Quilter Tone Block 202 / DV Mark Little 250 GH

**PrayaagB** · 07-05-2021, 06:38 AM

Hey guys,

I've been thinking of upgrading my current amp situation from a small 5 watt tube to a more capable system.

Narrowed down to these two amp heads (open to 1x12 cab suggestions)
- Quilter Tone Block 202 / or Overdrive 202
- DV Mark Little 250 GH

I'm wondering if any of you have any experience with either and could share your inputs in helping me make up my mind?

Look forward to your feedback!
Prayaag

**Gitterbug** · 07-05-2021, 07:20 AM

Hi Tia!

I haven't had either exact model, but an earlier ProBlock 200 and DV Mark Little 250M. The latter's clean channel should be the same as in GH. Expect the Quilter to be a lot brighter, also lighter. Great reverb. DV Mark's reverb is a bit wobbly, but overall the amp has a lot of girth. I used both for testing my Toob ultra-light cabs on serious volumes and overdrive. The young shredder who bought the DV Mark runs it with a pair of Toob 12R's, and boy does he create some noise! The Quilter went to someone specialized in avant-garde, "celestial" sounds - solo performances mixing music with poetry. Somehow the difference between the two amps' characters is similar to single-coil vs. humbucker pickups.

**PrayaagB** · 07-05-2021, 07:30 AM

Hey thanks @Gitterbug

I suppose I'd use very slight reverb off the amp, but sure the 'wobbly' reverb you mentioned isn't ideal.
Oh yea, the young shredder - Luca Mantovanelli is phenomenal and does a great job in revealing the amp.
So you mean the Quilters are more single coil like, and the DV marks, humbucker-ish?

**Gitterbug** · 07-05-2021, 08:16 AM

Prayaag, exactly. To an extent, guitar tone is an acquired taste, and Fender has dominated the U.S. scene for so long. I also believe that Pat Quilter personally likes Western swing, country, steel and similar crystal clear and twangy stuff. The chorusy-tipsy flavor of DV Mark's reverb has never annoyed me, as it only becomes audible past 12 o'clock. I used a DV Mark Micro 50 for jazz gigs exclusively until my 6.5" Metro cabs begged for something physically smaller. Now it's TC Electronic BAM200 for bass and higher guitar volumes. However, I firmly believe that Quilter SuperBlock US will be my go to amp when our old boys' swing band starts gigging again.

**jads57** · 07-05-2021, 12:06 PM

I'm sure either will work fine for you. But the Quilter is definitely in the Fender Clean side of tone. I've been gigging with Quiter Aviators and now a TB202 for over 5 years and am extremely happy!

Also remember your cabinet and speaker choice will make a huge difference. Make sure it has enough power to handle 200 watts!

**jazzkritter** · 07-05-2021, 12:35 PM

Hi Prayaag!
Here’s another opinion for you))). Quilter has a pedal amp, “Interbass”, at 45 wt. I’ve used a Walter Woods custom amp for years (same as Tal, Barney, Charlie B). A WW is the ultimate sound of that style.
The Interbass pedal amp is the only only only one I have found that in a side by side sounds near equal to the Woods. At its price point that’s amazing. I use it through an open back cabinet (think PR) with a 12” Eminence Delta Pro neo.
I have a 101 and as stated above it shines for western country, I can’t tame it to a softer thunk sound.
Caveat I have never heard or played any DV product.
jk

**Gitterbug** · 07-05-2021, 01:25 PM

Originally Posted by jazzkritter

Hi Prayaag!
Here’s another opinion for you))). Quilter has a pedal amp, “Interbass”, at 45 wt. I’ve used a Walter Woods custom amp for years (same as Tal, Barney, Charlie B). A WW is the ultimate sound of that style.
The Interbass pedal amp is the only only only one I have found that in a side by side sounds near equal to the Woods. At its price point that’s amazing. I use it through an open back cabinet (think PR) with a 12” Eminence Delta Pro neo.
I have a 101 and as stated above it shines for western country, I can’t tame it to a softer thunk sound.
Caveat I have never heard or played any DV product.
jk

Thanks for a valuable piece of info! I've been wondering about the Interbass. In fact, a few months ago I asked Peter Melton from Quilter Labs about its usability for jazz guitar. As we know, several small Class D bass amps (G&K MB 200, Trace-Elliot Elf and, in particular, TC Electronic BAM200) serve well in that role.The response roughly was: "We haven't tried yet." The parallel Interblock 45 lacks clean headroom IMHO. Whether the Interbass is better in this respect, or just has its EQ shelves on lower frequencies, would be interesting to know.

**jads57** · 07-05-2021, 05:07 PM

Another seriojs consideration should be there newer Cub 1x12" combo. Very impressive And super light weight !

**ccroft** · 07-05-2021, 09:23 PM

I think the TB202 is a really great amp. BlockDock 12 is a good match and makes a very convenient combo. Pretty similar to the Cub I reckon. I also use a BlockDock 10 for a smaller package when needed.

Gitterbug's Toobs look good too. I'd surely consider one if I didn't already have my own little personal piece of heaven going on.

**PrayaagB** · 07-08-2021, 10:40 AM

The Quilter seems to have better reviews than the DV, with bigger head rooms and dynamic range. I'm now considering the Quilter Overdrive 202 in conjunction with the Tone Block. Can't decide which one's the better / more suitable for me. The good folks at Quilter claim that the clean channels on both these are differently voiced. Any opinions on this?

**lawson-stone** · 07-08-2021, 10:53 AM

I had the Quilter TB202 and had no complaints about sound. My problem was the rather bizarre tendency to have multi-purpose input/outputs. For example, there is no aux. input, but they tell you the effects loop return is designed to serve that. BUT you better have exactly the right plug (they don't tell you this) or you'll just get one channel of your input. How hard is a simple aux. input to install? Second example, you can get a speaker-emulated output, but it's controlled by your actual speaker output level. Your XLR out, though, has no speaker emulation. So you can't get a cabinet emulation XLR output. Also, you can't have silent output with cabinet emulation because the emulation is regulated by the actual performance of you real cabinet.

Finally I just gave up and sold it.

**ccroft** · 07-08-2021, 09:06 PM

Simpleton that I am, maybe the reason I like my TB202 so much is that I pretty much only use it as a guitar amp :-)

I'm not sure you got the XLR thing right there Lawson. The demo you did comparing recording off the XLR to recording off the mic was quite convincing for me. I've been very happy with the tiny bit of recording I've done that way.

Maybe the new TM Fenders have a better implementation?

Here's what Quilter says about 202 cab sim on their website:

There are actually two systems.

The purely electronic cab sim is located just before the Line-Out/Headphone output, and is triggered by the Voice switch setting to emulate the sound coming out of the speaker (FR or guitar-mode). This system is independent of the speaker, which can be unplugged or turned down with the Master.

There is a more “organic” cab sim system used on the Direct Out on the back which actually uses the speaker response as part of the tone shaping. This is intended as a “mic replacement” and the speaker needs to be playing at a reasonably normal volume to get good results.

**ccroft** · 07-08-2021, 09:19 PM

Originally Posted by PrayaagB

...I'm now considering the Quilter Overdrive 202, which has the same clean channel as the Toneblock 202, with the additional 3rd voice, emulating a mesa sound, that's got to be my preference at the moment....

I probably would've bought the OD if it was available when I bought the TB. OD 202 didn't come out until about a year after. In a review I did of the TB I said I expected them to roll out a OD202, but wasn't sure how they'd fit it all in that package. One thing they did was get rid of XLR out.

I had an Aviator before the TB. I thought Quilter's implementation of 2 channel was really really great. I like the option to be totally clean and hit a slight bit of dirt when you want it. Somehow I like doing that in-amp better than with a pedal. Maybe that comes from playing Mesa for 20 years.

Maybe I'll add a OD to the pile one day. I got an extra BlockDock after all. I'm curious how the tone controls compare. FWIW, they do have different names on the mini switch.

**Herbie** · 07-09-2021, 01:10 AM

The Quilter TB202 can be brighter that DV – but it has very capable eq controls so You can turn the brightness to darkness. I have a TB202 (in fact two!) now and it is very flexible and good sounding solid amp.

I have installed them in combos and choosing the right speakers (10” an 12”) for them has been as ”easy” as choosing a speaker to any amp. That’s why I wonder how satisfying can it be to travel to a gig and use whatever speaker cab there happens to lie around. Or do people have a technical rider which says that ”there should also be an half open speaker cabinet with broken in Jensen NT12 Classic”?

BTW The speakers that I now have with TB’s are not 200W spkrs. Another is 90W and another 50W. But I don’t play loud so I think the speakers will survive. Who plays on 200W? If You play, then You must have 200W speaker.

**lawson-stone** · 07-09-2021, 09:36 AM

Originally Posted by ccroft

Simpleton that I am, maybe the reason I like my TB202 so much is that I pretty much only use it as a guitar amp :-)

I'm not sure you got the XLR thing right there Lawson. The demo you did comparing recording off the XLR to recording off the mic was quite convincing for me. I've been very happy with the tiny bit of recording I've done that way.

Maybe the new TM Fenders have a better implementation?

Here's what Quilter says about 202 cab sim on their website:

There are actually two systems.

The purely electronic cab sim is located just before the Line-Out/Headphone output, and is triggered by the Voice switch setting to emulate the sound coming out of the speaker (FR or guitar-mode). This system is independent of the speaker, which can be unplugged or turned down with the Master.

There is a more “organic” cab sim system used on the Direct Out on the back which actually uses the speaker response as part of the tone shaping. This is intended as a “mic replacement” and the speaker needs to be playing at a reasonably normal volume to get good results.

Ah you're right but the point I made remains: the direct out system on the amp is very hard to keep straight in one's mind! I read the manual but somehow missed that. Thank you for the correction. Note also, my complaint that there are too many dual-use input/outputs: you ca't use the Direct Out and Headphone out at the same time.

But I mis-spoke and so mis-characterized the amp, and it's good you pointed that out. Thanks.

**ccroft** · 07-10-2021, 03:00 AM

Originally Posted by lawson-stone

Ah you're right but the point I made remains: the direct out system on the amp is very hard to keep straight in one's mind!

I have to agree with you there Lawson. Too many options that I don't even care about. Especially the line/headphones out with pre/post switch. WTF? What I said about being a simpleton was only half in jest. I use the Quilter exactly how I used my old amps before it. Plug in and play! Not once have I ever plugged in headphones or wanted an aux in. Other folks have different needs.

The '76 Mesa had a line out on the back. It had some sort of volume pot back there too. It may have even had an effects loop. I left all that stuff up to the sound guys and recording engineers. Some used it and some didn't.

Could be all the trickery Quilter employs has something to do with the tiny form factor. Jacks take up room, so try to make the most of the ones they can fit in there.

**Herbie** · 07-10-2021, 05:00 AM

Originally Posted by ccroft

I have to agree with you there Lawson. Too many options that I don't even care about. Especially the line/headphones out with pre/post switch. WTF? What I said about being a simpleton was only half in jest. I use the Quilter exactly how I used my old amps before it. Plug in and play! Not once have I ever plugged in headphones or wanted an aux in. Other folks have different needs.

The '76 Mesa had a line out on the back. It had some sort of volume pot back there too. It may have even had an effects loop. I left all that stuff up to the sound guys and recording engineers. Some used it and some didn't.

Could be all the trickery Quilter employs has something to do with the tiny form factor. Jacks take up room, so try to make the most of the ones they can fit in there.

I use the TB202 much in the same way. In fact if I had to find a bad thing about TB202 that would be the line of extra inputs/outputs in the front. I would need only one! Sometimes I have planned covering the ”useless” holes with a black gaffer tape. But the thought of cleaning the dried glues after some years have stopped me.

**PrayaagB** · 07-10-2021, 05:13 AM

How would you compare the Tone Block 202 to the Overdrive?
Is there a significant advantage in the direct out of the TB?
The clean channels on both seem to be voiced differently too.

I'm torn between the two and would love to know what you all have to say about this?

**ccroft** · 07-10-2021, 12:28 PM

Originally Posted by PrayaagB

How would you compare the Tone Block 202 to the Overdrive?
Is there a significant advantage in the direct out of the TB?
The clean channels on both seem to be voiced differently too.
I'm torn between the two and would love to know what you all have to say about this?

I feel your pain. Wish I could say something meaningful here, but that's not going to happen until I buy an OD. Which...could happen one day.

Maybe someone will come along that's tried them side by side, but I sorta doubt it. Some here have used OD101, but that's a different beast again. Not a lot of Quilter posting around here. Especially now the TM Fenders are out. These are certainly great amps as well. And they look more like jazz amps, right down to the glowing jewel lens! :-)

I happen to like the XLR out. It does a great job of mic emulation. I've been too busy trying to regain my chops after a decade of layoff to get interested in learning how to use the software, but the little bit of recording I have done tells me I like this slightly better than the line out on front. It seems to give me a better approximation of what I hear in the room.

All I can say is that I find the TB to be a perfect amp for me these days. If the tone options on OD are different from TB, I for one am not likely to prefer it. EG: I like the tone controls on the TB vastly better than Aviator 8 I used to own. It may have been that tiny speaker, but the only way I could get happy was with an Empress ParaEQ in the loop, and a 12" under it.

The main OD attraction for me is the 2 channels. But I kinda have that solved in the same old fashioned way I used the Mesa Mark Zero: find the sweet spot in the gain setting that bites just a bit when you roll up the guitar volume.

Best of luck with the quest! And please post back after you get there. I'd like to hear any info you might have RE the comparison.

**Herbie** · 07-10-2021, 06:48 PM

Originally Posted by PrayaagB

How would you compare the Tone Block 202 to the Overdrive?
Is there a significant advantage in the direct out of the TB?
The clean channels on both seem to be voiced differently too.

I'm torn between the two and would love to know what you all have to say about this?

I too was torn between those but at the end I realised that I like to have my overdrive, hair and fuzz from the pedals, not from the amp. I like my amp clean. First 25 years it was Vox AC30, now mainly the Quilter TB202.

But Your mileage and needs may vary!

**PrayaagB** · 07-13-2021, 06:20 AM

Sure it quite a dilemma!!

The kind folks at Quilter did mention that the TB 202 has the clear advantage of an FRFR which comes handy when recording into DAWs and using cab sims. Whereas, all line outs from the OD have an active cab sim by default.
The voicings on both are slightly different too, but that's extremely subjective with listeners. I'm sure all of them are top notch.

Wrt the XRL out, I'll pay close attention now that you mentioned, to understand what you mean.
2 channels on the OD is a more traditional amp head set up isn't it, and and external switcher would be an add on too.
Overall, I guess for those who use pedals can do pretty well with the TB, while if you're keen on driving the amp super hot, the OD ought to deliver better.

I'm literally see-sawing between the two but at the moment the TB seems to be more attractive and quite enough for my needs in the years to come. Drive the signal using pedals, the option of a FR for recordings and I'd also save up space on my board without the switcher with the OD!

Next leg of research would be the speaker. Considering the Celestion BN12-300S at the moment. Have any of you had experiences with it? Thanks for all your inputs, it's been really helpful

)

**Herbie** · 07-13-2021, 07:23 AM

I have played my TB202 with Jensen Tornado, Celestion BN12-300S and now Celestion Alnico Cream.

I like Tornado very much, it is more open than BN-12. Which has a bit thicker mids, good with classic jazz sound.

But then I found an used Alnico Cream for a good price and after testing it I did not have alternatives. It is balanced sounding speaker – and it is Alnico. Very musical.

I know, it is ”only” 90 W. But I have tilting amp stand, the amp shoots straight to my ears, so I would get along with 20 W. And I don’t play with heavy handed drummers.

**ccroft** · 07-13-2021, 09:41 PM

I like the BN12 very much. I have one in open back BlockDock, and one in a closed back. Other speakers I've used with TB202 are Cannabis Rex and Celestion C90. I also use a BlockDock 10 with whatever speaker that is. I think it sounds great thru all these.

If it was only one speaker for me it would currently be the BN12. I will admit to feeling the call to try a Tornado from time to time. It seems to be pretty popular.

This part so very subjective. Other players I respect have given up on the Neo's and prefer a more traditional 'guitar amp' type speaker, like the Celestion.

BTW: These days I only plug in carved archtops. I think the instrument might be important part of the choice.

Praayag: sure you've seen this, but just in case. It had everything to do with me taking the leap:

**Herbie** · 07-14-2021, 04:27 AM

Originally Posted by ccroft

I like the BN12 very much. I have one in open back BlockDock, and one in a closed back. Other speakers I've used with TB202 are Cannabis Rex and Celestion C90. I also use a BlockDock 10 with whatever speaker that is. I think it sounds great thru all these.

If it was only one speaker for me it would currently be the BN12. I will admit to feeling the call to try a Tornado from time to time. It seems to be pretty popular.

This part so very subjective. Other players I respect have given up on the Neo's and prefer a more traditional 'guitar amp' type speaker, like the Celestion.

BTW: These days I only plug in carved archtops. I think the instrument might be important part of the choice.

Praayag: sure you've seen this, but just in case. It had everything to do with me taking the leap:

You are right, the choice of the speaker is highly subjective matter. But the good news is that in my experience TB202 sounds good with any speaker!

If I played only my ES-175s I too would have sticked to BN12. But I have also some rock bands and the openness of Tornado or Alnico Cream suits distorted sounds better.

With the BN12 it didn't matter where the voicing switch was, I got "the jazz sound" also with the VINT position. With the Cream Alnico the differences are bigger and the FULLQ-position sounds jazzier and, eh: fuller.

I bought a 10" BlockDock speaker Celestion TF1080 too. In fact it is useless now when I changed to Celestion Gold in it. Maybe I should put it to For Sale -department.

**ccroft** · 07-14-2021, 09:10 PM

hmmm...10" Celestion Gold eh? Another option rattling around my brain pan! I like the BockDock 12 with BN 12 much better than the 10 inch TF1080 on it's own. Gotta wonder what you're hearing, and if I'd be happier with that switch...

Does the Gold fit the BD10 cab without modification? Also, what's the right technique for getting that grill cover off? You know... just in case... :-) Mine is really hard to budge.