I’m interested in a PS-2A, mainly to make my small (15-20 watt) amps louder. I generally play 45-50 watt heads, so I figured a 50 watt PS-2A would be similar in volume.
Then, I remembered that tube amp power is rated for clean watts. Like most of us, I never play M-style amps clean, I always sail past the limit of clean headroom and crank my knobs to the land of distorted happiness. Which leaves me suspecting that maxing the clean volume of a PS-2A won’t give me the volume I’m used to from a dimed 50 watt JCM800.
Does anyone have any experience in relative volume between the PS-2A and a 50 watt tube guitar amp cranked to clipping?
You shouldn’t have any issues with getting what you’re looking for with the PS-2A. Making small amps louder is one of the design functions of the Power Station, and it excels in doing so. Driving the Power Station isn’t going to make it quieter than any other tube amplifier at that wattage rating. You’ll just have more control over the tonal options than you would just using the amplifier. I think you have the right idea. Great choice!
Trust me, it happens to everyone. It starts with “which unit would you recommend” and ends with “so, I bought the PS-100”. I do like the dual controls of the PS-100. I used to only play single channel amps and that would’ve been amazing for leads back then. I say get what feels right.