[__tsidewinder__]

Hello, I've recently been looking to buy a new amp, and although I haven't decided anything yet (or played on any amps really yet neither) I think I might like the Line 6 Spyder III amps. The question is, should I get the 75 watt mono (1X12 I think) Amp, or the 120 (I believe its 2 X 12) stereo? I've never been to a gig, so the extra power isn't necessarily what I'm looking for, but the better sound quality, which I think would result from having stereo sound.

Are there any other amps you might suggest? I currently have a 15 watt practice amp with knobs to control master volume, Gain, Bass, and Treble. It also has a different volume switch to control the volume when there is distortion on. What I'm looking for specifically is a much more flexible amp, with a decent array of effects (delay, chorus, reverb, distortion, and phaser, hopefully) lots of tonality options and a decent amount of power. As far as power goes, I'd say over 50 watts should be good. As far as solid state over tube goes, I think a solid state will suffice (I fear if I get used to the tubes, I won't be able to go back).

So with this criteria in mind, and an open mind on my part, I'd like to hear any advice you'd have about amp shopping, and anwers to any of my various questions.

[WernHalen]

As always I would suggest the VOX Valvetronix amps. Cshude bought the ADVT50 amp a while back and he is in heaven about the tone and fx. ( I am making a statement on behalf of Chris now, but from chatting to him I believe it is his opinion as well. )

I play the Tonelab SE FX pedal wich is more or less the same thing but without the power amplifier, and I love it to pieces. THe FX the models etc. are all great. They do have tubes, in the pre amp at least, but I would not think that it would be a problem... I think the amp only has one tube though.

The 50 watt amp is plenty loud and it has an attenuator switch on the back of the amp. THis means you get good tone from the valve even at very low volumes... So no more bothering the neighbours when you are practising with your tube amp.

But as always it is up to you to go out play the amps and listen to what you like... That is the amp that you should get.

[scotty_b]

Originally Posted by WernHalen

They do have tubes, in the pre amp at least, but I would not think that it would be a problem... I think the amp only has one tube though.
.

One valve really doesn't make that much difference in the gain structure, and to be honest something with one valve is often not much more than a gimmick. real valve tone comes from the valve poweramp section, as opposed to the preamp section where the single valve is placed in hybrid amps and effects units.

[WernHalen]

I agree Scotty, pre amp valves are agimmick.

The Valvetronix amps however use the tube only in the modelling stages of the circuit. This allows the modelling to assimilate the valve tone of the amp it is trying to model. It will never be true valve tone, but it is the closest you will get without a tube power amp. (for now that is...)

Oh and just to add to my previous post, the valve tronix amp also models solid state amps, so you will have the best of both worlds.

[cshude]

Originally Posted by WernHalen

As always I would suggest the VOX Valvetronix amps. Cshude bought the ADVT50 amp a while back and he is in heaven about the tone and fx. ( I am making a statement on behalf of Chris now, but from chatting to him I believe it is his opinion as well. )

Yup- loving it. I'm constantly finding new sounds going from a clean rockabilly through various crunch tones, etc. etc. etc. Having a ball of a time. One thing that I think would be pretty cool about the Line 6 Spyder III is that I understand it has over 200 preset sounds. If you don't like to fiddle with dials and getting that exact sounds you're looking for, that might be a good way to go.

[__tsidewinder__]

Thanks for all your help. I'll take a look at those valvatronix.