15watt tube amp

[Cavi]

okay, I have reached the point that I want another amp, I currently play a roland microcube that has the drum machine. I basically just play at home, but I want to move up to a valve amp. When I was a teen I had a copy of a fender twin reverb, and it was fantastic.
Anyway I figure much over 15 amps will be wasted as I cannot crank it up here.
Initially I am considering a Fender superchamp XD , what other options should I consider? Keep in mind I would like it to have distortion and reverb.

[Oldgitplayer]

Have you considered a 5 watt solution? There are lots of amps that fit this category with clean and gain channels. Small or larger 12 inch speaker.
I use a Laney Lionheart 5 watt which has been designed for home and studio use. The 12 inch Celestion does make a difference.
I'm not suggesting that you need a Laney, but a 5 watt in preference to 15 watt.
There's a lot been discussed about 5 watters on the forum.

[Cavi]

why do you suggest 5 watt over 15 watt?

[Harvy]

because even in a home setting a 5 watt can be loud, especially if you want it to be overdriven

[Cavi]

okay, two things, I would like to still have the option to use it in a larger place, and I also worry that with a 5 watt when I go up in the volume I will be stuck with a dirty sound not clean, I do not use distortion always. Do you still think 5 watt? If so which ones should I consider?

[smokerjoe34]

I gig with a 15 watt Princeton Reverb RI and get a lot of compliments on my tone !! I have made it in to a head though and play it through a Special built 1-12" cab with a Celestion Blue in it !! A bassplayer I used to play with built a fine head cab that looks just like a mini bassman and the cab is matching with Fender tolex and grillcloth !!

[otaypanky]

I love my PRRI too, great amp. I also have a couple of Gibson GA-15R's and a nos Blues Jr. All great 15 watt amps, all with reverb, plus the PRRI has tremelo. None have distortion features but all of them get a nice driven sound.

[Cavi]

I really think I will be happier with a 15 watt, now what are the differences between the superchamp xd, the hot rod and the princeton reverb. Please, I want sound differences, tecnical is okay, but really soundwise, what are the differences?

[jefrs]

Originally Posted by Oldgitplayer

Have you considered a 5 watt solution? There are lots of amps that fit this category with clean and gain channels. Small or larger 12 inch speaker.
I use a Laney Lionheart 5 watt which has been designed for home and studio use. The 12 inch Celestion does make a difference.
I'm not suggesting that you need a Laney, but a 5 watt in preference to 15 watt.
There's a lot been discussed about 5 watters on the forum.

+1 The Laney Lionheart L5T is one of the very best 5 watt class amps there is.

It is a full-size fully-featured British-made combo. I don't know whether it is the speaker or the amp but it is much louder than an EVJ. A 5 watt amp can produce half the volume of a 50 watt amp. The EL84 can actually run to about 7 watts.

I had a 15 watt BJ briefly alongside the L5T, I sent the BJ back because it could not do half of what the L5T can, and it was not significantly louder than the L5T. The L5T is just loud enough for a small gig.

Oh, and the L5T don't need no speaker changes or modificationments to make it sound good.

[Oldgitplayer]

Jefrs - Nice to see some appreciation for the L5T. They are not well known on this forum, but they are way up there in sound and build quality.
I was looking to buy a Bl. Junior until I tried a Laney VC15 for the same retail price in Oz.
I was just about to buy, when a 6-month old L5T came up for sale for the same price as a new VC15.
Usually the L5T retails for about 50% more than the VC15.
With the L5T I don't have any desire for another amp.
Laney set out to get it right and they hit the spot.

So Cavi, I say it again - investigate the 5watt range. You'll be surprised at how powerful they really are. I use mine at home at 2-3 volume setting (1-10).

[Cavi]

I am listining....thinking, which 5 amps are good and which should I stay away from

[Cavi]

I should also mention that I would like to keep the price range under 500 dollars

[jefrs]

Originally Posted by Cavi

I should also mention that I would like to keep the price range under 500 dollars

That rules out the L5T then...

You don't want the EVJ, I've got one, it's a toy to experiment on, and it's a one-trick pony. The EVJ has a number of clones...

Imo you need at least gain, volume and a tone control.

[brookdalebill]

Vox AC15.
GREAT sounding amp!

[weldfish]

Vox Night Train 15 watt

[BluesHound]

I've had a Blues Junior for a while now, no complaints, (can get very loud, (at home) and is also fine for small / medium gigs). I would say though, if you're using it at lower volume and you want more than a mild overdrive, you'll be needing a suitable pedal for more gain / sustain.

One of the guys at a jam night I go to has recently bought a Super Champ XD. I've played through it a couple of times, (most recently last night), very impressive. It's also cheaper than the BJ and has the built in effects (if that's your sort of thing).

I think if I were looking now the XD would probably be my choice, it didn't exist when I bought my BJ.

[jjkrause84]

For your "clean but also with "distortion"" the Night Train would probably be a really good bet. It has two "voicings" and is all valve unlike the Super Champ

[castpolymer]

I have a PRRI and a SCXD. The PRRI is the superior amp, but with a speaker / tube upgrade, the SCXD is a solid do - it - all amp.

[Axis29]

I have a SuperChamp XD also. I had been looking at a Blues Jr for a little different sound than my Deluxe Reverb when I happened across a great deal on the SCXD.

I cannot say how much fun my little SuperChamp is. It holds it's own at practice with the band and gives me lots of flexibility when I'm noodling at home. While the effects are not all inclusive, they are good enough. They record nicely, the line out makes it very flexible as well.

And, with a tube and speaker change, this thing holds it's own against any of the straight blackface reissues....

The Blues Junior is a fantastic amp and the Vox amps get a lot of love (I'm not huge on the Vox sound, but that's just me)... The PRRI tempted me. They are very sweet sounding amps!

But I probably won't be getting rid of my SuperChamp for a long, long time if ever. It's just a great little at home amp that I can throw in the car for jamming or band practice, even small gigs.

The only feature I wish it had were a recording level out, so I could record while playing a little quieter.... and that's nitpicking at best for the price of this little bugger!

[Cavi]

Before I go much further, I am also looking into the suggestion of a 5 watt, but in my price range I do not see much if any with the tube amp style and effects. What is out there that I might have missed? Is Blackstar any good? I might be able to get a deal on a HT-5H head.

[Doug C.]

Originally Posted by Cavi

Before I go much further, I am also looking into the suggestion of a 5 watt, but in my price range I do not see much if any with the tube amp style and effects. What is out there that I might have missed? Is Blackstar any good? I might be able to get a deal on a HT-5H head.

If a tube amp with built in effects is what you're looking for, you have very few choices. I agree with the above that 15 watts of tube power may still be too loud for home play. I can't turn mine Blues Jr. up above 2 or 3 at home. It does have a master volume and "fat" switch so you can still get overdrive at low volumes. I'd get a small tuber for the tone, and a multieffects pedal for effects.

[Cavi]

If I did go with a 5 watt tube amp which ones would be decent, again, under 500? How is the blackstar?

[Faraldi]

Originally Posted by brookdalebill

Vox AC15.
GREAT sounding amp!

AC15 for under $500?

Not being a wise @ss, actually curious. Are you referring to used? Because I'd love to get one.

FWIW, I recently bought and returned a Peavey Classic 30 and replaced it with a Blues Jr NOS. Very happy with that decision.

I really like a very clean tone and the C30, while it does have a great overall tone, still got a little too much grit behind it, even at lower volumes on the normal channel. The BJNOS, however, is 1/2 the wattage and is beautifully voiced for my ears. I know GC has the non NOS version for under $500. It would be a great amp to own and it's definitely gig-worthy if you want that down the road.

I was originally interested in the SCXD but the clean channel wasn't enough for me. The SCXD and BJ are admittedly two very different amps in both design and cost.

[jwayne]

If you are looking for built in effects then the 5 watters are out of the running. For the most flexable in sound out of the amps listed the SCXD looks to be your best bet - eventhough you can argue over how much of a tube amp it actually is.

[Cavi]

Well here is where I am, I deffinitly see that for 90% of the time a 5 watt would be the way to go for me, I am not concerned about "effects per say" I would like reverb and overdrive, but I do own a pod and can use it. With that said, the SCXD is a strong contender also however I am concerned that you are all right and i will have to keep the volume too low. so I am considering the blackstar HT-h5 head, then I would make my own cabniet. It is a 5 amp and has the overdrive. The only thing that is holding me back is the little troublemaker in me saying that I will be paying 399 for a 5 watt head plus a speaker, vs paying 299 for a SCXD, which is 15 watts, and has a speaker. With the 100 differenc I could actually upgrade the SCXD.
Help!!!!

[Cavi]

I found a guy who has a scxd that already has an upgraded speaker for 275. so this scxd or the blackstar 5w?

[ChicknPickn]

Originally Posted by weldfish

Vox Night Train 15 watt

+1

LOVE mine, and it loves all my single-coil guitars. Does great things for a P-90, especially. The carrying case/strap is very cool.

[TeleFunking]

I would go with the SCXD! Awesome little amp with great clean channel and nice options on channel 2. You can't go wrong for $299...

[bro. craig]

Originally Posted by TeleFunking

I would go with the SCXD! Awesome little amp with great clean channel and nice options on channel 2. You can't go wrong for $299...

+1 . . . and for $275, including a speaker upgrade, even better! (if it's otherwise in good shape) You could probably get a new one for that.
Like the OP, I mostly play around the house, but I like that I could also gig with it. I love mine!

[Faraldi]

What about the Vibro Champ XD. It's only 5W but it's got some of those effects and the price is right.

[BootRoots]

Do you care if its used or new?

Peavey Classic 30 or the discontinued Classic 20 could be options for well under your 500 Price range

[studio1087]

PRRI or a Blues Junior.

[Old Cane]

It really depends on who you play with. Who and where I play I can't use a 15 watt amp. Trust me, I've tried. And tried. I have a closet full. You could go with a boogie 5:25 or 5:50 but not for less than $500 unless it falls off the back of a truck.....

I think you might be better with 2 amps. A roland microcube is about $125 new. For what it is it really sounds great. Not sure what you can get for $375 but maybe a classic 30. That might be ok. Never thought I'd recommend a peavey but I've heard good things about them. The poster above seems not to like grit. I pay extra for it so it all depends on what you like.

Lessons I have learned after a lifetime of 60+ watt amps for everything:
-you can't play up against a halfstack with a 15 watt amp with 1-10
-you can't hear a 15 watt amp over a bashing drummer
-you can get a great sounding 15 watt amp that you can play a job with if the place holds 30 people
-you can't let the drummer drink if you are using a 15 watt amp in place that holds 30 people
-a tweed deluxe is a cute amp for around the house and taking pictures
-a laney lc15r can sound just like your boogie....and looks cute around the house
-the master volume on a blues junior is a nice idea in theory....kind of like being married
-just keep using the boogie you've been using for 30 years even though it weighs as much as your bass amp or spend the money and get the lone star special

[Cavi]

I am going with the SCXD with the modded speaker, I will hopefully pick it up on friday. And to whomever suggested a roland Microcube, I have one right now and for what it is it is nice, but it just does not quite cut it for real

[jjkrause84]

Originally Posted by Cavi

I am going with the SCXD with the modded speaker, I will hopefully pick it up on friday. And to whomever suggested a roland Microcube, I have one right now and for what it is it is nice, but it just does not quite cut it for real

For what it's worth the SCXD isn't "real" either....

[jjkrause84]

Originally Posted by Faraldi

AC15 for under $500?

Not being a wise @ss, actually curious. Are you referring to used? Because I'd love to get one.

FWIW, I recently bought and returned a Peavey Classic 30 and replaced it with a Blues Jr NOS. Very happy with that decision.

I really like a very clean tone and the C30, while it does have a great overall tone, still got a little too much grit behind it, even at lower volumes on the normal channel. The BJNOS, however, is 1/2 the wattage and is beautifully voiced for my ears. I know GC has the non NOS version for under $500. It would be a great amp to own and it's definitely gig-worthy if you want that down the road.

I was originally interested in the SCXD but the clean channel wasn't enough for me. The SCXD and BJ are admittedly two very different amps in both design and cost.

I got my AC15 used for $300 in rip-off Britain. I'm sure yo ucould EASILY get one for under $500 in the States.

[highwayman]

Vox AC15VR i heard is going to be really good for $379 at MF

[Axis29]

Originally Posted by Faraldi

What about the Vibro Champ XD. It's only 5W but it's got some of those effects and the price is right.

I was going to suggest the VibroChamp as well... but when you said you've found an SCXD for 275 with upgraded speaker... well, heck, I think you'll be very happy.

What kinda speaker?

[Doc]

I would say 5e3 clone from Little Dwag would be something you like, use pedals with and new is close to $500 and used is in there.

[giginthesky]

snowballs are gonna be thrown at me. try a blues jr.