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Description

The VHT AV-SP-6HU Special 6 Ultra Head is a powerhouse designed for guitarists who crave versatility and quality in their sound. This all-tube amplifier head offers a unique combination of vintage and modern tones, thanks to its innovative design and responsive controls. Whether you're performing in a small club or practicing at home, the Special 6 Ultra Head can adapt effortlessly to your needs.

With its 6 watts of pure tube power, this amp head is perfect for those who want to experience the authentic warmth and dynamic range only a tube amp can provide. The amp features a footswitchable gain boost that takes you from clean to overdrive with ease, giving you more control over your sound. The Ultra channel offers additional gain and a footswitchable boost function, allowing you to push your tones further.

One of the standout features is the Variable Watts control, which lets you dial in the perfect level of power and saturation. This makes it ideal for both stage and studio use, giving you the flexibility to achieve your desired sound at any volume level. The Special 6 Ultra Head also includes an effects loop and a line out, making it easy to integrate with your favorite pedals and recording setups.

Key Features:

  • 6-watt all-tube amplifier head
  • Footswitchable gain boost and Ultra channel
  • Variable Watts control for power attenuation
  • Effects loop and line out for versatile setup options
  • Handwired design for superior sound quality
  • Compatible with various speaker cabinets

Product specs

Brand VHT
Model AV-SP-6HU Special 6 Ultra Head
Year 2010s
Categories Guitar Heads
Color Family Black
Electronics Tube
Impedance 16 ohms, 4 ohms, 8 ohms
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 2 Inputs
Output Power (Watts) 6
Power Tube Type 6V6
Reverb None

FAQs

What type of tubes does the VHT AV-SP-6HU Special 6 Ultra Head use?

The VHT AV-SP-6HU Special 6 Ultra Head uses 6V6 power tubes, known for their warm, round tone and rich harmonics, making them ideal for classic rock and blues.

How many channels does the VHT Special 6 Ultra Head have?

The VHT Special 6 Ultra Head features two channels, allowing for versatile sound options suitable for different playing styles and genres.

Can the VHT Special 6 Ultra Head handle different speaker impedances?

Yes, the VHT Special 6 Ultra Head supports 16 ohms, 8 ohms, and 4 ohms speaker impedances, providing flexibility in pairing with various cabinets.

Is the VHT Special 6 Ultra Head suitable for gigging?

With its 6-watt output, the VHT Special 6 Ultra Head is more suited for practice and small venues. It may require miking for larger gigs.

Does the VHT Special 6 Ultra Head have built-in reverb?

No, the VHT Special 6 Ultra Head does not include built-in reverb, so external reverb units or pedals would be needed for that effect.

Reviews

PROS

  • Extensive tonal flexibility with American and British voicings

  • Pentode/triode mode and stepless power scaling for precise sound control

  • Hand-wired circuit perfect for easy modifications and tube swaps

  • Tube-driven effects loop for modern modulation options

  • Footswitchable boost provides easy access to clean and overdrive sounds

  • Impressive clean tones, even on ultra channel

  • Compact size with high volume output, great for small venues

  • Detailed manual with EQ curve diagrams

  • High value for price with many features of larger, expensive amps

  • Versatile sound range from clean to high gain

CONS

  • Stock tubes may need replacing for optimal performance

  • No footswitch option for channel switching

  • Not suitable for heavy metal genres

  • Larger size compared to typical 6W amp heads

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about VHT AV-SP-6HU Special 6 Ultra Head.

Features and functionality

  • The depth switch and texture knob may not significantly change sound if the tone control is rolled back or in low power (triode) mode.

    Source
  • The wattage knob is used more for dialing in breakup rather than controlling volume, offering versatility for recording different sound profiles.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Using vintage Alnico speakers, such as Rola or Heppner, can enhance the amp's brightness compared to the stock speaker.

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  • Owners recommend replacing stock speakers with vintage 1956 Jensen Alnico 5 P12P for enhanced warmth and pronounced mid-range, avoiding high-end screechiness.

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  • Users suggest using a Tube Screamer TS808 Handwired for sparkle, but caution against regular tube screamers as they may muddy the tone for non-metal applications.

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User experience

  • Owners suggest that pairing the amp with a reverb pedal significantly improves its perceived "dryness."

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  • The amp is praised for being extremely mod-friendly and features point-to-point assembly, making it a high-value option for those interested in modifications.

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Comparisons

  • Users note the VHT Special 6 Ultra can sound less bright than the Vox AC10, potentially due to the stock speaker.

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  • Users find the VHT Special 6 Ultra's distortion less harsh after swapping stock Chinese tubes and speakers, preferring Greenbacks for improved tone.

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Setup and maintenance

  • New speakers may need breaking in to achieve optimal sound quality, as they can initially sound stiff.

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Use cases and applications

  • Works well with single coil pickups, P80s, and low-output humbuckers; struggles with high-output pickups, which can lead to a harsh and fizzy tone.

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