp, though you might consider getting a standalone high-wattage solid state power amp instead, since the Trademark 300 will have all kinds of features that you'll be paying for and not using.

I've thought about that but I might be able to get the Trademark 300 for $300 and it's pretty much the same I'd pay for a power amp of that wattage.So if I can find a power amp for $300 or get the Trademark for $300, it's like getting the 3 channels, etc.. for free.

I'm waiting for the auction to finish, so if it goes any higher than what I've budgeted for, I just might end up with a Crown or QSC power amp. It's just that from what I've heard, the quality of Tech 21 gear is pretty hard to beat and at this price, I'm gonna see if it pans out first. Mainly because if the Pod craps out on me (ie:before a show), I can still use the head. Whereas if I have a power amp, I'll either have to have a spare pre-amp kicking around or borrow someone elses amp for the show.

[playstopause]

Just ask Drew what he thinks of it...
He has lot of praise for the Trademark.