New Amp -- Orange Rocker 32

[JCW1024]

Heard about these during Winter NAMM, and could not wait to try one out. Local GC got one in--picked it up for $200 off the normal price. Stereo 2x15W amp (switchable to 2x7.5W), with 2x10 speakers; amps operate in mono until you split them with the stereo effects loop. Thing is built like a tank (and is a bit unwieldy, and gets a little buzzy when cranked). Came with JJs for all four EL84s and four of the preamp tubes, but Rubys for one 12AX7 and one 12AT7. EL84s are encased in cages held in with eight screws each. Output transformers say they are for a Tiny Terror.

Natural channel just has a volume control; Dirty channel has Gain, EQ, Vol. A Saturnworks switch I already had for a Blues Junior works to switch the channels. Natural channel starts to get some bite when turned up; Dirty channel can range from something like a compressed, cranked tweed to absolutely massive. Still gets good sustain at lower volumes. No matter which channel is running, this thing seems to be the very definition of "takes pedals well" (Orange website does say that is what they were aiming for). Having fun running different pedal chains via A/B/Y switch into each side.

Overall, finding this to be a very cool amp so far--I was pretty much sold on it when I heard it was a stereo 2x10. I will need to unload a few things to justify the cost, and I don't think I will miss them (they're not getting any use anyway, and this thing definitely will be).

Good review here with some technical details (says one side has an anode follower, and the other a cathode follower):

(link removed)

 

[JCW1024]

A few more pics:

 

[MilwMark]

Nice. I came VERY close to grabbing one of those. Then I carried my Dual Terror Head and 2x10 Winfield cab out of the rehearsal space so easily I backed off. But it is a great amp.

 

[Grux]

Orange makes some killer stuff man, I love my Cr60c! I bet those 10's sound crisp and punchy!

 

[gridlock]

I really want to try one of these. Perhaps the 15watt version. Also love that it is a combo.

I really like the fact that the tubes appear to be chassis mounted and not board mounted. Unlike a more expensive Orange the I bought and quickly sold recently.

If this amp sounds as good or better than an OR15 you have a real winner.

Congrats and enjoy that amp.

 

[Danjabellza]

I'd love one of these myself! Congratulations!

 

[Clarkj734]

I have my eye on the Rocker 15 right now. I wish it was a 1x12.

 

[Boubou]

I have my eye on the Rocker 15 right now. I wish it was a 1x12.

Me too though they say it has a lot of low end for a 10.
Got an email back from a store today, they have 2 arriving tomorrow.
It will be a couple of weeks before I can go and trying though.
Can't wait

 

[Clarkj734]

Me too though they say it has a lot of low end for a 10.
Got an email back from a store today, they have 2 arriving tomorrow.
It will be a couple of weeks before I can go and trying though.
Can't wait

I like the demos that I've seen a lot, and I've always liked the Orange crunch / drive.

While Orange isnt usually thought of for cleans, i also quite like their warm slightly mid heavy clean tones as well

 

[JCW1024]

I appreciate all the comments. Since posting, I improved the buzziness a little by tightening up all the cab screws, but still getting some. I also asked Orange what the tube layout is when I registered it (registering extended the warranty to two years from one); have not heard back.

 

[texastengu]

I've only got one thing to say "TURN IT UP"!

 

[JCW1024]

This thing is a threat to the neighbors for sure.

@gridlock -- I had another look, and it turns out all the tube sockets are board-mounted--only the bases for the shields are screwed to the chassis.

My original post should have said that for the preamp tubes, the four 12AX7s were JJs, and the two 12AT7s were Rubys.

It occurred to me that the power transformer says DT30--model# for a Dual Terror. So they've married up some parts they use in other amps (Tiny Terror was discontinued Jan 2016) and created a 2x10 stereo combo--I'm liking this monster.

 

[DaveGH]

Have you tried any other preamp tubes? I'd like the gain to be a bit less fuzzy, smoother.... let us know the preamp tubes order and what it does if you hear back, thanks.