Which setup would you choose?

[wyattt]

Looking at getting some low watt VHT amps and running them in stereo.

I can't decide between the following two setups. Which would you run?

VHT Classic 6 combo w/speaker upgrade & VHT Special 6 Ultra Combo also w/ speaker upgrade

OR

Two VHT Special 6 head/1x12 cab stacks one with a EL34 or EL84 and the other with 6V6 and both with upgraded speakers.

My thinking with option 1 is that I have two amps of the same wattage with two somewhat distinct voicings. Option 2 would give me a slight distinction but somewhat unified sound, at least that's my thinking.

As far as number of features/options, they're secondary to all of this. I like all three models and so this is what it has come down to.

[gwjensen]

Interesting dilema. I have the Special 6 and I've been torn between getting another one or the Ultra. As for the tube swapping, VHT says you can do it, but I've read some bad stories about fried amps with the bigger tubes and poor tone with the EL84, so I wouldn't base my decision on tube swapping for tonal alternatives. They're really meant to run with a 6V6.

The Ultra definitely has more eq options and a 12" speaker, so it should sound considerably different from the Special 6 based on the speaker alone. On the other hand it costs more. I like the stock 10" speaker in the Special 6 and I always have the option of adding cabinets later. I'm actually going to order the Jensen Electric Lightening 10". Read a great review on the Guitar Gear blog and he loves it in his Special 6.

If I can scrape up the extra bucks for the Ultra, I'll get that so that I have a 12" speaker in the mix. Otherwise, I'll get the Special 6 combo. I have spare 10" cab I can put the Electric lightening in and I can add a 12" cab later.

[vibrasonic]

I'd go with the 2 head cab setup

[wyattt]

Thanks. I think I'm going to try the two head/cab setup if I can find a good enough deal.