Despite all the things I've said about low wattage valve amps in the past I've finally found a new one I like (I can't afford old amps ). A VHT Special 6 combo arrived today and it's just what I expected, basically a blackface Champ with a 1/2 power switch and a boost. They even included the foot switch .

The fx bit is a Zoom G3

Thoughts so far on the VHT.

1. It's pretty clean as loud as I can get it at home on the high power setting. The clean tone is pure Fender and very nice.

2. The low power setting is a bit dark even with a strat' but it's OK for home use by turning the tone control all the way up.

3. The boost gives a hefty volume jump but not a lot more gain.

4. It's heavy as. I suspect big transformers are responsible because the speaker's certainly not that chunky.

5. It works nicely with the drives in the G3 (phew).

The G3 is so far, so good. Easy editing with knobs and a 3 stompbox layout. Push buttons to select effects, twist knobs to set parameters. Add amp modelling, drums, a 40 second looper and two way USB connection and it's going to take a bit more time than the Special 6 to find the pros and cons.

Testing continues...