It is currently Mon Mar 16, 2020 11:40 am

All times are UTC - 7 hours



Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 19 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2  Next
Go to page 1, 2  Next
Author Message
Post subject: NAD! Ibanez TSA30H
Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2015 9:18 pm
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Tue Jun 29, 2010 1:20 pm
Posts: 9640
Location: Indiana
What a great amp! Very simple circuit, few components, and terrific sound, both clean and driven. The amp is fixed bias with adjustment pot, and has chassis mounted output tubes. It has Gain, Bass, Middle, Treble, and Volume controls, and for the Tube Screamer (TS), Overdrive, Tone and Level. The built in TS, and volume boost, are switchable from the front panel, or using the optional two-button foot switch (I got the foot switch too), the TS can be completely bypassed. It also has a loop, between the TS and first preamp tube. It has two speaker jacks and impedance select switch, 4, 8 or 16 ohm. Of course it came with all Chinese tubes, which weren't the best for the sound that I wanted, so I did some swapping and found a great combination, and now this amp has really surprisingly excellent sound, and great control of the tone as the EQ is very responsive. GT 6L6 GE output tubes, a JJ 5751 in V1, a JJ 5751 in V2, and a GT 12AT7 in V3 (PI). I have tried it with several speaker cabs, and although they all sound great, I really like the HRDlx 1x12 with an Eminence Swamp Thang speaker. Using either my Am Std HH, or Am Std Fat 50s, this amp really rocks. Using the TS and Boost, I get the best driven sound that I have heard using an SSS Strat (Fat 50s), and it can get very loud (30 Watts). Sweet!!!!! Oh, and kudos to Sweetwater! :D

Image

On the HRDlx ext cab:
Image

_________________
---> "The amp should be SWITCHED OFF AND UNPLUGGED before you do this!" <---

Por favor, disculpe mi español, no se llega a la práctica con mucha frecuencia.


Last edited by shimmilou on Sat Mar 14, 2015 9:33 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Top
Profile
Fender Play Winter Sale 2020
Post subject: Re: NAD! Ibanez TSA30H
Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2015 9:24 pm
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Tue Jun 29, 2010 1:20 pm
Posts: 9640
Location: Indiana
As you can see the amp circuit on the main board is very simple, which I really like.
Image

Simple EQ section:
Image

By comparison, the TS, Gain and Boost circuit is packed with components:
Image

_________________
---> "The amp should be SWITCHED OFF AND UNPLUGGED before you do this!" <---

Por favor, disculpe mi español, no se llega a la práctica con mucha frecuencia.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: NAD! Ibanez TSA30H
Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2015 9:27 pm
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Tue Jun 29, 2010 1:20 pm
Posts: 9640
Location: Indiana
I found an unofficial partial schematic on the internet. I cleaned it up, compared it to the amp, and it appears to be accurate. Oh, and although not shown in the schematic, it looks like it has a DC heater supply. Nice! :D

Image

_________________
---> "The amp should be SWITCHED OFF AND UNPLUGGED before you do this!" <---

Por favor, disculpe mi español, no se llega a la práctica con mucha frecuencia.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: NAD! Ibanez TSA30H
Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2015 9:44 pm
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Wed Mar 31, 2010 12:48 am
Posts: 26416
Location: Tombstone Territory
Nice looking layout!

That DC heater supply should help contribute to a respectable S/N ratio -- pretty innovative.

8)

Arjay

_________________
"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: NAD! Ibanez TSA30H
Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2015 9:49 pm
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Tue Jun 29, 2010 1:20 pm
Posts: 9640
Location: Indiana
Taking the gain structure into consideration, it is relatively quiet. It is very quiet when dialed in clean (very slight hiss), and only a very moderate hiss when turning up the Gain. Actually, with the gain cranked and the TS and Boost engaged it is still quieter than any other high gain amps that I have.

_________________
---> "The amp should be SWITCHED OFF AND UNPLUGGED before you do this!" <---

Por favor, disculpe mi español, no se llega a la práctica con mucha frecuencia.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: NAD! Ibanez TSA30H
Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2015 11:05 pm
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Fri Nov 09, 2007 7:46 am
Posts: 1019
Location: State of Confusion
Very nice!
I have the TSA15H version and when the TSA30 came out, I was really interested, but was unable to find a store that stocked one and had one big question. The TSA15 doesn't have a gain knob, so the 30 is obviously a very different animal. Without boost and TS on, how loud can it get and stay clean?

_________________
The quintessential sound of 60/70's R&R:
Fender Tube Amps
Gibson Guitars


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: NAD! Ibanez TSA30H
Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2015 11:50 pm
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Tue Jun 29, 2010 1:20 pm
Posts: 9640
Location: Indiana
Yes, the main difference is 6V6 for the 15 and 6L6 for the 30, the latter having twice the wattage. So, with twice the wattage and 6L6 output tubes, it can get more volume and stay cleaner.

I don't know about volume level in db, but with the gain at no higher than 1/4 and the volume cranked, it is very clean and plenty loud, more than loud enough to use with a band. At these settings, it is very clean with single coils, and gets the very slightest breakup when playing hard with hum-buckers (very warm and smooth), staying at least DRRI clean if not more-so. Even with the gain at 1/4 and the volume at about 1/2, it is still loud. This amp stays cleaner at higher volume than the Twkr 40 that I had.

Of course the speaker that I am using is very sensitive, rated at 102 db, and the speaker can make a big difference in the loudness level. I like to turn up the gain a bit to get some mild breakup, lower the volume on the guitar to clean up the sound, and when I want a lot of distortion, switch on the TS and Boost. The amp with the ST speaker is very responsive to pick attack, and the way I have it dialed in I can go from clean to very mild breakup by using the volume on the guitar, get a bit more breakup by playing harder, add a bit more grind and volume by kicking on the Boost, then get all out distortion by kicking on the TS.

The amp is really versatile, covering everything from super clean to super heavy with plenty of volume. The Boost does what it should, giving a pretty clean volume boost without altering the tone much at all.

It is really one-hell-of-an amp that can cover many types of sounds. Time will tell about the reliability, but it seems to be very well built, and it puts a smile on my face when I use it. :D

_________________
---> "The amp should be SWITCHED OFF AND UNPLUGGED before you do this!" <---

Por favor, disculpe mi español, no se llega a la práctica con mucha frecuencia.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: NAD! Ibanez TSA30H
Posted: Sun Mar 15, 2015 12:29 am
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Fri Nov 09, 2007 7:46 am
Posts: 1019
Location: State of Confusion
Shimmilou,

Thanks for the report. Your reference to the "DRRI or less breakup" is very helpful. I was concerned that the 30 may be too high gain for my taste at significant volume. The 15 can be run near max. volume using humbuckers with almost no breakup. It too is a very nice amp. The only feature I'd change would be to have the boost function volume-adjustable (with a knob on the rear of the amp). It's not quite enough for clean soloing...but that's perhaps nit picking at the price point of these amps.

I'll have to think about getting one of these. I need another amp like I need another hole in my head, but since when does 'need' have anything to do with it? :lol:

Enjoy your new TSA30H!

_________________
The quintessential sound of 60/70's R&R:
Fender Tube Amps
Gibson Guitars


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: NAD! Ibanez TSA30H
Posted: Sun Mar 15, 2015 2:30 am
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Tue Jun 29, 2010 1:20 pm
Posts: 9640
Location: Indiana
Thanks, I will, and I am! 8)

_________________
---> "The amp should be SWITCHED OFF AND UNPLUGGED before you do this!" <---

Por favor, disculpe mi español, no se llega a la práctica con mucha frecuencia.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: NAD! Ibanez TSA30H
Posted: Sun Mar 15, 2015 2:37 am
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Wed Mar 31, 2010 12:48 am
Posts: 26416
Location: Tombstone Territory
I find the multiple output taps to be particularly appealing.

Arjay

_________________
"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: NAD! Ibanez TSA30H
Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2018 5:46 pm
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Tue Jul 17, 2007 3:08 pm
Posts: 2889
Hey Shimmilou !
Long time no chat.
Do you still have this TSA30H ? just wondering if it held out for the long run or just another amp along the way ?
I just bought one on Reverb and I'm kinda thinking I'll like this one.
6L6GC with lotsa headroom and a bias adjustment pot too !!!

Any way digging up this old thread and stopping by to say howdy !

I retired from the Bail Agent gig and now work for the local Sheriff's Dept. ( a real job LOL) !

_________________
Keepn' the Blues Alive

2004 50th Ann. Limited edition AMSE Stratocaster
2017 50's Baja Telecaster BSB

1968 Bandmaster with 2X12 cab C-rex speakers
VHT Special 6 Ultra combo

Visual Sound Route 66
Cmatmods Signa Drive


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: NAD! Ibanez TSA30H
Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2018 11:07 pm
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Tue Jun 29, 2010 1:20 pm
Posts: 9640
Location: Indiana
Wassup bb? Yes, i still have the amp, it still sounds great. I rotate amps often, so not a lot of miles on it yet, but it has survived 2 road trips, and still working perfectly.

Nice to hear that you finally got a real job. :lol:

_________________
---> "The amp should be SWITCHED OFF AND UNPLUGGED before you do this!" <---

Por favor, disculpe mi español, no se llega a la práctica con mucha frecuencia.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: NAD! Ibanez TSA30H
Posted: Mon Jan 29, 2018 3:04 am
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Tue Jul 17, 2007 3:08 pm
Posts: 2889
I have two 1x12 cabs to try this head out with, one is an original Egnater rebel with the Elite 80 or Celestion lead 80 in reality, and a partial open back well made birch no name that will house a Weber Silver Bell when it arrives.

Both cabs will be 16 ohms and so running them into the 8 ohm selector will be perfect.

I had swapped a Swamp Thang into the Egnater cab but found the original Celestion to be better voiced for that cab.

Any way, what did you do as far as tubes ? were the originals ok or were they dogs as usual in these Asian made amps ?

I still have a good stash of 5751 and usa 12Ax7 , plenty of 12At7 for phase inverter duties, not a ton of 6L6GC sadly.

Nice to be here again after a long absence.

The picture thing really bummed me out after photo bucket killed all that work I had put into some epic threads :roll:

_________________
Keepn' the Blues Alive

2004 50th Ann. Limited edition AMSE Stratocaster
2017 50's Baja Telecaster BSB

1968 Bandmaster with 2X12 cab C-rex speakers
VHT Special 6 Ultra combo

Visual Sound Route 66
Cmatmods Signa Drive


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: NAD! Ibanez TSA30H
Posted: Mon Jan 29, 2018 7:19 am
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Tue Jun 29, 2010 1:20 pm
Posts: 9640
Location: Indiana
Yeah, photobucket, sheesh! :roll:

With the stock tubes, the amp just had too much gain, not a great loud/clean sound. The sound was great for metal/hi-gain type stuff, but I really like the versatility I get with these tubes: GT 6L6 GE output tubes, a JJ 5751 in V1, a JJ 5751 in V2, and a GT 12AT7 in V3 (PI)

As you can imagine, less gain, louder cleans that can be pushed to bluesy breakup, and still plenty of gain with the boost and tube screamer switched on.

BTW, I have tried the US made GE tubes, and the GT "reissue" in several amps, and the GT compared very favorably in all of them. I actually preferred the GT in my Bassman and this amp, as the GTs were just a bit brighter and louder, the GEs being warmer, softer.

_________________
---> "The amp should be SWITCHED OFF AND UNPLUGGED before you do this!" <---

Por favor, disculpe mi español, no se llega a la práctica con mucha frecuencia.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: NAD! Ibanez TSA30H
Posted: Mon Jan 29, 2018 7:51 am
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Tue Jul 17, 2007 3:08 pm
Posts: 2889
I have a pair of OLD GT's that are actually relabeled Sylvanias that may do the trick and a newish set of TAD STR's (tall 6L6GC's)

I'll for sure plug a nice old GE 5751 in V-1 and I have a load of great 12AT7's for the phase inverter spot as far as V-2 I generally find two 5751 in a row to be a little too low in gain.

From what I've found there is very little evidence that these amps have had a lot of issues and indeed the cuircut looks pretty simple.

I cannot for the life of me find a schematic for this bugger !

Anyway its shipping from Tennessee this morning and will fly over your head soon LOL, I'll let ya know how it sounds later this week.

Best thing about this Gov't job is that I'm on four and off two, not to mention the accumulated holidays and vacation, saved up enough in less than a year to take half of February off :shock:
Worst part is the Knuckleheads I deal with every day, What a bunch of needy babies !!!

_________________
Keepn' the Blues Alive

2004 50th Ann. Limited edition AMSE Stratocaster
2017 50's Baja Telecaster BSB

1968 Bandmaster with 2X12 cab C-rex speakers
VHT Special 6 Ultra combo

Visual Sound Route 66
Cmatmods Signa Drive


Top
Profile
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 19 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2  Next
Go to page 1, 2  Next

All times are UTC - 7 hours

Fender Play Winter Sale 2020

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to: