Hey! So I'm in a situation where I could potentially get an Ampeg V2 or a Sunn Sonaro. If I remember rightly, you had/have some similar Sunns and Ampegs, and I was wondering if you thought I should go either way for heavy stoner stuff. Thanks!
Both are awesome amps. I’m assuming you’re looking to play guitar on them. If that’s so the tonal control on the V2 wins here as the Sonaro doesn’t have a ton of control. So if you’re looking to run a few pedals, the V2 is likely the winner in terms of handling the shaping of your overall sound. I also think I might prefer how the V2 breaks up over the Sonaro.
It’s been a minute since I’ve played these particular amps though. I still own a V4 and I used to run a Spectrum I. They differ a little though.
The last I played a Sonaro it was the big nasty combo guy. I didn’t love how it sounded pushed, but it handled everything pretty nicely when you kept it super clean. It’s not going to be insanely loud set like that though.
The V2 certainly sounds good pushed, so as long as you’re not trying to be nutty loud and clean it’s gonna do fine. Especially with some heavy dirt boxes in front of it. Gain down, volume above unity is your friend when it comes to driving that bad lad with a fuzz or something. Keep the noise floor at a minimum but just destroy the front end. You’ll have good stoner sounds. All of that said, if you’re trying to jam with people or play in a live setting with a (presumably loud)stoner group. I would look into something with double the power tubes.
Das jus me doe.
Best of luck and I hope this rambling is helpful in some way. I’m just on my first cup of coffee today. ;)
