A lot has changed in regards of my power amps since 2 years ago and the V1 Tonex Captures.
Time has changed, unfortunately we're not anymore in the 90's, gigging with 50/100W Tube PowerAmps is not possible anymore for "common ppl" like me. Nor they have a real use/benefit in a home/studio enviroment.
That's why i sold my old and beloved Marshall 50/50 EL34 Rack Power Amp and my friend (and band member) sold his Mesa Boogie 2:50 6L6 Rack Power Amp.
We're gigging with digitals nowadays, Tonex And Hotone Captures/SoundClones, so i was in need of a new power amp to use to make captures, something more "home friendly".
Since wattage and headroom are no longer a determining factor, nor size and weight are a problem anymore (since they will not move from my studio), the choice of what to get and use was made based exclusively on the features and ease of use (in addition, obviously, to sounding good =^.^= ).
I found this sweet boutique stereo class A single handed Tube Amp, made by Cicognani around 2010ish ( https://www.cicognani.eu/ ) and was love at first sight ! =^.^=
The Cicognani Imperium 15W+15W, with a modded case made with a removable top, for a better ventilation during usage and to make tubes swap easier.
This is what this lovely moster can do :
- stereo power amp with autobias, can use 6L6, 5881, EL34, 6AC7, KT66, KT77, KT88, 6550 ;
- diode or tube rectifier ( rectifier tube can be 5AR4-GZ34 or 5u4G) ;
- stereo FX return, perfect for my Marshall JMP-1, A/DA MP-1 Classic and Rocktron Piranha ;
- 3 indipendent channel + gain boost ;
- master post-master control to crank up the power amp at low volume ;
- post power amp stereo line out.
Not only a crazy good all-in-one guitar amp, but amazing even when used "just" as stand-alone power amp.
It's a shame is not in production anymore =^.^=
To complete the line up and have more options, Boogies will Boogies ! ( but is not what you think =^.^= )
The Bugera G20 Infinum brothers ( G20 INFINIUM | Bugera )
I'm not using them as Guitar Amps, but just as Class A Tube Power Amps.
And they are GREAT in doing that !
They allows me to use either EL34 , 6AC7, KT77, 6L6 and 5881, plus they have Stereo Aux in which allows me to completly bypass the Amp and have a "pure tube vibe" without colorations, like i had with my old Marshall 50/50 EL34 and Mesa Boogie 2:50 6L6 Rack Power Amps .
Or, even better, having a proper "pure tube analog sum to mono", something i was not able to do with
my old Marshall 50/50 EL34 and Mesa Boogie 2:50 6L6 Rack Power Amps . =^.^=
This is perfect for someone like me using and profiling different kinds of stereo preamp like the Marshall JMP-1, the A/DA MP1 Classic and the Rocktron Piranha.
Here you can see the difference between the Aux In and the Fx Return.
Good sounding, features and ease of use =^.^=