Can anyone offer up any opinions on these 2 amplifiers - I'm in need of a new amp, and these two really have my attention right now. My favorite amp tones are that of old Fenders and old Vox AC30TB's.
First, I've played the valvetronix (both models) 3 or 4 times now, and like the sound (especially the AC30 TB emulation), but I am a little concerned about its reliability - I've heard some very mixed reports on this..its hard to tell if its BS or not. I do play out from time to time, and I need something somewhat reliable. Also, it seems finding someone to fix these things is a major task. On the other hand, many people don't seem to report any problems, and having the headphone & line-out setup is a real advantage for my PC based home studio and late night practice sessions. I've heard that the valvetronix sounds even better through the headphones and line outs than through its speakers, and that you still hear the actual power tube distortion.
As for the hellhound, I haven't yet heard it, but I've heard nothing but glowing reports concerning its tone (didn't Bill Lawrence like it too - if so, that says much) AND reliability/quality...I have also heard that it can do a very good approximation of an old AC30, as well as a blackface Deluxe - this really means something to me. And if the AC30-like tone is as good as the valvetronix, this would probably sway me in favor of the HH, even though it lacks the headphone & line outs. Being an all tube amp that is easily serviceable has its advantages, and lastly, I live not too far away from Reverend, which would make things nice and easy if I did have problems.
Well that's about it. Thoughts? Has anyone here A/B'd these 2 amps? Any opinions, experience or advice is welcome!
First, I've played the valvetronix (both models) 3 or 4 times now, and like the sound (especially the AC30 TB emulation), but I am a little concerned about its reliability - I've heard some very mixed reports on this..its hard to tell if its BS or not. I do play out from time to time, and I need something somewhat reliable. Also, it seems finding someone to fix these things is a major task. On the other hand, many people don't seem to report any problems, and having the headphone & line-out setup is a real advantage for my PC based home studio and late night practice sessions. I've heard that the valvetronix sounds even better through the headphones and line outs than through its speakers, and that you still hear the actual power tube distortion.
As for the hellhound, I haven't yet heard it, but I've heard nothing but glowing reports concerning its tone (didn't Bill Lawrence like it too - if so, that says much) AND reliability/quality...I have also heard that it can do a very good approximation of an old AC30, as well as a blackface Deluxe - this really means something to me. And if the AC30-like tone is as good as the valvetronix, this would probably sway me in favor of the HH, even though it lacks the headphone & line outs. Being an all tube amp that is easily serviceable has its advantages, and lastly, I live not too far away from Reverend, which would make things nice and easy if I did have problems.
Well that's about it. Thoughts? Has anyone here A/B'd these 2 amps? Any opinions, experience or advice is welcome!
