Need advice ASAP

[greg232]

I have a Tonelab LE which I just started to learn how to use. Use it with headphones only right now. I would like to play without the headphones once and awhile. I do not do any type of recording or mixing. Would I be better of with say for example with a studio monitor or with a simple 1x8 keyboard amp. Live in an apartment so not looking to shake the walls. Thanking you in advance.

[Sixstring]

Atomic reactor 18 watt

[jchan]

Full Range Powered Monitor.

[HolyMuffDiver]

Powered monitor, keyboard amp, Atomic Reactor, or Tech 21 Power Engine. All will work pretty much the same.

[eyeball987]

I recently hooked my LE up to a pair of studio monitors (KRK 5's $230/pair this month at GC) for a couple hours and then took them back and bought a powered speaker instead. The monitors sounded better but I needed a little more volume. I say go with the studio monitors.

[steelplayer]

+1 on the Atomic reactor 18 watt.

[VIqbang]

I actually prefer the Atomic 50 watt the master volume on the back is useful so you don't have to tweak output levels on the modeler.

[HolyMuffDiver]

I actually prefer the Atomic 50 watt the master volume on the back is useful so you don't have to tweak output levels on the modeler.

I haven't played through an Atomic, but based on features alone I'd go for the Power Engine (that and the fact that you can actually find a Power Engine). It's Tech 21, so you know it's a solid piece of gear, and it's got a few more useful features than an Atomic. It's got active tone controls on the back, not for shaping your tone but for tuning to room acoustics; XLR in/out with ground lift switch so you can run your signal through the Power Engine to the board (useful when your preamp doesn't have direct out) or another Power Engine. Plus they all have a master volume control and output 60 watts.

I first wanted to buy an Atomic, and called customer service to order one. I actually got Tom King on the phone, and he told me they were all on backorder but he would put me on the waiting list for one. This was several months ago, and I still haven't got an e-mail saying they're in stock again. I got tired of waiting and just bought the Power Engine, and I've been incredibly happy with it. And honestly, I don't see how the Atomic could sound much better than this, since they're both supposed to be nothing more than clean, uncolored power for your PODs or other modelers. Mine works great with my PODxt and Tech 21 SansAmp TRI-A.C. I know the Atomic has tubes in it, but can it really sound noticeably better and still do what it's supposed to do?