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Hmmm... maybe something like the Super Champ X2? 15W, same power amp tube setup as a Princeton, but considerably less expensive.

 

Was looking at the Super Champs last night, looks really cool and really versatile, didn't even know they had a tube pre and power amp! Gonna see if I can try one out somewhere.

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Theres also the Vibro Champ XD, seems to be similar to the Super Champ XD, just small (1 6V6)

These amps seems really cool, can't believe I dismissed them all this time.

 

I think I'd rather have the X2, but that's just me.

 

Remember - these are hybrid amps, but IMHO they're hybrid done the right way - instead of just sticking a preamp tube in that only really gets used for distortion, these take the opposite approach, with solid state (or digital modeling) front ends (preamps) a tube inverter (SC X2) or output driver (VC XD), and a tube power amp. There's no tube rectifier like on a Princeton either, which will make more of a difference in "feel" than sound - when cranked, things compress and note attacks "bloom" a bit more slowly and things feel a bit spongier with a tube rectifier.

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Assuming that you're going to use the amp for recording (as well as practice), and that you are still avoiding doing shows (tsk, tsk), I'm thinking that you have a couple choices for platform:

 

* Smaller combo. All-in-one convenience, less flexibility. Your budget may limit you to something which isn't much of a sonic improvement from current situation. (based on your recently posted recordings)

 

* Small head. Requires speaker(s); offers more flexibility. Quite likely to give more sonic bang for buck.

 

For small combos, you may want to look at a Roland JC-77. You use a lot of effects, and that's a great platform for them. I won't go into the tube vs. SS stuff, you know the ins and outs. The JC-77 is world class amp and you can find them for +/- $400. It will hold it's resale value and you could gig with it.

 

I'm not a fan of hybrids.

 

Other small combo recommendations: +1 to Peavey tube amps; maybe a Fender Excelsior / whatever?; an old Blues Deluxe if you can find one for cheap.

 

For small heads, I've been nothing but pleased with my Egnater Rebel 30. It has both EL84s and 6v6's, and a blend feature that means you can chase Vox voicing or Fender-y cleans; in the middle it is its own thing. It also has a direct-out for recording without needing a speaker load, which would be fantastic for your situation. It would give you a top notch 'personal' amp, and you can upscale to gigging with it if you wish. You can find them for about $400 used. I have nice vintage Fenders, but that Egnater has become my favorite.

 

My guess is you're looking for a way to get fat tube sound without neighbor complaints and/or dropping a fortune. Finding a small tube head with a silent/record-out feature is far and away your best bet.

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