Tube Amp recommendations

[chris.knudson]

you're going to build an amp because you know you want to

Ok, maybe I want to... Somehow I think it's going to be more expensive and time consuming than if I just buy the Monoprice, but you're probably right. As Forest Gump once said, maybe both is happening at the same time.

 

[owlexifry]

Somehow I think it's going to be more expensive

is DIY about saving money?
just think of all the mods you'll get to try..

and with your foot in the door, who knows, maybe your next amp could be a 50W 2204 JCM800 build, or a DR504 hiwatt clone, the possibilities are all there..

 

[jcpst]

I use two 15w monoprice amps in a 5-cable stereo setup with my band. Overall they have been working great. If I had to nitpick-

I don’t like that the power cable is hardwired. Would much rather have an IEC connection.

On both amps, the tubes they came with started crapping out after about a year. Fortunately I had enough tubes laying around to get it back in shape.

The reverb is ok. Kind of meh actually. But, it’s not bad either, and it’s foot switchable. I don’t think that applies if you’re buying used though, I heard the spring tanks in the first version kind of sucked.

I also have the 5w, which is nice too, though I only use it clean, not a big fan of the way it breaks up.

 

[Fizz]

I love my 2204 that sits on top of a 4x12. The low sensitivity channel is a great pedal platform but both channels take pedals extremely well. This is a hand built Ceriatone 2204 and the quality is top notch. It's like a work of art on the inside of this amp.

All that said though to really say that my Boss Katana 100 MKII takes pedals extremely well. And it is so versitale and inexpensive too. I can dial up a Fender clean tone or a Hot Rod Marshall and anything in between and the pedals sound so good in front of the amp. It even has an effects loop with a tremendous amout of EQ configurability. I actually prefer the amp with real pedals in front because they make the amp sound so much like a tube amp. But the built in modeling is pretty great too.