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Rating And Reviews: Jet City JCA20HV Amp Head

Based upon Jet City's highly popular JCA20H, the 20HV version is also a simple, single-channel amp, and the all-tube signal path has been completely re-voiced.

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"Killer classic rock tones" submitted February 20, 2013

By Chris C
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Sound
Features
Ease of Use
Quality
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Music Style: Rock, blues, bluesy rock, rocky blues
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Sound: Love the lower gain and darker sound. The gain is less saturated than the JCA 2112RC that I own, and less trebly. It's a grainier gain that is pure classic rock. Where the 2112RC sounds more like a 1980s Marshall, the 20HV has more of a 1970s sound. The tone really isn't 'dark,' it's just darker than the 2112RC, which is a good thing. The depth switch really kicks in a lot more bass--great for single coil guitars. Get that SRV tone.Also sounds great with my humbucker-equipped guitars.This is NOT a metal amp; although, you could put a metal pedal in front of it. But the cane weave doesn't give it that metal vibe. That V in JCA 20HV stands for vintage. :)Would have preferred a depth knob, rather than a switch, as it would be nice to dial in the amount of depth. Still, it's a very usable feature.I play both the 20HV and the 2112RC together in stereo, and these amps complement each other really well. I love the tone I get from both. Full disclosure: I put a Cannabis Rex into the 2112RC in part to tame the highs, which could get a bit piercing at times.I swapped out the stock tubes with JJs- matched EL84s and ECC803s in the V1 and V2. A Tungsol is in V3.I'm using the HV head through a standard JCA 12s cab with their custom driver. I've got an Eminence Governor on order, so I'll be interested to hear how a more efficient driver sounds with the head. Feature: Shape your tone with the pre-amp, TMB tone controls and the depth switch. Easy to find some killer tones. Jet City should consider a depth knob to allow players to dial in their desired amount of depth. Ease of Use: Easy to use. Pairs really well with the JCA 2112RC. Sounds great with both single coil and humbucker guitars. I didn't find that the amp works really well with a distortion pedal with the gain dialed up. But, it works really well with an overdrive pedal to push it further into break up. I use a MP Sweet Honey clone. I imagine a Bad Monkey or Tube Screamer would work well too. Quality: High quality chassis. Traces on the PCB are thick. Looks well-made. Cabinet looks like void-free thick plywood. Tolex was well applied. Don't know long the amp will last. Only had it for a week...Small detail: The painted stripes on the chicken head knobs were poorly done: very sloppy. Makes the amp look cheap. Will replace with higher quality ones. Value: Good value. A tad more expensive than a similar combo but for me it was worth it. Manufacturer Support: Took a little while to get hold of someone who could help me, but very friendly and helpful once located. The Wow Factor: From interviews I've read, Jet City built this amp for Joe Perry from Aerosmith. I think they got it right. And I dig the new logo, cane weave and white control panel! Overall: This amp is being under-marketed by Jet City--not much promo on YouTube or elsewhere. It's hard to find demos. Lots of questions on forums. Don't let this put you off because this is a great head! I've read a couple of
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