Can a Solid State Amp be Better than a Valve Amp? - NEW Orange Super Crush vs Orange Rockerverb!

[@jacobnewell7845]

I think the real question isn't which one is better. It's how close is the solid state to the tube amp, and that's what makes this thing a revolutionary step forward for guitar players. Orange decided to push the envelope and see how close they get a solid state amp to the performance of a tube amp, and the Verdict is: damn close. I've officially decided to buy the Super Crush 100 as my half stack.

[@jessetate9701]

Same bro

[@TheLeadG]

Sorry but with KZbin compression. A lot is lost in that signal. Now I haven’t played this specific amp in person but I’ve played plenty of gigs with people who use solid state. And it absolutely never ever competes. It’s just not the same. Doesn’t mean it’s bad at all, because imo it can sound very good and can fit. However it’s just not the same.

[@jessetate9701]

@@TheLeadG u right i played the other day

[@jessetate9701]

Vs a tube amp it responds differently with ur picking

[@TheLeadG]

@@jessetate9701 100% it’s not even really a tone thing, it’s more a response thing. And how the distortion itself distorts.

[@JustSomeGuy]

Your powers of persuasion won't work on me! I shan't spend any money... cuz Dave Simpson already convinced me to buy it. The combo version arrived yesterday. Totally awesome amp, and I haven't even tried my pedals yet. Also, Dave's settings = killer sound.

[@marka8738]

Does dave have a combo?

[@JustSomeGuy]

@@marka8738 No, Orange sent him the head version, but the settings are the same on both.

[@marka8738]

What one was it you got? I love daves tones but think a head is a little overkill for at home

[@JustSomeGuy]

@@marka8738 I got the combo. He has the master volume set just past 2, so it's not that loud. The dirty channel gives you some flexibility with the volume, but Lee and Pete are right that there's a sweet spot for the gain. You can kind of move it by playing with the channel volume, but you're basically moving them in sync.

[@greevar]

@@JustSomeGuy The nice thing about Orange combos is that the speakers are connected just like you would with a head, which means you can use the combo AS a head. It's the best of both worlds.

[@jason.h]

This amp is testament that old fashioned solid state transistor amps rock. I have a Marshall MOSFET from the 90s and that thing absolutely rips, you got things like Peavey bandits that are cheap cheerful and cracking tone, and then this is another level ! Nice one lads !

[@jonathanpeden9930]

I have an old Peavey Audition 110 25w amp and I love it, so versatile!

[@mike42356]

No, it only tells the "valve amp effect" can be obtained with solid state, if someone is smart enough.

[@Lalairu]

I bought made in USA Peavey Audition 110 months ago. A wonderful amp!

[@narbonneguitars9331]

I couldn't agree more ...👍👌🤘..I have peavey studio 112 silver stripe ,peavey bandit silver stripe,an early 90's randall solidstate 40.....

[@raytorvalds3699]

Agreed. I have a Peavey Studio Pro 112 red stripe. Great little amp !

[@dmoore0079]

That's a pretty impressive solid state amp! Most can't get that slight crunch on the clean channel. I've always theorized that solid state could potentially provide similar clipping and harmonic content to tubes by using FET based amplifier stages with the correct biasing, gain setting, and filtering. Since solid state amps have traditionally been considered "entry level", I think most manufacturers have avoided putting the R&D into it.

[@danielguinea2971]

and, as someone said in another post, if manufacturers tried somenthing was to replicate valve ways of work and desgings instead of giving solid state its own way

[@fastacesus8499]

Blues Cube can and does...

[@iandunsmore8091]

I sometimes wonder if people's incorrect superstitions are just catching up with reality. Obviously there are bad solid state amps, but bands I love (pantera, corrosion of conformity, red fang) have sworn by solid state for over a decade, as being equal but different to tube.

[@captainbongwater8469]

@@iandunsmore8091THANK YOU haha Dimebag used Randall amps and then Krank later on

[@264boresteve]

I recently received my Super Crush 100 and one thing I would like to note about it is that it’s taking me a bit of a learning curve to dial it in to the tones I want. It’ll do about anything, but the interaction between the gain on the dirty channel, two volumes, and the eq sections are unlike any amp I’ve ever played. I think if the guys at Andertons had a little time with it, the comparison would have been a little closer in results. I’m not saying a $500 solid state amp is going to be 100% as good as a $2000 tube amp…but it comes very close.

[@chidorirasenganz]

Also the tone stacks are different since the super crush is based on the mkiii

[@murthisrikanth]

As somebody who has never played tube amps, while I've heard of solid state amps crapping out at full power, honestly, I can't understand it through my monitors. They both sounded fantastic!

[@zackakai5173]

Usually it's more in the feel than the sound you're hearing (especially over monitors or headphones). Tube amps have a certain touch responsiveness to them that most solid state amps lack (in other words they get dirtier the harder you play them), although the Crush series is one huge exception to that rule. Orange did a damn good job of emulating that tube-like response.

[@no_name1107]

Solid State forever! Red Fang and Melvins are a small but BIG proof solid state can handle in live and studio scenarios.

[@stillpist]

Buzzo still use beta sunns?

[@no_name1107]

@@stillpist Wtf is a Beta Sunns? Yes, he uses the Hilbish Designs version of the Beta Lead.

[@SKY_DWELLER333]

@@stillpist sure, but the sunn beta lead is in fact a solid-state amp. I'm pretty sure Dixie from weedeater also uses solid-state sunn amplifiers. You're probably thinking of the model T. Which is kind of the quintessential tube amplifier in the stoner and doom community.

[@PatatoKeftes]

I was not surprised at what amps Pete was using at the beginning, I was surprised that I could actually guess. But I think I could tell because of the usual differences that a solid state amp and a valve amp have. The way valves work is messy or sloppy, there is sag, there is lag, there is compression and it all happens on different levels for different frequencies, it's just the messy way of attracting electrons. Romantics would call that mess as complexity and richness. Transistors are more accurate, more immediate, there is a geometric accuracy in the way the work and that, to many people, translates as a flatter, more linear tone. The Supercrush sounded good indeed. Guessing which was which was not a matter of which sounded better but rather which one exhibits ss characteristics and which valve ones.

[@gnrfront]

If I wanted accuracy, I would be listening to EDM.

[@ACIDICMELTD0WN]

@@gnrfront Cool story bro but nobody asked.

[@ptrisonic]

You've been seduced by Mr. Dumble's "Crystal Lattice" theory.

[@chidorirasenganz]

turn up the channel volume and you got all the compression you need lol

[@fortunatejeremy]

@@gnrfront Sorry, but that's a hilarious statement.

[@TraneFrancks]

While I'm a Marshall tube amp guy, Ty Tabor of King's X is famous for getting absolutely sick tones from his solid state amp. We can't discount that.

[@mississippisnowplow]

Yeah, he uses the Crush 120.

[@mattloughran9817]

Danish Pete cracks me up...12:15 is classic...my condolences to all my manic depressive guitar playing brothers AND sisters around the world

[@SirVicc]

Solid states excell at clean tones. I'd put the Peavey Bandit clean up against anything. But the distortion can be a bit crispy. The older style SS amps like the Marshall MOSFET 100 and this get pretty close though. Good enough for almost anyone. If tubes are ever banned, I could live easily with these.

[@dannyllerenatv8635]

Funny enough, I was always a pure "tube only" guy until I entered the world of Jazz and R&B. Then all of a sudden, I started experimenting with Solid State stuff and currently use a quilter steelaire. Hard to beat a cranked up tube amp for dirty stuff, but there are some gems in the SS world like the Marshall you just mentioned.

[@MusicHyde]

I got it wrong on the blindtest, I thought the first amp was the valve one cause seemed a little warmer and more chewy. Good job Orange !

[@cudilleiro]

I got it easily, but if you play the solid state alone I can't say if it has tubes or not. I need always an a/b comparision at this level of tone quality.

[@TheRealdg7007]

Sounds great to me - Orange distortion with no tubes! Vox has always done great SS amps too, from the Pathfinder to the underrated MV50 hybrid mini-heads. I'm partial though, I have a Quilter Aviator 8 and a Quilter 101 Reverb running through a 12" Eminence Cannabis Rex. Awesome clean tones and plenty of crunch. Would love to hear Pete play through one of the new Aviator Cubs!

[@johanjotun1647]

Ive been curious about those quilters and a pedal, but i have my concerns it won't be loud enough my boy drums hardAF, but then i hear that rockverb and even thru all the mics and my bluetooth earrbuds I can tell that rockverb is way better. i feel like i should wait and save.

[@vert7871]

The comparison of the two clean channels as a pedal platform is what I’ve yet to see. That super crush kills. I love my cr120 for dark doom tones, but this will probably do everything else much better and clearer

[@erickt1974]

Having a similar issue. Do you think it's loud enough to stay clean during gigs?

[@SledgemanGuitar]

I have played both valve solid state amps since the mid 80's. They both have their place. Among the best setups i've had was the Gallien Krueger ML250 solid state amp with 2000 CPL preamp connected to two 4x12 Marshall speaker cabinets. Now i have sold all my amps and i use software only. So easy and good sounding. :)

[@rockerz57]

Always played Fender tube amps, and loved them...still do, till the solid state Roland Blues Cube Stage changed my mind.

[@3745green]

I owned the v1 orange crush and was glad they added more headroom to the clean channel. That reverb is pretty recognizable and gave the game away.

[@chidorirasenganz]

I’m bummed because now you cant get a chimey style break up with the increased brightness

[@chidorirasenganz]

@George xander pedals don’t sound as good

[@chidorirasenganz]

@George xander lmaooo I’ve tried expensive pedals and cheaper ones and none of them sound as good as a good amp overdrive. I’ll use fuzz as an effect on occasion but it still isn’t a replacement for amp overdrive. Just a special use effect

[@chidorirasenganz]

@George xander actually I don’t know if you know or not there’s this thing called a master volume which allows you to get distortion at a lower volume . Also this amp is solid state so it’s not like anyone is running it louder for power tubes distortion.

[@chidorirasenganz]

@George xander actually I’ve already have 🤡 Try again

[@lazvt8469]

I think my Roland Blues Cube Hot is a better 'overall amp' than any like-sized valve....far more practical for home use/practice too especially for apt dwellers. ... built in attenuation feature is so practical. There is nothing like a wailing tube amp...I will confess that... TWO DAYS LATER: I have a Marshal DSL5CR coming tomorrow...miss tube...need to try a small tube amp.

[@therealtech833]

The blues cube is an amazing amp, really gives you the tube feel, without the problems that tubes come with.

[@peanutavalon]

I also have a blues cube 60 and find it to be way more compressed on the lead channel. Orange is more open and real sounding to me.

[@Tcflohr]

I love the people that hate on solid state then put a distortion pedal in front of a tube amp at home at low volumes

[@TheLeadG]

I use solid state for practice period. Only because I don’t need to turn them up. And because I risk breaking a $100-$200 amp instead of a $2,000 amp. Less hours on my tube amps the longer they last and the less issues I will have.

[@TheLeadG]

I 100% am a tube snob tho and will continue to stand by tube over solid state, modelers. They never ever ever ever nail metal tones. Ever ever. I’ve played with dozens of bands with Kemper, helix. And they just don’t really sound as good. Never have they ever. People try to fool themselves into thinking there is no difference. I can literally hear it predictably. Funny tho a lot of people think you can ONLY play on tube. And I disagree with that! Solid state has its place. It still can sound good. It’s just not the same.

[@seanmurry6903]

@@TheLeadG well I've never personally put it to the test I've heard that kemper, helix, grid biased all those they can pass as the real deal at like festival level volumes where there's a lot of other sound sources competing but slowly on their own like direct record they will never compare. Forgive my lack of punctuation talk to text.

[@TheLeadG]

@@seanmurry6903 agreed, although even at a festival it’s usually still a tad noticeable. Atleast for me personally

[@Bobby_Digital37]

This orange ss sounds absolutely great!!!

[@thelitch5649]

Got my first Orange amp about a month ago, Rockerverb 100MKiii. Been using a Hughes and Kettner Grandmeister Deluxe 40 before that. It took me 0.2 seconds to know that the Orange was the tone I’ve been searching a decade for. I’m really happy to see solid state amps come so far because we might not see tubes in amps as often in the future. Part of the reason why I got it was I was afraid I would never be able to get my hands on one ever again. But it’s truly wonderful that we can have such excellent sounding solid state amplifiers being made by people who actually give a damn about sound AND style. Killer amps all of them but hats off to Orange for being absolute monsters in both worlds.

[@fluorophoremusic3679]

I'm really not hearing what they are hearing when they say the solid state sounds worse at the high gain settings...it sounded absolutely fine...good actually. I'm listening through studio monitors and I just don't hear this flubby thing they are referring to. Can anyone help me out?

[@CarlosGallardoCandia]

44 seconds in and I don't care if it's Solid State or Valve.... that thing sounds killer! :O

[@LexingtonDaniel]

A good analog solid state amp, like a JC120 or Fender Dyna-Touch, is a great thing. I've been using one since the late 90s in stereo with a tube amp to get the best of both worlds. The front of a note is a bit different... more immediate on the solid-state.

[@levijessegonzalez3629]

yep I bought a jc120 a few years back and there's a huge IMMEDIATE-ness to it....you can't hide behind that amp! if you're a crappy player then it'll show it!

[@graemedixon6314]

I no longer play in a band, but if I did I'd definitely go for the tubes. I use a crush pro 120 for bedroom use and it sounds awesome with a pod hd500x (4 cable method). Also solid state means no ongoing cost with re tubing and swapping.

[@LeStraTele]

There have been many great solid state amps over the years. Roland JC120. Marshall Mosfet. Fender M80. Peavey Transtube. Sunn Beta.

[@chameleon-dream-band-official]

I guess it also comes down to the Dave Simpson argument of ownership benefits like stability and reliability of solid state and whether this is more important to you than some of the tonal benefits of valve amps.

[@danecope7243]

It's perfect... I live on the west coast of the states and generally start my day out with a video from you guys... by the time my coffee is ready you guys have uploaded for the day! I love my tube amps but with the sound quality getting so much better in solid state I want to get one. It'd be nice to have something that I can throw in my truck and not have to worry about it getting bounced around going from place to place.

[@xyzcomp08]

I grew up with both types of amps, love them both if they're built well. I am from the west coast as well, so we know what's up.

[@lobster4501]

West Coast Also .,Coffee and Andertons

[@xyzcomp08]

@@lobster4501 Caffeine and the boys of GuilfordSHIRE! lol

[@evilrobotchris]

I used to use a custom re-wired Bogen Police PA as my tube head, before that a JCM900, Carvin MTS, Mesa Nomad, I've had tube combos, modern and vintage Fenders, Crate, Vox, solid state combos, modeling amps, and recently I switched to a Quilter and likely won't look back. At least not for gigging. What they're putting out in the Tone Block and Aviator series is nothing short of incredible. The Tone Block head weighs 4 lbs and fits in my pedalboard gig bag. They're doing crazy overpowered Class D amps voiced with the same technology they're using for IRs but all 100% analog. I've yet to find a cab it doesn't sound great through: a ported 4x12, a closed back 4x10, ported 4x10, 1x12 with a horn, open back 2x12. And they're stupid cheap AND built in Costa Mesa. Love from SLO County California!

[@lobster4501]

@@evilrobotchris Orange County California ..here

[@tompanewman7716]

I'm using an Orange Rockerverb 100 MkIII as home amp, yes HOME AMP! I live in a house and when my kids and wife are not at home, i crank it up LOUD!!! IT'S GLORIOUS! Can't beat a cranked tube amp! But for bedroom level guitar playing I could see myself playing a solid state amp like the Super Crush! Sounded really good at low and mid volume!

[@MikeTaffet]

The Rocker 15 is also nice cause of the power scaling if you want to stick with tubes

[@paulhutchins6019]

Not really surprised as the first amp sounded a bit Fuzz like on the high gain setting. The valve amp has that ballsy grunt when cranked and is very addictive, which is why I now wear hearing aids to reduce the effects of tinnitus. Was fun tho 😉

[@marv6424]

Yeah you can hear it if you have this A-B next to each other, but i must say the solid state sounds pretty nice. I like how it sounds clean, but the distortion is nice on the valve amp...

[@davidstorm4015]

I had a Marshall 50 Split Channel Reverb, a good 2x12 solid state combo amp from the 1980's, which I just sold. When I had it the volume was never turned up very loud as we used it indoors and I have a wife who doesn't like loud guitars! When I sold it the guy that bought it wanted to test it out and we decided to turn it up. Contrary to most SS amps, that thing sounded monstrous when loud, all of the bass tones I'd never heard suddenly came out, it was awesome. The point is, not all SS amps lose it when turned right up, that one just got better the louder we made it.

[@misterknightowlandco]

Too me they both sound great it’s just a matter of preference and your situation. Without some sort of attenuation, you’ll never be able to crank the tubes loud enough to get their good tone at home. With the solid state, if you crank it for gig use you’ll push it past the point where it sounds good. I play 99.99% at home so I’d go with the crush and if I had to gig I’d use it as a pedal platform. Either way, if you own one of these you have a great amp.

[@brusselssprouts560]

But what if it was miked to a PA? If the PA has the headroom, then you might not need to drive the solid state as high.

[@incitatus634]

Not completely true, it depends on the design of the amp, you can play an ENGL or a Diezel at bedroom level without any problem since the structure comes from the preamp and the poweramp doesn't add gain. They're meant to have a very high headroom so there's no cranking and the distortion remains clean and controlled, exactly the opposite as with an old Plexi.

[@Badonkadonker]

Great sounding amp. I could tell the difference between the two, but it will not be something to write home about. Meaning get the solid state if you want to - wou WILL NOT regret it. It is a fine amplifier. Playing time, practice and general creativity is what moves tone forward. ;)

[@ericwarrington6650]

Yes!! Been waiting for this release and Anderton's review of the orange head for months! Thanks guys! Sounds AMAZING..

[@Russell_Optics]

I have a pair of Katana 100w Mk 2's that I use for a stereo rig at lower volumes and they work great and have a very nice clean channel with good effects. BUT, my 50w Mig-50 valve amp absolutely blows them away when you get up to 95~100+ decibels. Any good quality valve amp of 30w or more will blow the 100w S/S amp out of the water at higher volumes.

[@markfahey3921]

I once invited a mate to come over for a session with the band with a view to him joining. He brought marshall 100w solid state that could not touch my Fender Hot Rod when the marshall was up all the way and the fender, supposedly a 40w amp wasn't even turned up beyond 4. The only really good solid state I've ever heard as far as power went was the old HH stuff.

[@BluesRockAcademy]

@@markfahey3921 Try the Marshall 5213 Mosfet Reverb Twin. It’s painfully loud.

[@marcsmith8561]

Jfets are very close to 12ax7 tubes in their replication of reaction to signal, visible on an oscilloscope.

[@SDisonYT]

The old Marshall Valvestate amps mastered the blend of solid state with valve tones. I have an old 1997 Marshall Valvestate VS30R, and it is loud & clear on the clean, and loud and dirty as hell on the drive channel. I have to have the volume down on 2 when playing at home, just like my valve amps, but the solid state amps sound way better at low volumes than my valve amps do.

[@zlol_ssbm]

I'm glad yours sounds good because I had one too and it was crap lol

[@teknomanning]

Amen bro,I have 100 watt Valvestate kicks ass👍🏿

[@JohnWiku]

I have a VS100R, it isn't that good, or any good whatsoever, very raspy and thin sounding, let alone the buzz it creates by just being turned on, it's unbearable (even after replacing the preamp tube). It wasn't any good when new, it isn't any better now that they are older. I can say that the stock Marshall Goldback speaker sounds amazing through a tube amp, I've been using the VS100 as a 1x12 cab as it's the only use that thing can have 🤣🤣🤣

[@IamMusicNerd]

@@JohnWiku That’s a bummer. Not sure if I got lucky then. I bought mine brand new in 1997, and it has never left my bedroom. I recently bought a brand new Katana mk2 100w and a Blues Jr, thinking I was upgrading, but my old Marshall VS30R is still more clear and articulate than both of them on the clean channel, and when using pedals with it. The only thing lacking to me is the dirty channel. It’s a weak overdrive sound, but when I pair it up with Boss Blues Driver, it sounds great.

[@rasmichael]

I only have a solid state amp these days, it does the job but I can still remember how a tube amp sounds. Solid State miss that creaminess that makes you feel like you could reach out and touch the sound in the air. Still, for some applications it is just fine. I'm happy with mine for my home noodling.

[@UnseenEternalStudios]

Have you turned up the reverb though?

[@MobileDecay]

I have both and modelers and they're mostly the same except the tube amp has to warm up. Tube romance is so silly. 🙄

[@Ron4president09]

@@MobileDecay in the room with amps loud its not even comparable, tube wins everytime!

[@MobileDecay]

@@Ron4president09 How loud does it need to be in a room?

[@Ron4president09]

@@MobileDecay super loud! Only way to play!!!!

[@andrewalderman]

To the video title, absolutely, because not every valve amp is amazing. Some sound terrible, and others just might not fit what you want or need.

[@jcugnoni]

Sounds very good because it uses a great old J201 Jfet preamp. Those discrete Jfet have a very similar response to that of tubes (just at a lower voltage) and require very little tuning to convert a tube preamp topology to solid state. This is old tech but done well !

[@benlogan430]

I enjoyed this video because I too like “ To make it nice for yourself and your feelings!” You guys consistently slay me.

[@michaelgarcia2050]

This, the Marshall MOSFET, and several Vox offerings, show that yes, it can be done.

[@jackfox9101]

I can't help but smile when pete is feeling the amp and goes for it 😁👌

[@cudilleiro]

The main issue here is that Orange tube amps are so good to be compared with any solid state amp. But the Crush tone is amazing, sound almost the same, but tube transients at high volume gives you all your finger feeling when playing

[@mrcoatsworth429]

18:31 I absolutely disagree with that. When I played the amp, it sounded best with the pre-amp volume completely cranked. He should have done that and taken the gain back a bit. I think Lee didn't understand that the channel volume drastically changes the tone and the type of distortion.

[@264boresteve]

I agree with you! I’ve had my Super Crush a little over a week now, and all the knobs interact with each other in a fairly sensitive way. It has a very wide range of adjustability, unlike any amp I’ve ever owned.

[@beaumas]

I own the super crush and for the money it's a seriously good choice if you just want a simple reliable amp. I also run a clean boost infront of it at all times and it just gives it that little extra that I think it needs.

[@icarusi]

I always liked the CR120 for checking guitars. Most other amps kept varying their voicings with newer models, so difficult to assess like-with-like over time with guitars, but the CR120 kept the same for a long time. I'd like to try/hear the CR120 with the Supercrush 100 now to see which I prefer, but expect only the new amp will be available.

[@Hue_Nery]

Quilter Labs has made their name by building great sounding Solid State amps. They are one of a very few (Maybe the only) companies that has address the farting that occurs when you push the power amp section too hard by giving the power section a ton of headroom. Your overdrive strictly from the preamp section. It makes sense.

[@chidorirasenganz]

I think this comparison does a little bit of a disservice to both amps but more so to the super crush. The super crush is based on the rockerverb mkiii. The one in the video is the mkii. You can tell by the graphics on the front.

[@teyink]

I think both amps sounded great. I could hear a difference on the cleans, but I couldn't tell which was which. I could tell the difference on the overdriven tones and I guessed the solid state vs. valve correctly. The solid state amp drive tones still sounded good though.

[@simoneboschin]

I prefered the overdriven valve amp .... but it blew my mind when I discovered that I prefered the clean channel of the solid state.

[@marv6424]

Yeah, they really have a nice clean sound if they are well made. Its just more balanced somehow.

[@kevinmurtagh4996]

I think this is why some people consider the old Music Man amps to be the best “clean” amps ever. They have a very well-built solid state pre-amp, and I think that transistors provide a stability and firmness for clean tone that preamp tubes can’t always get. My Music Man HD-130 is the least “flubby” amp I’ve ever experienced, even when it’s cranked! And I don’t think it would be like that if it didn’t have the ss preamp.

[@liozeon643]

They do make the coolest looking amps and the price on Super Crush is a steal for the quality sounds you get from it.

[@MrOccamRazor]

I got it right, both times. However, while I could hear the difference between the valve to the solid state. That solid state amp was so close that I don't think it matters.

[@thesoundpurist]

21:00 I love how Pete is honest on this one. Even though I have a Nextone amp nothing's like a good tube amplifier.

[@Pantalooj]

Only needed to watch up to 3:00 to reach the conclusion that the warm clean tone on the Tele sounded fantastic ... and I would be happy with either amp. Just comes down to feel and price.

[@Zool2107]

It would have been nice if the half hour test video could have included at least a 5-10 second chugga-chugga metal riffage. Some people would use the amp for heavier music than ZZ Top.

[@brandonlesko3126]

I have five tube amps, and three Katanas, one being a MKII Artist. I mostly play the Artist these days. Two of my tube amps need tubes and I just don't want to break down and buy them. The Katana Artist is a hell of an amp and sounds so good. Connecting two of the Katanas for stereo playing is too easy. In short, there are some really great SS amps out there. Just pick one you're happy with and play.

[@roosterj2599]

Orange answered my prayers with the Super Crush 100. It is everything I needed and wanted in one package.

[@chrisb8193]

Had a Super Crush head and 2x12 Orange cab. Ended up selling it and buying a Marshall Valvestate 2x12 combo. For 1/4 of the price. Like it a lot more tbh. The Super Crush is basically just Orange’s take on a Marshall. Makes more sense to just get the Marshall imho.

[@slyde1545]

Pete is seriously one of the best guitarists I’ve ever heard

[@codykensington1424]

90s Silver Stripe Peavey Bandit Transtube still the GOAT of solid states. Made in USA, came with Sheffield 1230 speaker, they have a 8-16ohm output to run through cab, ungodly amounts of clean headroom, crazy good pedal platform, and finally the stock crunch/distortion was known as a poor man's marshall. You can find these amps for under $150 on the used market. A little clean up and deoxit through the pots and you got another 30yrs of use out of it.

[@elynnshiflett]

Comparing the amps by themselves it is a little easier to pick out the nuances between amps. In a mix things get much more difficult and differences are harder to detect. At home, I'd pick the tube amp. Gigging I'll take reliability every time.

[@ErikInto]

Just picked one up in black and it sounds great coming from tube amps. I was very impressed with the tone and feel especially the cab sim direct out on the closed back setting. Good stuff even for metal if you have a few pedals to run with it.

[@Lauri_K]

I prefer tube amps, but damn, the Super Crush 100 is a steal. I'd love to get one!

[@lovescarguitar]

To answer the question. If the solid state amp is built well, it can totally be just as good as a valve amp. The differences in amps only happen in the same ways there are differences between acoustic and electric guitars. Or different pickup configurations/outputs/styles. Or different woods.

[@nolarocks]

A clean boost in front of the SC100 really makes it come alive! Just what I am finding it needs.

[@mattpearce79]

I bought one these Supercrush 100 amps, tried it through several cabinets but just didn’t like it. I liked the clean channel better than the Dirty, which kind of went against my initial reason for purchase as I wanted that famous orange dirty sound. After a week I returned it to the store I purchased from and swapped it for a Rocker 15 Terror. What a difference! Instantly got the Orange sound I was looking for, the ‘headroom to bedroom’ option is great for playing fairly quietly at home. I say quietly because even at 0.5 Watts it can get loud. I guess I’m going to admit I’m a valve/tube snob. My advice would be to spend an extra £70/$100 and get a Rocker 15 Terror.

[@jarthursands]

Pete's facial expression at 1:26 give it away.😁

[@1968nik]

The clean sound from the Tele was just beautiful - I thought the Crush crushed it ;)

[@RobertSaxy]

I like the second amp (so the tube got the gain and the solid got the clean) one both times

[@Not_Sure_2505]

I recently learned that solid states distort in modes of "odd" harmonics (1, 3, 5, 7, etc), while tubes distort with "even" harmonics (1, 2, 4, 6, 8, etc), which sound more pleasing to the ear.

[@tob564]

I did get both sounds correct "blindfolded". I was 98% sure on the dirty sound, though much less so on the clean. I think SS amps are closer to tube amps on clean sounds in general.

[@xjanssens]

Pretty sure the right guy's got Jack Daniels in his Pepsi can.

[@captainfruitbatify]

The only correct conclusion to draw from this is that Pete's Tele, in Pete's hands, always sounds amazing. But we all knew that anyway.

[@Dakotako]

I preferred the tube, both clean and crunch. I'm sure it's more stark in person but I bet even then that super crush gets 90% of the way for 1/4 of the price.

[@voxpathfinder15r]

I don’t about this latest amplifier from Orange - but I own the Orange Crush 12 and it absolutely crushes it in terms of tones. Sounds like an actual tube amp with low end warmth.

[@linkbox]

From what I could hear (and I went back and forth between sections) the ‘verb sounds slightly more full/well rounded, with a little bit more low end vs the crush is less well rounded and sounds a bit cleaner. They both sound pretty close, so maybe not worth the extra money for the verb unless you got extra money or you are a pro

[@parkerkenney6113]

There is definitely a difference in the overdrive tones, but if you are using it as a clean amp, the difference between the amps is minimum.

[@TheMasonator777]

What a great solid state amp can do is be highly controllable. It’s not meant to be pushed in the power stage. It’s not better than tube, but often more useable at more volumes, and more reliable over time. You need 100+ watts, not for volume but headroom. I had a 300w solid state head and that was equivalent to a 50w tube amp. This amp competes with 25-40 tube watt amps not 100watt tube heads. Marshal MosFET lead 100s were great UK amps and this one seems in the same ballpark.

[@TheMasonator777]

Update: Just bought the Super Crush 100… amazing.

[@slash196]

Not that anyone buys Oranges for the clean, but the solid state clean was quite a bit nicer-sounding. Dirt was EXTREMELY similar.

[@vuri3798]

Honestly if only I had the money, the clean channel would be a big reason why I'd buy the Rockerverb MK III. I just can't find another amp I Iike both channels just as much..

[@zackakai5173]

I have to say the clean on my Rocker 15 Terror is a little dark and flat, but it makes for a great clean pedal platform.

[@castleanthrax1833]

I love ss amps but my first amp in the mid 80s was a Yamaha G100 212SIII which was about a grand (from memory) or so. It sounded as good as my brothers JCM800 in all but overall volume. The Marshall was twice as loud, but aside from that, I love solid state as long as you've got good speakers to go with it.

[@cblizard6850]

A lot of times I can’t tell the difference but it makes me feel better knowing I have tubes in my amp. I went from a line 6 to a mesa California tweed and it definitely changed my perspective.

[@jasonstrohm9425]

I run a crush 120 with a katana 100. Together they are really good. And it’s not the end of the world if a beer gets spilled on them unlike a rockoverb. Good video guys

[@adamatkinson2036]

That flubbiness is probably because of the Les Paul. Put that mud harvester away and get the Tele back out.

[@fundude365]

It is also not _unheard of_ for an Orange amp to have an unruly low end. Some people like to tame that low end. Others, I.e. those who love it when bands "bring back the nasty riff, but slower," see it as a feature rather than a bug. 😁

[@ERPRocks]

I would love to hear a modern solid-state amp compared against a classic (made in America) Transtube Peavey Bandit from 1999 or 2000.

[@thorinbane]

I had the peavey studiopro it really doesnt sound that good on its own. When i put it through a vin30 212 it sounded alot better but still had a lot of fizz. Though my cousin did gig it for about a year with a 412 peavey can and it was fine for bars. No normal person really gives it second thought when played in public. Despite our tone obsession.

[@inspirationx1]

Running pedals the super crush is a clear winner. The rocking verb or any high gain tube head has that flubby bass where the solid state retains that Clarity. No pedals straight into the head of course the tube amp. I have both versions

[@SuperCMO79]

Merry Christmas All at Andertons and to all who see the channel! Doing this same experiment right now myself!

[@iancurrie8844]

0:24 That's a solid state amp. 0:44 RAWR! That's a tube amp!

[@whompompomp]

I used a Crush halfstack for years gigging, and a Super Crush since it released. Yeah its not valve, but it's way more affordable, and good god is it sick. Looks cool. Sounds cool. Just cool

[@rikmcrae]

Solid state amps can be awesome. I used a mid 70’s AC30SS for many years. Totally killer amp.

[@CodyWolfeVevo]

Knew right away which amps he was using. Solid state has nice tight tracking and dynamics when the tube is a bit more warm spongy and compressed

[@Andrew_M_Ward]

this channel has become fantastic - just keeps getting better

[@Frozenguy1]

I guessed the cleans correctly but the gains wrong! Think I prefer the tubes because I'm in love with that slightly pushed sound which a solid state just doesnt do!

[@jmabs5096]

Solid state in today's age and amount of tech is equal (sometimes better) to a tube amp. Not having to deal with the tubes related issues is a big win. Although tube amps are like an old fimlar pair of work boots/jeans. They just feel so right and can't get rid of them! PS. There's nothing like a Gibby LP into a Marshall JCM800 2203. Others have got close but nothing like it. Maybe it's placebo effect but it's like an old fimlar drink you always order.

[@user-mr1ku5iz8l]

Orange solid state amps are some of the best SS amps currently on the market. They sound really good and make a lot of sense for the bedroom player.

[@nicknickson3650]

Dylan Carlson, one of the fathers of Drone Metal, uses two solid state mini Elf amps for his live performances and he is LOUD. Extremely loud. Also last time I saw him, he was only using a 1x10 cab. In 2022 you don't need stacks of cabs and massive valve amps anymore. Any venue worth its salt has PA systems and subwoofers. Mic up a 1x10 cab and you're good to go.

[@alanredversangel]

Most solid state amps can sound tubey if you chuck a red llama on them or a jfet clipping overdrive. Even in the fx loop.

[@marc_leblanc]

I used to play an old Fender M-80 Stereo Chorus that was solid-state. I loved that amp. I still have it but it's in need of some repair and it's become too heavy for me.

[@chasefogleman343]

The other day I ran my Marshall origin 50 combo with my friends little 8 inch orange crush amp and it actually sounded amazing

[@MuvoTX]

I have a peavey trans tube head from the early 90s.... basically a bandit on steroids. love it. I also have a carvin x100B, love it too. I go back and forth between both. Like the peavey for distorted tones and the carvin for cleans