IIC+ vs upgrades
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zodiac272
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Hey, I really can't answer your question based on experience, but based on what I have read, and with a couple conversations with Mike B, whom I think knows best.
I have an upgraded HRG, and a SG being upgraded by Mike right now. They both have a factory RP11A circuit board which I think is the same board for factory C+ of the same config. Mike B. will tell you that an upgraded C to a C+ is exactly the same circuit and it's just as good as any other original C+ and a great sounding amp. When I spoke with Mike on the phone last august before I sent my HRG to him, he told my mine had missed being a factory C+ by a few weeks, and I responded with something like "ahhh crap!" Mike then said what am I worried about and that I should just be happy that I got one, because when he is finished with it, it will be basically a brand new amp, and as good as any other HRG C+, upgrade or not. Any major difference will be with the transformers and maybe the tone sucking GEQ. There are those that argue the GEQ hurts the tone, while at the same time IIC+ without the GEQ seem to take longer to sell. an upgrade won't have the 105 PT. most likely the 100, which is still a beast of a tranny, probably more aggressive tone. The only C+ I have experience with are mine, but from what I have read, there will be some tonal differences from amp to amp, but You might find that with any amp line.
My amp sounds killer, and I'm not about to complain about not having the 105 tranny or simul, though I'd love to hear a DRG next to mine. Someone who has more C+'s than even God, told me that one amp that he really misses was his SRGX IIC+. And he has a coli or two mixed in with an insane collection. A IIC+ is a great amp in any config, upgrade or not.
where are you in Illinois?
scott
I have an upgraded HRG, and a SG being upgraded by Mike right now. They both have a factory RP11A circuit board which I think is the same board for factory C+ of the same config. Mike B. will tell you that an upgraded C to a C+ is exactly the same circuit and it's just as good as any other original C+ and a great sounding amp. When I spoke with Mike on the phone last august before I sent my HRG to him, he told my mine had missed being a factory C+ by a few weeks, and I responded with something like "ahhh crap!" Mike then said what am I worried about and that I should just be happy that I got one, because when he is finished with it, it will be basically a brand new amp, and as good as any other HRG C+, upgrade or not. Any major difference will be with the transformers and maybe the tone sucking GEQ. There are those that argue the GEQ hurts the tone, while at the same time IIC+ without the GEQ seem to take longer to sell. an upgrade won't have the 105 PT. most likely the 100, which is still a beast of a tranny, probably more aggressive tone. The only C+ I have experience with are mine, but from what I have read, there will be some tonal differences from amp to amp, but You might find that with any amp line.
My amp sounds killer, and I'm not about to complain about not having the 105 tranny or simul, though I'd love to hear a DRG next to mine. Someone who has more C+'s than even God, told me that one amp that he really misses was his SRGX IIC+. And he has a coli or two mixed in with an insane collection. A IIC+ is a great amp in any config, upgrade or not.
where are you in Illinois?
scott
zebpedersen
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Investment value...ugh
dodger916
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+1. I've read of players who preferred their upgrades to their factory C+. It's a tricky soup, and everyone has their own personal preferences. Speaking strictly to tone, I think the greater differences lie between models (DRG vs HRG) rather than the same model factory vs upgrade.zodiac272 said:
I own a C+ export that had been upgraded from a IIA in the mid-eighties by a previous owner. Below is a link to a thread begun by the board member who blueprinted it for me in 2009. Each unit posesses a somewhat unique character. http://forum.grailtone.com/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=40325
zebpedersen
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droptrd said:
The factory C+ is better because it cost more. But seriously there is no difference. Mike B will do a mod on the Mark III called a 3+ to get similar to a C+, kind of like the Mark IV can sound similar.
but and upgraded C-C+ is a C+. Not similar or sort of like it. An upgraded C+ is the best bang for the buck you can buy. IMO of course.
but and upgraded C-C+ is a C+. Not similar or sort of like it. An upgraded C+ is the best bang for the buck you can buy. IMO of course.
JOEY B.
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dodger916 said:
One topic that has not been addressed is the 60/100 C+ with the 105 power transformer. It is a volume and headroom BEAST, with only the Coliseum having more. If you do not have a place to turn it up loud, you will never be able to get the optimum sound out of either of these models. I am not saying that these models have inferior tone, but have a different "feel" about them, as well as the volume issue. It's all good, if your ears can stand the decibels. :wink:
I started out with a DRG C+ that was a upgarde and had the 100 pt
Then i got a orginal 85 DRG c+ with the 105 PT, the only techincal difference between the two besides the tranny is that the upgraded had philips 7581a tubes and the new one has Mes 415 str´s
I cant speak about other c+ amps other then the two i have owned, but thise two sound different.
The upgraded one sounds more analog and not as agressiv, its still a beast but the sound is less harsh and diffently not as fast in the bass department.
The new orginal is more furious and louder too , and i think its the tranny that dos this, the new orginal c+ sound like a upgrade IIc running nitro fuel.
The upgraded haveever is a littel more creamy and sounds less modern.
Regarding the respons, the new one i got that has the 105 PT behaves in a very musical way as did the old one , frankly i cant describe the difference but the are both so easy to create riffs and music with, but the one with the 105 pt is the master when i comes to fast heavy riffs , infact it is just that littel bit better at responding to your playing style.
The upgrade just dos the same thing a littel slower not worse just different.
The are both unike and pretty close , and to be honest the both sound just as good and unik as the other.
Then i got a orginal 85 DRG c+ with the 105 PT, the only techincal difference between the two besides the tranny is that the upgraded had philips 7581a tubes and the new one has Mes 415 str´s
I cant speak about other c+ amps other then the two i have owned, but thise two sound different.
The upgraded one sounds more analog and not as agressiv, its still a beast but the sound is less harsh and diffently not as fast in the bass department.
The new orginal is more furious and louder too , and i think its the tranny that dos this, the new orginal c+ sound like a upgrade IIc running nitro fuel.
The upgraded haveever is a littel more creamy and sounds less modern.
Regarding the respons, the new one i got that has the 105 PT behaves in a very musical way as did the old one , frankly i cant describe the difference but the are both so easy to create riffs and music with, but the one with the 105 pt is the master when i comes to fast heavy riffs , infact it is just that littel bit better at responding to your playing style.
The upgrade just dos the same thing a littel slower not worse just different.
The are both unike and pretty close , and to be honest the both sound just as good and unik as the other.
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