|
Post by skydog on Oct 20, 2015 7:42:04 GMT -7
Creating a new thread, because I need to ask for input about these two subjects together.
Just bought a pre-2013 Remedy in mint condition. It arrives on Friday. I just discovered the subject of Z's modification for MV and eq.
I'm writing, referencing two older threads, and all of the magazine reviews. The mag reviews shower the amp with praise (which I'm certain it deserves), specifically referencing that the 20w mode sounds relatively identical to 40w. One thread announces the introduction of this significant MV and EQ mod. A follow-up thread has owners encouraging the mod, since the 20w setting does not sound relatively identical. In fact, the connotation is that it doesn't sound good enough to be used. Three days prior to receiving the amp, my belief is that it will sound great. So which is it? I am very familiar with Ken Fischer's PPIMV circuit. I utilized it in my Traynor YBA-1. Otherwise, the thing could take down a wall. Please don't reference the value per cost. I have no worries, if it makes the amp better. Gladly part with $350. I simply don't understand the disagreement, between the product reviews and the members/owners.
|
|
|
Post by benttop (Steve) on Oct 20, 2015 11:39:26 GMT -7
I think it's the old ears problem with varying sound pressure levels. If you start off loud and turn down, it just doesn't sound as full. But if you come with a fresh set of ears and start off quiet, then turn up, it sounds great and gets better and better.
I've noticed this with my Remedy - start off at half power and it is fabulous. But if I then flip the switch and play a while, flipping back makes it seem like something is missing. Well it is - SPL! We tend to like those extra watts.
I think you can have the same experience with almost any master volume. Turning down usually has that effect on me anyway...
|
|
|
Post by skydog on Oct 20, 2015 13:02:10 GMT -7
Thanks. That's makes sense. I'm planning to leave it at 20w, and only switch to 40w when the room beckons. You helped me last week, when I was asking about the Ghia. Between the two amps and the two new cabs, I should have my bases covered. Thanks again.
|
|
|
Post by skydog on Oct 20, 2015 16:31:30 GMT -7
I'll get back, once I have a chance to compare the 20W to the 40W sound. If the magazines are right, I'll call it out. And visa versa. There are absolutes in this world. But the internet is full of half-baked opinions.
|
|
|
Post by Mark (Basement Enthusiast) on Oct 20, 2015 18:16:04 GMT -7
Well, look at it this way--what'cha gonna do if 20 W is too loud? The choices are either PPI-MV (which some people might still not like) or a really good attenuator like the Brake Lite (which some people might still not like). As Steve suggests, maybe it's really the lack of hard-hitting high sound pressure levels that people really don't like once they've gotten the volume down to a workable level.
I've used the PPI-MV Remedy, and the original Remedy with a Brake Lite... doesn't matter they're both pretty good. Truth is that if 40 W is "too loud," it's such a small difference (audibly) between 40 & 20 that, chances are, 20 W will be "too loud," too. And if you're in that situation (which, face it, happens a lot nowadays), then it's time to start the trade-off. PPI-MV, attenuator, either way don't sweat it... the Remedy's pretty darned good either way.
|
|
|
Post by skydog on Oct 21, 2015 3:54:52 GMT -7
I appreciate the advice. I'm hoping that the 20W works out. The Ghia was just about fine in the room. Everyone raved about the tone. I would have liked a bit more dB, but it was all I had. The sound guy asked for a wee bit more top end, which I was able to provide. I had a 66 Fender BF Deluxe Reverb in the suv. A gorgeous amp, with more wattage and headroom, but it's not a Ghia. (The other guitarist was using his Maz18 head. We looked like a Z band. It was cool.) I decided during the gig that I needed another Z, to fit between the CG and the Prescription. I decided on the Remedy. On paper, it should be perfect for me. If it needs one notch on the brake, I can do it. If I want the PPIMV, then I'll get it done. The reason for the post, was to ask why the magazine reviews gushed with abject praise for the cut switch, and some users here were saying they didn't like it. I couldn't play a Remedy until after I purchase, and it arrives here (Friday). I didn't know to look for the Z modification, until after I bought the amp. Benttop Steve's explanation of SPL made sense to me. It explains the disparity, between the professional reviews and the Internet comments. For me, Z-talk is two for two.
|
|
|
Post by benttop (Steve) on Oct 21, 2015 5:19:59 GMT -7
For what it's worth, I think you'll like the Remedy with or without the master volume. Mine is without, and when I was gigging I just used my Airbrake to drop the SPL a couple db. My setup included a Maz 18 for the "hair on the edge of clean" sounds, and the Remedy for leads. They fit together like a glove. Most folks who have been here a while have seen this pic a dozen times, but it fits the topic.
|
|
|
Post by skydog on Oct 21, 2015 10:21:59 GMT -7
Beautiful. Do you airbrake on 20W, and then A/B/A+B the Maz18? I'm curious.
I hope to have everything together by next week. Funny how we're similar. I'm planning much the same, but with the old CG. Sadly, I don't own a Maz18. I chose the Remedy, because I learned on a model 1986 plexi, and I love Dr Z amps.
By the way, based upon my first posting more than one week ago regarding the Carmen Ghia output impedance, I have ordered a Weber CV123-16ohm (Cerwin Vega ER123 clone). They told me, that they don't have many customers with lots of ER123's, so they are interested in feedback (excuse the pun) on their speaker's qualities. As a scientist with enough experience, I anticipate not so much of a similarity. To be fair, I'll have to break them in for a spell - brand new vs 45 years isn't fair. Regardless, this will be the 2x12 cab for the Remedy. It will have the Weber CV123 and a Celestion Greenback. We'll see what we see. I'll keep my eye open for a 16-ohm ER123, but I'm afraid that I'll need more than luck (and most likely a lift on Marty's return trip to 1985).
Finally, I'm going to try the Remedy as is, and get on the list for the modification. From what I understand, it's like chicken soup. It may make it better, and it won't hurt it.
Thanks again.
|
|
|
Post by doctorice on Oct 21, 2015 10:31:59 GMT -7
I'll toss out that I doubt many reviewers, at least those published in guitar magazines, spend more than a couple hours in a studio room working the amp. I think most of us who play out would agree that one really needs some amount of live experience to appreciate fully how an amp performs, or doesn't
|
|
|
Post by benttop (Steve) on Oct 22, 2015 12:02:02 GMT -7
Beautiful. Do you airbrake on 20W, and then A/B/A+B the Maz18? I'm curious. Thanks again. The memory is a bit fuzzy, but I think I was running the Remedy at 40W since I was using it for solos and such. 3db boost from the higher power was just right for me. Well... don't ask the sound guy. HA!
|
|
|
Post by skydog on Nov 6, 2015 7:35:48 GMT -7
The Remedy sounds glorious. Les Paul, amps at 20W, Fryette Power Station (for the venue), ZBest 2x12, stock G12H paired with (believe it or not) a Weber CV123 Cerwin Vega ER123 clone. It's an absolute jaw-dropper.
|
|
|
Post by doctorice on Nov 6, 2015 8:08:57 GMT -7
^^^ There you go. Sounds like you're set.
|
|
|
Post by skydog on Nov 6, 2015 9:07:26 GMT -7
My wife sure hopes so.
|
|
|
Post by John on Nov 6, 2015 9:08:40 GMT -7
The Remedy sounds glorious. Les Paul, amps at 20W, Fryette Power Station (for the venue), ZBest 2x12, stock G12H paired with (believe it or not) a Weber CV123 Cerwin Vega ER123 clone. It's an absolute jaw-dropper. I don't know anything about the Weber, but I know I can't stand the G12H with the Remedy. But by that I mean the G12H alone. Pairing it with another speaker that's midrange oriented can work out nicely. I went to the Weber website and they say "Lots of midrange punch and upper midrange bite..." Which is what you'll need to offset that H. (That's why the V30/G12H combo is so popular.) If you can ever borrow a cabinet with greenback (especially closed back with a LP) give it a try. It's fantastic!
|
|
|
Post by skydog on Nov 7, 2015 15:09:06 GMT -7
I have greenbacks. Originals and new ones. You want me to swap a G12M for the G12H and keep the CV123 in-place? I can try it, no problem. Let me know if that's what you are suggesting. Thanks.
|
|
|
Post by John on Nov 7, 2015 18:20:52 GMT -7
I have greenbacks. Originals and new ones. You want me to swap a G12M for the G12H and keep the CV123 in-place? I can try it, no problem. Let me know if that's what you are suggesting. Thanks. That would be a good thing to try. But in the end, it's all up to your ears. You may like that H in there because of all the bass it provides.
|
|
|
Post by skydog on Nov 7, 2015 22:59:16 GMT -7
It sure sounds good right now. It doesn't sound dark. But I'll give it a try with the greenback tomorrow.
|
|
|
Post by John on Nov 8, 2015 4:32:05 GMT -7
Keep in mind...a tone you like in the basement/garage, can be totally different when you play with a band. Midrange is king when playing w a band.
Edit:
The H speaker, with it's big magnet, has lots of bass and treble, but recessed/scooped midrange. This can sound cool when recording or when playing alone. But when playing with a band, the lack of mids can result in "I can't hear myself"...which can lead to turning up. So to get the mids where you want them, the bass and treble can end up being too loud. This is especially true with closed back cabinets.
There have been lots of people who play greenbacks (and clones) who may not like them in the basement (think it sounds too middy), but when they play with a band, they realize they like the speaker a LOT. The greenback has a considerably smaller magnet compared to an H, so the bass doesn't dominate as much....and so the mids come through more.
|
|
|
Post by skydog on Nov 8, 2015 15:33:23 GMT -7
All true. Paired with the Cerwin Vega, it was perfect playing live. You can see from my avatar, what kind of music I'm playing.
|
|