I’ve been jonesing for a real deal SLO for a long time. I went to see High on Fire a few nights ago and left with no hearing and a rekindled appreciation for that sound. I’ve been selling off a lot gear that’s been sitting around and just got rid of my plow truck, my pocket is on fire. For the past two nights I’ve spent some time doing research and I’ve come up with a few options. I generally treat ss.org opinions with higher regard than other forums. There are “answers” out there in other places but I want to bring this here and have some members weigh in.
Soldano Avenger
Supposed to be the SLO money channel and nothing else. Different transformers but no non-SLO amps have them anyway. Prices are out of control on the used market compared to what I saw before Mike’s announcement. I can afford one at these prices but it would be right at the limit of my budget. I’m concerned that if I jump on one now the prices will come down and I’ll be kicking myself in the ass for not waiting.
Titan Custom
By all accounts an SLO clone with some tweaks. No idea how that actually translates besides having KT88’s in the power section and a contour knob. A lot of threads are full of amp builder politics when you search the design. None of that concerns me as long as the amp does what I’m looking for. I can’t find any on the used market but the price for a new one seems reasonable.
Framus Cobra
The Titan builder says it’s an SLO copy as well. I’ve heard recordings of them, I LOVE the sound but I realize a lot of engineering takes place during these sessions. From what I can hear, SLO copy must be being used loosely. Very affordable used, I could buy one and not miss the money spent.
SLO clone
There’s a few clones for sale right now. Prices seem a little high but not outrageous. After looking at SLO gut shots I’m concerned that a garage amp builder may not be capable of producing something that clean, I know I couldn’t or else I’d give it a try myself. I’m also concerned that someone may follow an incorrect schematic and produce an amp that doesn’t function the way it was originally designed to. Who knows what components they used, maybe the transformers are garbage, maybe they cut corners or used cheap parts to maximize their profit. That being said, the build doesn’t appear to be extremely complicated and I’d imagine any competent amp builder could pull it off with some level of accuracy if there’s good schematics out there.
The most common answer I’ve read elsewhere is “you can’t have it unless you buy an SLO”. That’s okay, I’m never going to be a professional musician or own a multi million dollar professional studio with big names coming through the doors. I like jamming loud and recording songs for myself and people who are more talented. I can’t afford an SLO but I’m sure I can get close and that’s all I’m looking for as a musical hobbyist. Something above the Jet City offerings and more affordable than buying the Grail will do.
Soldano Avenger
Supposed to be the SLO money channel and nothing else. Different transformers but no non-SLO amps have them anyway. Prices are out of control on the used market compared to what I saw before Mike’s announcement. I can afford one at these prices but it would be right at the limit of my budget. I’m concerned that if I jump on one now the prices will come down and I’ll be kicking myself in the ass for not waiting.
Titan Custom
By all accounts an SLO clone with some tweaks. No idea how that actually translates besides having KT88’s in the power section and a contour knob. A lot of threads are full of amp builder politics when you search the design. None of that concerns me as long as the amp does what I’m looking for. I can’t find any on the used market but the price for a new one seems reasonable.
Framus Cobra
The Titan builder says it’s an SLO copy as well. I’ve heard recordings of them, I LOVE the sound but I realize a lot of engineering takes place during these sessions. From what I can hear, SLO copy must be being used loosely. Very affordable used, I could buy one and not miss the money spent.
SLO clone
There’s a few clones for sale right now. Prices seem a little high but not outrageous. After looking at SLO gut shots I’m concerned that a garage amp builder may not be capable of producing something that clean, I know I couldn’t or else I’d give it a try myself. I’m also concerned that someone may follow an incorrect schematic and produce an amp that doesn’t function the way it was originally designed to. Who knows what components they used, maybe the transformers are garbage, maybe they cut corners or used cheap parts to maximize their profit. That being said, the build doesn’t appear to be extremely complicated and I’d imagine any competent amp builder could pull it off with some level of accuracy if there’s good schematics out there.
The most common answer I’ve read elsewhere is “you can’t have it unless you buy an SLO”. That’s okay, I’m never going to be a professional musician or own a multi million dollar professional studio with big names coming through the doors. I like jamming loud and recording songs for myself and people who are more talented. I can’t afford an SLO but I’m sure I can get close and that’s all I’m looking for as a musical hobbyist. Something above the Jet City offerings and more affordable than buying the Grail will do.
