Need a new amp/cabinet

throw_this_away · Post by **throw_this_away** » Thu Oct 06, 2005 2:48 pm

I am feeling the need for more power in the amp department. I have a 130w tubeworks 1x15 combo with tube preamp (200W with extension cab).

Without an extension I have been very happy with the tone/volume (club gigs in a alt rock band) but tonight in rehersal I was experiencing clipping (sharp crack) so I had to turn down a bit (I started to push the gain a lot more recently). The master was on about 50% and the gain was 75%. I boosted the limiter but there was still clipping when I played too hard... so I turned down (and actually slaved in a second 1x15 in the room).

Anyway... as far as saving money goes a 2x10 cab would be best, but I have been eyeing all tube for a while now. I wanted a vintage 100W ampeg v-4b head paired with a 1x15 and 2x10 cabs... but now I wonder if 100W is really enough as I would always be pushing it pretty hard.

300W is too much for me, 100W might be too little. Orange has a 200W head but it is too $$$... traynor has the same for much less and I have heard only good things about the head (not the matching cab though). Any advice on a good brand of tube amp around 200W?

My rics deserve somethin gwith more headroom.

kcole4001 · Post by **kcole4001** » Thu Oct 06, 2005 3:11 pm

John, you've got to match your impedence as well. I found that with the 2X10 extension cab I got. All you can get from 2 speakers is either 4 or 16 ohms. One 15 or 4X10 is 8 ohms.
Musicstop in Moncton had an Ampeg V4B I think earlier this year. It was older & in not bad shape. I might be able to check it out soon if you'd like.

throw_this_away · Post by **throw_this_away** » Thu Oct 06, 2005 3:48 pm

Both ampeg and traynor 1x15 or 2x10 are 8ohms each (combining the two gives 4ohms). Were your cabs the same brand?

Was the ampeg at musicstop (aka EVILstop) a v4-bh? If it was I had it sent down to halifax to buy about a month ago. I tried it out with an ampeg 4x10 and it was TERRIBLE sounding... plus one of the preamp tube caps fell off while playing it. It was a floor model and something was wrong for sure. Musicstop said they would check it out in the shop and call me when it was ready. When I inquired about it the next week they said the had sold it to someone else before it went to the shop.

I was pretty ****** off as I was going to walk out with it... but instead of actually fixing it they sold it broken to someone who did not know the difference. On the bright side that money went towards my 72' 4001.

Did I also mention that they tried to wire my 4003 like a les paul? Before I paid the hefty bill I brought it up to the music room to test and EVERYTHING was wrong (dead mono jack, tone knobs wired for volume, one dead pickup).

I went back to the shop and asked if they had tested it out and they said yes they always test everything. I said "are you sure" and they were like "of course, we just tested it this afternoon." I then cooly explained how everything was wrong. They then took it back and asked for another half hour. Again it was totally wrong when they gave it back. Did I mention that I gave them official ric schematics from the beginning. At this point I said forget it, I want my bass back... one guy tried to charge me but the head guy gave it back and said no charge and apologized.

sorry for the evilstop rant... not all guys there are bad, but the repair shop will never see my business again that is for sure.

what were we talking about?

thx1955 · Post by **thx1955** » Thu Oct 06, 2005 4:48 pm

Check out Avatar ... http://www.avatarspeakers.com

They make some of the best value cabinets you can find. Talk to Dave, tell him I told you to call and he'll steer you well.

I've been using one of his 4x12's fitted with Eminence Kappa Pro's for about 3 years now and it performs flawlessly. I've driven it with both my Ampeg B-25, and also a borrowed SVT, both sounded fantastic.

throw_this_away · Post by **throw_this_away** » Thu Oct 06, 2005 5:36 pm

I'll take a look Jim... I am a bit of an ampeg snob when it comes to cabs but part of me knows that Avatar is probably just as good for less money. Shipping and tax at the boarder could be the killer as I am in Canada. Either way... I am looking and will mention you if I make some inquiries.

thanks

throw_this_away · Post by **throw_this_away** » Thu Oct 06, 2005 5:40 pm

burn... took a closer look and they do not ship outside the US. I find that odd.

thx1955 · Post by **thx1955** » Thu Oct 06, 2005 5:54 pm

They do ship outside the USA. To Canada, Australia, and Europe ... check again, it's right on the front page http://www.steamcomusic.com/ for Canada !!!!

For the longest time they didn't, and I watched tons of business walk away. In the past year they've established three partners in each country.

thx1955 · Post by **thx1955** » Thu Oct 06, 2005 6:04 pm

John,
Bob Scott has the Traynor head, drop him an email and ask his thoughts.

Traynor have a long and reputable history building tube amps. I used Orange amps in the 70's and 80's and they were great workhorses, the prices they're asking today are too rich for me !!!

jnbass · Post by **jnbass** » Thu Oct 06, 2005 10:32 pm

Traynor!

lshaia · Post by **lshaia** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 3:10 am

John, I tried a Traynor YBA-200 for a while; I suggest that you either try the one that you'll buy first, or purchase from a place with a return policy. I further suggest that, if possible, you try the head with the type of cabinet(s) you're interested in. It's a great concept and value, and I know that Bob loves his, but mine didn't work out for my situation.

If you'd care to drop me a line I'd be happy to discuss my experience with you.

kcole4001 · Post by **kcole4001** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 4:59 am

That Ampeg was probably the same. I wasn't interested in it when I got my new amp (SWR).
I"d had enough of used amps at the time. What I thought was the amp cutting out was the EV 15's voice coil becoming toast. The amp ended up being fine.
I had my 4001 rewired at the Moncton store, but that was back when it was Moncton Music. The tech who did the work isn't there any more. I too gave him the official schematic & he got it right. Mine was gutted: Jackson J pup screwed onto original bridge pup plate, dead neck pup, only one tone & volume wired in & no stereo wiring or jack at all. What a mess! She's back to stock now,
except for the Seymour Duncans(better than nothing).

kcole4001 · Post by **kcole4001** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 5:00 am

My 2X10 cab is a Peavey. The 4X10 is SWR.

kcole4001 · Post by **kcole4001** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 5:02 am

When I get down to Halifax I'll bring the 4080 so you can have a close up. It should be cool to play too!

kcole4001 · Post by **kcole4001** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 5:09 am

Ken has an Ampeg BA115HP in the for sale column for $300. It's 220W. His email is listed in that post. You should check it out.
I think I might use my Traynor to put together a trade for a guitar amp with a local guy.

ken_swearingen · Post by **ken_swearingen** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 5:19 am

The ampeg sold yesterday.