Best Amp Ever?

[django49]

I have had this amp for a while. I really like what Andy has done. Great improvements over the original ODS make it very versatile. Way overkill for little old me!

I have made no secret about my like for the D type amps....

Anyway, it looks like my downsizing is accelerating a bit. I have a buyer and expect the sale will be completed quickly. If one has an interest in these, worth checking out. As you would expect, not exactly cheap. To say the least!  But you can certainly spend more for amps in this range!

Pictured here with a Feiten/Fuchs design ultra light 2 x 12 and Atlas tilt back set.

[The Shark]

This amp, in my estimation, addresses all the operational shortcomings of the typical "D" style amp.  Really cool.  But I think two Ethos pedals in tandem might get close for a little less money.  😎

[django49]

2 hours ago, The Shark said:

This amp, in my estimation, addresses all the operational shortcomings of the typical "D" style amp.  Really cool.  But I think two Ethos pedals in tandem might get close for a little less money.  😎

Make that a LOT less money! And you could get even more if your two pedals were the new Clean Fusion Deluxe. Just add a power amp. Or get the CFD AMP version. You are right......I have gotten great traction with the original Ethos into a Mesa Blue Angel for many gigs in the past. But when you need TOOBS.......😉

Yes it does offer up a bit more than the ODS, which is more of a 1 1/2 channel amp (not completely different than an original Mesa Mark Series, where the cascading gain comes on top of the "clean" tone). Having separate tone stacks opens up the switching, and more so with the two buttons for bumping mids and gain on each channel. 

[tbonesullivan]

9 hours ago, django49 said:

Make that a LOT less money! And you could get even more if your two pedals were the new Clean Fusion Deluxe. Just add a power amp. Or get the CFD AMP version. You are right......I have gotten great traction with the original Ethos into a Mesa Blue Angel for many gigs in the past. But when you need TOOBS.......😉

Yes it does offer up a bit more than the ODS, which is more of a 1 1/2 channel amp (not completely different than an original Mesa Mark Series, where the cascading gain comes on top of the "clean" tone). Having separate tone stacks opens up the switching, and more so with the two buttons for bumping mids and gain on each channel. 

I still keep thinking about picking up an ODS classic. The ODS II is a fantastic amp as well, but as I'm a "D-style" newbie, it seems better to go that way. They also are a lot more economically priced than the D-style amps from Amplified Nation, Two Rock, and others. I mean I could always snag an overtone special from ceriatone, but even they aren't cheap. I'd rather also get a Jersey amp. I just need to stay off reverb.

Also gotta worry about whether my favorite cabinets will work well with it.

I didn't stay off reverb. This is TEMPTING as hell. https://reverb.com/item/101268193-fuchs-tripledrive-supreme-blonde-made-in-usa-50-watt-d-style-ods-tds-tube-amplifier-head-w-original-footswitch

Edited Wednesday at 02:23 PM by tbonesullivan

[django49]

26 minutes ago, tbonesullivan said:

I still keep thinking about picking up an ODS classic. The ODS II is a fantastic amp as well, but as I'm a "D-style" newbie, it seems better to go that way. They also are a lot more economically priced than the D-style amps from Amplified Nation, Two Rock, and others. I mean I could always snag an overtone special from ceriatone, but even they aren't cheap. I'd rather also get a Jersey amp. I just need to stay off reverb.

Also gotta worry about whether my favorite cabinets will work well with it.

I didn't stay off reverb. This is TEMPTING as hell. https://reverb.com/item/101268193-fuchs-tripledrive-supreme-blonde-made-in-usa-50-watt-d-style-ods-tds-tube-amplifier-head-w-original-footswitch

Even Andy's newer ODH is good.....The full ODS tube preamp with a solid state power amp. In a very light and portable unit.

If you name your favorite cabs, I MIGHT be able to comment. I have tried the D types with may different cabinet styles and speakers.

[tbonesullivan]

40 minutes ago, django49 said:

Even Andy's newer ODH is good.....The full ODS tube preamp with a solid state power amp. In a very light and portable unit.

If you name your favorite cabs, I MIGHT be able to comment. I have tried the D types with may different cabinet styles and speakers.

My main squeeze now is an Avatar closed back 2x12 with Fane Avatar M65 speakers in it. I also have an open back 2x12 with Eminence Texas Heat speakers, as well as another with an Eminence Black Powder and Blue Tick hound.

I am seriously tempted by the Hybrid as well, but part of me is still a tube snob. I also tend to favor real spring reverb. I know the Digiverb on the current ODS is excellent, and have some amps with it, but man I love springs.

Edited Wednesday at 03:29 PM by tbonesullivan

[django49]

Andy uses a variety of speakers, often in a D style semi open back. But obviously closed backs as well. Sometimes EVMs, often varieties of Eminence (I think). I believe his later ODH (rated at up to 300 watts at 4 ohms) has used the Copperback neo (rated at 250W). Sorta like the EVM in terms of power handling and "transparent" (no speaker distortion) at much lower weight. Not as "warm" to my ears as my favorite speaker, but not a bad choice either.

I did have a Vumble cab, with oval cutout on the back. Celestion CL80 speaker. Sold the cab, but built a replica. I think that is a good choice. But.....

My favorites have been the Forte 3D style.....Best of open and closed back tones in a small package. To my taste at least. Sounds huge. A 1 x 12 with an Alnico Blue is great. The same with an EVM is good too. Stack the pair and I think it is even better. Of course, you then have $600 just in the raw speakers......Building the cabs myself certainly helps. 😉

Going with ceramic speakers can help reduce the cost! And if your playing is more into the heavy metal realm, maybe the better choice anyway. I would def try the cabs you already have before experiment further. I doubt you will be unhappy.

For me, I can get from nice clean(ish) tones to bluesy to fully saturated. Think nice arpeggios behind a singer to classic rock to "Santana" but those great Gary Moore tones are in there too. 

A worthy pursuit!

[tbonesullivan]

22 hours ago, django49 said:

Andy uses a variety of speakers, often in a D style semi open back. But obviously closed backs as well. Sometimes EVMs, often varieties of Eminence (I think). I believe his later ODH (rated at up to 300 watts at 4 ohms) has used the Copperback neo (rated at 250W). Sorta like the EVM in terms of power handling and "transparent" (no speaker distortion) at much lower weight. Not as "warm" to my ears as my favorite speaker, but not a bad choice either.

I do have a 2x12 with two Texas Heat speakers in it, which handle 150 watts each, and it's an 8 ohm cab, so it would only get 150 Watts anyway. I wonder how they would play with it. First I need to sell off like 4 amps though. I have no room for more amps OOPS.