Been wanting to try one of these power amps for a while. This thing is small and sounds great. I mean I could literally bring this, a Synergy SYN-1 and a couple of pedals in a backpack for an all tube good time.
First thing I did was hook up my SYN-1 to the PA50 with two 4x12's. Awesome! I did notice that I had to bring up the high end on the module about 15% to get the same tone as I was used to running it 4CM in my VTM. Next I hooked up my AMT M1 preamp pedal. Wow! Great Marshall tones. Next up was my LY-Rock Ceres preamp clone. I feel a bit guilty for having it. But I have owned an actual Ceres preamp a couple of times and I know they sound nearly identical to me. Match made in heaven with these two. Something I've known for a long time and was just reminded of is that to me, a SS preamp into a tube power amp sounds worlds better than a tube preamp into a SS power section. Not that I haven't got really good results with a SS power amp, but to me it just doesn't compare.
So I've been on a buying spree a little bit with the Synergy stuff and this power amp. Now I have too much stuff again. Gonna sell the SLO module and my Dark Terror to start. I kinda feel like I should always have a tube power amp on hand. The Synergy stuff is pretty fucking killer so I'm hesitant to sell that even though I set it up to sound nearly identical to my VTM. I'll have some fun with all of it for a bit before I decide.
"You are playing truck stop level, shit boxes through one of the best amps on the planet, with no fucks given."
Cool! I've been curious about these, but I haven't had the best tonal experiences with KSR gear. How's the low end on it? I struggled to get the low end I wanted out of my Orthos, so I kinda wonder if that translates over to this power amp, too. I've been looking at Power Stations all day for my SYN-1 haha.
bubbastain wrote:Been wanting to try one of these power amps for a while. This thing is small and sounds great. I mean I could literally bring this, a Synergy SYN-1 and a couple of pedals in a backpack for an all tube good time.
First thing I did was hook up my SYN-1 to the PA50 with two 4x12's. Awesome! I did notice that I had to bring up the high end on the module about 15% to get the same tone as I was used to running it 4CM in my VTM. Next I hooked up my AMT M1 preamp pedal. Wow! Great Marshall tones. Next up was my LY-Rock Ceres preamp clone. I feel a bit guilty for having it. But I have owned an actual Ceres preamp a couple of times and I know they sound nearly identical to me. Match made in heaven with these two. Something I've known for a long time and was just reminded of is that to me, a SS preamp into a tube power amp sounds worlds better than a tube preamp into a SS power section. Not that I haven't got really good results with a SS power amp, but to me it just doesn't compare.
So I've been on a buying spree a little bit with the Synergy stuff and this power amp. Now I have too much stuff again. Gonna sell the SLO module and my Dark Terror to start. I kinda feel like I should always have a tube power amp on hand. The Synergy stuff is pretty fucking killer so I'm hesitant to sell that even though I set it up to sound nearly identical to my VTM. I'll have some fun with all of it for a bit before I decide.
Those look very cool, I just wish they made a stereo rack version. For me, the whole point in a rig like this is have it in stereo.
NinjaRaf wrote:Cool! I've been curious about these, but I haven't had the best tonal experiences with KSR gear. How's the low end on it? I struggled to get the low end I wanted out of my Orthos, so I kinda wonder if that translates over to this power amp, too. I've been looking at Power Stations all day for my SYN-1 haha.
I did it backwards.... I got a 4xKT88 poweramp, now I just need to actually order the Syn 2 and modules, lol.
With the top and low controls it has more low end than I need for sure. I have the Bottom knob just below noon.
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Those look very cool, I just wish they made a stereo rack version. For me, the whole point in a rig like this is have it in stereo.
What module do you like over the SLO?[/quote]
I like the Deliverance module a little more. Both are really good though. I run the gain knob ridiculously low on the SLO module. 9 o'clock on the green which is my main tone and about 11 o'clock on the red. I think it would be super cool if Kyle made a stereo rack power amp.
"You are playing truck stop level, shit boxes through one of the best amps on the planet, with no fucks given."
NinjaRaf wrote:Cool! I've been curious about these, but I haven't had the best tonal experiences with KSR gear. How's the low end on it? I struggled to get the low end I wanted out of my Orthos, so I kinda wonder if that translates over to this power amp, too. I've been looking at Power Stations all day for my SYN-1 haha.
I did it backwards.... I got a 4xKT88 poweramp, now I just need to actually order the Syn 2 and modules, lol.
Which power amp did you get? That sounds beastly! Lol
NinjaRaf wrote:Cool! I've been curious about these, but I haven't had the best tonal experiences with KSR gear. How's the low end on it? I struggled to get the low end I wanted out of my Orthos, so I kinda wonder if that translates over to this power amp, too. I've been looking at Power Stations all day for my SYN-1 haha.
I did it backwards.... I got a 4xKT88 poweramp, now I just need to actually order the Syn 2 and modules, lol.
Which power amp did you get? That sounds beastly! Lol
The pa50 being 13 lbs was the selling point.
It is an old Seymour Duncan KTG 2100. It is 2 rackspaces and almost 40 pounds, lol.
People say it is modeled after a VHT 2150, but less clinical sounding and feeling. It has volume, presence, negative feedback, and I already modified it to have depth controls also.
So far I have only ran my 5153 50w preamp through it, but it sounds pretty huge with just that. My plan is to get the Syn 2, and I have some rack effects units and mixer. Should make a huge sounding stereo rig.
I'm excited to see some of these amps in the forum now. I've been curious about them for a long time and it will great to see some first hand experiences with it from people I actually trust
I'm pretty sure I'll be putting another Synergy system together next year and this amp is a serious contender.
Guitars: '78 Les Paul Pro / '89 SG Special/ '04 Gibson Les Paul Classic 3 pickup / Jackson Star/ Endres Tele / Fernandes Rhoads/ ''74 Hohner MIJ strat/ 2 Partscasters
Amps: Depends on when you ask. I got tired of constantly updating this section lol
Cabs Marshall 1960A w V30s/ Seismic 2x12 w Redback and V30.
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But I have owned an actual Ceres preamp a couple of times and I know they sound nearly identical to me. Match made in heaven with these two. Something I've known for a long time and was just reminded of is that to me, a SS preamp into a tube power amp sounds worlds better than a tube preamp into a SS power section. Not that I haven't got really good results with a SS power amp, but to me it just doesn't compare. 
