DiMarco Posted November 2, 2014 Share Posted November 2, 2014 I love my old Trace Elliot SMX amps. Out of the three I own however only one is still without problems (well, the cooling fan is actually at max speed 24/7 nowadays so I expect it to start being a problem amp soon as well). The ability to dial in some valve warmth makes the sound very sweet and buttery yet stays tight and punchy. With these amps, I am mainly using a trace 2x15" cab with a hf unit and filter I built in there myself. Lots of love for the tone I currently have. However, I am afraid I am kinda fed up with the problems that come with amps this old. Well then. Any new amp I would want to have should be able to get this buttery sweetness into my tone. Most of them however seem to only use any valves for getting overdrive. This I do not want. I get better overdrive from my Darkglass pedals anyway. So far the only things I have seen that should be capable of warm, punchy tone are the Tecamp Bad Bull 900 and Mesa Bass Prodigy but the two of those both cost a LOT of money. If I were to buy a new, modern amp. What would you have me check out? I'm thinking 400-800 watts of solid state poweramp or 200w valve. Or should I just get my Trace RAH600SMX and AH400SMX serviced instead? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taunton-hobbit Posted November 3, 2014 Share Posted November 3, 2014 I'd get an amp tech to look at them - if you have a cooling fan running at full chat, suggests an internal clean might be an idea? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deedee Posted November 3, 2014 Share Posted November 3, 2014 I'd say get the Trace units serviced. You know and love the sound and I'm sure if you went for something else you'd miss them, I know I did. Whatever other amps I have tried have been nice for a change, but I still go back to the green stuff in the end!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subthumper Posted November 3, 2014 Share Posted November 3, 2014 If your near Bristol gimme a shout. I've serviced loads of those old traces and they respond very well to a bit of love and a clean due to their old school build quality and simplicity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subthumper Posted November 3, 2014 Share Posted November 3, 2014 If your near Bristol gimme a shout. I've serviced loads of those old traces and they respond very well to a bit of love and a clean due to their old school build quality and simplicity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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