FatBoy
You should be able to get a VOX AD30VT for about the same price as the Roland Cube. I am getting one at the end of the month.
Gray
I've been trying to decide the same thing but my choices were between the marshall and the cube, partially cause im a marshall fan and the rant that the cubes get.
The Cubes are value for money in the 30-60W range and quite popular. Almost every second guitarist I've met has one. I've played on the 30 and the range of effects are quite impressive.
Marshall are king-ding-a-ling in my eyes. I dont think you can go wrong with them.
Not sure about the Hartke Piggyback, but a 60W for 3K seems like a good deal.
Anyway good luck Spyke. Let me know what the Hartke sounds like if you get it.
Spyke
The Hartke is looking very good at the moment in terms of Watt/Rand... But it's sound that counts in the end of the day.
I just feel that the multi-effects on the Cube are lost on me, feels like I'm paying for features I'll never use.
I'll play as many of them as i can, if not with my axe then with one standard axe to compare the feel.
I like the fact that it's a Head/Cab but for all intents it's not about the looks.
Took a peak at the Roland VGA3 V series (50w / R2800), the Behringer GMX210 (2x30w / R2800) and Peavey Envoy 110 (40w / R3000) as well and I guess I'm just going to have to go with the best sounding one. Volume is important as at practice I need to be able to drown out the drums at least.
AlanRatcliffe
The Vox AD30 would also be my first choice - tonally a bit better than the Roland, but the Roland's FX are nicer and the tones are mostly very good. Don't confuse the Marshall MG range with the real Marshalls - they are a bit harsh sounding.
Gray
Don't confuse the Marshall MG range with the real Marshalls
The whole MG range or just the lower output models? Thoughts on the MG100DFX?
Spyke
I know - the MG series is made in India which made me skrik...
I doubt though that it'd have a Marshall badge if it was of a seriously inferior quality.
Not bad value for money for a beginner like me.
But I will definitely try the Vox then, on your recommendation.
FatBoy
I just got a price quoted on the Vox. It retails for R3200 but I can get it for R2450, so you should be able to talk your local shop down to around there.
AlanRatcliffe
Spyke wrote:
I doubt though that it'd have a Marshall badge if it was of a seriously inferior quality.
Every manufacturer has put out bad models from time to time - especially in the lower price ranges.
Spyke
No doubt. A Mazda Midge is definitely no RX-8!
I really want to try out the Hartke Piggy-back, I'm leaning towards that at the moment.
Mr-M
+1 on the VOX AD30VT.
As previously mentioned, I have one and I think that it is the best amp in this price range from a tonal point of view - sounds the closest to a real valve amp of any of the modelling amps IMO. Versatile as well and loud enough for rehearsing with a drummer. Will need to mic it up in a really loud live environment though, but that's what I normally do even with my more powerful amps live. The power attenuator is very useful for big tones at low volumes too (like for 1am moments of inspiration). The preamp valve (they call it the Valve Reactor circuit) really does make a difference. The tone is much warmer and less "digital" than what I've heard coming from other amps in this $ bracket.
I also own the AD50VT, so you can see I'm pretty sold on these.
AlanRatcliffe
BTW, the bigger MG Marshalls have a habit of burning out - the fan bearings seize and then they overheat.
Gray
Note to self steer clear of MG series.
The Vox also looks like it has quite a broad range of effects.
Do they carry the same hardware AD30VT/AD50VT, besides the differences in output?
FatBoy
As far as I can tell there is no difference between the 30 and the 50, apart from output and speaker. You also get an XL version, that is more geared towards metal etc.
Manfred-Klose
The vox valvetronix will get the job done, and you also get a number of presets with,effects,preamps.
the 30 watt will be fine, the main difference is that the 50watt is a bit heavier.
Go and check out the Randall RG75, this is a real solid amplifier, not shure of the price,but think it goes for about +-R3000.
Spyke
So I took a look at two amps yesterday, the Vox AD30 and the Peavey Envoy 110.
Straight off the bat the Vox's price was an issue and combined with the fact that I really don't need the built in effects / emulators - I gave playing on it a skip. I will still, but with my own gear.
I did play on the Envoy 110 and it was... well, nothing spectacular. It just did the job. This one too I will play again with my own gear.
dirkv
Bru, i had a look at the Hartke Piggyback, what an awesome amp for the price. I think you have a winner there
Mr-M
Fritz Brand wrote:
As far as I can tell there is no difference between the 30 and the 50, apart from output and speaker. You also get an XL version, that is more geared towards metal etc.
Yup that's prety much the differences.
Spyke wrote:
Straight off the bat the Vox's price was an issue and combined with the fact that I really don't need the built in effects / emulators - I gave playing on it a skip. I will still, but with my own gear.
How much was it? Aren't these retailing under R3000 anymore? Check this out:
http://www.soundz.co.za/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=VOVOX054
Was it not maybe the XL version (grey vinyl and black grille vs. black vinyl and chrome grille of standard AD)? Those are more expensive from what I've seen.
BTW, I don't use the effects at all except for reverb. I use outboard effects. The tone is why I use it and the fact that they're way lighter than my valve amps and are less delicate (or I worry less when using one of these - has it cooled down enough to move etc.) in a gigging environment.
Spyke
Mr M wrote:
How much was it? Aren't these retailing under R3000 anymore? Check this out:
http://www.soundz.co.za/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=VOVOX054
Was it not maybe the XL version (grey vinyl and black grille vs. black vinyl and chrome grille of standard AD)? Those are more expensive from what I've seen.
Same one as that - but the store that i stopped at was a little expensive. R2900 IIRC.
I will still try it with my gear...
FatBoy
Whereabouts are you based Spyke? I'm sure you can talk someone into giving an AD30VT to you for R2500. I have played through one and I absolutely love it!
Spyke
I'm based in Randburg, Springs, East Rand... (I travel a lot! ?)
I found the Envoy 110 on Special at Turnkey who also had the AD30 there at a not so reasonable price. I'm fairly sure I'd be able to knock a few rands off the AD30.
