Z Vex Nano or THD Univalve?

Make it loud here.

Boutique THD Univalve or Z Vex Nano Amp or...?

Poll ended at Wed Aug 15, 2018 5:56 pm

Z Vex Nano Amp
4
44%
THD Univalve
4
44%
Orange Tiny Terror
0
No votes
Other (leave comment)
1
11%
 
Total votes: 9

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Maggieo
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Z Vex Nano or THD Univalve?

Post by Maggieo » Sun Aug 05, 2018 9:26 am

So, I've had a 10" THD speaker lying about for a few years and finally decided to have an all-pine, with spruce baffle cab made for it.

The question is, what amp do I use with it?

Zhivago's Nano has me lusting for one, but the THD Univalve is, by all accounts, a pretty great amp. Used, they both cost about the same the the THD being just a bit more expensive. Loudness isn't really a factor, as this is going to be a studio amp, AFAIK.

So gang, what do you think? Pros and cons for each?
Last edited by Maggieo on Tue Aug 07, 2018 5:56 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Z Vex Nano or THD Univalve?

Post by Embenny » Sun Aug 05, 2018 10:25 am

The univalve is a tube aficionado and tweaker's dream. If you're at all inclined that way, as I am, I'd go with the THD. You'll have to much fun exploring tube options.
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Re: Z Vex Nano or THD Univalve?

Post by Maggieo » Mon Aug 06, 2018 2:10 pm

The gang at the music shop said to stick with the Z Vex. Zhivago can't go wrong, they said.
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Re: Z Vex Nano or THD Univalve?

Post by zhivago » Tue Aug 07, 2018 12:02 pm

Heheh been rocking mine pretty hard!!

I have no experience with the THD, but the Nano is definitely awesome! 8)
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Re: Z Vex Nano or THD Univalve?

Post by andy_tchp » Tue Aug 07, 2018 2:29 pm

I had a THD UniValve for a few years. It's a bit picky with speakers IME; the sound was fairly fatiguing/'hif'i with the speaker set up I had (2x12 Vintage 30s which I grew to despise). This seems to be a type of sound the 'boutique amp' guys love though so YMMV ???

Much better sound (and far less practical) plugged into a 4x12 with '70s era Greenbacks, but EVERYTHING sounded magical through that particular cab.

No experience with the ZVex Nano; on the surface these two offerings seem to be two very different beasts?
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Re: Z Vex Nano or THD Univalve?

Post by Maggieo » Tue Aug 07, 2018 5:53 pm

Hummmm, I think, based on Andy's comment, that I wouldn't like the Univalve with the THD speaker. I think the little rocking Z Vex is winning.
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Re: Z Vex Nano or THD Univalve?

Post by SAVEStheDAY » Fri Aug 10, 2018 6:20 am

Maybe try the Jet City PicoValve instead. It's really just a smaller, more affordable 5 watt Univalve. You can snag one for under $200.

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Re: Z Vex Nano or THD Univalve?

Post by Maggieo » Fri Aug 10, 2018 8:03 am

SAVEStheDAY wrote:
Fri Aug 10, 2018 6:20 am
Maybe try the Jet City PicoValve instead. It's really just a smaller, more affordable 5 watt Univalve. You can snag one for under $200.
I did a deep dive on them, and the consensus is that they're disappointing at best.
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Re: Z Vex Nano or THD Univalve?

Post by zhivago » Sat Aug 11, 2018 1:24 am

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Re: Z Vex Nano or THD Univalve?

Post by SAVEStheDAY » Sat Aug 11, 2018 4:52 am

H&K Tubemeister 5 is worth a look too.

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Re: Z Vex Nano or THD Univalve?

Post by Maggieo » Sat Aug 11, 2018 9:14 am

zhivago wrote:
Sat Aug 11, 2018 1:24 am
A Nano popped up on Reverb...

https://reverb.com/item/14346821-zvex-nano-head

:)
Best price in months!!! I jumped on it! It will be MINE!!! :w00t: :w00t: :w00t: :w00t: :w00t:

Thanks!!!!
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Re: Z Vex Nano or THD Univalve?

Post by zhivago » Sun Aug 12, 2018 12:16 am

Maggieo wrote:
Sat Aug 11, 2018 9:14 am
zhivago wrote:
Sat Aug 11, 2018 1:24 am
A Nano popped up on Reverb...

https://reverb.com/item/14346821-zvex-nano-head

:)
Best price in months!!! I jumped on it! It will be MINE!!! :w00t: :w00t: :w00t: :w00t: :w00t:

Thanks!!!!
Great stuff!!! You will love it! 8) 8) 8)
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Re: Z Vex Nano or THD Univalve?

Post by StevenO » Sun Aug 12, 2018 3:23 am

Just curious... How much did you get yours for, Maggie? I've been thinking about selling a couple of things and trying to get one for my apartment as well. I wonder how it'd sound through my spare JBL D130F? :shifty:

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Re: Z Vex Nano or THD Univalve?

Post by sessylU » Sun Aug 12, 2018 3:26 am

I've always lusted after anything THD. I'd love the Uni, the Bi-Valve or the Flexi. I know they're all different amps, but they all look great.
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Re: Z Vex Nano or THD Univalve?

Post by Maggieo » Sun Aug 12, 2018 8:17 am

StevenO wrote:
Sun Aug 12, 2018 3:23 am
Just curious... How much did you get yours for, Maggie? I've been thinking about selling a couple of things and trying to get one for my apartment as well. I wonder how it'd sound through my spare JBL D130F? :shifty:
I nabbed it for $280.00US. They've been going for $400.00US used and Right at $500.00US new.
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