Orange Amps Forum

Is there a big difference? I know the usual applies (less tube rattle/wear, easier to transport, etc...), but there isn't much difference in sound is there? The one I have been playing at the store and loving is a head running through a Mesa 2x12 sealed cab....but I do typically prefer open backs (though I haven't played an open back AD30)...and I don't really care if its a combo or not; though I also do prefer front facing controls.

I think its really gonna come down to the best deal I can get when the time comes...

I prefer the sound of an open backed cab with the AD30. Tried mine with my combo's open back 2x12, an Orange PPC212CB, a PPC412 and also a G12H Heritage loaded 4x12, and it just sounded much better to me through the combo's own cab than any of the others.

My back weeps every time someone mentions they're considering an Orange combo.

Honestly, your mentality of which can I get a better deal on is the way to go unless you really like the idea of having a closed back cab. With the head/cab route you have the ability to go open or closed, 1x12, 2x12 or 4x12 relatively easy. I prefer head/cabs myself.

Thinline_slim wrote:My back weeps every time someone mentions they're considering an Orange combo.

My AD30TC is positively easy to carry compared to the Peavey 6505 I just sold, which was 4kg heavier and also bulkier! The big recessed side handles make Oranges a much easier one man lift than stuff like Twins, too. I have no problem carrying my AD30TC around on my own and with two people it's a breeze.

Ya...carrying combos around is no biggie. My AC weighs a ton, I'm used to it. Plus I'm not exactly a little guy .

Are those combos really 82 lbs?

Good luck and make sure you take care of your backs guys. I'm not terribly small either, 6' 165 lbs and only 33 but about 3 years ago I had a lower back disk problem that now has become a major problem and I'm probably looking at surgery in the next 3 years (If I can take the pain long enough). Not a day goes by that I'm not in pain but that's obviously my problem and not anyone elses. Either way be careful

And the AD30 is a bitchin amp either way you end up going so I know you'll enjoy it!

I have the AD30HTC and love the fact that I can pair it with lots of different speaker configurations, which is pretty handy if you play in venues of various sizes or just like to tinker with things. I also like front facing controls, so double bonus there.

The nice thing about the AD30 combo is that despite its weight, it is reasonably mobile, since it has been ergonomically engineered so you can actually carry the thing. Also, even though head is easier to move on its own, the cab you pick may make your two trips from the car as much or more of a strain than lugging that combo around.

One thing to consider if you have trouble lifting stuff is sticking some Celestion Vintage Century neos in whatever combo/cab you have - they sound great and make a really big difference to an amp's weight!

Personally I would go head/cab, because I don't like combos, lol. I love my AD30 through my vertical Mesa 2x12 with WGS Reaper and Green Beret.

Seems this is going to go down sooner rather than later...more to come .

savage8190 wrote:Seems this is going to go down sooner rather than later...more to come .

same here... hoping to pick up mine tuesday or wednesday... race ya!?!?!

Dark Helmet wrote:

savage8190 wrote:Seems this is going to go down sooner rather than later...more to come .

same here... hoping to pick up mine tuesday or wednesday... race ya!?!?!

Ooohhh...lucky bugger.

I wont see mine till after Christmas. Tell me how it goes .

your's will look infinitely better though... mine's a mess aesthetically...