NAD!! I guess Badlander goes in this section?

[Neptical]

@spawnofthesith2

Thank you! Yeah, as a big clean player, great cleans are essential. I love all the simple two channels they've put out. However, the Mark/Recto crossover on the BAD is the appealing part. It's everything I've loved about the Studio/Caliber lineage.

 

[bandit2013]

I have compared the EL34 and STR445 in the BAD side by side as I have two BAD 100. Those almost sound the same but need to puss the channel volume up with the 6L6 tube to be at the same level as the EL34. STR440 was a bit thin sounding. STR445 was aggressive as were the STR448 (grey color, tried the reds and it was lame). Consider the BAD is a Class AB so it does rely on power tube distortion to some extent, probably more than you think. The same goes for any Mark amp too. The early dual Recs and including the Roadster, that was more preamp than power tube distortion. I would exclude the MWDR as that amp can run with the STR440 grey and not sound like mud (that is what the Roadster did if I ran green or grey color codes). As for the STR445 in those amps, not a fan. However it sounded really good in the BAD. Almost liked them better than the EL34 until I compared the two amps. STR448 in grey were also great, similar to the STR445 but with less of a 6CA7 character as the 445 tube. No rule of thumb here. roll with what you feel sounds best.

STR440, meager sound. Not sure on the STR430, if they sound like the STR443 it would not be far off of the STR440. Actually you do not get that pissed off bees sound with the 440 tube in the BAD like you get with the MWDR or Roadster. Odd how things sound different with amps that have different OT. Have to say, I am after the more aggressive grind but still admire the clean channel, and any note detail and definition you can get even with moderate gain levels. Probably why I like the BAD so much. It is on par with the JP2C in many ways and it seems to be on the same page as the Mark VII, still different but yet enjoyable.

Trying to get past the dc coupled cathode follower tone stack driver on the clean is difficult. I doubt much can be achieved in getting that Fender clean sound. It could be the characteristic of the JJ ECC83S (Mesa's stock 12AX7). An old Mesa Chinese tube from the 1990's may change things on V2. I have also run a JAN/GE 12AX7WA in the cathode follower positions on the Roadster, that had some good results to brighten things up a bit. Never explored to the preamp on the BAD to see what works and what does not. I like the way it sounds as its and had no need to do any trial and error things on an amp with valid warranty.

 

[rarebitusa]

Just popped in some 6L6s, str440 yellow was what I had laying around on hand. I think I’m gonna keep them in there for now. I think it made the clean channel noticeable better and seems like more headroom. and shifted the voicing of the gain modes in a direction I like. Maybe a bit less “Marshally” perhaps. I typically go for 6L6 amps with the exception of the first mark V I had like ~15yrs ago, had winged C EL34 a in there

FWIW, threw a set of worn STR440s back in the BAD. I'm not an established tube sniffer but the difference was definitely noticeable in a good way. Pretty much the same take as well. Will do a rehearsal with them tomorrow.

 

[spawnofthesith2]

So second time using the badlander with the band tonight. Performed excellently! Last time I was using it with the thiele and I’m not really sure I like the BL with the EVM. I felt like the c90 widebody sounded better with this amp and miced up easier too.

I guess I’m pretty much over the complaints I had about the post fx loop master volumes. Honestly balanced just fine with matching volumes with the settings I had dialed. Also for whatever reason, I feel like the cleans sound more clear and less gritty with more power/volume behind them… lower volumes at home I swear it sounds more broken up on the cleans. I actually noticed this on my old roadster too, but that was more at -super- low volumes

After accepting that for high gain sounds I need to not judge what the knobs look like, even if the settings might resemble what a a 14 year old just discovering insane mode on a spider III might dial in

Crush mode absolutely crushing and this amp sits in a mix incredibly well. That might be another part of the “problems” I’ve had… I feel like wherever the mid focus of the amp sits is definitely made more to play well with others than by itself lol. Did a long chug and doom jam in one of our songs tonight and it was just punishing for that. I know many feel like this amp doesn’t have enough gain on I it’s for the heavies but I didn’t even think to try boosting. Gain on 10 in crush mode at band volumes seemed to performed fine lol

Brought my III back home and think the BL is going to have a tenure for at least a few weeks at my drummers

 

[rarebitusa]

Crush mode absolutely crushing and this amp sits in a mix incredibly well.

man that sounds pretty awesome. The WB C90 is a great paring, I do think the EVM Thiele as an extension with the WB is sweet. If you get motivated to lug it over I'd dig hearing how you liked that.