From AC30 to High Gain?

[bennettcab]

I'm in the market for a new amp. My perfect amp would be an AC30 Top Boost on one channel and idk, something modern / higher gain on a second channel. Ideally something that can go from U2 to (high gain) Muse. It should probably have an effects loop since I use a lot of delay. I've pretty much ignored higher gain stuff so I'm pretty lacking in knowledge about amps other than vintage recreations.

Anyone have any suggestions? Or am I looking for an AC30 with the right pedal? Thanks.

[Rena Rune]

Interestingly enough, the AC30VR is exactly like this, but is Hybrid rather than full tube. I really wouldn't underestimate what you can do to an AC30 with pedals though.

[jondkang]

Maybe try Joe's 30/800?

http://www.morganamps.com/amps/30-800/30-800.php

[Stratman76]

Originally Posted by jondkang

Maybe try Joe's 30/800?

http://www.morganamps.com/amps/30-800/30-800.php

I thought of that here but it's kind of an odd bird, one that needs two independent channels (IMHO). I'd be more encouraged by a decent sounding clip.

To the Op...I'm on a similar quest. I think we may be better off with something like a Morgan AC20 Deluxe or a Dual 20 and a good gain/distortion pedal (BTW- no loops in either of these.)

[nullin]

Maybe something like a Matchless Independence or a Bad Cat Hot Cat?

[JosephN0624]

I think Radiohead's old stuff is a pretty good indicator that you can do that with an AC30 and a good pedal. I'm pretty sure all the heavier stuff is with an AC and pedals. The 30/800 is probably another good place to start looking though.

[tele_jas]

Not sure if you're looking for Boutique, or "anything"... Have you tried a Vox AC50cp2?

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AC50CP2/

Or as sone have said, an AC30 and a good pedal, like a Wampler Triple Wreck?

[FFTT]

Bad Cat Hot Cat 100

The perfect blend of a custom shop Marshall and an AC100

[dsimms]

Originally Posted by nullin

Maybe something like a Matchless Independence or a Bad Cat Hot Cat?

I've got the Bad Cat Hot Cat 30. You should check this amp out. The two channels (clean and gain) are independent, but with an ABY or stereo pan pedal (my preference), you can use it like a channel switcher. I've had mine for 8 years and it doesn't have reverb or an effects loop, but I don't miss it. You can run your chorus or delay in your pedal board on the clean side and won't miss the effects loop, but you might miss the effects loop if you like delay on your gain channel. The newer models have an effects loop and reverb.

The cleans and overdrive/gain are really good on this amp. It's got two EL-34's instead of EL-84's. It doesn't have the sag/compression I've found in the AC-30's I've played, but the cleans are some of the best of any amp I've played, regardless of power tube configuration. The gain channel is extremely flexible. I don't use or need any overdrive pedals with this amp.

[mAx___]

The 2010 handwired AC30s have a "Cool Mode" (traditional Top Boost gain) and a "Hot Mode" with an extra stage that produces plenty of gain in the Top Boost channel.
Plus the Normal channel of course, which has less gain but takes pedals really well.

These amps are extremely well made with turret board construction (unlike previous versions), allowing you to modify or upgrade any of its components if desired.

For the price I highly recommend you try one of these, I couldn't be happier with mine.

[Etosser]

I second the newer AC50. From what you describe, it seems like Vox had the same idea with that offering.

[atson67]

Originally Posted by chad.bennett

I'm in the market for a new amp. My perfect amp would be an AC30 Top Boost on one channel and idk, something modern / higher gain on a second channel. Ideally something that can go from U2 to (high gain) Muse. It should probably have an effects loop since I use a lot of delay. I've pretty much ignored higher gain stuff so I'm pretty lacking in knowledge about amps other than vintage recreations.

Anyone have any suggestions? Or am I looking for an AC30 with the right pedal? Thanks.

I use a ('79) AC30 set pretty clean and use pedals for overdrive. Better than most channel switchers i have played. Delays sound great as well (since the amp is clean).

[Stu Cats]

http://www.3rdpower.com/product_BD112.htm It has an AC30 in one channel and a plexi in the other.

[ken374]

Newer vox's are great can do Van Halen stuff pretty easy, I can crank my amp full power and it sounds so good and clear its stupid! retubing, cables and guitars make a difference.

[mspizziri]

What about the bigger two channel Vox Night Train

I tried the smaller one before and was pretty impressed with the amount of gain it had