recess
Junior Member
Posts: 50
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Post by recess on Apr 25, 2020 18:30:28 GMT -7
Ok, another this amp vs ZLux questions. Used prices are similar for a Victoria Silver Sonic and ZLux. Has anyone played both and have impressions?
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Post by bryan0418 on Apr 25, 2020 20:36:43 GMT -7
I never played a Z Lux in person. I have the Dr Z Kemper pack and played it there. I do own a Victoria Silver Sonic. The Silver Sonic has a lot of tweed Bassman DNA in it with a great harmonic trem and lush reverb. It is a great amp. I can't comment on the Z Lux but I am sure it is fantastic as well, as all Z's are.
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Post by Mark (Basement Enthusiast) on Apr 26, 2020 7:08:36 GMT -7
Generally, I believe in design intent, it's: Z-Lux ~ Blackface Fender, Silver Sonic ~ Tweed Bassman w/added trem & reverb. So yeah, actually they both seem to have very similar features; but of course the blackface vs. tweed Fenders were fairly different.
Just guessing, though--with the Z-Lux's EQ bypass, you could probably beef things up and get pretty close to Silver Sonic territory. But there wouldn't be much of a way to take the Silver Sonic back into the Z-Lux's blackface territory.
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Post by Chilly Gibbons (Todd T.) on Apr 26, 2020 8:41:47 GMT -7
Generally, I believe in design intent, it's: Z-Lux ~ Blackface Fender, Silver Sonic ~ Tweed Bassman w/added trem & reverb. So yeah, actually they both seem to have very similar features; but of course the blackface vs. tweed Fenders were fairly different. Just guessing, though--with the Z-Lux's EQ bypass, you could probably beef things up and get pretty close to Silver Sonic territory. But there wouldn't be much of a way to take the Silver Sonic back into the Z-Lux's blackface territory. This 100%. Plus I never really thought of the EQ bypass bringing the Lux more into Tweed territory, but it sure as hell does. Solid analysis Mark! Didn’t think it was possible, but I just fell deeper in love with my Lux(s) without even firing them up. Cheers!
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Post by sharkboy on Apr 26, 2020 18:35:43 GMT -7
I have a Silver Sonic. It is wonderful. The reverb is lush and lovely (probably the best I’ve ever had) and the amp is well made and well designed. It is way more than a Bassman and likely better made. I used to dislike 6V6s, but there are some good sounding ones these days and this circuit does sound good.
This all said, the ZLux has a master volume and is a Z. Again, slightly higher output, because 4 EL84s and (probably) a more efficient phase inverter. The expectation (I don’t own a ZLux) is that the ZLux would be slightly louder and brighter with a little more headroom.
I also own competing Swarts (SST30 and ST45) that are delightful, as well. There aren’t any bad choices among them. Because I play mostly at home and prefer tube distortion, the MV on the ZLux and the Swarts give them a little advantage- yes, you can use an attenuator, however.
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recess
Junior Member
Posts: 50
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Post by recess on Apr 26, 2020 19:34:20 GMT -7
Thanks everybody. I just bought a Z-Lux to go with my Z-Wreck JR
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