Sound:
Full, round, picks up every nuance and brings them to the front. Nothing beats a tube pre-amp for warmth. I've used it to play everything from Classic Rock to country to jazz and have been able to create exactly the sound I've wanted. I run this through a Workingman's 4x10 and 1x15 cab (replaced the latter's speaker with an Eminence Omega Pro for added depth on larger stages). Can't say enough about the line-out, either -- sound guys notice right away that I'm sending a tube-driven signal and love it.
Feature:
Very easy to dial in any sound -- simple, straightforward controls. My only complaint is that it lacks the transparency knob that my SWR 2004 has. The subwave tracks well, and once you get past its novelty and learn to leave it on in the background it's very effective.
Ease of Use:
Very fast sound set up. Unlike other amps, shifting mids does not throw you into some parametric thing that takes ten minutes to sort out. Smooth curve on all controls -- no exponential increases to speak of. The manual (worth the read) is written for anyone to understand and does a great job of explaining functionality. Try the sample tone suggestions as a starting point.
Quality:
A tank -- all hand-wired, solid components. You can't move the tube from its socket without effort (a good thing). The shiny chrome face is easy enough to scratch, though -- watch out for rack rash.
Value:
Simple, easy to use. GREAT sound, plenty of power and headroom. Warm tone, but defined -- and extremely variable. The aural enhancer is there for a reason -- use it.
Manufacturer Support:
(Haven't had to use it.)
The Wow Factor:
Who doesn't like chrome? It's un-American not to! Seriously, though -- well put-together, attractive package, functionally simple and straightforward. A great amp. I'd say it's the best sound I've developed in 35 years of playing, much of it professionally. The fact that it looks great is only a plus, and did not at all figure in my selection of this amplifier.
Overall:
I tend to hold on to equipment for a long time once it suits me. This was purchased for live applications on larger stages (I always run through the board, so filling the room is not a consideration for me) and it works quite well (I use the 2004 for rehearsals). If I were to discontinue using this it would be simply because I wouldn't need to haul around the 4-space rack I have it in. No big deal, though. I can see using this forever; more power (God forbid I ever need that) would simply require an additional power amp (I have three Crowns lying around that would fit the bill).
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