Will I miss something if I go full AB over Simul-Class?

[FF5]

That...

I'm considering investing in the near future on a used 395 or new 2:90, but could save me lots of money by buying an ENGL power. Anyone would say Simul-Class sounds at least 2 times better than a full AB power?

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[dmt]

That depends on how much you like Class A amps.

Simul-Class is pretty much a modified Class AB anyway. It is using a pair of tubes running in Class A for a warm tone, while using a second pair of Class AB tubes to give it more power. Thats why it is 85 watts in a Mark III lets say versus 100 watts for a non-silmulclass. The pair of Class A tubes is going to give about 15-25 watts while the pair of Class AB tubse will add roughly 50-60 watts. Thus you have 85 watts, Class A for warm tone, backed by Class AB for power.

Simul-Class™ magic comes from the pairing of two separate and different power amps working together simultaneously to produce one gorgeous tone. For each channel, one pair of 6L6s operates in Class AB delivering punch and headroom.

The the 295 or 395 are monsters of tone and volume! Warm and deep, with loads of head room. The 2:90 as far as i know is more modern.

 

[ak47]

Have you tried a Simul-Class setup yet? Probably the best place to start and then let your ears decide for you...

I for one would say at least 2 times better... possibly even 3...

 

[FF5]

That depends on how much you like Class A amps.

Simul-Class is pretty much a modified Class AB anyway. It is using a pair of tubes running in Class A for a warm tone, while using a second pair of Class AB tubes to give it more power. Thats why it is 85 watts in a Mark III lets say versus 100 watts for a non-silmulclass. The pair of Class A tubes is going to give about 15-25 watts while the pair of Class AB tubse will add roughly 50-60 watts. Thus you have 85 watts, Class A for warm tone, backed by Class AB for power.

Simul-Class™ magic comes from the pairing of two separate and different power amps working together simultaneously to produce one gorgeous tone. For each channel, one pair of 6L6s operates in Class AB delivering punch and headroom.

The the 295 or 395 are monsters of tone and volume! Warm and deep, with loads of head room. The 2:90 as far as i know is more modern.

I totally understand the thing on a technical perspective, but that doesn't tell how much they differ sonically in the practical world. I'm not even near the possibility of trying a Simul-Class amp (be it power or head/combo), because the biggest music shop in my town has for demoing just Rectos, Loners and Expressos.

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[cradleofflames]

The response of Simul-class is VERY different than Class A/B.

I can't really think of an example of simul–class compared to class A/B but from a Marshall standpoint I can:
Compare Steve Stevens tone on Rebel Yell to Van Halen 1. They're both a Plexi but the VH1 tone is spongier therefore sounds more fluid.

That's what I think simul-class is closest to.
I'm guessing but a recto on spongy should be a fairly similar response. Simul-class isn't nearly as spongy as the tube rectifier. You could attempt use that as a point of reference: most likely somewhere in between spongy and silicone diodes compared to bold and tube rectified.

IMO the power options (Half-power(Class A/B), Class A, and Simul-Class) along with the track switching allowing for a boost or different power option with the tap of a latching footswitch makes the 395 the best power amp Mesa has ever built with the possible exception of the Strategy 500. I picked the 395 over a VHT 2/90/2 because the 2/90/2 was ULTRA stiff and didn't feel or sound like an amp to me. The 395 has no such problems.

I might consider selling my 395 if you're interested.

I'm downsizing my rack to effects only and going to head since currently my rack doesn't fit in my new car.

 

[FF5]

The response of Simul-class is VERY different than Class A/B.

I can't really think of an example of simul–class compared to class A/B but from a Marshall standpoint I can:
Compare Steve Stevens tone on Rebel Yell to Van Halen 1. They're both a Plexi but the VH1 tone is spongier therefore sounds more fluid.

That's what I think simul-class is closest to.
I'm guessing but a recto on spongy should be a fairly similar response. Simul-class isn't nearly as spongy as the tube rectifier. You could attempt use that as a point of reference: most likely somewhere in between spongy and silicone diodes compared to bold and tube rectified.

IMO the power options (Half-power(Class A/B), Class A, and Simul-Class) along with the track switching allowing for a boost or different power option with the tap of a latching footswitch makes the 395 the best power amp Mesa has ever built with the possible exception of the Strategy 500. I picked the 395 over a VHT 2/90/2 because the 2/90/2 was ULTRA stiff and didn't feel or sound like an amp to me. The 395 has no such problems.

I might consider selling my 395 if you're interested.

I'm downsizing my rack to effects only and going to head since currently my rack doesn't fit in my new car.

great...now shipping it to germany...

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