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Sound:
I bought this amplifier thinking it might achieve what most of the other small tubes couldn’t: nice smooth break-up at “bedroom” volumes. This amp really shines in this department! With the stock tubes the sound tended to be slightly harsh so I swapped in a Mesa 12AT7 (pre) and a NOS GE 12AX7 and I’m blown away by the improvement. Lots of people have commented on the amp sounding “dark” but I’m not hearing that at all. I use my Ant with a Peavey Backstage Plus that I converted into a cabinet using a Weber Signature 10-inch speaker. Sounds great! I doubt you'd be interested in this product if you're looking for a heavy Distrubed sound but it kills for blues, country, rock, and jazz.
Feature:
Why am I giving this a 9 for features when there is only a volume knob and 3 speaker outs? Easy; I'm calling the DEAD QUIET transformer a feature. There is no noise at all at idle and that makes this amp perfect for recording! That's a feature I did not find with most of the other small amps I tried out.
Ease of Use:
The only learning curve to the Killer Ant is learning how to extract the magic from your guitar and NOT from your 6 gazzillion presets!
Quality:
The sales hype on the Blackheart webpage talks about how this little amp is "overbuilt." Well, believe it. This is quite possibly the highest quality fit and finish I've seen at anywhere near this price point. Fender, Vox, and Peavey can't touch this! Only the Egnator amps come close, in my humble opinion. I wish there was a handle on the side but I've since added one so no big deal.
Value:
This amplifier is definitely worth the selling price. I tried a lot of other amps first, some of which sounded great but cost 5 times what this cost. Overall I am very pleased with what I got vs. what I spent.
Manufacturer Support:
I'm sure it's fine.
The Wow Factor:
This is definitely a "must have" for anyone looking to get a nice rock or "Blue Note" jazz tone at a practical volume level in the bedroom studio. Takes pedals well and just sounds great! First time I've been able to get a reasonable Grant Green tone without shaking the walls.
Overall:
If I was going to add anything to this amp it might be a small handle on the side, an effects loop, a line out, and a standby switch. That having been said, that's what mods are for! The Killer Ant is well worth the price just as it is - even with the stock tubes. I haven't had this much fun with an amp in quite some time.
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Sound:
it is a kick a-- amp. lots of power but at low volumes. jam all night and all day. no body gets mad. it has a great sound. likes all pedals.
Feature:
one switch thats it.
Ease of Use:
just turn it up and up and up!
Quality:
very well made. it is a 10+
Value:
can not beat the price.
Manufacturer Support:
i dont kown. but if you had to use it i bet it would be a pain. like ever thing is.
The Wow Factor:
it looks like a mean mother!
Overall:
it is a keeper.
2 of 3 people
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