|
Post by waynelawkid on Nov 22, 2012 11:14:04 GMT -7
I have been a proud owner of a 2011 Maz 18 NR head for about 6 months and most certainly have been bit by the Z-bug. It is an incredible, versatile amp. Unfortunately for me, it is also an incredibly LOUD 18 watts. I am merely a hobbyist and rarely "play out" other than the occasional blues jam. Thus, 18 Z watts has turned out to be a bit much for me. Rarely do I have the master volume above 9 o'clock and I feel like I am not getting the best that this amp has to offer due to volume concerns. Oddly enough, I almost feel like it is unfair to the amp. I know, a bit crazy. I have considered a brake lite, but have been soured on attenuators in the past.
All this is "window-dressing" to justify me pulling the trigger on a Maz 8 head, which I did yesterday. Having studied the reviews and comments on the forum, I'm hoping this will be a better fit for my purposes. It looks like it will be arriving next week and I can't wait to see if I can get the MV above noon without waking the dead, neighbors and Mrs. I also get to take the EH holy grail off the pedal board and give the Z reverb a whirl. If all goes well, the 18 NR head will be on the market.
Has anyone made the Maz 18 to 8 voyage? Comments?
|
|
|
Post by smolder on Nov 22, 2012 12:33:22 GMT -7
Mine was a 5 year gap... had the Max 18 NR years ago and while it's not 'the Z amp' for my needs, it was very cool. I took the plunge on a Maz 8, and it wasn't right for me. Further, I didn't think it sounded like a small Maz18. I suggest waiting a few weeks before saying goodbye to the 18. Just my opinion... I will likely own an 18 again down the road.
|
|
|
Post by waynelawkid on Nov 22, 2012 12:58:26 GMT -7
Thanks for the comment! I think I will a-b the amps side by side before parting with the 18, although the volume concerns may rule out the 18 as a viable option. Any particular reason for parting ways with the Maz 8? How did it compare to the 18 volume wise?
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 22, 2012 13:42:21 GMT -7
I own both. They are similar and different at the same time. On the 8 after the master is past noon you get real power tube grind so the settings don 18 to 8 are different. The Pentode/triode switch yields all minds of options as does the EQ bypass. I bet you'll like it a lot.
|
|
|
Post by zed on Nov 22, 2012 15:45:21 GMT -7
I did the same, started with the 18, didn't think that I was doing it justice jamming at home with it. That and the 18 is loud as heck!
I picked up an 8 for the same reasons as you stated and I'm quite happy with it, although, I held onto the 18 too...you never know.
|
|
|
Post by doctorice on Nov 23, 2012 8:22:36 GMT -7
I have both and am keeping both. That said, for mostly home use, I'd be very happy with the 8. (Mine is the studio combo with Cel Blue.) The 18 has often been called the "Swiss Army knife" in the Dr Z lineup. The 8 easily fits that and has the added bonus of the pentode/triode switch. For some old school vibe, engage the EQ bypass in triode mode, crank the volume and master past noon and use the cut knob for tone. It will be on the loud side
|
|
|
Post by tjnies on Nov 23, 2012 17:25:24 GMT -7
I originally purchased a Maz18 as my first boutique amp. I picked a great one; blond with the maple flame valence. I play at home mostly, just for fun. Even with a BL, complained about the volume, seemed like too much at any level. But I did love the tone.
Ultimately, sold the 18 and bought an 8. Had all the bells 'n'whistles mssing from my 18 - EQ bypass, effects loop, smaller and lighter cab. And it's a blond too! And has the Celestion Blue.
Having had the 8 for a month plus... if I could turn back time I'd take the 18 back. This is just one man's opinion. YMMV etc. The 8 is mostly like the 18 (but quieter), but truly has its own voice.
Don't really care for the EQ bypass tone. Since I also have a 68 Princeton Reverb, I find the headroom / clean tone of the 18 fits me better. May be heading for an M12 next.
|
|
|
Post by waynelawkid on Nov 23, 2012 20:57:00 GMT -7
Thank you to all the seasoned forum members for their feedback! I am now both excited and anxious for the 8's arrival. I knew from the existing reviews that the 8 was not merely a low watt 18, but am concerned from the comments that it is a horse of a completely different color. I suppose I will see!
No comments regarding volume comparison between the 8 and 18?
|
|
|
Post by tjnies on Nov 24, 2012 5:49:41 GMT -7
Don't be too concerned about the 8 sounding that much different. When you run pentode, it's definitely a lower-power 18. But it will break up sooner; plus if you go to triode, you drop to about 5 watts, so the breakup is sooner. That mode certainly sounds different. I didn't have the EQ bypass on my 18, so can't compare.
Concerning volume, the 8 is quieter, but still darn loud! It is louder than my 12 watt PR. Remember that it's half the power, but perceived volume takes a 10x change to sound half as loud. I don't think I ever heard my 18 turned way up w/o the BL, might have broken windows! ;D
|
|
|
Post by doctorice on Nov 24, 2012 8:44:01 GMT -7
No comments regarding volume comparison between the 8 and 18? My 18 with 2 Dr Z 10s is louder than the 8. With no attenuator and V and Master above noon, the 8 is LOud and the 18 is LOUD.
|
|
|
Post by waynelawkid on Nov 24, 2012 23:08:48 GMT -7
Thanks Tjnies and Doctorice! I also run a Z convertible 2 x 10 (with an open back) and love it. For the record I have also ran the 18 maxed out in my home and it did rattle the windows I look forward to a-b'ing the 8 and 18. hopefully there is a worthwhile perceived volume drop. Otherwise, I may have to succumb to a brake lite purchase.
|
|
|
Post by tjnies on Nov 25, 2012 8:31:06 GMT -7
For the record, I have a BL on my 8, and it's necessary!
Although, I notice a tone change when on clicks 3 & 4 more on the 8 than I did on my 18. So I almost never go beyond 2 (and 1 is better).
Just for the record, when I said I didn't like the EQ bypass, it may have something to do with having the BL on 3 - 4 concurrently. I was also keeping the Cut knob to < noon. I watched the Dave Baker video, and looked where his knobs are set. So I'm going to try again.
What is needed is the settings list like the Maz18 has! Doc, do you know of one, or will the 18's setting suffice?
Update - never mind, found the thread.
|
|
|
Post by doctorice on Nov 25, 2012 8:40:19 GMT -7
What is needed is the settings list like the Maz18 has! Doc, do you know of one, or will the 18's setting suffice? The MAZ 18 sheet should be helpful. I think I started one for the 8 and copied in the settings Dave Baker used for the demo. I'll see if I still have it.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 25, 2012 16:48:22 GMT -7
Thanks Tjnies and Doctorice! I also run a Z convertible 2 x 10 (with an open back) and love it. For the record I have also ran the 18 maxed out in my home and it did rattle the windows I look forward to a-b'ing the 8 and 18. hopefully there is a worthwhile perceived volume drop. Otherwise, I may have to succumb to a brake lite purchase. Definately a volume drop between the 18 and the 8. You can tell with a drummer.
|
|
|
Post by doctorice on Nov 25, 2012 18:31:47 GMT -7
What is needed is the settings list like the Maz18 has! Doc, do you know of one, or will the 18's setting suffice? The MAZ 18 sheet should be helpful. I think I started one for the 8 and copied in the settings Dave Baker used for the demo. I'll see if I still have it. Not many entries, but here it is.
|
|
|
Post by waynelawkid on Nov 25, 2012 18:39:38 GMT -7
Glad to hear! I know the lower volume is one of Dr Z's primary platforms for the 8.
Thanks for the 8 settings Doc!
|
|