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Spider Valve 1x12 or 2x12??? Can't decide....


Death_machine
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After a couple of months of amp hunting and trying a few amps that I am not overly happy with, last week I was out of town and stopped at a cain music store and I saw a used Spider Valve 2x12. I wasn't gonna try it as I had the MKII head version about 4 years ago and though I liked it ok just didn't love it through my cabs. Anyway, I decided on a whim to try it out and next thing I know about an hour went by. I couldn't stop playing it. I really liked the cleans but was really impressed by the distortions. Out of all the different modeling amps I tried out so far this had the best distortion. It popped out to me and didn't sound sterile. I had tried out the 2x12's when new and liked them a lot but they were WAY over my budget. I didn't buy it because there was an issue with the presence knob and also I want the MKII version for more amp choices. Now I really wish I kept the head and got the matching cab.....

 

So anyhow, my "issue" is this.... After looking at various websites for a used Spider Valve I found a couple I am interested in. 1 is a 2x12 MKII and the other a 1x12 MKII. The total price difference is about $85. Is it worth the $85 for the extra speaker? I am mostly going to be doing home recording and playing with an occasional gig here and there and playing death/black metal. Will having the 1 speaker make it sound muddier? Also while on the subject, has anyone with one of these ever tried different speakers? Last thing.... Has anyone tried the head version on a DT50 cab? I have the chance to get one cheap enough that putting together a half stack will be just outside what I budgeted. 

 

Thanks for any info Dann

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All I can say, as a regularly gigging SV Mkii 1x12 owner, is that I have never once seen any reason to wish for another speaker.

 

The 1x12 amp is SO LOUD that I've never had to turn the master volume past 5/10 (12 noon) EVER, even for the biggest venues (of course, at large shows, I mic the amp).  In my basement, 2/10 (8 pm ish) is too loud.  I think it sounds great - sharp and clear - but I've never owned a 2x12.

 

My vote is no, it's not worth any money for the extra speaker - just makes a heavier amp to have to carry around!

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I have a SV212 MKII and I have to tell you it is $#@% heavy. I would concur with AquaRegia that you would probably be just fine with the 1x12.

 

You may find for a used amp you "might" need to change the tubes for best performance and of course tweek the bias if you do so.

 

I have since become a DT25 Head/Cab convert and the MKII is a backup amp but it still sounds killer. Great amps both.

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Thanks for your input guys!! After taking some time and talking to a few other people I decided on a 2x12. Main reason is that I saw one come up while I was trying to decide that was only about $40 more than the 1x12 I was looking at and in better shape than the 2x12 I was originally looking at. Should hopefully get the amp Thursday :)

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Just got it in yesterday. Thanks for the congrats and suggestions. Not sure about the castors as I may be sending this back but if I keep it I def will!!! Who ever owned this before switched the speakers out and put cheap crappy speakers in it and the music store I got it from online never mentioned it had the wrong speakers so I have a couple to try (Which I planned on anyways) and if it doesn't sound better then I will see about returning it or exchanging it. Cleans are great just distortions not so much.

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The 212 is so heavy that eventually one of the screws that hold the handle in tore out from hauling it to gigs and practices. I suspect it rattled loose from the volume this beast puts out. However, I have rarely used it anymore since I went direct to PA or FRFR from Pod HD.

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As with napynap I have not played through the SV212 for a long time but I would never sell it as it is truly a great amp for what is was designed to do and still lives as a backup. I always hire movers to take it places .... lol. It is a heavy beast. I use a DT25 Head/Cab for loud gigs and go through the PA (Line 6 LT3's) for softer gigs from a POD HD 500. I am very impressed with the DT25.

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