Sell me on the Rec series

[The Magic Hoof]

Quick question - what year did they stop making the 2 channel recs and switched over to the 3 channel?

 

[YellowJacket]

"...the 3 channel Rectifiers were born in 2001." "The 3 Channel Rectifiers were introduced around late 2000 or January 2001."

From this website!

http://www.theboogiearchives.com/2ch_dual_recto.html

 

[The Magic Hoof]

If you want to know anything about Rectifiers, just ask YellowJacket.

That should be stickied

Thanks dude! I'll be picking up a 2 channel dual rec very soon.

 

[fretout]

I am going to write only comparing the Dual and Triple Solo Heads (sorry Roadkings and Roadsters, you'll have to sit this one out)...

Well, I own a Triple Rectifier (3 channel) and I can honestly say that there is not much of a volume difference between the Duals and the Triples. When comparing the Dual (3 channel) to the Triple (3 channel), I doubt that you would be able to tell a volume difference. Yes, the Rectos are loud, but the main difference in the Dual vs. Triple is in the headroom, not the decibel rating. I assume this depends on your settings as well, but to say that the Triple Recto is only for Stadiums and Coliseums is a little misleading.

The reason I decided to buy a Triple instead of a Dual is because of the extra headroom on channel 1 (clean). Again comparing the clean channel (channel 1) on a Dual vs. Triple, the Triple's clean tone can get much louder than on a Dual Rectifier because the Triple Rectifier has so much extra headroom compared to the Dual. On the high gain settings (Modern and Vintage), there is little difference in volume. I doubt that you would say that the Dual is quieter than the Triple. Just my opinion.

On the topic of 2 channel vs. 3 channel. I have a good friend who is an original owner of a 2 channel, pre-500 dual rectifer blackface, and when we A/B'd the Dual and the Triple, there were notiacble differences. IMO, the newer 3 channel Rectos sound much darker than the 2 channel rectos (even against the Revision Gs). IMO, this makes the 3 channel Rectos great for Rhythm guitar work, but the 2 channel Rectos cut through a mix better, which IMO is better for lead work. As far as sounding fizzy or flabby, my Triple does not have these characteristics, but the 2 channels can sound fizzy if you don't dial them in correctly. I guess I was just able to dial my Triple in correctly.

These are just my opinions based on alot of experience with the Rectifier series. If you need versatility, go with a 3 channel Triple Rectifier. I do like the way the 2 channel Rectos sound, but for a gigging amp, I like the versatility I get with having 3 channels, and a solo boost. And, as far as my area of the country is concerned, the resale values on the the Triples are ALWAYS higher than the Dual Rectifiers (of course this is also based on condition).

 

[The Magic Hoof]

Thanks for the input, it helps. I'm not so opposed to getting a 3 channel if I could find one for a good price. Right now I'm waiting on word back for a 2 channel 1996 dual rec for $1000 or so, so we'll see if that falls through or not. I think that's a decent price!

 

[YellowJacket]

I am going to write only comparing the Dual and Triple Solo Heads (sorry Roadkings and Roadsters, you'll have to sit this one out)...

Well, I own a Triple Rectifier (3 channel) and I can honestly say that there is not much of a volume difference between the Duals and the Triples. When comparing the Dual (3 channel) to the Triple (3 channel), I doubt that you would be able to tell a volume difference. Yes, the Rectos are loud, but the main difference in the Dual vs. Triple is in the headroom, not the decibel rating. I assume this depends on your settings as well, but to say that the Triple Recto is only for Stadiums and Coliseums is a little misleading.

The reason I decided to buy a Triple instead of a Dual is because of the extra headroom on channel 1 (clean). Again comparing the clean channel (channel 1) on a Dual vs. Triple, the Triple's clean tone can get much louder than on a Dual Rectifier because the Triple Rectifier has so much extra headroom compared to the Dual. On the high gain settings (Modern and Vintage), there is little difference in volume. I doubt that you would say that the Dual is quieter than the Triple. Just my opinion.

On the topic of 2 channel vs. 3 channel. I have a good friend who is an original owner of a 2 channel, pre-500 dual rectifer blackface, and when we A/B'd the Dual and the Triple, there were notiacble differences. IMO, the newer 3 channel Rectos sound much darker than the 2 channel rectos (even against the Revision Gs). IMO, this makes the 3 channel Rectos great for Rhythm guitar work, but the 2 channel Rectos cut through a mix better, which IMO is better for lead work. As far as sounding fizzy or flabby, my Triple does not have these characteristics, but the 2 channels can sound fizzy if you don't dial them in correctly. I guess I was just able to dial my Triple in correctly.

These are just my opinions based on alot of experience with the Rectifier series. If you need versatility, go with a 3 channel Triple Rectifier. I do like the way the 2 channel Rectos sound, but for a gigging amp, I like the versatility I get with having 3 channels, and a solo boost. And, as far as my area of the country is concerned, the resale values on the the Triples are ALWAYS higher than the Dual Rectifiers (of course this is also based on condition).

Well, the triple and dual are fairly similar in volume when the amps are running say at a quarter for the triple and at a third for the dual. The big difference (and the reason I say a Triple is better for large venues) is because of that magic volume level where good tone is all of the sudden available. We all know what tube amps area like. You turn the volume up from Zero and all of the sudden, you reach this precious point where the amp starts to open up and sound good. (preamp tube saturation) I find when you reach this point on the Triple, it is already competing with a loud drummer. In fact, my friend who has a triple was so annoyed about this that he yanked out a rectifier and two power tubes so he could get good tone at a lower volume. He was tired of getting flack from sound guys. Of course, this magical point is even quieter with a fifty watt amp and indeed, I'll often run my dual with a rectifier tube and a pair of power amp tubes missing because I want to get tube saturation at a lower volume. So ya, this is the reason why I question the usability of the triple. I mean ya, it has a huge amount of power which makes it sound absolutely punishing and the lower wattage heads definitely don't have that much oomph, but one has to consider whether wielding so much power is practical as well.

 

[fretout]

I am going to write only comparing the Dual and Triple Solo Heads (sorry Roadkings and Roadsters, you'll have to sit this one out)...

Well, I own a Triple Rectifier (3 channel) and I can honestly say that there is not much of a volume difference between the Duals and the Triples. When comparing the Dual (3 channel) to the Triple (3 channel), I doubt that you would be able to tell a volume difference. Yes, the Rectos are loud, but the main difference in the Dual vs. Triple is in the headroom, not the decibel rating. I assume this depends on your settings as well, but to say that the Triple Recto is only for Stadiums and Coliseums is a little misleading.

The reason I decided to buy a Triple instead of a Dual is because of the extra headroom on channel 1 (clean). Again comparing the clean channel (channel 1) on a Dual vs. Triple, the Triple's clean tone can get much louder than on a Dual Rectifier because the Triple Rectifier has so much extra headroom compared to the Dual. On the high gain settings (Modern and Vintage), there is little difference in volume. I doubt that you would say that the Dual is quieter than the Triple. Just my opinion.

On the topic of 2 channel vs. 3 channel. I have a good friend who is an original owner of a 2 channel, pre-500 dual rectifer blackface, and when we A/B'd the Dual and the Triple, there were notiacble differences. IMO, the newer 3 channel Rectos sound much darker than the 2 channel rectos (even against the Revision Gs). IMO, this makes the 3 channel Rectos great for Rhythm guitar work, but the 2 channel Rectos cut through a mix better, which IMO is better for lead work. As far as sounding fizzy or flabby, my Triple does not have these characteristics, but the 2 channels can sound fizzy if you don't dial them in correctly. I guess I was just able to dial my Triple in correctly.

These are just my opinions based on alot of experience with the Rectifier series. If you need versatility, go with a 3 channel Triple Rectifier. I do like the way the 2 channel Rectos sound, but for a gigging amp, I like the versatility I get with having 3 channels, and a solo boost. And, as far as my area of the country is concerned, the resale values on the the Triples are ALWAYS higher than the Dual Rectifiers (of course this is also based on condition).

Well, the triple and dual are fairly similar in volume when the amps are running say at a quarter for the triple and at a third for the dual. The big difference (and the reason I say a Triple is better for large venues) is because of that magic volume level where good tone is all of the sudden available. We all know what tube amps area like. You turn the volume up from Zero and all of the sudden, you reach this precious point where the amp starts to open up and sound good. (preamp tube saturation) I find when you reach this point on the Triple, it is already competing with a loud drummer. In fact, my friend who has a triple was so annoyed about this that he yanked out a rectifier and two power tubes so he could get good tone at a lower volume. He was tired of getting flack from sound guys. Of course, this magical point is even quieter with a fifty watt amp and indeed, I'll often run my dual with a rectifier tube and a pair of power amp tubes missing because I want to get tube saturation at a lower volume. So ya, this is the reason why I question the usability of the triple. I mean ya, it has a huge amount of power which makes it sound absolutely punishing and the lower wattage heads definitely don't have that much oomph, but one has to consider whether wielding so much power is practical as well.

What you are talking about is POWERAMP saturation, in which case, yes, you will have to run the master/output knobs higher to account for the Triple's extra headroom versus the Dual Rectifier in order to hit the amp's "sweet spot". Does this mean that the Triple Rectifier is deafeningly louder than the Dual? Does it mean that the Triple is 50% louder than the Dual with the same settings? No. Do you think a 50 watt amp is half the volume of a 100 watt amp? What master/output volume are you and your friend running at?

It sounds like you are basically saying that the Triple Rectifier is unusable except for stadiums and large venues. This is incorrect and I guess I am living proof of the fact that I can use my Recto in any size environment, even at home. And, for those of us that play large venues, don't we usually have our speaker cabinets mic'ed, thus defeating the purpose of NEEDING a super loud amp (unless you like to see the front row wince in pain)?

It sounds like you have not had much experience with the Triple, so I will urge you to try them out a little more (this should be easy since your friend has one) and test the differences in volume. I will agree with you, that the Triple is synonymous with "excess", but it is a good thing, especially if you want a louder clean channel.

Also FYI, make sure that your friend has the proper impedance matched between his Triple Recto and his speaker cab. If you pull 2 output tubes and 1 rectifier tube on the Triple, it changes the impedance of the speaker outputs.

 

[Anonymous]

The reason I decided to buy a Triple instead of a Dual is because of the extra headroom on channel 1 (clean). Again comparing the clean channel (channel 1) on a Dual vs. Triple, the Triple's clean tone can get much louder than on a Dual Rectifier because the Triple Rectifier has so much extra headroom compared to the Dual. On the high gain settings (Modern and Vintage), there is little difference in volume. I doubt that you would say that the Dual is quieter than the Triple. Just my opinion.

I bought my Triple after owning a 3 channel Dual. I decided to go for a 2 channel because I found I didn't need the extra features, and went with the Triple because of 2 reasons.

First, I decided if I owned an amp as badass as a Rectifier, I might as well get the biggest! Second, and this is the one that actually matters, is that not only will the clean channel's headroom be better, but the high gain channels will have more kick to them. When you really need that extra bit of low end clarity, the Triple delivers. The Dual definitely has kick, but having that extra 50w to push that much harder is what makes the Triple an easy winner for me. Plus, it has FOURTEEN tubes!!!

 

[YellowJacket]

What you are talking about is POWERAMP saturation, in which case, yes, you will have to run the master/output knobs higher to account for the Triple's extra headroom versus the Dual Rectifier in order to hit the amp's "sweet spot". Does this mean that the Triple Rectifier is deafeningly louder than the Dual? Does it mean that the Triple is 50% louder than the Dual with the same settings? No. Do you think a 50 watt amp is half the volume of a 100 watt amp? What master/output volume are you and your friend running at?

Fretout, I think we misunderstand one another. Perhaps I was exaggurating so I will attempt to clarify my thoughts.

Mesa amps run primarily using preamp distortion unlike a marshall or those cute little Class A Boutique numbers. I know the power amp really kicks in with the volume up about half on the Dual because you can hear it really start to clip above that. The power amp saturation would be around that level while the amp starts to sound sweet at about a quarter. Take that however you will. (My head is a 2 channel dual and it doesn't have a master volume, just a gain and volume for each channel)

50watt heads put out approx 97db less than a 100watt head at peak operation. (Same difference as switching between a Marshall 1960lead cab and Mesa Standard Rectocab.) A 10watt amp is twice as quiet as a 100 watt one if you have the same speakers. While I find that there is really no discernible difference in volume between high gain heads of different power ratings when cranked, there is a pronounced chasm when running these same amps quietly for volume sensitive applications. The peak output of an amp makes all the difference for the volume at which the sweet spot is hit and in my mind, this can make or break my tone. If you place utmost value on oomph and headroom instead by all means, get a higher power amp ^__^ After all, a 50watt head does sound anemic next to a 150watt one. It suffices to say that I think the point at which the amp starts to sound good is what is impacted most by a decrease in wattage while the headroom is impacted most by an increase in wattage. Do you have a bunch of a-holes demanding you run your amp at 1? That is the question you have to ask to understand the relevance of my post. (if this is not the case, all my points are really moot)

It sounds like you are basically saying that the Triple Rectifier is unusable except for stadiums and large venues. This is incorrect and I guess I am living proof of the fact that I can use my Recto in any size environment, even at home. And, for those of us that play large venues, don't we usually have our speaker cabinets mic'ed, thus defeating the purpose of NEEDING a super loud amp (unless you like to see the front row wince in pain)?

You must have a very understanding household because in my experience, I have found that even my Dual is unusable for anything but large venues or venues with nice sound guys because they simply don't want me cranking my gear enough to get a good tone out of it. At least in my city, Clubs are happiest with a 50 watt halfstack. I think my biggest complaint with these amps (singles, duals, triples) is that they sound constipated (fizzy and crappy) unless you can run at least at a quarter volume and I just don't want to deal with this. If you can get away with running a Triple so it sounds decent, that is great, but it has been my own, frustrated experience that less is more for guitarists these days. Perhaps this accounts for the increase in demand for amps like the Orange Tiny Terror. (I've been shat on for a 50watt halfstack so I am a little sensitive about this. Maybe I need to stop caring what they think) Anyway, this is a message board so it is just a bunch of guys flogging their "somewhat educated" opinions. Ultimately, the dude buying the amp has to make up his own mind so we can just present information based on our experiences and he can use this to educated himself and make an informed decision.

It sounds like you have not had much experience with the Triple, so I will urge you to try them out a little more (this should be easy since your friend has one) and test the differences in volume. I will agree with you, that the Triple is synonymous with "excess", but it is a good thing, especially if you want a louder clean channel.

Hell yes. They sound absolutely bone crushing and fantastic running as a full stack but it just gets annoying when you can no longer hear the drummer. (In some bands, this is probably a good thing) I'm serious, I heard a band perform who had a loud drummer. The guitarist was borrowing my friend's Triple and he was drowning out both the drummer and the bassist. The sound was really descending into a huge mush because the space was too small and resonant to accommodate these levels. I definitely have ran my Dual right next to a Triple so I am well aware of the differences. I don't deny guys their huge amps, but I just like to provide information based on my own experiences so people can make good purchases.

Also FYI, make sure that your friend has the proper impedance matched between his Triple Recto and his speaker cab. If you pull 2 output tubes and 1 rectifier tube on the Triple, it changes the impedance of the speaker outputs.

4 ohm output to 8 ohm cab, 8 ohm output to 16ohm cab etc. I know all about this.

 

[The Magic Hoof]

I read everything above, and I know it's nothing to do with me really, but my personal setup will be a tad different. I'm going to be using this as my main amp (for the time being), so that means practicing with it at very low volumes. I know you've got to crank it a bit to get a good sound, but hey, I'm using it only for writing and practicing though right? So it doesn't matter if it sounds 100% at a lower volume. I'm sure it'll suffice to just practice with at a low volume even if it sacrifices tone. BUT!

The main purpose of this 2 channel dual rectifier will be recording. I'm not exactly sure which volume I'll have to crank it to to get all of the nice saturation, you know, the amp's sweet spot like everyone was saying above, but that's no problem. Even though this is in my home studio I'm going to be blasting it at the volume that it takes to reach that sweet spot (what level is that by the way?). I'm actually about to buy some ear plugs just for that purpose, because having it blasting in a bedroom will be LOUD.

So yeah, I'll practice and write at low volumes and only CRANK it when I need to record, albeit while wearing earplugs. All of that is fine by me. What level would you say though is the amp's sweet spot where it's sounding great? 12 o'clock or so? I've got a dual rectifier on the way to me right now, can't wait to get this baby

 

[fretout]

What you are talking about is POWERAMP saturation, in which case, yes, you will have to run the master/output knobs higher to account for the Triple's extra headroom versus the Dual Rectifier in order to hit the amp's "sweet spot". Does this mean that the Triple Rectifier is deafeningly louder than the Dual? Does it mean that the Triple is 50% louder than the Dual with the same settings? No. Do you think a 50 watt amp is half the volume of a 100 watt amp? What master/output volume are you and your friend running at?

Fretout, I think we misunderstand one another. Perhaps I was exaggurating so I will attempt to clarify my thoughts.

Mesa amps run primarily using preamp distortion unlike a marshall or those cute little Class A Boutique numbers. I know the power amp really kicks in with the volume up about half on the Dual because you can hear it really start to clip above that. The power amp saturation would be around that level while the amp starts to sound sweet at about a quarter. Take that however you will. (My head is a 2 channel dual and it doesn't have a master volume, just a gain and volume for each channel)

50watt heads put out approx 97db less than a 100watt head at peak operation. (Same difference as switching between a Marshall 1960lead cab and Mesa Standard Rectocab.) A 10watt amp is twice as quiet as a 100 watt one if you have the same speakers. While I find that there is really no discernible difference in volume between high gain heads of different power ratings when cranked, there is a pronounced chasm when running these same amps quietly for volume sensitive applications. The peak output of an amp makes all the difference for the volume at which the sweet spot is hit and in my mind, this can make or break my tone. If you place utmost value on oomph and headroom instead by all means, get a higher power amp ^__^ After all, a 50watt head does sound anemic next to a 150watt one. It suffices to say that I think the point at which the amp starts to sound good is what is impacted most by a decrease in wattage while the headroom is impacted most by an increase in wattage. Do you have a bunch of a-holes demanding you run your amp at 1? That is the question you have to ask to understand the relevance of my post. (if this is not the case, all my points are really moot)

It sounds like you are basically saying that the Triple Rectifier is unusable except for stadiums and large venues. This is incorrect and I guess I am living proof of the fact that I can use my Recto in any size environment, even at home. And, for those of us that play large venues, don't we usually have our speaker cabinets mic'ed, thus defeating the purpose of NEEDING a super loud amp (unless you like to see the front row wince in pain)?

You must have a very understanding household because in my experience, I have found that even my Dual is unusable for anything but large venues or venues with nice sound guys because they simply don't want me cranking my gear enough to get a good tone out of it. At least in my city, Clubs are happiest with a 50 watt halfstack. I think my biggest complaint with these amps (singles, duals, triples) is that they sound constipated (fizzy and crappy) unless you can run at least at a quarter volume and I just don't want to deal with this. If you can get away with running a Triple so it sounds decent, that is great, but it has been my own, frustrated experience that less is more for guitarists these days. Perhaps this accounts for the increase in demand for amps like the Orange Tiny Terror. (I've been shat on for a 50watt halfstack so I am a little sensitive about this. Maybe I need to stop caring what they think) Anyway, this is a message board so it is just a bunch of guys flogging their "somewhat educated" opinions. Ultimately, the dude buying the amp has to make up his own mind so we can just present information based on our experiences and he can use this to educated himself and make an informed decision.

It sounds like you have not had much experience with the Triple, so I will urge you to try them out a little more (this should be easy since your friend has one) and test the differences in volume. I will agree with you, that the Triple is synonymous with "excess", but it is a good thing, especially if you want a louder clean channel.

Hell yes. They sound absolutely bone crushing and fantastic running as a full stack but it just gets annoying when you can no longer hear the drummer. (In some bands, this is probably a good thing) I'm serious, I heard a band perform who had a loud drummer. The guitarist was borrowing my friend's Triple and he was drowning out both the drummer and the bassist. The sound was really descending into a huge mush because the space was too small and resonant to accommodate these levels. I definitely have ran my Dual right next to a Triple so I am well aware of the differences. I don't deny guys their huge amps, but I just like to provide information based on my own experiences so people can make good purchases.

Also FYI, make sure that your friend has the proper impedance matched between his Triple Recto and his speaker cab. If you pull 2 output tubes and 1 rectifier tube on the Triple, it changes the impedance of the speaker outputs.

4 ohm output to 8 ohm cab, 8 ohm output to 16ohm cab etc. I know all about this.

Ok, thanks for your opinions YellowJacket, no hard feelings, I just wanted to correct some of the "inaccuracies" based on my experiences (since I have owned my Triple for the past 4 years), for the OP. I still disagree with a few of your statements, but I'm sure that we are both coming from the same perspective, to help a fellow guitarist make a sound, and educated decision.

I agree with you on a number of your points, the Triple Rectifier will need to be pushed harder than a Dual Rectifier in order to reach the "sweet spot" due to the higher headroom due to the increased wattage. I was only trying to "enlighten" anyone that read your post and figured "The Triple Rectifer is 50% louder than a Dual Rectifier because the Triple has 150 watts, and the Dual is only 100 watts". The difference in volume is noticable on the "low-gain" settings (clean, pushed, raw), and hardly noticable on the "high-gain" settings (vintage, modern). The volume of a Triple should not be a deal-breaker, but rather a benefit. Try them out and decide for yourself.

If you are playing in venues that ask you to turn down your amp (whether it be at home or at a gig), maybe a class A amp would be best for your applications, not a high gain Recto. I can play my Triple at home, but I have a trick to getting the "sweet spot" at a reasonable level. Keep in mind that with the 3 channel heads, you have the Master Volume, Output Volume, and the FX send controls. All these will alter your volume. Any Class AB amp over 50 watts is going to be loud. Maybe try out the Lonestars, Express, or even the new Mark V. Depending on the settings, you could get a saturated power amp, at a lower volume. If you play in places where a cranked 100 watt head is acceptable, you will be ok with a cranked 150 watt head.

The difference in volume between a dialed in Dual and a dialed in Triple is only a few decibels (not a difference of 97 dbs), the real benefit of the higher wattage as I stated before is the increased headroom, and the increased punch. For me, this means that I can get a decent clean tone at a reasonable volume, the same cannot be said for the Duals in my experience. Most people I know struggle to get a "usable" clean tone out of the Duals. In all, there a pros and cons to each amp. What your needs are will affect which Rectifier will fit you best.

To the OP, what type of music will you be playing with your Dual? This will determine what to set your volume at.

 

[The Magic Hoof]

High gain metal riffage! Something powerful enough to be death metal, but, not really death metal. I'm mainly looking to use this amp as a total riffer amp. I want some of the chuggachuggachugga balls to the wall metal riffage sound going on.

 

[pokerrules47]

Well, the triple and dual are fairly similar in volume when the amps are running say at a quarter for the triple and at a third for the dual. The big difference (and the reason I say a Triple is better for large venues) is because of that magic volume level where good tone is all of the sudden available. We all know what tube amps area like. You turn the volume up from Zero and all of the sudden, you reach this precious point where the amp starts to open up and sound good. (preamp tube saturation) I find when you reach this point on the Triple, it is already competing with a loud drummer. In fact, my friend who has a triple was so annoyed about this that he yanked out a rectifier and two power tubes so he could get good tone at a lower volume. He was tired of getting flack from sound guys. Of course, this magical point is even quieter with a fifty watt amp and indeed, I'll often run my dual with a rectifier tube and a pair of power amp tubes missing because I want to get tube saturation at a lower volume. So ya, this is the reason why I question the usability of the triple. I mean ya, it has a huge amount of power which makes it sound absolutely punishing and the lower wattage heads definitely don't have that much oomph, but one has to consider whether wielding so much power is practical as well.

This is a good post. The real difference between a 50/100/120/150w amps is how they fit into your particular arrangement. The triple is a great amp, and has a lot of good sounds all over the "power" range, however it's **usually** too much for bedroom practicing and jamming in tight spaces. In a big open room with a loud drummer, they are perfect. This isn't to say that you can't use a triple for practicing, I use my roadster at gigging volumes in my basement, however I practice with backing tracks through a 1200w PA system. The room I practice in is about 20x15 without a lot of furniture.

Analyze your needs, then pick the amp that is "best" suited and gives you the tone you want.

M

 

[YellowJacket]

Ok, thanks for your opinions YellowJacket, no hard feelings, I just wanted to correct some of the "inaccuracies" based on my experiences (since I have owned my Triple for the past 4 years), for the OP. I still disagree with a few of your statements, but I'm sure that we are both coming from the same perspective, to help a fellow guitarist make a sound, and educated decision.

Fair enough, I wasn't totally clear with what I was trying to say.

I agree with you on a number of your points, the Triple Rectifier will need to be pushed harder than a Dual Rectifier in order to reach the "sweet spot" due to the higher headroom due to the increased wattage. I was only trying to "enlighten" anyone that read your post and figured "The Triple Rectifer is 50% louder than a Dual Rectifier because the Triple has 150 watts, and the Dual is only 100 watts". The difference in volume is noticable on the "low-gain" settings (clean, pushed, raw), and hardly noticable on the "high-gain" settings (vintage, modern). The volume of a Triple should not be a deal-breaker, but rather a benefit. Try them out and decide for yourself.

I've never had to open up my dual past a third on the volume knob so max volume is really a non issue for me. I didn't consider that and I should have clarified in my post that my frustration with high wattage amps is that I don't have enough stage volume available to me to yield a good tone.

If you are playing in venues that ask you to turn down your amp (whether it be at home or at a gig), maybe a class A amp would be best for your applications, not a high gain Recto. I can play my Triple at home, but I have a trick to getting the "sweet spot" at a reasonable level. Keep in mind that with the 3 channel heads, you have the Master Volume, Output Volume, and the FX send controls. All these will alter your volume. Any Class AB amp over 50 watts is going to be loud. Maybe try out the Lonestars, Express, or even the new Mark V. Depending on the settings, you could get a saturated power amp, at a lower volume. If you play in places where a cranked 100 watt head is acceptable, you will be ok with a cranked 150 watt head.

I love my Dual and I didn't want to spend an additional $1,000 plus on another amp so I purchased two yellow jackets and built a Thiele 2 x 12 with a Heritage greenback and v30. Keep in mind I have an old 2 channel so I don't have a master volume on my head.

The difference in volume between a dialed in Dual and a dialed in Triple is only a few decibels (not a difference of 97 dbs), the real benefit of the higher wattage as I stated before is the increased headroom, and the increased punch. For me, this means that I can get a decent clean tone at a reasonable volume, the same cannot be said for the Duals in my experience. Most people I know struggle to get a "usable" clean tone out of the Duals. In all, there a pros and cons to each amp. What your needs are will affect which Rectifier will fit you best.

I meant 97 - 100 db respectively so my mistake. I guess you can't proofread everything correctly! Basically, you can split the difference by switching cabs. Triple + Marshall 1960 lead is roughly equivalent to a Dual with a Standard Rectocab.

The issue of loudness brings up a very interesting point. For the sake of hair splitting, lets look at psychoacoustics a bit. A 100 watt head agitates air twice as much as a 50watt head of the same model running at the same settings. This does not mean we hear 100watts as twice as loud since our perception is not the same as reality. Basically, the DB scale is created to reflect how we hear sound, not the effect of sonic devices on the environment, so DBs are coded using a logrythm. The general 'rule' is that when we increase power by 10 times, we double perceived volume. So what we talk about is what we hear, not what is actually happening to the air molecules as the amp works. So for every 10 dbs, the spl increases 10 times but we perceive it as twice as loud as it was. Perhaps this is the reason the lower wattage heads hit the 'sweet spot' so much more quickly even though they sound very similar around peak volumes. It should be mentioned that volume pots do not have a linear response but instead are logryhmic to reflect how we perceive volume, so each time we hear our amp 'double' in volume we are actually increasing the output 10fold.

This is a good post. The real difference between a 50/100/120/150w amps is how they fit into your particular arrangement. The triple is a great amp, and has a lot of good sounds all over the "power" range, however it's **usually** too much for bedroom practicing and jamming in tight spaces. In a big open room with a loud drummer, they are perfect. This isn't to say that you can't use a triple for practicing, I use my roadster at gigging volumes in my basement, however I practice with backing tracks through a 1200w PA system. The room I practice in is about 20x15 without a lot of furniture.

Analyze your needs, then pick the amp that is "best" suited and gives you the tone you want.

M

1200w PA system!??!??? :shock: Does anyone around here wear hearing protection regularly!?

 

[pokerrules47]

1200w PA system!??!??? :shock: Does anyone around here wear hearing protection regularly!?

I don't use it all man, hahaha!!

However it is nice to be able to practice at "jamming/gigging" volume so there are no surprises when you get there!

I've been pestering my wife to start singing, she's got a real "Pink" voice. So I've had her down there, pa system cranked with backing tracks, we stand in the next room so she can hear the mix properly.

 

[ESP123]

Yellow Jacket knows what he's talking bout..

 

[MetalMatt]

High gain metal riffage! Something powerful enough to be death metal, but, not really death metal. I'm mainly looking to use this amp as a total riffer amp. I want some of the chuggachuggachugga balls to the wall metal riffage sound going on.

Yup, that's a Recto...