Marshall AVT 150HX
Advanced Valvestate Technology, or AVT for short, is a major step forward in hybrid amplifier design which is exclusive to Advanced Valvestate Series of amplifiers. It has evolved from the original, critically acclaimed Marshall Valvestate technology, but is improved so that it emulates even more closely the feel and response of the classic Marshall all-valve power stage...without using valves. It is not only the power stage that has been significantly improved in the series either. Much careful attention to detail and many hours of development have also gone into the preamp section too. As a result, each AVT channel offers the widest possible range of control and shape to your sound, with an ECC83 (a.k.a.12AX7) preamp valve adding to the all-important tone and feel of these latest Marshall creations.
Feature:
This product came with a footswitch that I have yet to use as I am still dialing in my sound. The most useful features are the acoustic simulator and the digital fx. The gated reverb (although not as good as spring reverb) and the chorus are excellent. The acoustic simulation isn't going to magically change music to sound like a taylor or martin acoustic, but it produces a pretty accurate facsimile. The contour or scoop buttons on each channel definitely change tones and are a nice feature if this is something a person will use regularly.
Quality:
This is a very solid unit and I would buy again. I haven't had any problems with this amp and don't foresee any in the future. I gave this amp a 9 because I would recommend upgrading to a higher end cab as opposed to the AVT cab.
Value:
I don't know if the amp is worth the sticker price for not being a true tube amp as one could purchase an Orange combo or Tiny Terror for the same price and get a better and louder sound. However, for the quality that Marshall produces, it is worth the purchase price for those looking for something reliable and that will last you a lifetime.
Desirability:
For me, I rate the appeal of this amp a 10 because it's all I could afford when shooting for a quality half stack. Granted it's not a JCM or Vintage Modern, but this thing screams Marshall and has that look at me quality.
Sound:
The sound that comes from this head unit is very satisfying and bold. I upgraded from a Randall RG75D G3 75watt combo and this things blows it away. The amp is loud and produces tight crisp tone. The fx are superior to anything i've used; however, the amps lack a little when it comes to low end sound, which is the one thing that my Randall had over this amp. For a mid-range half stack, this is definitely worth the money.
Ease of Use:
I have been able to achieve some great harmonics with this amp. The interface is pretty self explanatory and simple to use for someone with a little experience. It took me a couple hours to get the sound I was looking for, but I constantly change my sound so I am continually tinkering around with the controls to get what I am looking for.
