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Hughes & Kettner TriAmp
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Hughes & Kettner TriAmp
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vince_lebowski vince_lebowski
Published on 12/27/07 at 07:53
100W amp "all light" (1997)
respecting the factory configuration
preamp:
4x E83CC Highgrade
5x ECC83
amplification:
4x 6L6 Tung-Sol "coke bottle"

Send / Return (+ /-10dB)
HP 1x4 2x8 1x8 outputs 2x16 1x16 ohms (the 1x16Ohm works perfectly well on my head from 1997)
Output DI out with integrated Red Box
Send / Return for the reverb (RCA)
Preamp OUT / IN Amp
Accutronics Spring Reverb (attached to the back cover, adjustable rear)

3-band EQ, 2 and 1 master gain for each amp
A Master General, Presence, potentiometer SEND / RETURN (WET / DRY)

A bright switch for the front and Amp1 Amp2

ability to switch the head with midi module HUGHES & KETTNER MSM-1 (optional)

UTILIZATION

Very simple configuration like other amps.
This amp sounds great in the first test but the multitude of sounds requires a lot of investment and time to find the sound that really suits you.
Attention to the noise level of 3 amps, which requires uniformity not to shock when moving from one channel to another.
The manual is very simple and comprehensive (not necessary when using this amp head).

SOUNDS

The head should I think of all styles, especially for those who love the high gain rock sounds and they are vintage or modern ...
I use it on a firm H & K 412 Triamp equipped 25W Greenbacks (original).
I play it with an Epiphone Joe Perry Boneyard Signature or relics Washburn N4 Nuno Bettencourt Signature and N2.
Sounds obtained with the head can be very varied. With six channels (with a gain per channel), versatility is the appointment.
A bright switch on the front allows you to add the first 2 amps to slamming (4 channels) if necessary ...

The sound is very clear lens 1A. This sound is very rich in harmonics and very slamming into Arpeggio. It is similar to Mesa Boogie Lonestar with a little less brightness (it tends to saturate slightly when the gain goes up very high and we played very nervously, but that&#39;s not what a research clear channel in general).
The clean / crunch 1B is very rich in low, near the head Vox. When this channel is cruncher pushing the gain of the preamp, the sound got very hot.
The channel 2A is a winning pattern vintage typed. The overdrive sound is close to that time was Marshall Plexi&#39;s. The sound is very sharp and corresponds perfectly to the styles of rock 60&#39;s / 70&#39;s.
Channel 2B is (in my opinion) the best of this amp. Its grain is very rich and best reflects the 6L6. The saturation is very cut and enormously rich in frequency, type MarkIV Mesa Boogie. The presence of this channel sound is truly magical. Just for that channel, I would acquire the head without hesitation ...
Channel 3A sounds pretty modern rock. I prefer to use it with less gain and keep the attack rather than to push high into overdrive very surly (the 3B can handle it very well). This channel is also a marvel. The 6L6 giving it a slightly different basis crunch Triamp heads equipped with EL34.
Channel 3B is very powerful, well recommended for those looking for a hi-gain type VHT, Soldano, Bogner, Diezel or Mesa Boogie, but with a character in the head ... It lacks very slightly low for my taste on the original cabinet, which I would prefer a cabinet-type wide body (higher than the standard 412).

OVERALL OPINION

I use this amp head for over 6 months.
Most are its versatility, power and sound really exceptional to me.
The least are the weight of the head (over 25 kg!), The output OUT DI is too high and average quality compared to Triamp MkII, the knob reverb that is in the back.
Provide adequate funds to pay for changing the lamps 13 (but we get something for nothing).
The sound is close to all other major brands but is specific to H & K. He brings a unique sound compared to everything that competition.

I bought this head for playing in stereo with a Triamp MkII. It covers a range of sound (with a grain due to this very 6L6) I do not have the MkII equipped with EL34 (which has a more powerful and richer but more going across the MkI). Small addition, the original speaker can play with two heads simultaneously on the same baffle.

The reverb is very good, if not to put too much not to distort the saturation of high quality.

This amp is hard to play, does not forgive mistakes. Very rich in harmonics, it excels in sound muffled, but it requires a small adjustment at first. The sound is very rugged and unforgiving about the same very high gain.
For those seeking a sound very heavy, lean more toward the MkII which was built for that. Budget buy or occasion is hardly the same, however.
I would buy this head without any hesitation.
Attention to the choice of lamps preamp and amplifier that are crucial in the resulting sound ...