I’ll be honest. This week’s amplifier head is outside my budget. But damn, the Swart ST-Stereo head is impressive. It not only has two speaker outputs, it has stereo outputs allowing you to create some seriously impressive tones and effects. How could I not include it in this series? Well I suppose not writing about it would achieve that, but I like to break the rules (when the rules are my own to start with).
Another thing I like about this amplifier head is the official line on the website which goes something like this—This is literally two separate 5w Class A Single Ended amplifiers in one chassis with the ability to drive two cabinets in stereo. Actually it goes exactly like that. Why do I love that so much? That is literally the correct use of the word literally.
Before I continue to admire the stereo awesomeness of the Swart ST-Stereo head, let’s take a moment to look at the specs in that format I love so much. List format!
- 2 x 5w tube amplifier heads
- Volume and Tone controls for each amplifier
- Space, Speed and Depth controls
- Tremolo (for amp 1)
- Reverb (delivered through the amp 1 preamp)
- Dual inputs
If only one instrument cable is plugged in (to amp 1) then the two inputs are split. If two instrument cables are plugged in though, a true stereo sound is created through the two amplifiers. The reverb goes from the preamp of amp 1 to the poweramp of amp 2. Speaking of the poweramp, I have one confession/complaint. I have no idea what tubes are in this amplifier. There seems to be limited information regarding that online. Well, that I could find (and I searched at least 0.00000157%* of the Internet looking for that information).
It’s very unique and I’d love to have a play through one. If I did, I’d hope to sound as good as the guitar does in this awesome video demonstration. The stereo effects are just … beautiful. Plus, the tone is seriously cool.
I wonder if I could convince my wife that the additional cost allows me to get two amps in one? Yeah, I doubt it.
* I have no idea of the actual percentage because I haven’t read all of the Internet yet. But rest assured the percentage was low!
Disclaimer: I’ve not played through this head. I have not experienced the sound or tone of this head other than through video. That doesn’t matter. It looks awesome, it’s obviously played by winners and I want one.