k.Teel

The fact that you describe and amp as "sounding like ass", is an indication that you like the more "base" things in life. This is also probably means that you like more basic sounding music, which would imply distortion on your amp. As a jazz player, I don't rely on distortion, I rely on practice time, and I use a clean sound on my amp. I can tell you that the Raven Amps sound good, as clean amps. I liked them so much that I bought a couple of them. I also used the 20 Watt version (with the 12 inch speaker) at a hotel gig, for the entire summer, one year. It was a reliable workhorse. In terms of volume, I operated it within a comfortable range for the amp. Jazz is not dance music, generally, I didn't play with a drummer, and I wanted people to be able to talk to each other without shouting. All of these things spell moderate volume. I haven't seen the schematic, but based on the price point, these are more than likely made up of op-amps, which are linear integrated circuits. Integrated circuits were used originally in the U.S. space program where they needed durablity, and reliability in electronic components. Some tube guys will probably think that these amps sound too clean, and sterile. I disagree. These amps were designed well. They have a decent sound. If you want a particular distortion sound, go get a pedal with the distortion sound that you like, and put it on the front end, before the amp. Raven Amps were a good deal. They cost less than the name branded amps with the same amount of power. I've used my Raven 20 watt amp on several gigs without any problems. They are reliable and they sound good. Don't let the brand name, or the price fool you. They're a good deal.