Small amps -what to buy?

Viljami · Post by **Viljami** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 2:05 pm

I'm looking for a small all valve amps. Basically somewhere around 5 watts. Shouldn't cost too much, but give meh teh rock-pwr! And go well with effects.
So far I've been looking at a Bugera V5, or a VOX AC4 or something. Good/decent quality would be nice. Versatilty a big bonus. Me is now incoherent.

kypdurron · Post by **kypdurron** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 2:09 pm

liked the fender champion 600 and vox ac4 (power soak is great for home use). Didn't like the epiphone valve junior. and i miss my vibro champ.

benecol · Post by **benecol** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 2:10 pm

For fear of becoming a clichÃ©; Matamp, either Minimat, Little Rock or GT4.

stewart · Post by **stewart** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 3:13 pm

benecol wrote:Matamp

d'you have one of those? don't think i've heard you mention it before. did i tell you about my favourite dirt pedal, by the way?

Post by **Mike** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 5:17 pm

Matamp = not cost effective for anyone outside the UK, and they also have a distinct midheavy sound I'm not sure everyone would be happy with. Also, no cleans

Thom · Post by **Thom** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 6:01 pm

I have to say, Blackstar HT-5. Lovely little 5W amp.

Will · Post by **Will** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 6:34 pm

I was impressed by the Vox AC4 I played - the 10" speaker gives a bit more headroom and the cranked distortion was better than other 5Ws I've heard.

The Champ 600 feels like a toy IMO - pretty poor build quality.

the isaac eaton · Post by **the isaac eaton** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 6:57 pm

I dont really know much about small valve amps, but i used to have a Vox AD5, that's their little valvetronix amp. I really liked it a lot and am thinking about buying another one. They have pretty decent cleans and a bunch of nasty solid state distortions and effects that are just really fun to play around with. great little practice amp.

holyCATS1415 · Post by **holyCATS1415** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 7:40 pm

i like my epiphone valve junior. but i would it more if it didn't distort so quickly.

benecol · Post by **benecol** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 7:41 pm

Mike wrote:Matamp = not cost effective for anyone outside the UK, and they also have a distinct midheavy sound I'm not sure everyone would be happy with. Also, no cleans

The Euro's mega-strong at the mo, would make for a bargain. And they're not all mid-heavy. And can run clean as a whistle and loud.

Shup Mike.

Post by **Mike** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 7:45 pm

Bollocks.

benecol · Post by **benecol** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 8:00 pm

Designed as hi-fi amps, and great with pedals. So up your bollocks.

Reece · Post by **Reece** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 10:08 pm

Champ 600's are alright. I think the speaher could be improved and mine has died twice.

I still have no idea how to go about getting this thing repaired either. There is one shop near me that might repair it but they charge a small fortune for simple things like setups so there's no way they're getting their grubby mits on it.

stewart · Post by **stewart** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 10:11 pm

Reece wrote:Champ 600's are alright. I think the speaher could be improved and mine has died twice.

I still have no idea how to go about getting this thing repaired either. There is one shop near me that might repair it but they charge a small fortune for simple things like setups so there's no way they're getting their grubby mits on it.

see if there's someone in your area who does electronic repairs as homers. easier said than done, perhaps, but local musicians/music shop staff would probably enlighten you if there is such a person.

paul_ · Post by **paul_** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 10:18 pm

Reece wrote:Champ 600's are alright. I think the speaher could be improved and mine has died twice.

I still have no idea how to go about getting this thing repaired either. There is one shop near me that might repair it but they charge a small fortune for simple things like setups so there's no way they're getting their grubby mits on it.

LEARN HOWS

The fact many people don't know how to do this is why they're getting ripped off for what sound to me like shit quality little dirt-basic amps in the first place.

Reece · Post by **Reece** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 10:20 pm

i can do the repair of the resistors that blew, i'm just worried it's a sign of a larger problem so i'd like to get it checked over.

Skip · Post by **Skip** » Mon Sep 07, 2009 2:06 am

vibro champ
or
vox

vivadeluxxe · Post by **vivadeluxxe** » Mon Sep 07, 2009 11:48 am

I've had a champ 600 for a few months and found it to be great...
I'd certainly recommend it, the lack EQ may be a problem for some, but you can always just pick up a cheap EQ pedal....

ploppy · Post by **ploppy** » Tue Sep 08, 2009 8:19 pm

I fancy a champ 600 next, currently using one of them small fender mini amps - loud enough for the bedroom tbh!

Markn951 · Post by **Markn951** » Tue Sep 08, 2009 9:05 pm

DOOD anyone who says the Epi Valve Jr is SOO far from correct its shocking. Do An That. Soo easy to mod its rediculous. It sounds great stock, but modding it just takes it to a whole new level, kinda like a Jagmaster.