Why shouldnt I buy a Bugera BC30

[Corneilius]

I know there are a lot of Bugera haters out there but it seems like they are bringing a lot of peoples dream amps within reach. Some of the amps they are building are models that a lot of people never even imagined they would own. I was really intrigued when they released the 1960 but at 120 watts that's pretty much unusable. Enter the BC30 which is basically a Matchless DC30 clone. Now I don't have a lot of experience with Matchless amps, I've always wanted one but they are WAY out of my budget. If these amps are within the budget of most working musicians who can't afford high priced booteek amps, why shouldn't we buy them. I love Vox/Matchless style amps and own an Ac50cp2 but this seems really cool.

The End

[tele_jas]

I plan on getting one sooner or later, it'll make a great backup to my Botique EL84 amps.

[Jahn]

Because by Bugera's own admission, if you open up a BC30, you're not going to see a DC30's guts. And it won't sound like one. It just looks like one.

Just like getting a Behringer DMM-lookalike. It may look like a Deluxe Memory Man, but if you open up the guts, it's not a DMM in there. And it won't sound like one.

That's not saying that the BC30 may not sound like a nice BC30. It just won't sound like any sort of DC30. iluvnoise over at HC posted this, which sums it up:

http://www.bugera-amps.com/EN/products/BC30-212.aspx

"from the specs, I'd say they have modified the DC30, except instead of an EF86 tube in the second channel, it's just another 12AX7, except they specify it as an ECC83, which is kind of weird, because 12AX7s and ECC83s are pretty much the same. It's an interesting concept and it probably actually sounds pretty cool, but it's not a true DC30 clone.

What they *might* have done is some sort of AC30/DC30 hybrid, where the 1st channel is normal Vox and the second one is based on the top boost circuit. But that's all just speculation based on the features/design."

[Bruce Clement]

Chrysler 300 <=> Bently
Hundai <=> Mercedes Benz
Nissan 370Z <=> Porsche 911
Bugera <=> (insert favorite amp here)

Do you think that just because it looks like something else that it is going to perform like that other thing?

[teemuk]

You need other people's blessing to buy an amp? Just buy one if you feel like it. It's not like it's a mega investment.

And as far as I know, once they hit the stores there's nothing that would stop you from trying before buying.

[teleamp]

Bringing this thread back...

What's the verdict? I know it's not a DC30, but how close does it come? The lack of an EF86 is a plus in my opinion.

[bismark]

If you want a Bugera BC30, just buy one. You already know what you want. You don't need people's consensus, opinions or blessings here.

If gear snobs or cork-sniffers say you shouldn't buy one because it's a cheap China made clone which "violates" the exclusiveness of owning a boutique brand of choice.....would you still buy one then?

[SteveO]

Originally Posted by bismark

If you want a Bugera BC30, just buy one. You already know what you want. You don't need people's consensus, opinions or blessings here.

If gear snobs or cork-sniffers say you shouldn't buy one because it's a cheap China made clone which "violates" the exclusiveness of owning a boutique brand of choice.....would you still buy one then?

Doesn't matter where it's made, it's Bugera/Behringer's reputation for building unreliable products that shies me away from them. I'd rather spend the extra money on something that has a reputation for reliability and durability than spend a few hundred bucks on something that has a better-than-average chance of taking a dump.

[michael.e]

I keep hearing that these are great sounding amps on their own.

Go for it!

[diagrammatiks]

Like I really don't understand why you'd buy a BC30 over one of Vox's ac15/ac30 offerings. They can claim that the BC30 is based on a matchless but without the ef86 it's closer to a standard top boost ac30 then it is too a matchless. Part of what makes a matchless a matchless is the mil-spec construction. The circuit isn't that much different from the ac30 ef86 on paper, the final product just happens to be the best single ac30 that vox could never produce.

Used, you can get heritage AC15/30s with the ef86 and tube rectification for under 1k.

The only advantage the BC30 has over the Vox Ac15/30s is the tube rectification. I guess if you want to enjoy the feel of poorly implemented tube rectification the BC30 will probably be about as fun as surfing blind.

[teleamp]

Originally Posted by diagrammatiks

Like I really don't understand why you'd buy a BC30 over one of Vox's ac15/ac30 offerings. They can claim that the BC30 is based on a matchless but without the ef86 it's closer to a standard top boost ac30 then it is too a matchless. Part of what makes a matchless a matchless is the mil-spec construction. The circuit isn't that much different from the ac30 ef86 on paper, the final product just happens to be the best single ac30 that vox could never produce.

Used, you can get heritage AC15/30s with the ef86 and tube rectification for under 1k.

The only advantage the BC30 has over the Vox Ac15/30s is the tube rectification. I guess if you want to enjoy the feel of poorly implemented tube rectification the BC30 will probably be about as fun as surfing blind.

I take it that you've tried the BC30?

Matchless has a great build quality and that comes with a price. I don't use EF86 preamps... I don't care for the sound, as I have owned many.

So what if the click channel has a 12AX7 instead of an EF86... I think that is a positive.

I have learned (and accept) that QC nowadays is left to the end user so, I make the most of a warranty.

Tell me more of the "poorly implemented tube rectifier".

[teleamp]

Originally Posted by Bruce Clement

Chrysler 300 <=> Bently
Hundai <=> Mercedes Benz
Nissan 370Z <=> Porsche 911
Bugera <=> (insert favorite amp here)

Do you think that just because it looks like something else that it is going to perform like that other thing?

Isn't your opinion slightly biased?

If I do buy, it won't be for looks... I haven't seen the schematic. I'm looking for an inexpensive 4XEL84 tube amp that has the sound I am after.

[Curt]

My opinion,

The Bugera probably won't hold up for too long if throw it around in a van and gig with it a few times a week.
But if like most people, you're buying the amp to mostly use at home, it'll work just fine.
"Mil spec" is important if you're commuting back and forth to the Space Shuttle, or using the amp in combat, but it's really not necessary for home use and an occasional gig.

[beckerman]

Originally Posted by diagrammatiks

....
Used, you can get heritage AC15/30s with the ef86 and tube rectification for under 1k..

I don't have a problem with the Bugera product; I own a V22. BUT, I just bought one of these Vox Heritage AC15 1x12's (with a Celestion Blue) for $785. When you consider the EF86 pre, handwired, cut knob and an Alnico Blue; the difference in price between the Vox and Bug is no contest.

[axuality.com]

Originally Posted by diagrammatiks

Like I really don't understand why you'd buy a BC30 over one of Vox's ac15/ac30 offerings. They can claim that the BC30 is based on a matchless but without the ef86 it's closer to a standard top boost ac30 then it is too a matchless. Part of what makes a matchless a matchless is the mil-spec construction. The circuit isn't that much different from the ac30 ef86 on paper, the final product just happens to be the best single ac30 that vox could never produce.

Used, you can get heritage AC15/30s with the ef86 and tube rectification for under 1k.

The only advantage the BC30 has over the Vox Ac15/30s is the tube rectification. I guess if you want to enjoy the feel of poorly implemented tube rectification the BC30 will probably be about as fun as surfing blind.

My Bugera V22 sounds much better than a Vox AC, in my opinion. And it hasn't broken in 6 months. And nothing matters but the sound. Tubes, rectifiers, Grinch amplification carburetorial propogational lamgasters don't matter...as long as it sounds better.

I'd buy the BC30 in a minute after I tried it for two minutes.