Amp Recommendation- Laney Cub15R but louder

[chillybilly]

I loved my Rockerverb 50w Mk I head - at the time I didn't appreciate how good its clean channel actually was. Although the dirty channel was certainly Orange-y I typically used overdrives with it anyway for more midrange. I also got a 2x12 Orange cab but it was very laser-beam-y. It sounded best through a 4x12 Avatar Fender-style cabinet but, as you might expect, transportation of that was a chore and I became the half-stack-in-a-club person I used to view with suspicion. To be fair, there were a couple of gigs/venues where the half stack was entirely necessary and did an excellent job. No replacement for displacement, as the car guys say.

I was going to (and would still) recommend Allen amplifiers. Various models & configurations that are inspired by certain Fender amps but with some nice additional features eg a mid control on most. Allen amps also typically offer a RAW control that adds grit, drive etc. It is really an eye and ear opener and has reduced the need for a compressor or boost or low-gain OD much of the time. Reverb on some Allens is the full 3-knob Fender palette (dwell, tone, mix) or at least a 2-knob (reverb level and a very useful tone control). And the tremolo is killer.

At present it's 22w using 6L6 but can become 35w if changed over to 6V6 and a solid state rectifier.

But...true boutique amps typically come from...boutiques and Allen's namesake founder has sold his operation. During the transition period I'm not sure how much actual production/order fulfillment is happening. I managed to find a lightly used Allen Encore and have been digging on it since. The 2x10 configuration is new to me but something I've always wanted to try.

 

[richardbruce]

New member wanting some advice before I plunk down something I just trade in down the road.

Combo amps. I’ve went through a bunch of fenders, a few offshoot brands lately too, and haven’t really felt like I get a dirty sound I’m in love with.

I picked up a Laney cub 15R used and really like the way it sounds both dirty and clean, and was wondering if something out there might exist with just a little more wattage. Like maybe 30-40w.

Peavey Classic 30 is an option as I’ve played it and it’s similar in terms of some of the sounds imho, but some have had maintenance issues with them I guess according to some friends experience, plus I think peavey isn’t a great company at this point so I’d like to avoid buying that brand if possible (re-“undercover boss”)

Anyhoo-Single channel that has a similar tone stack and can break up a bit, And the onboard reverb is a plus too.

Any help or direction is appreciated. Also feel free to hit me up for better info to provide if it helps. I’m new can you tell? (Not at playing so much but at posting on forums for advice)

Thanks.

If you're referring to the new Peavey Classic amps with that funky curvy top/logo, I might agree with you. But have you tried one of the older C30s with the rectangular grille? I recently sold mine, but it served as my go-to gigging amp for about 15 years. Replacing the stock Eminence "no name" speaker or even the newer Blue Marvel with a decent speaker like the Celestion Vintage 30 or a G12M will help. I swapped the Eminence speaker in mine out for a Celestion Relic 30, a one-off speaker sold exclusively by Guitar Center about 20 years ago. That and some carefully-chosen NOS preamp tubes and Sovtek EL84M tubes that are rated for the +400vdc plate voltage that Peavey throws at the power section and I was good to go. Oh, and a recap on anything older than 20 years is a must. Lots of fun but well worth it for the great sound!

 

[Supertwang]

Vox AC15 if you don’t like AC30 weight. Peavey Classic 30s are pigs to repair if something goes wrong.

Agree with the Vox choices. Something WILL go wrong with a Peavey Classic 30,...it will cook itself.

 

[Supertwang]

I'll suggest adding an extension cab for when you need louder or buying a slightly used Fender Deluxe Reverb RI or Vibrolux RI.

 

[robinrockus]

New member wanting some advice before I plunk down something I just trade in down the road.

Combo amps. I’ve went through a bunch of fenders, a few offshoot brands lately too, and haven’t really felt like I get a dirty sound I’m in love with.

I picked up a Laney cub 15R used and really like the way it sounds both dirty and clean, and was wondering if something out there might exist with just a little more wattage. Like maybe 30-40w.

Peavey Classic 30 is an option as I’ve played it and it’s similar in terms of some of the sounds imho, but some have had maintenance issues with them I guess according to some friends experience, plus I think peavey isn’t a great company at this point so I’d like to avoid buying that brand if possible (re-“undercover boss”)

Anyhoo-Single channel that has a similar tone stack and can break up a bit, And the onboard reverb is a plus too.

Any help or direction is appreciated. Also feel free to hit me up for better info to provide if it helps. I’m new can you tell? (Not at playing so much but at posting on forums for advice)

Thanks.

You could get a Tech21 Power Engine and run direct from the Cub, if it has a line out. I can use a 5 watt Fender and make it as loud as you need that way.

 

[robinrockus]

You could get a Tech21 Power Engine and run direct from the Cub, if it has a line out. I can use a 5 watt Fender and make it as loud as you need that way.

A lot of artists use more than one amp. Some guitarists will have one or two running “clean “ and one “dirty”. Or one 6V6 amp and one EL34 or EL 84 amp. There’s more than one way to get where you’re going

 

[vortexmike]

Blackstar Ht20 would probably do what you want. I got the head so can add a variety of cabinets and not too heavy and clunky to move about. There is an HT40 combo or a Ht50 head if you really think you need more volume but they all have a line out so easy enough to boost through a PA. I have found the HT20 plenty loud ….

 

[panzrwagn]

I contacted Service Department at Laney and asked about the speaker that comes with Cub12R (I have one too). They responded with the parameter chart and even the frequency response plot. The HH speaker has 94.5dB sensitivity.
I replaced the speaker in my Cub12R with Eminence Cannabis Rex, that has 101.8 dB sensitivity and somewhat warmer sound (more mids, less fenderish).
(BTW, I assume you have a Cub12R, 15W power, 12 inch speaker).
This 7dB more is like at least doubling the amp power. I like the sound as well and Cannabis Rex is a decent speaker. Only downside is that it's somewhat heavier, so the amp's weight is now 12.66 kg (almost 28 pounds).
I think it's worth considering, cost effective and you keep your favorite amp.

Actually, 7dB is about 5X the power, the difference between a 20W and 100W amp. A lot.

 

[jimmyjoe]

Actually, 7dB is about 5X the power, the difference between a 20W and 100W amp. A lot.

You're right, regarding power output comparison. However loudspeaker sensitivity is SPL (sound pressure level), measured in specific conditions. So I'm not sure if 7dB increase in SPL is related to 7dB increase in amp power output. The relationship may not be one to one, so far I haven't found any good source of info on this topic. Would appreciate any suggestion.

 

[Peegoo]

@Emstrange427 If you already like everything about the Laney and all you want is more of what it delivers, borrow a 2x12 open back cabinet and do a test drive. The results will surprise you because it will be appreciably louder.

Be sure the Ohms impedance of the cab matches what the amp needs.

If you're bent on getting a new amp to inspire you, then check out the Fender Bassbreaker 30R. It's right in your budget, brand new.

 

[AndrewG]

I contacted Service Department at Laney and asked about the speaker that comes with Cub12R (I have one too). They responded with the parameter chart and even the frequency response plot. The HH speaker has 94.5dB sensitivity.
I replaced the speaker in my Cub12R with Eminence Cannabis Rex, that has 101.8 dB sensitivity and somewhat warmer sound (more mids, less fenderish).
(BTW, I assume you have a Cub12R, 15W power, 12 inch speaker).
This 7dB more is like at least doubling the amp power. I like the sound as well and Cannabis Rex is a decent speaker. Only downside is that it's somewhat heavier, so the amp's weight is now 12.66 kg (almost 28 pounds).
I think it's worth considering, cost effective and you keep your favorite amp.

Similarly I replaced the stock Celestion Ten-30 (96dB) in my DSL5C with a vintage Celestion Sidewinder (150W, 103dB). That extra 8dB made a big difference in volume and the change smoothed out the tone which could get a bit fizzy when overdriven before.

 

[AndrewG]

You're right, regarding power output comparison. However loudspeaker sensitivity is SPL (sound pressure level), measured in specific conditions. So I'm not sure if 7dB increase in SPL is related to 7dB increase in amp power output. The relationship may not be one to one, so far I haven't found any good source of info on this topic. Would appreciate any suggestion.

Tube Amp Book, Aspen Pitman, Backbeat books.
The Guitar Amp Handbook, Dave Hunter, Backbeat books.
Both go into considerable, not too technically-dense detail on the topic of speaker efficiency.

 

[AndrewG]

Blackstar Ht20 would probably do what you want. I got the head so can add a variety of cabinets and not too heavy and clunky to move about. There is an HT40 combo or a Ht50 head if you really think you need more volume but they all have a line out so easy enough to boost through a PA. I have found the HT20 plenty loud ….

I gigged an HT20 combo for a year or two; plenty of power for your average Devon pub. Reliable too.

 

[Alex_C]

So I went pretty big and got a rockerverb 50 MKii head. Was looking at the origin too, and gave it some serious thought. Happened upon a good enough deal on the Orange and I couldn’t pass it up.

It is going to be crazy heavy (50 lbs!) but pretty much everything I was seeing was 30 plus, and I don’t plan on using it except bigger rooms and have a decent light 1-12 cab already with a creamback in it.

Once I get it and play it I’ll let ya know what I think. Really appreciate the advice.

I'm late to the party but I really like the way most Laney amps sound. The Lionheart sound is a favorite. They made a 50 watt lionheart head. If you miss the sound of Laney, try the 50.