Volume, Valve and Nice Pedals

HAL9000

I was wondering if a hybrid amp such as the Vox AV series might give you warm valvey goodness at  bedroom volumes. Nothing like as expensive or as heavy as an all-valve amp. I know that the valves aren’t run particularly hot in them so not sure you’d get the full ‘cranked valve at full chat’ sound, but could well be a decent compromise.

gringopig

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Mark1960

ICBM said:

Exactly. Not only that, I find that the really big amps usually sound better at that sort of volume than the smaller ones - it may be because they make the speaker move properly even when it’s not moving much, but I don’t know for sure.

Yeah I have noticed that too, and often wondered why. Maybe it's because they generally have  a bigger speaker area with a larger speaker (i.e. it's more flexible in the middle) as you say, or the constructioon of the cab is more robust, and it kicks the sound out better?

Jalfrezi

I have also been down the low watt amp rabbit hole.  I live in a terraced house, so have to be sensible with volume.  I use 4 amps these days:

• THR10 - which gets used ocassionally
• 1970 Twin Reverb - which gets used daily, and is a great pedal platform.  Despite the reputation for being incredibly live it works fine at low volumes IME.  It does have a PPIMV fitted, but I just leave that wide open most of the time.
  
• Ceriatone JTM45 into a single Gold - again gets used all the time, some seem too thing that JTM45's are only good for being cranked, but I find it sounds great at lower volume too.
• Tweed Deluxe - this doesn't get used as much, as it needs to be a little too loud to sound nice IME

If I had to choose just one, it would be the JTM45 as I love it, but sensibly I think a Twin is a great solution, although it is rather heavy to move!

boogieman

I’ve tried various low output home-use amps and none of them have really scratched the itch for me. The best solution I’ve found has always been a big amp turned down: I’ve used a Marshall combo in the past but currently it’s a Laney Studio 5 head running on the 1/2 watt setting: still v loud if you wind up the wick enough but absolutely fine for home use. Takes pedals brilliantly too, which is just as well as I *cough* have a few. 

robgilmo

I play my Deuce sometimes, not as much nowadays, its loud as hell and still needs to be fairly loud to sound Ok, its not earth shattering at low but nice sounding volumes, but it sounds lovely. My little Vox Cambridge sounds thin in comparison, its like the difference between a transistor radio and a decent HiFi. I have had the Peavey for around a year now and never have I ever had the pre or post gain above 4/5. One day I will take it out into the garden and drive the balls out of it just to see what its like loud, Ill ask the neighbours if its Ok first, then drink a lot of beer, then sheepishly play a few power chords , then put it away again. 

robgilmo

While we are on the subject, whats the criac with attenuators? Any one use one? They are too costly for me at the moment but something I have considered for a while, do they mushy up the sound?

Jonathanthomas83

I use a Suhr Reactive Load and a Torpedo CAB M and it sounds incredible through my computer interface, monitors and headphones. Best quiet solution for loud amps, in my opinion.

SouthpawMark

I wanted a versatile amp that could be super loud when needed, but have the option to be really quiet, whilst still sounding ok. 

First attempt was a Fender Bassbreaker 30R, which sounded awful at low volumes. 

Second attempt was a H&K Tubemeister 36, which had a powersoak feature. Unfortunately even at 1w it was still way too loud.

Attempt 3 was a Blackstar HT-5R. Unfortunately the sound was way too dark, and on 0.5w output was too distorted.

Attempt 4 is a Tone King Imperial MkII. The built in attenuator is amazing. I had to splash the cash for it, but it’s everything I could ever want in an amp. Rather than limiting the wattage, it limits the DB, so you can really dial it in to exactly the output that won’t make the people you live with want to kill you. 

darthed1981

What sucks/rocks is I unfortunately already own the best option - a Katana 50 and a Vox Handbag!

But I want to treat myself to nice things

#firstworldproblems

musteatbrain

The problem with playing quiet all the time is I find I’m not used to controlling superfluous noise and feedback that only occurs when I’m trying to play with a loud drummer.

darthed1981

musteatbrain said:

The problem with playing quiet all the time is I find I’m not used to controlling superfluous noise and feedback that only occurs when I’m trying to play with a loud drummer.

Playing with oneself (cough cough) and playing with others are seperate but complimentary skills, if playing with others has taught me one thing, it's that.