Any good tube amp recomendations?

Im planning (or hoping) to get a tube amp in the next few months. Iv been doin some research and found myself stuck in a rut. No matter how much a brand may advertise their sound, when actually playing their amps, it seems a little far from what their soposed to sound.

Anyways, what kind of tube amps are good quality as far as overall tone. Ill looking for nothing over 1200 (USD). Im trying to lay low off the BIG name'ers like Marshall. Not that their bad amps, but as far as I know, you have to shell out at big chunk of your wallet to get an awesome one. Im looking for a SUPERB amp for the budget. I heard alot of good things from Madison amps, (there was a thread a few weeks back) and where I live, there is a Madison dealer in decent driving distance. Also, Iv looked at the Peavey XXX (All these are heads BTW).

I play just about everything, which is my biggest delima. I dont want an amp that is only good at one things and not good at another. I guess I play with distortion, but not heavier than Thrash metal. Im looking for a real tight, smooth tone (not crunchy or grainy) that produces clear notes even when its pushed to its limits. Also, a big range is important.

I dont know if you can help me, but if you have any input, or any tips, precautions, ect. or whatever, please post/ :)

If you can, could you elaborate on their pros and cons. Im kinda looking for a lead tone amp (if that even makes sense). Iv always seen Vox as a classic rock amp.

hughes and kettner is known for their tubes... they sound great... u cancheck out their site...

The PV XXX is a great amp, but the JSX would probably be closer to what you're looking for. You might also want to try out a 5150 II/6505+. I have a 5150 combo, and find it to be a very sweet amp! It's a lot more versatile than people give it credit for. One of the Mesa F series amps might also be a good choice. Or, you could look into a Rect-o-verb or Trem-o-verb. While you're at it, go on and try out one of the new PV Valvekings. I've heard a lot of user clips of them, and they seem to be a very versatile amp.

If you find a two channel amp that you love, but still need another channel for versatility, you can alway's invest in a good overdrive/distortion pedal. I do this with my PV Classic 50 and 5150. With the Classic 50, I set the overdrive channel for a nice crunchy rock tone, and use an overdrive to push it into the hard rock/metal territory. With the 5150, I use the overdrive to push the clean channel into a nice bluesy breakup, and with the crunch engaged I use it to push it into a nice marshally hard rock crunch.

Wow, I just took a look at the Valveking, and found it really friendly to my wallet. If you know, does it amp lack alot from other peavey amps?

Originally Posted by: alucard0941If you know, does it amp lack alot from other peavey amps?

do what?

whoops,

I meant, since its a low price, do you know what this amp lacks from other the amps mentioned.

Actually I did some research and found out its made in China. I dont even know if in this day and age if Made in USA is even a big deal anymore.

Originally Posted by: PonyOneIt begins and ends with the Vox AC30. They lowered their prices, now you can pick them up for $900-1000 new.

The best amp ive ever played

I use a Carvin Legacy. Great sound and the price is extremely reasonable.

about the valveking..I read some reviews on harmony central. it seems that there's quite a delay when you switch channels and that could be a problem for gigging... I've tried one..it sounded good to me even at a talking level but I didn't try switching the channels and checking for that delay..I heard about that after I already tried it out..

I am still completley sold on the Ibanez thermion Tn120...its really an awesome amp (I still cant believe it says Ibanez on the grill, but tis an Ibanez) I tried it up agianst a Marshall Jcm200 Dsl 100,a Peavey XXX, a Genz Benz El Diablo, a Hughes and Kettner Trilogy and a H&K Warp X and it was lots nicer than all of them...in my opinion.

Just do yourself a favour and give it a try...see what you think

I'd suggest a used Marshall JCM800. You can find them all over e-bay for less than $1,000.

I have read all these replys and no one has metioned the KING OF TUBE AMPS which is fender. Try a HotRod deville for around 700 bucks. As far as your tone with the clear notes at loud volumes you can use Ibanez tubescreamer ts9. If there is a local feneder dealership try it. I play through a HotRod deville when I do my gigs. The tone with a tube screamer freakin rulz and its a very versatile amp. GOODLUCK

I've heard good things about the Hot Rod Deville.

The thing about the fender, how distorted can it get? I mainly am looking for a lead tone, if that even is such a termonology, and I want a screaming amp. Not to say full blown distortion, but 80's type. Where I can wrench out pinch harmonics but still play a fast fun without disturbance noise in the backround. Im not looking for muddy, or heavy distortion like Death Metal, but a smooth, creamy, tight sound. A one that doesnt sound like noise when played but still make a distortion chord. I guess kinda like Joe Satriani's. But I dont want to emulate anyone's tone, so a JSX is not in my mind.

But thanks alot everyone. Im surprized so many people replied. Im have, and still am going to reseach ever amp that was mentioned above. :)

A Jcm 800 should get you the sound you are looking for...

yea, iv herd alot of good stuff fomr the amp, but Iv also heard its very limited.

Yeah, its done in the old school way, no channel switching as far as I know...you get your overdrive by turning it up, and a clean sound by rolling your guitar volume down...but that is the way that has worked for guys like Zakk Wylde since before I was born, so there must be summin to say about it.

Not all JCM 800's are one channel....Mine is 2 channel (it's an '87 model). I find mine to be very versatile.

How distorted does it get at medium volumes?