Reinhardt JKC33 vs LT-1

[richhickey]

There seems to be substantial overlap in the design and purpose of the JKC33 and LT-1. I presume the small difference in wattage doesn't yield much difference in volume, so I'm confused as to what the newer LT-1 brings to the table that the JKC33 didn't already cover. Has anyone played both? Does the LT-1 give up the goods at a lower volume? Does it still have that classic tone?

[goodsal]

I'm curious about this too. Anyone?

[plaintopper]

Originally Posted by richhickey

There seems to be substantial overlap in the design and purpose of the JKC33 and LT-1. I presume the small difference in wattage doesn't yield much difference in volume, so I'm confused as to what the newer LT-1 brings to the table that the JKC33 didn't already cover. Has anyone played both? Does the LT-1 give up the goods at a lower volume? Does it still have that classic tone?

Go to his website and email Bob. Based on my experience, he'll get back to you quickly and fill you in.

[Crowder]

I have a JKC-33 also, and have thought about picking up an 18 (though I already have a Marshall 1974X handwired reissue, so it would probably be redundant).

These amps are one very smart guy's interpretations of the classic Marshall amps, so it's not like every model is going to be a clean-slate design. Bob's amps are seemingly always undergoing an evolution, including changes to existing designs as well as newer models. I get the impression that his the EL-84 amps are essentially evolved from the 18, and that all his EL-34 amps are evolutions of the V50. You get different features, different size transformers, probably different tone stack values or plate voltages, etc., but it's not like each model is an entirely different beast. It sounds like the LT-1 combines features from the EL-34 side of the family (fixed bias, solid state rectifier, etc.) with the power section of the EL-84 side. I'm sure it's awesome, but I'm not sure how different it would be from your current amp.

It took me a few weeks to learn to dial in the JKC. Not that I couldn't get a good tone out of it at first, but it took me a while to learn to navigate the three controls for drive and volume. I also put one of Bob's speakers back in the amp, which seems to suit it better than the Scumback the former owner had installed. I can emulate an 18-watter with the JKC, but I can also get louder with more headroom and get raunchier at any volume level. I think it must be more versatile than the 18 in that way. There are a ton of different flavors in the amp which makes it very handy for recording, and the power scaling is great for home use.

[richhickey]

I have a Reinhardt Sentinel, which I love and am keeping, but am trying to choose between a JKC33 and LT-1. I've sent Bob a pointer to this thread, perhaps he can shed some light.

[big mike]

LT-1 is quite different IMO than the JkC/V50 platform.

It's quite a bit 'less loud' than a big bottle amp.

But.

I'ts DEFINITELY got balls.
It's fixed bias, so it doesn't 'sag' like the 18 does.
It also feels, sounds and reacts like the big ones, but has a bit more top end clarity and a touch of chime from the 84's. But again, much more solid low end, and more aggressive than his normal 18 watter.
It sorta splits the difference in volume between the Mini Me and the JKC for me.

It feels louder than the 18 as well, but again, reacts like a real plexi.

[goneracin]

Mike nailed it. I wanted something that played and felt like my v50, but had the lower volume level of my 18. The 18 has a bit more squish, where the LT1 feels like a superlead, obviously less loud and forceful, but has that sort of feel to it.
The JKC was originally done for a guy who couldnt quite get his v50 up to gig level before getting the stink eye from the bar, but he was worried an 18-20 watt amp wouldnt be loud enough, so I came up with a 30 watt platform that would sound and feel and play like a v50, but give up the goods at a few db less volume.
yes, they do cross over a little, they are both the same style amp. The LT1 may have a touch more breakup, due to the el84 breaking up, and it has a bit more top end character than the el34 in the jkc and v50.

[richhickey]

Thanks Bob! And Mike, for your input and terrific videos of the LT-1.

If the LT-1 is the lowest-volume route to V-50 land, it sounds like the ticket for me.

[big mike]

LT-1 is seriously amazing.
It feels, sounds and reacts like a 'more present' vintage 50.
Very controllable, very giggable.

I think that anyone wanting a low powered 'plexi' would be extremely pleased with it. I didnt even play with any NOS tubes in it, but being fixed bias, (yay!) and adjustable, I bet some of those old Military El84 variants Hi Test Guitars has would be killer. Treat the preamp like any Plexi...Mullard baby! Man the thing's a screamer.

The girlfriend asked why I was tearing up when I had to send it back.

I said cause I don't get to keep it. LOL!!!

[big mike]

Oh and I LOVE the 'normal' channel just opened up. Jumpering is cool too, but that thick normal channel with just a touch of that EL84 clarity.....MMm....

[ziehmrd]

So if the LT1 and JKC33 are fixed bias/solid state rectified and don't "sag like the 18", are they fairly stiff feeling or very immediate in response?

[big mike]

Originally Posted by ziehmrd

So if the LT1 and JKC33 are fixed bias/solid state rectified and don't "sag like the 18", are they fairly stiff feeling or very immediate in response?

Yes like a fixed bias Solid State rectified plexi.

Unfortunately Bobs not building right now.

[Crowder]

Originally Posted by ziehmrd

So if the LT1 and JKC33 are fixed bias/solid state rectified and don't "sag like the 18", are they fairly stiff feeling or very immediate in response?

Mine has the Firm/Soft switch so you can choose the tube rectifier if desired.