I want a Science Amplifier

[harpies]

So general poll/question for anyone who's interested in these amps or owns one: what are your thoughts on 50W vs 100W? It's 100 bucks, so not exactly a huge difference in price...

I figure tighter low end on the 100W, but how strong would that difference be? I won't be playing super loud in a band context, probably more like medium volume, occasionally "normal" loud.

50W could be better because it's A) a little lighter and B) cheaper for a duet of tubes than a quartet, and generally easier to swap out two tubes instead of four.

I guess my main concern is the sound — if I get a 50, I don't want to later wish I got a 100. It's not a loudness issue, more just quality of toanz. Thoughts?

EDIT and I'm asking re: Street Sweeper.

Maybe ask if the 100 can be run with two tubes at half power? It would certainly be worth getting the 100 if it can, just for the added versatility. I'm really surprised w the revamp that he didn't do power scaling or switchable power options. Those are becoming pretty common and desireable options.

[popvulture]

I emailed him a couple weeks ago about this and he seemed to think that based on what I've been using lately, 50W would be fine.

Main amp for years: Matchless Chieftain. 40W, gets nice and loud, and I usually have it pretty clean, just on the verge of breakup.
Recently also got a Marshall JMP 50W MV, which is way louder than I'd ever need in terms of just sheer volume. I'm selling it because I just prefer a less midrangey amp, and find it generally too harsh, even after I cut the bright cap.

I think I'm gonna just go 50... I'm not looking for some fiercely tight sound. The stuff I play isn't remotely doomy or post-rocky, basically more indie rock type stuff that occasionally gets delay/mod/verb slathered on — I'm mainly interested in the SS because I love 6L6s and am way into the dual verb idea.

[Science Amps]

Hey Everyone,

Just wanted to say suuuuup to ILF. I can't believe how patient everyone was with me for the revamp. If you guys have any questions, I will be checking to this thread. Like for example, with the 50W, 100W, 200W vs. switchable... The design idea with that is that half-power switches don't, in fact, reduce the power in the same way as using different transformers and less power tubes in parallel. The tone is just not the same. There is often an impedance mismatch, voltages shift, etc. It's not apples to apples. It was another way to simplify the amps, and the master volume circuits I use are simpler and work more transparently than all the power scaling circuits I've tried (and the Shiv used to have one). Hope that helps. Thanks again, all.

[Iommic Pope]

This is rad.
And my only question is whether or not 100w kt88s will still be an option?
Website says 200s, so I wasn't sure if you were getting specific transformers just for them or if the ones you've got for 100w are still suitable.

[popvulture]

^^^ I was curious about this as well.

[mathias]

I think I'm gonna just go 50... I'm not looking for some fiercely tight sound. The stuff I play isn't remotely doomy or post-rocky, basically more indie rock type stuff that occasionally gets delay/mod/verb slathered on — I'm mainly interested in the SS because I love 6L6s and am way into the dual verb idea.

[waltdogg]

used my hundee watt hellhawk at practice today. didn't go past 10 o'clock on the loudness knob. i do use a cab with some nice old v30s from the 90s in it though...

[Science Amps]

This is rad.
And my only question is whether or not 100w kt88s will still be an option?
Website says 200s, so I wasn't sure if you were getting specific transformers just for them or if the ones you've got for 100w are still suitable.

Good question. No, just 6L6 and EL34 types. Technically the power transformers can still handle the 88's, but I'm not sure the bias control has enough range for them (I haven't even checked). The reason for the change is while KT88's can be run in a typical 100W power amp (if the power transformer can handle the extra current), doesn't mean it's the best place for them. It's really a waste of $$$ in a 100W because you aren't using the KT88's to their full potential (200W+), and they were never intended to be run that way. They are actually more reliable at 200W because the screen grid element is being run at 2/3 the plate voltage, and the KT88's have no problem being run with a v high plate voltage (they actually live for it). It was easy enough to design the amps to use them, but I cried a little inside every time someone paid extra for them. I know the big glass is alluring, but they really don't sound any different than a 6L6 when run similarly. And if they do, it's because of the primary impedance mismatch. You don't get more bass or highs or headroom. I have done lots of A/B tests on a scope and blind tests by ear. No one has been able to tell Anyhow, kind of a long rant, however I just want really explain all my choices with the new line up. Hope that helps!

Alex

[Iommic Pope]

Wow, dude, thanks.
That actually cleared up a lot of misconceptions I had about those power sections.

[sergiomunoz74]

My body is so ready, I can't wait to get a quote and stuff, This is really summer of spending but I got a new better job so it's definitely worth it but aside from all this cool synth stuff and all this awesome guitar shit. Ahhhhhh.

[waltdogg]

so glad someome finally stepped up about the honest truth of kt88s. thanks alex.

[Nateispro]

Im so excited for the Mark II lineup. I sold my Decolonizer already and am just waiting for the lineup now. 50 watt EL34 hellhawk here I come!!! Im super excited for the 24 inch headbox size, itll finally fit on my tall boy 4x12 thats only 25.5 wide

[waltdogg]

hellhawk or die.

[popvulture]

I just realized today that the cabs in a lot of his pics are 212s diagonally oriented in a square cab. I was like "I thought the new heads were narrower—why are the cabs the same width as th...oh WAIT." Pretty rad. Now I want one of those too, for fuck's sake.

[waltdogg]

oversized 2x12 or die as well.