The ValvePower 18 Watt Mark 5 Cage Amp is based on the Lite IIB Variant of the legendary 1960's Marshall design, with just Volume and Tone controls, to prevent loss of tone through the EQ stack. The Mark 5 has a VVVR (Valvepower Variable Voltage Regulator fitted). The integral on/off rotary power switch enables the amp to be regulated down to 'TV volume' levels and still maintain the crunch and sustain with the volume set to 10. With the gradual turn on of the rotary power switch and the EZ81 rectifier valve, a standby switch becomes irrelevant.

	So what is inside? This is one loud amplifier !! 2 X new JJ EL84s and 2 X new JJ ECC83s. There's also an EZ81 rectifier valve. JJ valves are the most consistent and best sounding modern production valve available. The design places the valves at the front where they can be seen through the black mesh when they are lit up, and they look hot !! (they are).
The purpose built chassis is manufactured from 1.5mm steel with an epoxy based black powder coated finish inside and out. This is applied electrostatically and baked in an industrial oven at 180C to get into every crevice. The cage top is also made from 1.5mm steel with added louvres for appearance and even more structural strength. The corners are folded, welded and smoothed to give a superb finish.
	The whole head weighs just under 6 Kg, so it is built like a tank and will last many years. The chassis footprint is 12" X 8" exactly the same as a Linear Conchord of the 60's in fact the top cage will fit a Conchord !! Please bear in mind this is a finished head and doesn't need an expensive wood cabinet. The new finish for the mark 5 cage is a black powder coated "leatherette" textured finish, no finger marks and a very retro look. Speaker jack on the back, switchable for 4, 8 or 16 ohm speakers. The 1.5mm baseplate and top cage are secured with threaded inserts in the chassis, not a self tapper in sight !! The handles are metal bright chrome.
100% point-to-point hand wired quality. The components are mounted individually on a circuit board and turret tags. This makes for lifelong easy servicing and tweaking, each component can be removed and replaced without disturbing anything else. Cathode (self) bias design means no adjustments are necessary when changing valves. Mullard Mustard capacitors are installed where it matters.
	The Mains Transformer is 290V @ 120mA More than adequate for any 18 watt amp. The Mark 5 transformers are made with flying leads and paper finished insulation and the mains transformer is now a stand up, the shrouds (covers) are powder coated finished. The Output Transformer is UK custom made, hand finished and is unique to ValvePower. It is the result of many prototypes and is specifically made for 18W EL84 or 6V6 push pull amps.The laminations are custom made to imperial measurements from specially selected steel, to faithfully reproduce the sonic performance of the vintage transformers which inspired them.

So what does it sound like?
These amps are ideal for live band work and easily overcome loud drummers. Connected to a 4x12" cab they are truly formidable. Celestion Vintage 30s or G12Hs might be an ideal speaker choice. Do not buy this amp just for clean or country music. This beast is rubbing shoulders with the Fargen Miniplex or the Dr. Z Carmen Ghia. Think AC/DC, ZZ Top or The Who. Go anywhere past 12 o'clock on the volume knob it starts to honk like a bull-goose in a clothes-mangle. The sustain is to die for. The tone control allows a wide EQ setting from cutting crunch to mellow fluid blues. With a Les Paul, a Strat or any semi or P90 equipped guitar this amp is the business. An overdrive or plain booster pedal will push it into the realms of awesome hi-gain lead tones. The front panel is custom engraved white on black material just like a Hiwatt from the 60's.

If you want a unique hand built amp to 'blow your buddies into the weeds', this is it.

Some Customer Comments.

" My life long search for an amp is over".

"Great amp, thanks.++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++".
 
"Awesome Amp - great buy - easy to do business - Fantastic thanks!!!!"
 
"Excellent transaction..recommended"

£400 including free courier delivery to UK

 

Now redesigned to incorporate stand up transformers and a new retro textured powder coated finish

(November 2013). Please contact before ordering.

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Please contact us for overseas delivery: Examples - France, Germany plus £10.