Combo vs. Stack? (tube only)

aja

How does a tube combo compare to a stack in terms of sound? (if all other things are constant, ie same model amp and speakers, just different configuration)

I am assuming the speakers have some effect on the tubes in a combo

AlanRatcliffe

All else being equal, they are the same thing. A combo is usually more susceptible to valves going microphonic though. Stacks are more expensive 'cos it's two cabinets.

Gearhead

There's also a difference wrt your back; combo's hurt more. To compensate for stacks holding less components though, manufacturers tend to build those bigger :?

Styles

Combos are cool but heavy. Also . . . combos are normally open backed so you don't have as much bass response. Personally I like the head and 2x12 approach. If i can get a Genz-Benz g-flex i'd be in heaven. (i love my 4x12 though)

Banditman

Combos may be heavy, but they're a damn sight easier to carry around between venues & set up when you're there. As much as I've enjoyed standing in front of a half-stack, I began to really dislike the setting up & packing up parts of gigging.

I'll get a 2x12 extension at some point, but unless I become rich or famous enough to afford a roadie I won't be doing stacks.

MIKA-the-better-one

Unless you are guns and roses or some rather full of your self stadium rock band all you need is a cmbo amp, only exceptions to this are Orange halfstacks. All in all I reckon combos are more than enough and for the most part I like there sound a bit more, I dont know what it is but they just seem more practical.

aubs1

Why is the Orange half stack an exception?

I would love to get one/ or both of these..........hahahahaha.......now be honest and stop BS*****g yourself, who would'nt ??

PRS Sewell......

Mesa Boogie RoadKing.......

MIKA-the-better-one

Let me clarify, halfstack meaning to me a 4by 12 those are just nice piggy back combos

aubs1

MIKA the better one wrote Let me clarify, halfstack meaning to me a 4by 12 those are just nice piggy back combos

I know what they are, that is just what I'd like to have.

My question was who would'nt want a half stack or a full stack instead of a combo. ( Could not understand the Orange exception, maybe I'm too stupid????) I respect your choice if you prefer the combo, but I'm almost sure most people would prefer, if they could, the latter. Apologies if I was'nt too clear, not your fault, mine.

AlanRatcliffe

I'd say any system where the speakers are separated from the amp and the head stands on the cab is a stack. And I'd much rather carry my Vox stack (1X12) than my Twin combo (2X12).

MIKA-the-better-one

The only reason the range is an exfeption (note this was slightly sarcastic originally) it is the only halfstack that actually sounds good enough to justify its size (howver there could be more) Any combo can do what a halfstack does, thus halfstacks are purely a representation of large ego, physical size not better sound. A fender twin (yes very heavy) a vox ac 30 or a mesa boggie combo can get all needed tones. hope you see my point. that all in ala combo can do what a halfstack does.

aubs1

MIKA the better one wrote ....... thus halfstacks are purely a representation of large ego

??? ??? OK...... ??? ???

shadow1

MIKA the better one wrote thus halfstacks are purely a representation of large ego, physical size not better sound.

I tend to agree and disagree, i have been through all the setups stacks/combos etc. and have also settled on a head and 2x12 as MORE than enough. HOWEVER i dont think 4x12 is ONLY a matter of ego because in the "metal/hardcore scene" it definately makes a difference firstly havin that bottom end only a 4x12 produces and all the air that thing pushes you FEEL the CHUG alot more. (i have had/gigged 4x12 and 2x12 with the SAME head) So i think a 4x12 CAN be function aswell. But yes,lets be honest most of us that got a 4x12 the first time was just cause it looked so damn cool on stage 8)