Need help selecting a new amp

[mjb1967]

Hey guys....I'm going to be moving out of my house into a 2 bedroom condo at the end of the month and would like some input on a small tube amp...I currently have a HRD and just think it will be a bit much for a small condo. I'll have the proceeds from the HRD (I think around $400) plus a couple of hundred extra to spend...I used to have a Blues Jr. and would like to stay away from them if possible

I'll look forward to your recommendations!

Mike

[eugenedunn]

Since you're not enamored of Blues Juniors.....what kind of amp tone and features are ya longing for?

Do you need onboard reverb...or are you satisfied with pedal/effect units? Do you want tweed type or high gain, but low power units like the Epi Valve Junior or Vox AC4?

Since you're against the idea of a Blues Junior, are you against a Pro Junior or Champion 600? Are you not in favor of the Fender XD tube amps with their onboard effects?

Maybe a bit more information about what tone you like and what you want to play.... if you use pedals a lot, etc..... 600 bucks can get you a decent low power amp, but I would choose a head and spend the extra dough on a nice 2x10 cabinet.

[Southern Ill Electrics]

There are 3 amps on my short list......easily this low wattage offering from Reasons Amplifiers is a no brainer.

[eugenedunn]

I think the OP's budget is around 600 tops..... that Bambino is $699 as a head only. Looks cool though.

[mjb1967]

My HRD has a set of 6V6's in it, that seem to help it break up at a somewhat low volume (for a house)....I guess I'm looking for an amp that has nice cleans, but will break up without extreme volume....reverb would be nice, but isn't a dealbreaker....don't really care about a drive channel, I have an older Rat that can take care of that....maybe I should consider the blues jr I guess...I just never really enjoyed the one I had...to the above poster....I've not tried a Pro Junior or Champ...should I go see if they have a floor model to try at Guitar Center? The problem with all this is that I really like my HRD....I just think it's going to get me in trouble with niehbors in a condo setting.

[eugenedunn]

Ok, how about the Champion 600 for cheap.... then get an Avatar 2x10 4-ohm cabinet to plug into. That should give you full tone with minimal volume.

The Champion 600 is 6V6 powered, so you have those tubes already. If it's still too crunchy, drop in a 12AY7 in the preamp.

[mistermullens]

Even though I have one myself, I couldn't help but to think you should try out a SF Vibro Champ. It has nice cleans up to about 5, but starts to break up after that. Sounds best between 8-10. It is loud though. I haven't used any pedals with it because it doesn't need it. These can be had for in the $300 range. One of my all time favorite amps.

[Jack]

The little Vox 5 watter or maybe the Epi Valve Senior. I have the Epi and it will break-up at low levels because it has master volume and gain, but it will also get pretty loud. If it were me I'd get the Vox head with matching cab. I wish this is what I would have done. They're an ideal bedroom amp.

[mjb1967]

Thanks for the info guys...the hunt contiues

[tbp0701]

I second the trying to find an old SF Champ/Vibro-Champ, as long as prices haven't become outrageous. You may also want to watch for people who are building small amps.

And, while it doesn't have tubes, I have a Tech 21 Trademark 10 that's about perfect for small room practice and works with headphones.

[morroben]

If you're happy with the HRD and are just worried about volume/breakup, get an attenuator. I use a Weber MiniMass and it's an incredibly handy little device.