elvis said:
YJ is correct about my response...
JJ, it was interesting to see your results on power. I was very surprised, until I remembered that the power stage is simul-class. It looks like the 45W mode is the inefficient half, and the 90W mode adds the efficient half. I wonder if it changes the bias as well.
I would guess that the guys at Mesa didn't really think about it that way when they labeled it. Either that, or they thought people would think that a 20W mode was too little.
Yes. Thanks to Sony (and other stereo manufacturers) dishonest power measurements, the average person has the perception that 20watts is grossly underpowered. In reality, it is hella LOUD, ESPECIALLY for crunch tones. I even find that channel to be almost unmanageably loud. It rivals 100 watts worth of Dual Rectifier.
J.J said:
YJ, I don't notice much volume change between my 1x12 cabs and my 2x12. The 1x12 does get going earlier though and you may find that you are happy with the master a bit lower because the speaker is reacting better. Since I have had my JTM45 clone working I am finding that I am not liking preamp distorion from the ED so much on Vintage lo. It does sound somewhat buzzy. After watching what the JTM does from stage to stage I was surprised to find that the power stage is what overdrives and there was no sign of preamp distorsion. At low volume I'll take the ED anyday though as the JTM has to be crazy loud to get good crunch.
I personally think loads of power amp distortion gets really muddy and undefined for chording. I find I prefer the tone of an overdriven preamp with just a hair of power amp clip for good measure. The Electra Dyne is definitely buzzy at low volumes, just like all mesas. The speakers just need to roar to make the amp come alive. From what I recall the 'Dyne 1 x 12 is tailor made for the amp and it really works well with it. Looking forward.
18 watts is still not enough if you need a good clean, clean tone.
My opinion is rapidly changing on this. With a Recto, you NEED a good clean, clean tone. There are far too many gain stages to make adequate use of the volume knob on the guitar.
With the Electra Dyne, I think a lot about how I use dynamics on Cello and Piano when I play. With Vintage low, I prefer to use the volume knob on the guitar to adjust the amount of crunch I have while playing. I prefer relying on pick sensitivity to vary whether I get a good clean clean tone or I have some sparkle or even crunch. The Edge of Breakup on the recto sounds bassy, flubby, and awful, or thin and grating, but the edge of breakup with the Dyne is so beautiful. Been spending LOTS of time there!
Elvis, the pair of tubes that run in 45 watt mode are biased to 48ma and the other pair that join in for 90 watt mode are 34ma. The bias and plate voltages do not change between modes. I spoke with a Mesa tech about my measurements and he confirmed within a few watts of what I get.
I think it is just marketing from Mesa and 45/90 looks and sounds better than 20/90. My Express 5:25 is the same and should be called the 2:25. Its 5 watt mode never even gets to 2 watts though 25 watt mode still only sounds about twice as loud.
Ya. Numbers unfortunately sell amps. What people don't realize is how little power it takes to make A LOT of noise with guitar speakers. Hence why there are attenuators as well as variable efficiency speakers coming out. I hope there is enough demand for variable efficiency speakers so that the technology can be developed further. I think it is a promising technology and it would solve a lot of grievances between guitarists and the rest of the world!
