Has anyone tried a hybrid amplifier.

[freethought]

Y'all know the old axiom, tube amps just sound better. Solid state amps, despite technology and the lower cost just have never seemed to match tube based tone.
I recently read some a product review of Randall's RG series of combo amps which apparently is a merging of the two technologies. The amps use a single power tube and a type of solid state technology to produce the sound coming out of the amp. The review gave it very high marks.
I tend to regard such reviews with some suspicion given that the products reviewed are also likely paid advertisers.
Has anyone ever tried it or something like it?

[ProfessorGAC]

1. I Played Through A Vox That Does That

It was pretty good. I also have a Mesa Bottle rocket. It's a tube stomp box (pretty big though) that creates a tube front end with 4 stages of gain. (Single control, but four internal stages.)

I've gotten some pretty good, thick, saturated tones out of an old Fender solid state with it. And, dialing back the gain, you can get a pretty nice, slightly broken, Stevie Ray/Walter Becker type tone.

So, since that works, it makes sense that a tube front end and a solid state power stage would work.

In my experience though, when playing at volume the tubes in the power stage create a bit of warmth and natural, subtle compression that we can't get with solid state. So, for recording, or playing in your living room, this is probably a killer arrangement. But, i've had to hear it loud to really judge it. When i do use the bottle rocket loudly, through the Fender, it is a pinch harsh compared to the Boogie i have at home.
GAC

[Bonhomme Richard]

2. I've been playing a lot lately through my Marshall Valvestate.

I am going to retire (I'm getting too old and it's getting too heavy) my Roland JC-120 and use the Valvestate 65R that I have had around for gigging. The amp has a good tone but it's certainly not the tone of a all tube amp. It has a ECC83 <12AX7> pre-amp valve active on both channels.
I'm not sure if they make it anymore or if it's been replaced with a new model.

[freethought]

3. Well, I'm not hearing anything negative.

The Randall is a small 1 speaker amp. I have an all tube Carvin that puts out some great tone. Only problem is that its equipped with two 12" speakers and can really cause a ruckus in the apartment. I have to be cautious of the neighbors. More than once they have banged on the floor.
I found the amp on Ebay, I have a three day trial with it so I can return it if I am not happy.

It is good to hear that it likely won't be something that sounds like s__t.

[ProfessorGAC]

4. Well, If You Get It, Let Us Know

I know a guy (i forgot to mention this earlier) that has an all tube Randall half-stack. The super-crunch sound is very Marshall like. A little less think in the lower mid, but lots of grind and presence. Of course, he's playing through a 4x12 and that matters to the sound he's trying to get.

G'luck and let us know what you think.

By the way: Another option. Peavey makes a low cost all tube amp called the Valveking. Two of my friends have them as their spare amps. (One guy plays a Boogie, the other has a hotrodded Fender.) That thing is REALLY good sounding for the money. Might want to explore that too, but you might be getting a price on the Randall that is terrific.
GAC

[freethought]

5. Piece O' Cake!

I should have it with in about a week. I have three days to determine if I like it or not.
I will definitely let everyone who wants to know, know!

[Sammy Pepys]

6. I have a Vox...

...that has a tube preamp, but solid state power section. Great little amplifier.