Epiphone Valve Special - preamp distorsion any good?

[klast]

Sorry for partly repeating a question I posed here in August.

I have an Epi VJ combo and I like its sound. Since I can't crank it to powerstage breakup at home, I wonder whether the Valve Special can provide good enough preamp distorsion at "home volume" to justify a switch.

I have read some comments about the VS stock speaker being no good and that it is very dark sounding. Is it darker sounding than the VJ with stock speaker?

I will of course try it before I buy, but I have to drive 120 km to do that, so would be grateful for any input.

Klas

[fauxsuper]

I've owned both of them, and the pre-amp distortion is not apt to please you on the the Valve Special. Try to find a used attenuator on E-bay, like a Weber Mass to use with the Valve Jr. and you'll likely be happier with the result. I was a lot happier with the attenuated sound of the Valve Jr. than with the Valve special. A tube screamer in front of the Valve Jr. can work nicely, as well: but it's still not output distortion.

[klast]

Originally Posted by fauxsuper

I've owned both of them, and the pre-amp distortion is not apt to please you on the the Valve Special. Try to find a used attenuator on E-bay, like a Weber Mass to use with the Valve Jr. and you'll likely be happier with the result. I was a lot happier with the attenuated sound of the Valve Jr. than with the Valve special. A tube screamer in front of the Valve Jr. can work nicely, as well: but it's still not output distortion.

Thanks, that was valuable to know. I have considered a Weber attenuator or an L pad, so that might be the way to go.
Right now I'm using a Zoom G2.1u in front and have finally managed to dial in some nice overdriven sounds. I also have tried a tube screamer (in an Ibanez U300).

Klas