My current amp dilemma..I need recommendations!

[ATerminalSun]

So first off some background on my situation:

I currently own a Mesa 3-channel Triple Rectifier. For the most part, I love the tone I can get from the hi-gain channel(3) & the clean is to suitable my liking as well. However, there is one HUGE problem: I get a LOUD pop when switching channels. This seems to be a common problem amonst these amps, as well as other Mesas. I have tried remedies/warm-up rituals, etc. to no avail. I've also talked to a couple reputable techs, both of which had experienced simular issues in the past & had no remedy. I do alot of channel switching (I play mosty Experimental/Ambient Metal w/ several clean passages..i.e-Isis, Pelican, Russian Circles, Tool) and use a signifact amount of effects (Delay, Reverb, etc.).

So long story short, I pretty much came to an ultimatum to either:

A) Sell the Triple Rec & continue my seemingly endless search for a suitable amp

OR

B) Find an additional head to handle the Clean channel (& possibly mid-gain) and use the Triple Rec soley for the High-Gain Channel, switching between heads via A-B switch.

That being said, What would be a good head for soley handling clean tones?

Priorities:
- Nice clean channel
- Works well w/ effects (Delay, Reverb)
- Preferably under $700 (used is fine.)
- Needs to have enough balls to be able to hang w/ the Mesa.
* A good sounding independant Mid-gain channel (Crunch) would be a plus.

Any suggestions?

 

[cradlefish]

Laney VH100R

Has strong low mids
Great cleans and distorted tones
LOUD! Sounds better the more you crank it
Silent and instant channel switching
Better note separation

or get a two channel version of the triple rec where the channel switching is instant but you do get a softer pop when switching channels. You can't hear it when playing live, so no big deal. I'm a big channel switcher myself.

 

[Metaghius]

I had a similar issue with my triple rec and the mesa tech ended up changing about 6 of the J175's. Now smooth quiet switching...

 

[94Tremoverb]

You can also increase the size of the time-constant cap in the switching mute circuit. This should cure the pop but will also introduce more of a delay when switching, which can be equally annoying. With some of these amps it can be a balancing act to get a good compromise between the two.

 

[ATerminalSun]

Laney VH100R

Has strong low mids
Great cleans and distorted tones
LOUD! Sounds better the more you crank it
Silent and instant channel switching
Better note separation

or get a two channel version of the triple rec where the channel switching is instant but you do get a softer pop when switching channels. You can't hear it when playing live, so no big deal. I'm a big channel switcher myself.

I used to own a Laney AOR head a while back. Is the VH100R comparible to the AOR?

 

[ATerminalSun]

I had a similar issue with my triple rec and the mesa tech ended up changing about 6 of the J175's. Now smooth quiet switching...

I might be interested in trying this. If you don't mind me asking, how much did it cost to have a tech do this? I could probably do it myself it it just involves some soldering, but if it's more technical I'd prefer to take it to a tech to be safe.

Thanks for the input.

 

[cradlefish]

Laney VH100R

Has strong low mids
Great cleans and distorted tones
LOUD! Sounds better the more you crank it
Silent and instant channel switching
Better note separation

or get a two channel version of the triple rec where the channel switching is instant but you do get a softer pop when switching channels. You can't hear it when playing live, so no big deal. I'm a big channel switcher myself.

I used to own a Laney AOR head a while back. Is the VH100R comparible to the AOR?

It's different from the AOR. I use to own one too. The AOR is closer to a JCM800. The VH100R has an entirely different preamp section. It's voiced between a cross between an Orange/Hiwatt and Mesa. Both my VH100R and 2 ch Triple Rec sounds great.

 

[Metaghius]

I had a similar issue with my triple rec and the mesa tech ended up changing about 6 of the J175's. Now smooth quiet switching...

I might be interested in trying this. If you don't mind me asking, how much did it cost to have a tech do this? I could probably do it myself it it just involves some soldering, but if it's more technical I'd prefer to take it to a tech to be safe.

It cost about 150.00 and the parts were like 15.00..you may be able to do the job your self but if you had a tech nearby I would recommend taking it to them. The J175's have three prongs on them that can make it difficult to remove and install.