Been experimenting with it, you can read about the trial and error http://forum.frugalguitarist.com/forum/default.aspx?g=posts&t=339. So far...

The amp stock uses an TDA2030 for power. On a tip at another forum, I subbed in an LM1875 which is a pin for pin match.  Per the spec sheet, looks like it's capable of a bit more power (nearly double?) using the existing power supply. The spec sheet for the TDA2030 lists typical performance of 9 to 11 watts @ 8 ohms (based on measurement method) while the LM1875 lists a typical performance 25 watts @ 8 ohms. Of course the LM1875 needs more power to generate that output but has a wide swing of operation. I subbed it in and it is louder for sure.  Once I'm done will all the mods I'll A/B/ it versus spec.

Of course this will require a new speaker to handle the additional power which will be the second mod.

Third up, the amp uses a red led pair for clipping (in conjunction with a secondary boost circuit). I'm currently experimenting with them subbing in various diodes and I've got some mosfets I'm going to load up tonight.

Stay tuned!

So I want to try an SS amp build. I have several preamp's in mind from RunOffGroove with a modular design, but that leaves the power amp. I've considered an LM3886 build, however I've seen quite a few 30 watt (dual 15 watt) "Class T" power amps assembled for around $30. I've also been playing around with the idea of rehousing one of these in the chassis as the power amp.  Any one tried this with good results?

Quote from: GLUGSTER on January 12, 2009, 09:18:30 AM
....I haven't read one bad thing about them. Line 6 has the Spider Valve, PV's got the Vyper tube 60/120, H&K has the Switchblade and now Fender has this. I think the next logical step Fender will do is make a higher wattage head or bigger 2-12" type of version of this amp.

I'm actually referring to the Cyber Champ (the same series as the Cyber Twin) which is the predecessor to the current Super Champ XD and originally released back in 2003 then discontinued in 2005.  This is their DynaGain analog preamp with digital control/effects and a gigable 65 watt solid state power amp. The new Super Champ XD is s digital preamp/effects into 15 watt tube power amp.

I'm writing up a head to head on Fender's Cyber Champ vs their new Super Champ XD in the current FrugalGuitarist.com and was recording some tracks with the Cyber Champ over the weekend...

Wow, the amp records fabulously well. Per their literature, the amp uses their DynaGain preamp digitally switching tone circuits pre or post the preamp to emulate the circuitry of the original amps. I'm surprised there's not more love for them...

Quote from: Jack1962 on November 21, 2008, 08:45:48 PM
If you want a rock solid SS amp with balls buy the MG100 or a Valvestat, if you want a good affordable tube unit(metalhead get real , there;s a reason why most pro's use tube amps, and durablity give me a break) buy a Peavey Windsor($399) or a Valveking(around $699)

                                 Rock On                 

There are many, many great tube amps which have been made over the years.  The Valveking isn't one of them and I'd take any number of solid state or modeling amps over one.  I haven't played the Windsor, but reviews have been all over the place.

I agree that the Marshall MG and Valvestate series sound pretty darn good despite their poor tonal reputations.

Quote from: ponchojuan on November 21, 2008, 07:41:20 AM
Wow I'm !n Boston.  I'll swing into the First Act store next week and check things out.

Poncho

They were giving them away free with a guitar purchase, but I think they're out of stock in the store and only shipping them from their warehouse.

Quote from: teemuk on November 19, 2008, 12:52:11 PM
I wonder what went wrong in that... They bought the technology and resources of a promising boutique pedal company, then made amps using that technology but they didn't even seem advertise them at all. Then the prices went down 75% because they had to get rid of the stock. Something's very fishy in that...

Some people rave about these amps but ten years from now and I bet that you're lucky if 1 out of 100 knows anything about them. The basic transistor amp company story.

I think this is a classic case of extremely poor marketing. I'm not claiming the amp is all things to all people, but certainly capable of some very good tones.  Yes, unless First Act has some kind of version 2 up their sleeve, this amp is bound for obscurity...

With regards to the lower powered models, I haven't played them personally so I can't comment.  Note that the control layout is signifficantly different.

Hello Everyone!

Cool little board you have here.

I've been a fan of solid state amps for years and currently have a Tech 21 Trademark 60 which I've gigged countless times and have always received postive comments regarding it's tone.

I'm a former owner of a Roland JC-120 and have regretted selling that amp since the day I let go of it.

Recently, I picked up a First Act 75 Watt VA881 which has a preamp circuit based on their V-Stack pedals and I think it is another solid state amp which was highly overlooked and is very capable of some great tones.

The now discontinued 75 First Act VA881 V-Stack Amp is solid state with some excellent tones on tap.

http://www.frugalguitarist.com/Sounds/Issue%2010/FA_Amp.mp3