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Audiofanzine FR
Published on 12/15/08 at 07:47
(Originally written by Pucelle_Dabidjan/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
I recently tested this amp head and I must say I was a bit afraid before plugging my guitar into it. I hated it before I even started to play it!! IMHO, no other amp head symbolizes better the current "branding effect" and the "anti-rock" attitude. With its abusive price it has to sound extraordinary otherwise I'll give it the lowest mark.
It has only 2.5 channels which is usually enough on a normal amp head but not on a head with this price tag. The VHT must offer much more to seduce me. However, it has interesting voicing options that work very good and really add something to the sound. The FX loop has enough settings to handle every kind of signal. The version I tested has a bypassable graphic EQ. I don't know if the head has MIDI implementation.
To be honest, I didn't pay attention to the rear panel until after a while. But I quickly returned to the front panel.
The finish is perfect although I find it a bit too sober. Diamond knobs on a gold panel might have justified the price...
(8) It provides everything and everything is ok, but it lacks more channels and a much better finish.
UTILIZATION
That's the problem. As I already mentioned, it's possible to get lots of sounds but you only have 2.5 channels and an excessive number of voicing switches which only make everything more complicated. Moreover, the graphic EQ is so effective that it changes the sound radically, making settings even harder. Even if every setting sounds good right away, you'll get a headache if you want to control all options.
A very positive point is its good response even at low output volumes. The sound remains well-balanced at very low and very high master level settings. A switch on the front panel allows you to reduce the output volume without sound quality loss. It's ideal for a rehearsal studio for example.
(8) Nothing revolutionary even though you get a good tone almost immediately, but you'll still need quite some time to learn how to control it.
SOUNDS
Very heavy sound...
The overall sound is faithful to the amp's reputation. The clean channel can sound very clean, very clinical. On the other hand, it can also sound too brilliant like an old Marshall.
The secret weapon is the graphic EQ that can transform the head into a hot rod vintage amp or a big modern beast. I had lots of fun with rock and classic rock songs. The sound has a British touch to it but with more definition in the low-end and cutting highs. The signal has more rage, it's more vicious. But it's also possible to get moderate sounds. Change the EQ settings a bit and you'll get a much chubbier and warmer tone like with an old tube amp head. Twisting it once more you get a modern, compact, sharp and clean sound again. Very surprising. I didn't have a low-gain guitar at hand otherwise I would have tested the amp for Brit pop or ballads. But I'm pretty sure you could find a setting that works well with those styles.
I cannot detail every voicing, my review would be too long. I just want to add that the boost really earns its name! And the bright switch adds some overall brilliance. With the normal/high gain setting you can switch between a classic and a not-so-politically-correct sound. And you can also select a rhythm or lead option for the second channel (this function can be controlled via footswitch).
(10) Awesome, I don't usually like an amp so much. The sound versatility in clean and crunch modes is amazing.
OVERALL OPINION
I don't use it and probably never will (unless I find it secondhand). The European price is much too high. Even if its sound quality is undeniable.
(3) If you're looking for sound perfection, this amp will help you come closer to your goal. But for normal people, I find this amp is way too expensive.
I recently tested this amp head and I must say I was a bit afraid before plugging my guitar into it. I hated it before I even started to play it!! IMHO, no other amp head symbolizes better the current "branding effect" and the "anti-rock" attitude. With its abusive price it has to sound extraordinary otherwise I'll give it the lowest mark.
It has only 2.5 channels which is usually enough on a normal amp head but not on a head with this price tag. The VHT must offer much more to seduce me. However, it has interesting voicing options that work very good and really add something to the sound. The FX loop has enough settings to handle every kind of signal. The version I tested has a bypassable graphic EQ. I don't know if the head has MIDI implementation.
To be honest, I didn't pay attention to the rear panel until after a while. But I quickly returned to the front panel.
The finish is perfect although I find it a bit too sober. Diamond knobs on a gold panel might have justified the price...
(8) It provides everything and everything is ok, but it lacks more channels and a much better finish.
UTILIZATION
That's the problem. As I already mentioned, it's possible to get lots of sounds but you only have 2.5 channels and an excessive number of voicing switches which only make everything more complicated. Moreover, the graphic EQ is so effective that it changes the sound radically, making settings even harder. Even if every setting sounds good right away, you'll get a headache if you want to control all options.
A very positive point is its good response even at low output volumes. The sound remains well-balanced at very low and very high master level settings. A switch on the front panel allows you to reduce the output volume without sound quality loss. It's ideal for a rehearsal studio for example.
(8) Nothing revolutionary even though you get a good tone almost immediately, but you'll still need quite some time to learn how to control it.
SOUNDS
Very heavy sound...
The overall sound is faithful to the amp's reputation. The clean channel can sound very clean, very clinical. On the other hand, it can also sound too brilliant like an old Marshall.
The secret weapon is the graphic EQ that can transform the head into a hot rod vintage amp or a big modern beast. I had lots of fun with rock and classic rock songs. The sound has a British touch to it but with more definition in the low-end and cutting highs. The signal has more rage, it's more vicious. But it's also possible to get moderate sounds. Change the EQ settings a bit and you'll get a much chubbier and warmer tone like with an old tube amp head. Twisting it once more you get a modern, compact, sharp and clean sound again. Very surprising. I didn't have a low-gain guitar at hand otherwise I would have tested the amp for Brit pop or ballads. But I'm pretty sure you could find a setting that works well with those styles.
I cannot detail every voicing, my review would be too long. I just want to add that the boost really earns its name! And the bright switch adds some overall brilliance. With the normal/high gain setting you can switch between a classic and a not-so-politically-correct sound. And you can also select a rhythm or lead option for the second channel (this function can be controlled via footswitch).
(10) Awesome, I don't usually like an amp so much. The sound versatility in clean and crunch modes is amazing.
OVERALL OPINION
I don't use it and probably never will (unless I find it secondhand). The European price is much too high. Even if its sound quality is undeniable.
(3) If you're looking for sound perfection, this amp will help you come closer to your goal. But for normal people, I find this amp is way too expensive.