I own a fair few amps, played a lot and still want a few! I have always gone straight to valve (tube) because of 'that' sound and pedigree. When this amp popped up and I noticed it was EU made (the first plus), I searched a few demos and liked what I heard. Being 'hybrid' is no bad thing at all it turns out, this is the second plus!
Mcintosh audio equipment as an example have an array of hybrid amplifiers (of which I happen to own) and you really do get the best of both worlds. You get the tube preamp section and then the solid state power amp section, cutting a long story short - warm, fuzzy, gooey tube sound + solid state pure power and push - this is exactly what this amp does.
Cleans sing, boosted gains crunch but the real win is somewhere in between - a single coil pickup, the gain un-boosted at about 12 o clock = wow! Build is perfect, colour is gorgeous, its really really good fun. Don't get me wrong, purists will hear at certain gain settings the hybrid nature but for the most part - its 'that' sound that everyone wants. Its got PLENTY of volume for any setting I would say.. I use the dimmer and an attenuator but this thing can shout if you need it to.
One final note; no complaints but it is quite sizeable in a world of lunchbox amps - again no hardship, just a surprise when the box came! A great amp, great sound and a lovely addition to any setup. Thanks to Thomann for swift, safe/ efficient delivery and great service.
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