Upgrading soon, looking for suggestions.

Spyke

Yep, sorry to say but this is yet another "what amp" thread. It's a little early in the decision making process but I'd like to streamline my efforts and shopping.

I'm currently playing a Leem GA8240RC but the poor thing is tired, it's worked hard as a practice amp over the last 10 or so years. It's sound is really bad currently and I can't justify attempting a fix or repair - time to move on.

Budget wise, I'm looking at spending in the region of R4000, value for money is, naturally, a priority. My skill level (while improving slowly) doesn't justify making a huge investment in a big name full tube stack and the likes. Band practices have come to a grinding halt so it'll mainly be for practice in my apartment and the occasional jam session elsewhere. This limits the use of power and limits size.

I'm not a tone monger in the slightest, I wouldn't be able to tell the difference between a Greenback and a Rockford Fosgate P2... That said, I think as I improve I'll end up wanting more tone from the amp. (it's already improving)
I play predominantly rock / alternative / punk music but also venture into rock ballads, country and even some blues of late. Think 3DG, Offspring, Rise Against, Linkin Park to John Mayer, Clapton.

In my travels I've found a few amps that kind of fit the bill and have narrowed down the search to include the following.

Hartke Piggyback:
Fits the price range, clean clinical tone, nice power.
Impractical and bulky - doubt it will fit in my car.

Blackstar HT5:
Tube with good tone, not shy on power, compact.
Little bit pricey.

Vox AD-XL 15 / 30:
Tone seemed strange, may just have needed time to set up nicely, decent value it seems.
Didn't impress me convincingly.

Peavey Envoy:
As with the Vox - not totally sold on it. Pricing seems ok.

Roland Cube 15 / 30 / 60:
Effects galore, the tried and tested answer - but lacks character. Just an appliance.
Pricing spot on.

Anything else I could take into consideration? I'm even thinking of the smaller Vox amps that were mentioned a while ago - AC4TVH and the like.
Flip side is that I'm still using a Zoom, which is in no doubt hurting my sound but is at the moment practical. No point in killing a nice tube sound with a shitty multi-effects. ???

Thoughts?

Explorerlover

I'd say go for the Cube man.

aja

I had the cube 60 for a long time. I was never happy with the tone. The amp models were cool, and it really is more rugged than a safe, and it was really powerful for its size, but......

the tone...

I dunno, eventually it got to me and I couldn't take it anymore. I am so happy I don't have it now.

Why not buy second hand if you are going digital?

I have seen the fender frontman 212 100Watt for R3000 to R3800 second hand. Very nice amp for effects.

What car does this have to fit into?

TomCat

Also have a look at the Vox Pathfinder 15R.

Well priced, good tone and looks classic. Small enough t fit into the back of a Vespa Scooter...!!!

Comes with built in tremelo and reverb. Trems great and the reverb ok up to 50%. Trem and Distortion controllable vi a dual footswitch (purchased separately) Seems reliable as well.

aja

TomCat wrote Also have a look at the Vox Pathfinder 15R.

Well priced, good tone and looks classic. Small enough t fit into the back of a Vespa Scooter...!!!

Comes with built in tremelo and reverb. Trems great and the reverb ok up to 50%. Trem and Distortion controllable vi a dual footswitch (purchased separately) Seems reliable as well.

How does it compare to the Vox DA-20?

http://www.voxamps.com/us/da-series/da10da20/

TomCat

No Clue.

Haven't heard one yet. If you strip away the modeling and effects etc it would probably sound similar :-[ (just my guess)

Ray

VOX AC4TV. 4750-00. Shop around for the HT-5 and you will find the price may vary depending on when the guys put it on the floor. Maybe you can wait a bit as Lovemore's opens a new store at East Rand sometime in May and are talking about some serious specials. I am on the same path as you are but will have to wait as I can only afford one of these GAS goodies per month and at the end of this month it has to be a new classical guitar. I have seen the HT-5 but not the AC4TV. First impression of the the two is from comparison review in Guitarist where VOX takes honors. If it doesnt have to be all tube maybe consider Valvetronix - the AD series is being replaced and Turnkey will give good price.

Spyke

aja wrote I had the cube 60 for a long time. I was never happy with the tone. The amp models were cool, and it really is more rugged than a safe, and it was really powerful for its size, but......

the tone...

This is what I'm scared of. As I search for more tone I feel it's going to disappoint.

aja wrote What car does this have to fit into?

Mazda MX6 with a sound install at the moment. The Leem fits, along with the Squier's flight case.

Ray wrote Maybe you can wait a bit as Lovemore's opens a new store at East Rand sometime in May and are talking about some serious specials.

Please let me know when they open and where they're situated.

Ray wrote If it doesnt have to be all tube maybe consider Valvetronix - the AD series is being replaced and Turnkey will give good price.

I've chatted to Peter, albeit a while ago. Have given it some thought. It is a viable option.

Gearhead

Spyke wrote Flip side is that I'm still using a Zoom, which is in no doubt hurting my sound but is at the moment practical. No point in killing a nice tube sound with a shitty multi-effects.

Methinks this is not an issue. The multi-effects unit will sound better with a better amp. More importantly, you will be using it differently because of the tone of your amp (assuming you go for tube). Over time you will GAS for a different effects setup, based on the amp you have. Moral of the story? You upgrade in bits and pieces but should not limit yourself to matching the bit to the piece, so to speak. Would you not buy a great guitar for lack of a good lead for it?

WantzChas

I say the the Blackstar (is there a drooling smiley?)

I recently got a Blackstar pedal and they really make quality stuff.

CDee

Hi Spyke,

I know this amp is not on your list but I think this is a good price.

http://johannesburg.gumtree.co.za/c-Stuff-for-Sale-musical-instruments-Fender-Hot-Rod-Deluxe-R4000-W0QQAdIdZ126137307

I have an amp like this and it is fantastic!

CDee ?

Spyke

CDee wrote Fender-Hot-Rod-Deluxe-R4000

Ooh! Nice find...

Thanks CDee. Doubt it's going to hang around for long though at that price.

matta

CDee wrote Hi Spyke,

I know this amp is not on your list but I think this is a good price.

http://johannesburg.gumtree.co.za/c-Stuff-for-Sale-musical-instruments-Fender-Hot-Rod-Deluxe-R4000-W0QQAdIdZ126137307

I have an amp like this and it is fantastic!

CDee ?

Same ad in Cape Town.... don't want to speak out of turn but it does smell fishy, esp. at that price... I mailed saying I'd take it.... not word yet, been a few hours...

Matt

Spyke

matta wrote
Same ad in Cape Town.... don't want to speak out of turn but it does smell fishy, esp. at that price... I mailed saying I'd take it.... not word yet, been a few hours...

Matt

That does seem a little suspect... Like Ma always told me, if it seems too good to be true it usually is.

matta

Spyke wrote That does seem a little suspect... Like Ma always told me, if it seems too good to be true it usually is.

Yip, sent 2 mails and left my mail and cell numbers, still no response...

Cheers

Matt