The Budda Amps MN-100 Head is an innovative amp that sounds outstanding and looks pretty sharp too. This powerful and versatile amp was created in part by Mark Nason, who brings his signature style and design to the MN-100. Mark Nason is designer of Italian leather shoes for rockers who teamed up with Budda to create the unique look of the MN-100. This amp was designed to cover a range of sounds from a Fender Twin vibe on the clean channel, to a Marshall JCM 800 on channel 2 and a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier on the 3rd channel. This is one of Budda’s first entries in the area of modern multi-channel tube amps, and it’s also one of their most sophisticated amps to date. But while some amps become overly sophisticated to the point of losing sight of the most important aspect of any amp—its tone—Budda’s engineers always made certain that the MN-100 was focused on capturing a specific style and sound.
The MN-100 features three independent channels. The amp runs on 120 watts of power, although a half-power switch lets you cut it down to 60 if you prefer. Under the hood, the MN-100 uses five 12AX7 preamp tubes, a 12AX7 for the over-boost circuit, and a 12AX7 for the phase splitter. The main power section is run by four EL34s, although you can opt for four 6L6s if you like. The amp generally uses two 5U4 tubes in its rectifier section, but you can modify it to use either 5AR4s or GZ34s.
Budda claims that this leather-bound product is the best amp money can buy, and it certainly looks like it’s worth a million bucks. The final price tag for the MN-100 is $4,999. Let us know what you think by leaving a comment.
Budda has a number of different products in their Superdrive Series II collection. The major difference in these amps seems to come down to wattage. The Budda Amps Superdrive 18 Series II is a sweet 18 watter. It just about enough power for most small to midsize rooms. It’s also very lightweight and easy to travel with, making it great for taking it on the road.
The Superdrive 18 Series II is a class AB amp that is completely hand-wired. It has two channels (rhythm and high gain) and the amps are known for being amazingly articulate. The amp uses two EL84 tubes, a 5u4 rectifier, and 12AX7 tubes for the preamp. The amp has controls for mid, bass, treble, rhythm, and master volume. It also features a pull modern mid function and a pull brite function for rhythm channel volume. The Superdrive 18 Series II also features a custom-wound transformer that has a 4, 8, or 16 ohm switch. This amp is available as a head for $1595 new or as a 1x12 combo for $1895.
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The Superdrive 18 is a low-wattage powerhouse. Designed for clubs and studios, this lightweight, two-channel amplifier offers sparkling rhythm complexity with super-sensitive high-gain articulation. There's nothing more organic than the tone of EL84 power tubes being pushed to their limits, with lush sag and rewarding sustain. 18 Watts. 12AX7 high-grade preamp tubes. Hand-wired power amp. Class AB. Rhythm and Hi Gain Channels. Treble, mid and bass controls. Pull "Modern" Mid function. Pull "Brite" on Rhythm volume. Rhythm and master volume. Drive control. Effects loop. Slave out. Footswitch. Made in the U.S.A.
The Superdrive 18 is a low-wattage powerhouse. Designed for clubs and studios, this lightweight, two-channel amplifier offers sparkling rhythm complexity with super-sensitive high-gain articulation. There's nothing more organic than the tone of EL84 power tubes being pushed to their limits, with lush sag and rewarding sustain. 18 Watts. 12AX7 high-grade preamp tubes. Hand-wired power amp. Class AB. Rhythm and Hi Gain Channels. Treble, mid and bass controls. Pull "Modern" Mid function. Pull "Brite" on Rhythm volume. Rhythm and master volume. Drive control. Effects loop. Slave out. Footswitch. Made in the U.S.A.
The Superdrive 18 is a low-wattage powerhouse. Designed for clubs and studios, this lightweight, two-channel amplifier offers sparkling rhythm complexity with super-sensitive high-gain articulation. There's nothing more organic than the tone of EL84 power tubes being pushed to their limits, with lush sag and rewarding sustain. 18 Watts. 12AX7 high-grade preamp tubes. Hand-wired power amp. Class AB. Rhythm and Hi Gain Channels. Treble, mid and bass controls. Pull "Modern" Mid function. Pull "Brite" on Rhythm volume. Rhythm and master volume. Drive control. Effects loop. Slave out. Footswitch. Made in the U.S.A.
The Superdrive 80 is our high-powered arena rocker, designed as a modern take on the famous 100-watt plexi of the '60s. Powered by four 6L6GC power tubes that can be swapped for 6550s, this muscular amp is not for the faint of heart. If you crave a sonic assault that will leave other rigs in the dust, the superdrive 80 is the only amp for you.80 watts. 12AX7 high-grade preamp tubes. Hand-wired power amp. Class AB. Rhythm and Hi Grain channels. Treble, mid and bass controls. Pull "Modern" Mid function. Pull "Brite" on Rhythm volume. Drive control. Effects loop. Slave out. Footswitch. Made in the U.S.A.
February 15, 2010
Posted in Budda Amps — anthony @ 4:18 pm
Budda Amplification was founded in 1995, making it one of the newer amp companies around. However, founding designers Scot Sier and Jeff Bober were no strangers to the amp world. Both had experience designing and building amps. In fact, the first amp they marketed under the Budda Amps label, the 18-watt Twinmaster Ten, was based on one of Bober’s early designs. They debuted the Twinmaster at the NAMM show in 1996, and they sold out of all 65 amps the first day of the show. This lead Sier and Bober to creating a line of low wattage boutique amps.
By 2004, Budda had grown to the point that the company had to expand. With new means of production, they were able to add new products and product lines, including the Superdrive line of amps. These amps are of higher wattage than the Twinmaster. They also introduced the Dual Stage line (which has been discontinued), the Stringmaster amps, and they released the Twinmaster Ten a decade after it hit the shelves as a way of celebrating the company’s tenth anniversary. (more...)
The Budda Amps MN-100 Head is an innovative amp that sounds outstanding and looks pretty sharp too. This powerful and versatile amp was created in part by Mark Nason, who brings his signature style and design to the MN-100. Mark Nason is designer of Italian leather shoes for rockers who teamed up with Budda to create the unique look of the MN-100. This amp was designed to cover a range of sounds from a Fender Twin vibe on the clean channel, to a Marshall JCM 800 on channel 2 and a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier on the 3rd channel. This is one of Budda’s first entries in the area of modern multi-channel tube amps, and it’s also one of their most sophisticated amps to date. But while some amps become overly sophisticated to the point of losing sight of the most important aspect of any amp—its tone—Budda’s engineers always made certain that the MN-100 was focused on capturing a specific style and sound.
The major difference in these amps seems to come down to wattage. The Budda Amps Superdrive 18 Series II is a sweet 18 watter. It just about enough power for most small to midsize rooms. It’s also very lightweight and easy to travel with, making it great for taking it on the road.
They debuted the Twinmaster at the NAMM show in 1996, and they sold out of all 65 amps the first day of the show. This lead Sier and Bober to creating a line of low wattage boutique amps.