Amp Heads

[dmraco]

Trying to decide on two heads here:

Peavey ValveKing
http://www.samash.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_ValveKing%20Guitar%20Amplifier%20Head_-1_10052_10002_-49974188_cmCategorySA182891

or

Line6 Spider 100
http://www.samash.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_HD100%20Spider%20Valve%20Guitar%20Amplifier%20Head_-1_10052_10002_-49969704_cmCategorySA182891


Not sure if I want to go pure Valve like the peavey or a hybrid line the Line6.  I do mostly classic rock and hard rock.  How realiable are the Line6 products???  I am like to be playing thru a cab loaded with 4x12 Celestion vintage 30s.

Thanks

 

[exalted]

I don't know anything about that particular Line 6 head, but I had a Flextone III for years, and it was built like a tank. I kicked the crap out of that thing, and the worst that ever happened was a small tear in the tolex. Of course, that was a solid state, and this is a tube...

As an afterthought, I also have a Line 6 FM4, and I would say that's probably the most solidly build pedal on my board....I would be willing to venture that Line 6 builds its products very well. As for their tone? I guess that's up to debate.

 

[yyz2112]

Ask yourself a couple questions. How many different tones do you need, and would you use the full capabilities of a modeling amp (effects as well as models)?
If you only need a crunch and clean, the Peavey is your answer. From my own personal experience with modelers, I tend to use only 3 or 4 of the amps anyway-clean, crunch and solo sounds-but that's me.

 

[dmraco]

Ask yourself a couple questions. How many different tones do you need, and would you use the full capabilities of a modeling amp (effects as well as models)?
If you only need a crunch and clean, the Peavey is your answer. From my own personal experience with modelers, I tend to use only 3 or 4 of the amps anyway-clean, crunch and solo sounds-but that's me.

I kinda am thinking that way too.  I think I need to play them together to see which one gets the tone I like the best...and go with that.  Once concern I had was every modeling amp I have ever used has had issues...especially the VOX.  I will say my sons line6 bass amp is SOLID! 

The cab I am looking at is the LINE6 loaded withthe vintage 30s...again...build like a tank...sounds great.

 

[exalted]

Ugh. I had a Vox Valvetronix for all of two weeks. It was terrible.

I never had ANY of the issues I had using the Vox on my Line 6.

 

[dmraco]

Ugh. I had a Vox Valvetronix for all of two weeks. It was terrible.

I never had ANY of the issues I had using the Vox on my Line 6.

EVERY Valvetronix I have played has been screwed up.  they sound good...but I wold be afraid to buy one.

 

[Patrick from Davis]

Bogner designed the tube part of the Spider Valve, I would expect it is very nice.  Reinhold doesn't tend to do crappy with his designs.  That being said, I have not played one so no opinion of substance here.
Patrick

 

[jackthehack]

If you're shopping at Sam Ash; check this for a 100w all tube head: http://www.samash.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_BH100H%20Blackheart%20Hot%20Head%20Guitar%20Amplifier%20Head_-1_10052_10002_-49957293_cmCategorySA-10001

 

[dmraco]

If you're shopping at Sam Ash; check this for a 100w all tube head: http://www.samash.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_BH100H%20Blackheart%20Hot%20Head%20Guitar%20Amplifier%20Head_-1_10052_10002_-49957293_cmCategorySA-10001

I saw that...made by CRATE??  I know the little giants are killer.  I may have to get that a whirl.

 

[erogenousjones17]

For what it's worth, I have a ValveKing combo and it sounds pretty good. Crunch and clean, like someone mentioned earlier. However, it's not great for ridiculous metal tones, if that's your cup o' tea.

 

[GoDrex]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXrfhamY3Fs&feature=player_embedded

sounds good to me  :icon_thumright:

 

[Tempest]

Ugh. I had a Vox Valvetronix for all of two weeks. It was terrible.

I never had ANY of the issues I had using the Vox on my Line 6.

EVERY Valvetronix I have played has been screwed up.  they sound good...but I wold be afraid to buy one.

Mines served me well for a good long time.  :dontknow:

 

[Wana_make_a_guitar]

Ahum, Bugera 1990 cheap and awesome.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LK_LnoxTgyU&feature=PlayList&p=6FA8270233D34C86&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKtmznnHyys&feature=PlayList&p=6FA8270233D34C86&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=2

 

[dmraco]

Ahum, Bugera 1990 cheap and awesome.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LK_LnoxTgyU&feature=PlayList&p=6FA8270233D34C86&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKtmznnHyys&feature=PlayList&p=6FA8270233D34C86&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=2

I have played some bugeras...333XL...sound great.  But I have heard some reliability issues.

 

[dmraco]

Ugh. I had a Vox Valvetronix for all of two weeks. It was terrible.

I never had ANY of the issues I had using the Vox on my Line 6.

EVERY Valvetronix I have played has been screwed up.  they sound good...but I wold be afraid to buy one.

Mines served me well for a good long time.  :dontknow:

that good to hear.  I have one sitting in my basement...The amp models are all screwed up.  It is never then same each time I turn it on.  maybee I have a lemon.

 

[yyz2112]

Don't laugh...how about a Peavey Windsor...I asked you not to laugh.
I pikced one up brand new for $250 as a backup. It's a simple one channel head, but it loves most pedals, and has the blendable Class A Class A/B thing which affects the output and of course, headroom. It needs a few tweaks out of the box to be a really usable amp, though. Rebiasing the power tubes (easy thing, there's a bias pot right on the board) and replacing the second and third preamp tubes with 12at7 are must-do. Since I've done that though, I really like the tone.
No reverb, but that's ok, reverb is for suckers.
:cool01:

 

[jimh]

Don't laugh...how about a Peavey Windsor...I asked you not to laugh.
I pikced one up brand new for $250 as a backup. It's a simple one channel head, but it loves most pedals, and has the blendable Class A Class A/B thing which affects the output and of course, headroom. It needs a few tweaks out of the box to be a really usable amp, though. Rebiasing the power tubes (easy thing, there's a bias pot right on the board) and replacing the second and third preamp tubes with 12at7 are must-do. Since I've done that though, I really like the tone.
No reverb, but that's ok, reverb is for suckers.
:cool01:

Thinks that's what Vol Knob. did

 

[dmraco]

The Windsor is a little too streamlined for me.  I need at least to channels.