Amps

[gardo]

With the advances in technology we now have are tube amps relly worth the hassel  for home use?

Would a good modeling amp be better ?

[44caliberKid]

Eh, the digital stuff is convenient. I've used a pod for recording some home project stuff late at nite and it'll certainly do the trick. But I really enjoy the sound of hot tubes. I guess having a pod is kinda what made me wanna buy a tube amp, like man this sounds cool, but I bet the real thing is way better. And personally, it is.

[HKSblade2]

Todays modeling amps are fun and great for home use, recording etc. Best bet is to try different ones out if you can. Some are better at certain sounds than others. Depends on what you want to do with it, and what genre you gravitate towards mostly.

Otoh a simple 2 channel tube amp is plenty for others. You don't have to worry about artifacts, latency etc of digital modeling.

[*BLEEP*]

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gardo wrote:

With the advances in technology we now have are tube amps relly worth the hassel  for home use?

Would a good modeling amp be better ?

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Are you recording an album?  If not, a modeling amp is easily the best choice.    

Are you playing to an audience?  If not, a modeling amp is easily the best choice.    

Are you "rich?"  If not, a modeling amp is easily the best choice.    

[bdegrande]

The sound you want from a tube amp is the amp being cranked.  If your home use is in an apartment building, or anywhere where neighbors are close, you are not going to be able to do that - even a 5 watt tube amp turned up to 10 can get very loud.  In that case a modeling amp will be better - even at getting a "tube amp" sound because it can model it at lower volumre. If you live in a house where you won't disturb your neighbors, then a tube amp has some advantages.

[LaXu]

The top end modelers (read: Axe-Fx and Kemper) can sound just as good or even better than most tube amps when paired with the right output device (FRFR active speakers) and you won't run into the compromises most tube amps have where they do sounds X and Y great but Z poorly or only average. You can also EQ the shit out of the sound exactly to your needs.

The drawback is the added complexity, clumsy user interface etc. Was worth it for me, been really happy with the Axe-Fx Standard and II.

[Brave Ulysses]

I am working thru the same decision.  I haven't played out in 5 years, and I was using a Boogie or a Rivera combo with pedals back then. I'm in a new group now and using a Vox modeling amp, and I found a couple of sounds that I like when at practice. Plus the onboard delay is pretty good. I think I'm going to use the Vox at our first show (with the boogie as backup), and an mxr modified od for a boost.   I don't think anyone in the audience will know or care that it's not a tube amp. 

Tube amps have good days and bad days, and maintenance can be a hassle.  As long as the Vox holds out (and it's over 5 years old already), I'll be happy.

[KimCameo]

I have a couple of PEAVEY solid state amps that I adore.  One is a Transformer 112.  It is a modeler-of sorts.  The other is a 1998 Bandit that has been modified with new OPA2134 op amps and a Swamp Thang speaker.  The Transformer has revision 2 eProm and faster memory installed, plus a Sheffield that I took from the Bandit when I bought it used.  Both of these amps really sound great.  The Transformer is my main practice amp right now and i use the Bandit for performances.  My point is that maybe you're selling youself short by limiting your choices to modeling amps and tube amps.  Can't speak for the other manufacturers but my Peavey Bandit sounds as good or better than any tube amp under 1000 bucks.  Just so you know, I have access to scores of the best tube amps ever made (they belong to my father) and even he says the Bandit-on numerous recordings we've made-sounds just like a good quality tube amp.  So...give solid state a try, too.  And good luck in your search for your sound.

[Pepi]

I love modeling anymore. I love how it can bring me out of the Men moods

[Alton]

Depends on what you're doing or what kind of tones you're happy with.

I play through my TR mostly but for practicing I use my Bugera V22. I also use a Vox Tonelab for my FX and a couple of the amp models. It sounds really great through the Bugera. It's needs some tweaking to sound it's best through the TR.

Personally I like the sound from tube amps at virtually any low level IF dialed in well. If dialed in well they will sound great. There is a depth and harmonic richness in the sound of a tube amp that just is not heard from ANY solid state device. Yes, this includes the ax, the kemper and eleven rack.

Don't get me wrong, these solid states are quite good in tone and versatility. Suitable for live or recording work the tones are outstanding. Still, they cannot provide the rich harmonics and warmth of a tube amp.

Someday I will upgrade to one of these super ss boxes for both the FX and modeling but I won't be abandoning my tube amps during this lifetime.

[davebols]

I used a fender twin for over 40 years so ya know I love tubes. I just got me a fender mustang 3 that I have used for giging 6 times now. We all know that nothing will sound like a tube amp. This is my firs modeling amp  and after 60+ hours of tweeking I got the amp sounding just like me when I'm playing at live levels. So for the working gutarist that is almost 60, modeling amps are o k as long as you really take the time to dial it in.  peace all.

[thom]

Yup, the choice isn't too hard. 

A super sounding amp that's somewhat of a one trick pony, versus a good sounding amp that extremely convenient, low maintenance, and versatile. 

Depends on your style, taste, budget, etc...

Even at home I personally prefer a small tube amp. I don't need more versatility than what my pedlols give me, and reliability/maintenance is hardly an issue when you just play the amp in your living room at low'ish volumes.

If you're into high gain brootals though, it'd make sense to go with modeling. Still the best way imo to sound semi-convincing at low volumes.

[gardo]

A modeling amp seems like the obvious choice for every reason but one..

I'm such an obsessive tone hound that I doubt I could be satisfiied with anything but tubes

Maybe  a tube amp in the basement and modeling  amp in the living room?

I really like the Yamaha THR.

[Richard Guy]

Look Here please www.guytronix.com

[third_eye]

i gotta side the tube...
ever since i started out i always wanted a line6 100 watter(i was a kid,sue me xD)

3 years later i discovered the tube driven jet city ...and let me tell you,if you go for tube,you'll never want to touch digital modelling again..
although its a hassle to your wallet,trust me its worth it.

[larryguitar]

How ironic you choose those examples; my Flextone III lives right next to my JCA 20 combo, and they get about equal playing time. If anything, I'm more likely to play the Line 6.

[Steve2112]

Each has their place.

A  "modeler" will give you some flexibility, different sounds, FX, the ability to switch bewteen endless sounds and effects, and a convenient package.

A good tube amp gives you that luxurious interactive experience that modelers just cant do (yet).

Each one, in the big picture, has their own compromises and strengths. A tube amp will not give you that many options in an easy to use package. You'll need an FX rack/pedal system, tuner, switching system...it gets cumbersome FAST. Modeler, even with a tube amp partner, doesn't give you the blood and guts direct conectivity.

You have to put in your dues....and find which one works best for what you are doing. I chose both. It's a very easy decision.

One word of advice...don't get too hung up onthe term "Modeller". It's a fancy word for "preamp".

[DeadNight Warr…]

For the last few years I've used an Axe-FX, selling off all my tube gear and other FX units and whatnot. I use it for the band through a SS poweramp into a 2x12 and it sounds great. At home it's what I generally use, coz I just can't be bothered setting up the other amp. The other one is a lil Blackstar HT-5 through a V30 1x12, which I generally use for a smaller band practices (the cab lives in the car). Can sound great, but obviously it's not as flexible (nor anywhere near as hefty to lug around).

That said, lately I've been buying a few pedals again, and am thinking about a lower powered Plexi style amp. Not that I couldn't get the sounds with my main rig, I just feel like having something different for another project/band I've been thinking about doing. No good reason for it really, as in terms of flexibility, cost, consistency, etc., I'd be better off just using what I already have.

[Nagol5178]

I own tube amps and modeling amps, and while I cannot part with a tube power amp, I have parted ways with the tube pre amps. The digital pre amps just have it down now. Rather it's axe fx, the POD HD 500/pro, or the 1101, run it through a tube power amp and it sounds amazing. Plus if you get the axe fx or the Pod HD it sounds really good running direct through your sound card too. The 1101, not so much.

[EVO X]

i've used a Pod since the beginning, up through the XT (into a Mosvalve poweramp and 2x12 cab), and a Vetta II ..... spending too much time messing with tones. 

finally got tired of all the nonsense and got a Peavey XXX.  i forgot what was missing from the modelers - FEEL.  with no tube feel and responsiveness, i just wasn't as motivated to play using the Line 6 stuff.  i can't speak for the new HD line as i've never tried them.

since the XXX didn't even have reverb, i ended up getting a GSP1101 for some effects.  this thing is awesome through the XXX's tube poweramp!  i use the GSP's preamp models almost as much as the XXX pre.