scott58 Posted February 24, 2017 Share Posted February 24, 2017 Has anyone ran a helix through a Valve Jr or any low watt tube amp. My upgrade from the XTLive to the HD was awesome. The amp sounds better then it ever has. I've tubed the amp to give a great clean at the exact volume ii need and it takes pedals and modelers extremely well. The thing is so far when I use headphones I get the sense of a processed crisp tone and although it's not bad, through the valve Jr it's so much better so I know I want to keep the tubes in my setup. If the helix is again an improvement over the HD as the HD was over the XTLive I don't mind the spend. But I'd like to see a pretty good gain for the money. I just play in my den and I'm getting older so there's no chance of gigging anymore. I guess I just want the best Valve Jr on the planet. Lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rd2rk Posted February 24, 2017 Share Posted February 24, 2017 I had an HD500X and an Engl Gigmaster 15 (1/5/15) with closed back 112. Sounded great. Bought a Helix, sold the HD. Sounded great, and a MUCH better piece of hardware. Sold the Engl/112 rig and got an Alto ts210. Sounds good, but not great. I'm looking for something else, maybe with dsp like the L3t or maybe the next gen of the Stagesource L3t? Think then it'll be back to sounding great. The search for perfect tone goes on.... Buy your Helix at Sweetwater, use it a lot in the 30 day return window. What've you got to lose? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbuhajla Posted February 24, 2017 Share Posted February 24, 2017 Buy your Helix at Sweetwater, use it a lot in the 30 day return window. What've you got to lose? ^There you go Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leftzilla Posted February 24, 2017 Share Posted February 24, 2017 I am from a slightly different camp as in I do not use an amp and go direct to the PA, but the improvement from HD to Helix is quite substantial. The suggestion from .rd2rk is pretty spot on, and I think you will have a hard time returning the unit once you have played with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ncockerill Posted February 24, 2017 Share Posted February 24, 2017 Most Helix users who came from an HD series modeler would say the Helix is miles better in every way – sound, flexibility, programmability, etc. That’s not to say it would be miles better for you and your current setup, particularly if you are very happy now. Tone is subjective. It would likely take a little time integrating the Helix to your satisfaction, but I don’t have any doubt you could achieve as good (if not significantly better) tones. As others suggested, Sweetwater gives a 30-day return window. You’d know if the “juice was worth the squeeze†in that timeframe. Personally, I was an early adopter of the Helix – when it was backordered for months – and I’ve never had a moment’s regret. It’s insanely good, and the interface is unmatched. Reiterate: What've you got to lose? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willjrock Posted February 24, 2017 Share Posted February 24, 2017 30 days is often not enough time. I imagine you will form a pretty solid opinion but there will be some uncertainty there for sure. Speaking from a tonal standpoint, you are going to get MORE tones. Not better so much. Im betting when its all said and done, youre thinking will be that your very best old tones are as good or better than anything youre getting on the Helix. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpdennis Posted February 24, 2017 Share Posted February 24, 2017 Has anyone ran a helix through a Valve Jr or any low watt tube amp. My upgrade from the XTLive to the HD was awesome. The amp sounds better then it ever has. I've tubed the amp to give a great clean at the exact volume ii need and it takes pedals and modelers extremely well. The thing is so far when I use headphones I get the sense of a processed crisp tone and although it's not bad, through the valve Jr it's so much better so I know I want to keep the tubes in my setup. If the helix is again an improvement over the HD as the HD was over the XTLive I don't mind the spend. But I'd like to see a pretty good gain for the money. I just play in my den and I'm getting older so there's no chance of gigging anymore. I guess I just want the best Valve Jr on the planet. Lol [A little history] I may be a little different in my approach. I love my tube amps of which I have several. For them I use only effects in either the FX loops or the FOA or 4CM. I used many effects over the years at the cost of about 70 pound to 110 pound floor mounted racks. Several years ago for stage efficiencies I went with the M13. I did use a Floor Pod Plus for recording and HD500X for about a minute when light weight and quick setup tear down was necessary. Fast forward and I still have my amps, the M13, and even the 110 pound floor rack of pedals. However, I have been using the Helix for about a year and find it rather effective and comparative when going FOH. It is learning curve and I am still learning thanks to the way Line 6 takes a committed approach to updating and improving this product. For me the learning curve is great because I can now virtually own tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars of gear for the cost of this one time purchase for the Line 6 Helix. [Now for your question] It will have to be a decision based upon having the expendable cash or monthly credit purchase for value versus desire. Will it provide a better and improved sound for you? I can't answer that for you. I can say it made a vast improvement for me in portability, setup time for shows, and having the ability to match song tones for cover music as well as match my signature sound by comparing my go to amp side by side with the Helix connected to a monitor cabinet as I dial in the sound. For just effects to amp I can use my M13. And sometimes for the occasional jam I just use my old Mark III or IIC+ clone and a compressor, maybe. So, will the Helix sound better than the HD500X in a side by side comparison? Hmm, I would say for me ... yes! Will sound better in your Valve Jr. I do not own one but I don't plan on putting a modeler through and amp. Other here do and they seem to really enjoy it. If you would like the cost over time approach, do you spend $100 a month on something just for pleasure, hobby, or excitement that could be channeled to the Helix purchase? If so then 18 months of intended sacrifice would provide the funds. It does sound like it is quandary for you and not a need. So good luck in your decision. Dennis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spikey Posted February 24, 2017 Share Posted February 24, 2017 But I'd like to see a pretty good gain for the money. As far as you being pleased with Helix, there are no guarantees in life with anything. That said, nearly everyone who had an HD series likes the overall tones of Helix better. As for me, I think its much better and a lot more usable now with what you can hook into it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott58 Posted February 24, 2017 Author Share Posted February 24, 2017 The for the replies. Looks like I'm just going to have to dive in and see. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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