Review: VHT SIG:X Series 100W Tube Guitar Amp Head (Black) |
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April 14th, 2008 | Amplifier |
Ahh, how I love a nice brand new 100 Watt all-tube head!
Enter the VHT SIG: X Series 100W Tube Head. This thing retails for about $2000 bucks and in my opinion is worth every penny. Check out the official specs below.
The amount of respect that VHT is garnishing around the industry is growing and growing each day. This is definately not a guitar head that you will see at every single live show. That is what I truly like about the VHT SIG:X Series, it stands alone as a pretty incredible amp. (review continued below...)
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I would say in terms of features and power, this amp is most similar to that of the Marshall JCM 2000 TSL series. You do get three distinct channels as well with the VHT (Lead, Rhythm, and Clean) and provides a good level of customization with each channel. I think I am most impressed with the lead channel, where extremely saturated and long lasting sustain jumps out of this amplifier. I was using a Marshall 1960's A cab with Celestian speakers for this demo.
My only disappointment (and it's not a deal breaker) was a lack of dedicated reverb built into this head (like the JCM 2000 series). While I am not a huge fan of spring reverb anyhow, it would have still been a welcome addition, in my opinion.
All in all, a rock solid head that has enough power and flexibility to kill a small moose.
VHT SIG:X Series 100W Tube Guitar Amp Head Specifications:
Output power: 100 Watts RMS max. 40 Watts RMS, low power mode.
Size: 29-1/4W X 9H X 10-1/2D
Weight: 53 pounds
Tube compliment:
1 X 12AX7 Tung Sol
5 X 12AX7A - Shuguang
2 X KT88 Sovtek Premium Matched
1 X 5U4G EH
VHT SIG:X Series 100W Tube Guitar Amp Head Features:
Three independent channels with separate tone controls.
Three-Position PRE EQ VOICING switch for each channel allowing custom tailored tone shaping.
Exclusive VHT GAIN I/GAIN II Voicing and Overdrive configuration with channel assignable, footswitchable or manual (front panel) gain boost.
MORE/LESS MODE (Gain Stacking) for each High-Gain channel to select 3 or 4 Tube Gain stages on selected channel (channel assignable as on CL/UL models).
POWER SHIFT feature, a single mini toggle switch on each channel enables channel assignable Tube/SS Rectifier and 100W/40W output power selection (operates like ENHANCE MODE on Fifty/CL/ST).
Patented DYNAMIC SENSING feature (introduced in the GP3 pre) tracks string attack/decay to optimize sustain and note detail.
Two dedicated sets of Depth and Presence controls, one set for the Clean channel and one set for the LEAD and RHYTHM channels. Each set of Depth and Presence controls are voiced for their specific channels.
Footswitchable True-Bypass, Series/Parallel Effects Loop with level controls. Suitable for using the loop as a volume boost.
Smart Foot-controller selects LEAD, RHYTHM, CLEAN, BOOST and EFFECTS. Recalls previously selected combination of channel and boost/loop. Footswitch Boost and Effects functions can then used for gain boost (BOOST) or volume boost (EFFECTS) or both. Very cool with the recall feature.
One 16 ohm output jack is provided for connection to a 16 ohm cabinet. Two additional parallel jacks with a two position 8/4 ohm selector switch are provided.
A fixed level line out jack is also provided for direct recording or slaving.
