Anything special about the 50/50? Is it based on another amp

[JT_Marshmallow]

Would those who have used the 50/50 say that this is a poweramp that colors your tone in its own way, or would you say it is fairly transparent.

I forget where I read it, but someone said that the 295 is fairly transparent, where the 50/50 has its own tone. Is this true?

Also, I read that the 2:90 (not 295) is based on the Mark IV power section; does the 50/50 have a close relative as well or is it a totally different design?

 

[scottkahn]

The 2:Ninety does in fact have a similar Simulclass power amp design to that of the Mark IV, but it's a bit more sophisticated internally with its deep, modern, and half power modes, plus it's a stereo power amp, so you're getting two power amp sections in one box (vs. just one in a Mark IV).

I think the 2:Fifty (or older 50/50) are just their own power amp design that is just Class AB (the Simulclass amps are Class A + Class AB together). ALL tube amps color your sound -- that's why you're not playing solid state amps . But your distortion is going to come from your preamp or pedals in front of that.

I can't really qualify the coloring -- the 50 and 90 are somewhat more neutral than say the Recto 2:100 power amp. That one has power amp sections derived from the Rectifier line of amps. So it's going to sound a little different than the 2:Ninety or 2:Fifty.

But all three are among the finest sounding stereo tube power amps you could put with a guitar. Now keep in mind that if you're after a more British sound, none of these are right for you as they are built around 6L6 tubes. If you're thinking of a Marshall JMP-1 preamp, for example, you may prefer one of Marshall's EL-34 power amps.

Scott

 

[marantz1300]

The 50/50 is a stereo amp,with a half power switch and separate channel volume and presence switch's.It sounds great to me,but I've never owned any other boogie's to compare it too.