Fuchs ODS 30 vs ODS 50 and SLX questions..

[kingsxman]

Anyone compared an ODS 30 to an ODS 50? How much of a difference is there in tone with the added power available from the 50? Also, the model I'm looking at is a non slx version. What would be the tonal differences in an SLX version vs a non SLX version?

I fell in love with and ODS 50 over the weekend but am considering an ODS 30. I'm sure the 50 was an SLX version.

 

[m@2]

i have compared them, ended up getting the ODS 50. although I sold it about 6 months later, I really enjoyed the amp (I had the head with matching 1X12 cab). A ton of range with these. Decent cleans in both, slightly more headroom in the 50, and a TON of gain on tap with either. Only reason I sold is I prefer a "set it and forget it" type amp, and the FUCHS was just too much amp for my needs

 

[fullerplast]

I've owned both and preferred the older ODS30 by a wide margin.

Cathode biasing and ability to use either 6V6's or 6L6's (with no re-biasing) are significant differences. If you want a tighter amp with more headroom then the 50W may be more appropriate, but frankly the 30W is more than loud enough for most venues these days, and I like the extra sag and compression of a cathode biased amp.

 

[jspax7]

My ODS30SLX is hand tuned. I had a warranty issue with mine, and since I was sending it in for service, I decided some tweaks were in order...

I played a new ODS50SLX, and was very impressed. The 50 was so much better than my 30 (early SLX) that I would recommend a current version.

Since mine is hand tuned, I can't offer a direct comparison, but generally speaking, the 30 is (imo) more vintage sounding. A bit more of a raw voice, but still unmistakably an ODS. Headroom has yet to be an issue with a 6 piece band. I play at moderate volume, and almost always mic the amp. The 50 was smoother, and cleaner.

If you can demo current versions of each, (A/B) the differences should be apparent. It's more than just a headroom choice.

ymmv

 

[jspax7]

I've owned both and preferred the older ODS30 by a wide margin.

Cathode biasing and ability to use either 6V6's or 6L6's (with no re-biasing) are significant differences. If you want a tighter amp with more headroom then the 50W may be more appropriate, but frankly the 30W is more than loud enough for most venues these days, and I like the extra sag and compression of a cathode biased amp.

I agree with the 2nd paragraph. Never had the opportunity to play a pre-SLX.

Fuller; Were your amps stock, or tweaked?

 

[fullerplast]

I agree with the 2nd paragraph. Never had the opportunity to play a pre-SLX.

Fuller; Were your amps stock, or tweaked?

Both hand-tuned by Lerner. The 30 was "pre-SLX" (if you can still call it that after Scott put his paws in it) with early hand tuning, and the 50 was a recent SLX, with his latest hand tuning.

 

[hendrix2430]

I've had three of them: a pre SLX Mod (DRRI), pre SLX ODS50 and SLX30. I only own the SLX30 now.

They are all excellent, and I could see why people would prefer the pre SLX. I was floored by the mod when I got it (5 years ago). 6 months later I bought the 50W and it had basically the same voice, just clearer/more responsive, and also very important to me: a fantastic construction.

About two years ago, I bought a ODS/SLX30. I had the 50W and 30W together for a short while, and used them with the same cab.

That was two years ago, but if I recall the 30W (SLX) was slightly more mellow sounding...not quite as hard in the low end, and also had a sweeter high end. The 50W had a tendency to get a bit strident at some settings.

I don't recall one being smoother than the other, both were smooth as silk if needed. However, I felt the 30W was almost like a "voice" with all its subtleties, even more dynamic than the 50W (hard to do!), which is why I kept it.

Have fun choosing your next amp!

 

[kingsxman]

Good info. Not sure if I will like the sag and compression...although I dig my Lil dawg amp which also has 6L6's.

Biggest issue to me is that this is not an slx....and I think its about $500 to get that added.