recommendations for next amp build

[fish22]

hey everyone, I'm mostly a lurker around here, but I love this forum and its wealth of knowledge.

I just finished up a Rocket for a buddy and I've got the itch to do another build for myself, but I can't nail down what to build.
My main amp is an AC15 normal channel style amp (Morgan AC20), so I would like something a little meaner sounding to maybe compliment that amp.

I'd like to stay around 18watts, pair of EL84s, small format, less features the better.
A couple of amp friends keep pointing me towards the 18 watt lite.

If I have any amp gas right now, its for a Suhr Badger 18, but that seems like its own beast. Also a TopHat Club Royale, but Im not sure what its based on.

So having said all that I think I want to stay in this realm:
-18watts
-EL84s
-pretty simple (no effects, maybe no tone stack)
-small format (not a full sized marshall chassis)
-something with some grit before '10' on the volume dial
-probably just volume and tone, maybe master or VVR

Maybe tweak an 18watt lite to be dirtier?
Any suggestions?

Thanks!
Wyatt

[xtian]

I have built four or five 18 watt variations, some with master vol, and have been thrilled by exactly zero of them. They want to be played loud to sound good.

I have built the same number of 1987 "plexi" amps with master vols, and have loved every one. Awesome for loud AND quiet rocking at home.

Maybe you can have some success with a plexi preamp married to an EL84 power section, but I say, don't be afraid of a 50 watt build with a PPIMV master.

[BLT]

I know you want to stick with EL84 world, which is where I usually dwell, but for my next guitar amp project I'm going to attempt a one channel version of the Gibson GA-40. Two 6v6's rated somewhere around 18W. I'm going with the tremelo channel on this one. I really enjoy the sound of the 5879.

[menger66]

Marshall 20watt 2061,

[Structo]

If I was to build one I would go with the 1987 Plexi.

[Smokebreak]

Why EL84?
6V6 plexi is great.

[JoshBernstein]

+1 on the marshall 2061x. Absolutely wonderful, if you dont have a problem with a solid state rectifier. I like it more than any 18 watter i've ever played/heard.

[Smokebreak]

+1 on the marshall 2061x. Absolutely wonderful, if you dont have a problem with a solid state rectifier. I like it more than any 18 watter i've ever played/heard.

Here it is for reference -

[M Fowler]

The Matchless Spitfire is a great amp it just plain Rocks. All you need is 3 knobs Volume, Tone, and Master Volume from clean to mean. 18w with pair of EL84's.

I've also built the Lite IIB and 2061 Marshalls both are good amps but the Spitfire can get meaner.

My 18w combo 1-12" Marshall JCM800 sounds killer too.

Just some ideas.

Mark

[fish22]

Thanks guys!

You've given me ideas for the next few amps!

[rp]

Get away from 2XEL84s you might find they are not as fab as you think they are - so yes, 6V6s for ~20W, or go EL34 or 6L6 for more power. Or else stick w/ 4xEL84s. IMLE (in my limited experience) it seems the less power you have the simpler should be the tone stack. 6-10W no tone, 15-20W just tone, 25-50W BMT. This is all my personal tastes, EMWV (everyone's mileage will vary).

Build a JTM45 w/~370-400V, it's not as loud as you think w/ some greenbacks, and you can use 6V6s. Maybe the best straight-in circuit ever.

[Phil_S]

Build a JTM45 w/~370-400V, it's not as loud as you think w/ some greenbacks, and you can use 6V6s. Maybe the best straight-in circuit ever.

With all respect that opinions differ, I built one with EL34's some years ago. It is built with transformers from an Arkay amplifier that ran EL34's. It is best sounding amp I've built. However, I disagree on loudness. This one shakes the windows in my house! Maybe with 6V6's, you cut the wattage about in half. Considering you need to go from 40W to 4W to cut the volume in half, I think it is still going to be plenty loud. I should try some 6V6's in mine, but that would necessitate some hocus pocus with the output transformer (for impedance; it offers 4-8-16 ohms) and I've got to check the socket wiring, too. Still, JTM-45 in whatever configuration is a good choice.

[Colossal]

6V6 Plexi will shake the windows with a 2x12 or 4 x12. It has a clear voice with a distinct bark. Decidely Marshall, but still its own thing. Killer amp. EL84s shimmer with the most glorious transition to overdrive. They do like to be loud, but doesn't everything.

I agree with RP's comments: less power, keep the tone circuit to a minimum. Less is always more. I like the 18W Lite IIb circuit; very dynamic. Depends on what you are after. An 18W power section mated to a Plexi front end is great too.

[stretch2011]

I am not trying to hi jack a thread, but merely offer a thought with some hopeful feedback.

1987 pre-amp
2 6v6 power section (think 380-400v deluxe)
solid state rectification
1 Tone knob instead of TMB. Maybe a tweed Princeton or matchless spitfire.

Edit: 1 input with the 1st stage paralleled.

[Firestorm]

As long as we're hijacking I am increasingly fond of a parallel SE with two EL34s into about 2K5. Preamp can have tone controls or not and as long as you have more than two triodes in the pre you can have as much preamp distortion as you want. Kind of Plexi sounding, but only 25W theoretical max. Just a thought.