Amp Attenuators

[FutureProf88]

I realize that if I can operate the Jvm at 45% or greater that it will produce the best sound the amp has to offer to the speakers. That is the main reason I was looking into a attenuator, but at what cost? Obviously the power tubes will be running much hotter, and not only the tubes. I studied the ironman 2 that has reactive resistance (Inductive) to match the changing resistance of the speakers, and it's something I can afford, but it's it really worth it? I do love my JVM, and I do have several other quality amps I use on occasion, but my Marshall is my favorite, and I don't want to over heat it or damage it in any way. Am I a little nutty about this? Should I still consider a attenuator or just blow it off? What do you guys think? I value your opinions.

I mean.... I replace the tubes in my amps I play regularly maybe once a year. In my EL34 amps I just run JJ's and they're like $15-$20 ea? So $80 a year in power tubes. Who are you saving them for? I totally get the reluctance, as I have a lot of mechanical sympathy for my gear, but I don't sweat running stuff at 50-60%. Tubes are like brake pads on a car.

 

[tallcoolone]

I mean.... I replace the tubes in my amps I play regularly maybe once a year. In my EL34 amps I just run JJ's and they're like $15-$20 ea? So $80 a year in power tubes. Who are you saving them for? I totally get the reluctance, as I have a lot of mechanical sympathy for my gear, but I don't sweat running stuff at 50-60%. Tubes are like brake pads on a car.

Meh, the amp doesn't need it tho. I mean if you like the tone rock it but the JVM has a great master. Whenever possible, less is better.

 

[marshallmellowed]

I realize that if I can operate the Jvm at 45% or greater that it will produce the best sound the amp has to offer to the speakers. That is the main reason I was looking into a attenuator, but at what cost? Obviously the power tubes will be running much hotter, and not only the tubes. I studied the ironman 2 that has reactive resistance (Inductive) to match the changing resistance of the speakers, and it's something I can afford, but it's it really worth it? I do love my JVM, and I do have several other quality amps I use on occasion, but my Marshall is my favorite, and I don't want to over heat it or damage it in any way. Am I a little nutty about this? Should I still consider a attenuator or just blow it off? What do you guys think? I value your opinions.

I've had 2 JVM's, and I've tried both through an attenuator. In my opinion, an attenuator is not needed with a JVM, or most master volume amps. I have several master volume amps, non-master volume amps, and several attenuators. I only see a need to use the attenuators with my non-master volume amps. I'd spend the money on something more useful. There you go, my opinion, for what it's worth.

 

[nubis99]

not sure how much use you're gonna get out of an attenuator on a JVM, but depending on the attenuator you get you might need either a 16 ohm or an 8 ohm one, I seem to remember the TAD ones requiring an 8 ohm one for 2 16 ohm cabs. try and check the specs and manual before buying.

edit: grammar is hard.

 

[FutureProf88]

Whenever possible, less is better.

 

[TJB]

Thank you guys for taking the time to reply. I've decided not to spend the $900 + (with tax) on an attenuator. I as well as most of you here love my 410h amp and it does exactly what I need from it.

 

[Monstercastle]

$900 + (with tax) on an attenuator

Rockcrusher is $549 at Sweetwater.

 

[Manco]

Hey there. I bought the Harley Benton PA-100 for 80€. What is the difference between this and the Rockcrusher?

 

[booh]

Hey there. I bought the Harley Benton PA-100 for 80€. What is the difference between this and the Rockcrusher?

Rockcrusher is more expensive!
I built different attenuators myself, love my Weber MiniMass (Weber has a reasonable price-performance ratio) and find most attenuators grossly overpriced.