So, I've been looking for a tube amph for a while now. My list of requirements have changed greatly, both back and forth during the research period from something simple and easy to mod with nothing but a volume knob to something cool looking with built in spring reverb etc. The contenders were, mostly, the Balckstar HT-1R, Ibanez TSA5TVR which has a built in spring reverb and a built in tube screamer, the Fender Ramparte and finally the Kustom Defender 5 watt head. Since only the Blackstar and Fender Ramparte were in stock locally I've been confined to Youtube reviews. The main requirement has been that the amplifier should have really good clean tones, in other words it should be able to be played loud enough in living room without distorting which is something my Yamaha THR 5 doesn't do well. Most 5W tube amphs will do this though so that wasn't a problem. Although the Fender Ramparte had the nicest cleans by far and good looks too, it's way too big and way too loud. So, I ended up with... none of the above.

There was a demo ex of a small Peavy Nano Valve in one of the local stores. I thought I got a good price but I probably over paid as hell looking at what the retailed for just before they left the shelves.

Anyhow, it's not so good looking (no permanent spot in the living room) but it's small enough to be hidden away and it sounds great. Although there's just an on/off switch and a volume knob on it there seems to be a great range of tonality by playing with the volume on the amph and on the guitar.

It came with a Sovtek EL84 and an Electro Harmonix 12AX7 and a no name speaker. I'm planning on changing the speaker for a Celestion 8" and to fit a speaker out jack on the back of it.

I still haven't heard what it sounds like when I push it into overdrive, it's just too loud and I fear the neighbors will kick in the door.