Choosing a Solid State Head for Jazz (Coupled with Cana Rex 12" Speaker)

[Arya44]

I sold my Peavey Delta Blues 210 and decided to go with the route of solid state amp for avoiding headache with tube choice, potential tube noise, potential vibration issues in combo tube amps, weight, and more importantly the tone was awesome for blues but not mellow enough for my jazz taste. I decided to go to the route of a small affordable solid state amp head. I have a 1x12 closed cabinet, and also I have a 12" Cannabis Rex speaker that seem to be used by the jazz guitar players. What head do you think works well with that setup? I have the option of buying a used Quilter Mini 101 and later budget for a reverb pedal, or with a bit more money buy a used DV Mark 50 Micro (first generation) that comes with reverb (around 350 Canadian dollars), or with more money (around 480 Canadian dollars) buy a new DV Mark 60 Jazz head. What do you think? Does extra 130 dollars for a new DV Mark 60 Jazz is justifiable compared to a used DV Mark 50 Micro? I know for the 2nd generation (DV Mark 60 Jazz or DV Mark 50 Micro II) they removed XLR out and added effect loop. The send can still be used for recording directly to the sound board though with proper input impedance. So I don't see it as a disadvantage. I appreciate your comments. Thank you.

[Jim Soloway]

I think I've owned all of those. I now have a Quilter Superblock USA. It's by far my favorite of the bunch. It's versatile, capable of a lot of classic sounds (or near enough for my taste), has a passable reverb, is dead silent, and has user friendly controls. I know it's been hard to get for a while but there's supposed to be a mess of them shipping out to dealers in the next week or so.

[Arya44]

I think I've owned all of those. I now have a Quilter Superblock USA. It's by far my favorite of the bunch. It's versatile, capable of a lot of classic sounds (or near enough for my taste), has a passable reverb, is dead silent, and has user friendly controls. I know it's been hard to get for a while but there's supposed to be a mess of them shipping out to dealers in the next week or so.

Thanks Jim for this quick reply. The price is good and if it really has 25 watt tube equivalent power it is definitely more than enough! I found it requires PS-24 power supply. Normally power supplies produce a small current so I don't know how heavy duty the power supply should be to suffice enough power for a relatively loud device (assuming if it can really deliver equal loudness to a 25 watt tube amp). I had a tube amp head years ago and it wasn't even 20 watt rated and at 70 to 80 percent volume, it was shaking stuff in my room.
Thanks again. Cheers.

[nevershouldhavesoldit]

Thanks Jim for this quick reply. The price is good and if it really has 25 watt tube equivalent power it is definitely more than enough! I found it requires PS-24 power supply. Normally power supplies produce a small current so I don't know how heavy duty the power supply should be to suffice enough power for a relatively loud device (assuming if it can really deliver equal loudness to a 25 watt tube amp). I had a tube amp head years ago and it wasn't even 20 watt rated and at 70 to 80 percent volume, it was shaking stuff in my room.
Thanks again. Cheers.

I just got a preowned Quilter Microblock 45 earlier this week - its "rated" output power is 45 watts, although there's no qualifier (e.g. RMS). The power supply is the same PS-24, which is a 24V/3A switching PS from Golden Profit in China that came with a seriously heavy power cable. The Microblock is quite loud and clean through my Stealth 10, so I don't doubt that the Superblock can equal a 25 watt tube amp in SPL through the same speaker. And 75W should be far more than necessary to push a class D amp to 25 real watts. A class D amp is about 90% efficient, so only about 10% of the power it gets goes out as heat.

I'm still waiting for my Superblock US to make it through the port and get across the country to me. But the Microblock has eased the wait and found a place in my heart.

[Gitterbug]

The Micro 60 is the Micro 50 II in different clothes. I have the Micro 50 I and Micro 50M. They all have the same clean channel and the chorusy-tipsy reverb. In jazz, you only need a whiff of it. These amps have always appealed to me tone-wise, being darker and mellower than Quilters. They are loud, too. Yet, they weigh twice as much as the Quilter 101R and three times the SuperBlock, which has just about enough headroom through a sensitive (97 dB and up) speaker. If you can live without an on-board reverb, see my fresh post about the Warwick Gnome amps, not forgetting the BAM200.

[sgosnell]

If I were starting over, I would get a Luna. They're more expensive, though, so that can be a factor to consider. I owned both the 101 Mini and the 101 Reverb. Hated both, couldn't get rid of them fast enough. But I'm not a Fender amp fan, and if you are you might like them. I had a DV Mark Micro 50, which I sold after I got the Little Jazz, because they sound so much alike. With the combo, I didn't really need to carry a head and a cabinet. I liked the Micro50, but it was redundant.

[Arya44]

If I were starting over, I would get a Luna. They're more expensive, though, so that can be a factor to consider. I owned both the 101 Mini and the 101 Reverb. Hated both, couldn't get rid of them fast enough. But I'm not a Fender amp fan, and if you are you might like them. I had a DV Mark Micro 50, which I sold after I got the Little Jazz, because they sound so much alike. With the combo, I didn't really need to carry a head and a cabinet. I liked the Micro50, but it was redundant.

I felt the same thin sound listening to sound samples of Mini 101, but it looks like the Superblock US may be a bit darker sounding. Although I’m not fan of fenderish tone either especially the way it twangs and peaks the high E string tones. That was the main reason I was thinking of DV Mark amps. Although I must say the hemp speakers like 12” Cannabis Rex could possibly make the tone too dark, would it?
There is a comparison video for speaker and amp combinations for jazz tone comparing Quilter 101 and Superblock US.

what do you think? I probably don’t want to get a too dark tone either.

[Chazmo]

I have a DV Micro 50 Jazz head and I use it with both an open-back cab with a 12" Cannabis Rex and a DV branded (Jazz 208) closed-back cab with two 8" speakers.

The 208 with the Jazz head is my favorite amp in my home studio, but I like the 12" CR cab if I need a little more oomph for live performance. The CR speaker is not too dark with the DV head.

[Chazmo]

BTW, the fact the DV 208 with the DV Jazz head is my favorite amp in my home studio is quite a statement because I have a choice of other nice jazz amps, including a Polytone Mini Brute II, Acoustic Image Corus, and a Henriksen Bud.

[Gitfiddler]

I scored a DV Mark Raw Dawg head for gigs or rehearsals in small spaces or when travel is involved.
It's 250 watts of clean plus reverb. I connect it to one of my (1x12 or 2x12) cabs depending on the room size, access and style of music being played. There are Quilter fans who told me I should have gotten one of those heads, blocks or whatever, but I'm happy with this tiny rig.

Just another consideration.

DV MARK | Products | DV "RAW DAWG" EG Eric Gales signature

[sgosnell]

My only experience with Cannabis Rex speakers is that they are brighter than some others. I bought two to put in my Vibrolux Reverb, and I ended up putting one into my RE Stealth 10, and using that speaker in the VR. My experience was that the CR speakers were a little brighter, and tighter in both treble and bass than the Eminence Alpha, which gave a darker tone. YMMV. I haven't heard a Superblock in person, so I have no opinion about it.

[lawson-stone]

I will say one thing about the DVMark amps, every single one I've had---3 of the "50" heads and one combo--the auxiliary input is frizzy. It's very fragile and prone to short, pick up a hum, or otherwise become irritating. I think I want sturdier construction for my inputs from now on.

[Arya44]

I have a DV Micro 50 Jazz head…..The CR speaker is not too dark with the DV head.

thanks a lot. That’s a good info for me.

[Arya44]

My only experience with Cannabis Rex speakers is that they are brighter than some others.

oh wow! That’s good to know. So if I end up with either DV Mark or Quilter Superblock US I guess I shouldn’t worry about too dark tone then.

[Arya44]

BTW, the fact the DV 208 with the DV Jazz head is my favorite amp in my home studio is quite a statement because I have a choice of other nice jazz amps, including a Polytone Mini Brute II, Acoustic Image Corus, and a Henriksen Bud.

Correction: ok. Got it. 50 jazz head. One of the replies mentioned DV Mark micro 50 is the same as the jazz model. I’m wondering if 50 Micro clean is voiced same as the jazz model but with more option for gained tone. Do you know?

[Gitterbug]

Correction: ok. Got it. 50 jazz head. One of the replies mentioned DV Mark micro 50 is the same as the jazz model. I’m wondering if 50 Micro clean is voiced same as the jazz model but with more option for gained tone. Do you know?

I have this confirmed from Riccardo Damiani from Parsek (= MarkBass, DVMark): all Micro 50 versions share the same clean channel. The lead/gain/overdrive on the blue and black versions is not really a separate channel but an extra chip absent from the jazz model. Why pay more for a version that offers less? The Jazz version isn't any smaller or lighter. That the 50 and 60 are one and the same is my inference: one claims 50W @ 8 ohm, 60W @ 4 ohm, the other 60W @4 ohm, 50W @ 8 ohm...

On Luna 200R: Much as I appreciate Geoff Felsher, it took two lemons to get a decent - but IMHO not extraordinary - one. Even this sample is not entirely quiet. However, in terms of volume, it is, compared to all the other 200W amps I have around. The power amp section is the IcePower module used by at least a few other amp makers, so it's the preamp and reverb that separate this from others. All-clean, it's a one-trick pony compared to Quilter's and DV Mark's 200W offerings. It's said to be good for any instruments, but I can't get much volume out from a passive-PU Squier jazz bass. Have I been blessed with three lemons? Just my luck.

[Woody Sound]

*If* the built-in reverb is important to you, be careful to try out the DV Marks before you buy. I had one (the 250 model?) and thought the reverb sounded horrible. Nasaly/metallic/chorusy. I sold it right away.

[Herbie]

One more suggestion: Quilter Tone Block 202. I had a 101 and it terribly trebly. Then I got a TB202 and no similar problems with treble.

It has a better reverb than DV’s and a voicing knob takes You from fenderish (’Vintage’) to jazzier (’Full Q’).

The Gain and Limiter knobs are also worth of turning. And the EQs are powerful.

[nevershouldhavesoldit]

*If* the built-in reverb is important to you, be careful to try out the DV Marks before you buy. I had one (the 250 model?) and thought the reverb sounded horrible. Nasaly/metallic/chorusy. I sold it right away.

The DVM reverb is an odd beast, for sure. But I discovered two settings that are very useful for me. I think it’s nice when it’s barely there, and that’s usually how I use it. Any more than a faint hint has a weird character that I don’t like for most music. But turned all the way up, it’s more chorus than reverb and I use it in the space between Mike Stern and Joni Mitchell.

It’s also a cool change-up on a tune usually done another way. I tried it full on for a fusion take on All Blues in 4, and everybody in the place loved it (band, audience, and employees). And it really sparkles on Sleepwalk (which is fun as straight ahead Jazz), especially with volume swells. For me, it’s like an effects pedal. And it’s consistent from model to model (I have a 12” and an LJ).

[Gitterbug]

The DV Mark reverb isn't bad for acoustic guitars.

[Arya44]

One more suggestion: Quilter Tone Block 202. I had a 101 and it terribly trebly. Then I got a TB202 and no similar problems with treble.

It has a better reverb than DV’s and a voicing knob takes You from fenderish (’Vintage’) to jazzier (’Full Q’).

The Gain and Limiter knobs are also worth of turning. And the EQs are powerful.

Thanks for the info. Tone Block 202 is definitely a great sounding head. I was listening to samples in YouTube. Unfortunately it’s too much above my budget. Its feature set is pretty close to Superblock US that Jim Soloway recommended. If tone wise they are both in the same ballpark, Superblock US is definitely within my budget range.

[Arya44]

I think I've owned all of those. I now have a Quilter Superblock USA. It's by far my favorite of the bunch. It's versatile, capable of a lot of classic sounds (or near enough for my taste), has a passable reverb, is dead silent, and has user friendly controls. I know it's been hard to get for a while but there's supposed to be a mess of them shipping out to dealers in the next week or so.

Thanks Jim for your suggestion. I checked the tone in YouTube clips and the tone is great!
Also the feature set is pretty much up there with more expensive units like Quilter Tone Block 202 but with almost half the price. Definitely a good choice for me.
I like sort of darkish tone like you. I know you achieve it to some extend by tuning down but if Superblock is darker sounding than Mini 101 (May be not as much as DV Mark though) but I think I’ll be happy. Also I play sort of quiet and laid back so thanks for the info that Superblock is noise-free (dead silent).

[Arya44]

Thanks Jim for your suggestion. I checked the tone in YouTube clips and the tone is great!
Also the feature set is pretty much up there with more expensive units like Quilter Tone Block 202 but with almost half the price. Definitely a good choice for me.
I like sort of darkish tone like you. I know you achieve it to some extend by tuning down but if Superblock is darker sounding than Mini 101 (May be not as much as DV Mark though) but I think I’ll be happy. Also I play sort of quiet and laid back so thanks for the info that Superblock is noise-free (dead silent).

I came to the realization that with hollow body the scooped tone works better. I have Fender Bronco bass modeling amp and it allows adjusting variables and even more options in the computer user interface. I had a tone that I liked from a Rumble amp and the low-mid frequencies that were mushing the chords suddenly cleared up with the scoop mode. It allows one parametric mid-range EQ so I compensated for some of the mid-range to balance out something not too boxy or too spiky and not too bassy. It actually sounded pretty good but there is a bit of noise that is digitized and bothers me between the phrases. This is the 2nd modeling amp that I noticed they don’t work on refining the dithering to make the noise more natural sounding. The gates are also too abrupt. Anyway, I’m counting on Jim’s comment about Superblock US being dead silent and combining that with the realization of value of scooped tone in hollow body made me to make a decision and buy the Superblock US. Keeping my fingers crossed. Thanks Jim for your suggestion. Thanks everyone for your comments.

[jazzkritter]

Hi Herbie
I reached out to Pat at Quilter, asked what amp would a Polytone/Walter Woods fan be happy with.
Yep… Tone Block 202 in FRFR mode.
Rapidly becoming my fav.
Nothing like the 101, which is an ice pick IMHO.
Watch for pre owned?
jk

[Herbie]

Hi Herbie
I reached out to Pat at Quilter, asked what amp would a Polytone/Walter Woods fan be happy with.
Yep… Tone Block 202 in FRFR mode.
Rapidly becoming my fav.
Nothing like the 101, which is an ice pick IMHO.
Watch for pre owned?
jk

Wow, this is interesting. I have thought that FRFR mode is for modelers only and I have not even teated it! How silly. Thanks for enlighting!

TB202’s are hard to find second hand. I have two of them, first was B-stock in a major European retailer and for the second one I had to shout in Facebook’s Quilter group for an used one. And soon a German guy sent an offer.

I might have ended in US Superblock wagon if I didn’t like my amps to be mounted as a combo.