I'm really digging the tones coming out of these new VHT Special 6 Combo amplifiers. These handwired, all-tube amps are driven by a single 12AX7 preamp tube and a single 6V6 power tube for a power-rating of 6 watts.
The 6V6 tube imparts typical Class A tones -- you can almost hear the 'ping' of the glass on the tubes. 6V6s are also a popular choice in the stereo audiophile industry, favored for their clarity and transparency.
A single-channel amp with simple Volume and Tone controls, the addition of a footswitchable Gain Boost feature on the Special 6 gives it the flexibility of a two-channel amp. Judging from this clip, the transition from Clean to Boost modes (at 0:20) are pretty smooth with no overly dramatic volume jumps. Notably, Boost mode retains the rich-harmonics and glassy overtones of the amp in Clean mode!
With a 'Minimum Advertised Priced' of US$199.99 for the Special 6 Combo and US$179.99 for the Special 6 head version, and considering the up-market boutique tones they are capable of delivering, these amps are amazingly great value!
Friday, December 4, 2009
VHT Special 6 Amplifiers
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Saw and heard them at NAMM. This YouTube doesn't do them justice. They sound even better in the head / 12" cab config. The Combo and the head have external cab jacks for 4, 8, & 16 ohm cabs. They are a sweet deal. Also switchable to 3 watts!
ReplyDeleteI'm eager to check them out myself -- still waiting on my local VHT dealer to get them in.
ReplyDeleteThey are due in the US around the end of February.
ReplyDeleteFryette sold the VHT name only to AXL. The original VHT amps are now sold under the Fryette name. The new VHT Spec 6 looks like fun though. I will definitely buy one when they become available.
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of guitar(s) and which pickups were used for the demo?
ReplyDelete