Victory PowerValve 200 with the Helix Stadium

[bverdon]

Thoughts?  Mine shows up early next week.... 

Would have opted to go for the Wampler Pedalhead... but that won't be out for a while.

I have a Friedman 2X12 ported cab with V30's. Should be interesting....

 

 

 

 

[waymda]

Having tried many power-amp cab combinations (SS and valve) and FRFR approaches over many years my view is what works for you (at this moment in time) is what works, and that everything is a compromise.

 

I now run direct to FoH and use (damned good) IEMs, and adjust tones to fit in the mix for FoH. The IEMs sound good, but its not the same 'experience' as loud onstage cabs. I would never go back though.

 

The audience gets better sound and the sound is consistent(ly good). Something I can't say for running loud on stage and having to hit that volume level both for tone and so I can play well.

 

My opinion is that its all marketing and hype, musicians play into it, and sunk costs drive opinions about what works more than anything else - before the next best and greatest potential purchase comes along. Audience be damned and internet opinions are worth what it costs to read them - nothing.

[t-ario]

On 3/14/2026 at 10:20 AM, bverdon said:

Thoughts? 

My opinion is: advertising works.

I'm constantly surprised how easily people get caught up in it.

Whether it's the latest frying pan, the sharpest knife, or a super-duper cleaning product.

Wake up, people!

These aren't your friends; they just want to make money.

A few years ago, you could still find user reviews on YouTube from non-commercial users.

People who wanted to share their personal experiences.

Today, all I find are salespeople, whether it's Chef Toni for frying pans or XY for music equipment.

What really helps is a personal A/B comparison of the products, maybe with some good friends.

[t-ario]

On 3/14/2026 at 12:55 PM, waymda said:

My opinion is that its all marketing and hype, musicians play into it, and sunk costs drive opinions about what works more than anything else - before the next best and greatest potential purchase comes along. Audience be damned and internet opinions are worth what it costs to read them - nothing.

 

I see it similarly.

[jpdennis]

On 3/14/2026 at 7:06 AM, t-ario said:

What really helps is a personal A/B comparison of the products, maybe with some good friends.

 

t-ario,

 

Best feedback.  I have found modelers are, well, modelers.  I use IEM and trust the sound personnel.  In fact, my good friend for helping live performance tone is a soundman I know who will work with me from time to time to A/B between just my modeler which was the OG Helix Floor & is now the Helix Stadium XL.  He does his tone shaping via the PA.  I will run the Helix Stadium XL and have him record it direct out to tape.  I will then use the 4CM with one of my Mesa amps and have him record that.  I do not have my Stadium out right now, however, I noticed there is a new setting in the speaker which to my ear is getting a close in the room feel/sound.  I believe it is the last adjustable setting.

 

To the point of this conversation, I have found no reason to use my amp for enclosed room venues.  Outside venues I do use my amp.  And again, it is up to our individual ears, styles, and taste to determine what works for us.

 

jpd

[bverdon]

Well... all good points above and appreciate the discussion. For the record, I did purchase the powervalve 200 but ultimately returned it to Sweetwater. It was worth a shot. 

To me, the tube is pretty much a gimmick. It provides a small low end type of bump (with a slight volume bump) but still feels like a class D power amp to me. Not to say it doesn't have it's pro's and gives you some stage volume with your modeler rig. To me the tones and feel of what I was getting out of my Friedman 2x12 cabinet (with V30's) just didn't seem genuine. I am glad I tried it... cuz now I know it isn't for me. I will probably try the Wampler Pedalhead when it comes out... and return it if I have the same experience. No harm, no foul.