Small Amp Opinions Needed

[monte]

Currently, I play through a Swart Speace Tone Reverb. It is a very nice, clear amp. I don't play loud, I am a living room player. To get over drive sounds, I have to use an OCD or Timmy pedal. I was considering looking an amp with a boost or master volume. I was looking at the Mesa 5:25, Carr Mercury and a Suhr Badger.

Do you think these are all too much for a living room player and maybe i should just keep what i have and use the OD pedal and deal with it? I thought a Badger or even a Riehardt would be good in case I want to jam with a band now and then.

Any input is always appreciated.
Thanks
Monte

[thesjkexperienc]

If you cant play loud enough to get OD with the Swart the other amps mentioned are going to sound poor at that level as well. At low volumes I use my OCD into my STR and it sounds pretty good and far better than a MV amp down low. I find it is better to hit the speaker directly than have an attenuator or power scaling. YMMV

[shredtrash]

If you want true bedroom volume, you need to look at really low wattage amps (1/4 to 1/2 watt range). 5 watts with a 12" speaker should get you by easily if you want to occasionally jam with a band as long as you don't need monster clean headroom.

[tambokgt]

I use this for living and bedroom
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a93/tambokgt/mynewvintageamp.jpg

[lpfella]

I think an amp with a GOOD master volume is a good option to pursue. Something 15 watts or less I would think.

[rubbersoul]

I couldn't be happier with my Twister Amps Dust Devil for these purposes. I was just admiring the warm distortion I was getting at low volumes last night...it was stunning.

[Fifthstone]

I would think a Swart with a good pedal for grind would be perfect. I personally prefer a pedal-friendly single channel amp and a good OD to channel switching.

[sqadan]

The Carr Mercury goes down to a 1/10th of a watt I believe - and was designed SPECIFICALLY with home players in mind.

It's also a fine sounding amp IMO.

[monte]

Here is an update. I got home tonight and decided to plug in. I ran my Timmy into my Swart with my PRS McCarty and I think I found a pretty good sound. I got a really nice singing tone. Not sure if it can do classic rock, but I am going to play with it some more. I think this can work for me. The Swart amp is a really great amp and the Timmy is a great pedal. It has to work. I think with more time I am going to find a good sound for me. Thanks for the ideas.