Trace Elliot QuatraValve Head

Chassis:
Two 12ax7 (ECC83) preamp tubes
Four 6550 power tubes
220 watts RMS
Stainless Steel housing

Front Panel:
Seperate Active/Passive inputs
Gain level with three level LEDS
Foot switchable EQ and Midshape
Noise reduction
11 band graphic EQ
EQ level control
DI out on front with selectable Pre or Post EQ
Effects Send and Return
Line In and Out
Headphone jack on front
Standby switch

Rear Panel:
One 1/4" and one XLR speaker cab connections
Selectable 4 or 8 ohm impedenance
Main power switch
Fuse access

I use an Ibanez SR900 w/Bartolini MK-1 pickups, Ibanez SR1005 w/Bartolini pickup and it has amazing tone. Wouldn't trade it for anything. The 12 band EQ is very versatile. Added a parametric and this amp is unstoppable.

The only problem I had was a capacitor went bad and I ended up replacing 4 of them just to be safe. Amp is extremely quiet now and have not had a problem since. This amp was made in 1990.

Never needed it! There are some replacement parts through British Audio Service.

I have been playing bass for 17 years and like I said, I wouldn't trade it for anything. I use a Boogie 2x15 cab, Yamaha parametric and two Ibanez basses with this. If I had to compare it, I would compare it with the Boogie 400 or Ampeg SVT II.

From date codes this appears to be a '90 or '91 model.

Chassis:
Two 12ax7 (ECC83) preamp tubes
Four 6550 power tubes
220 watts RMS
Stainless Steel housing

Front Panel:
Seperate Active/Passive inputs
Gain level with three level LEDS
Foot switchable EQ and Midshape
Noise reduction
11 band graphic EQ
EQ level control
DI out on front with selectable Pre or Post EQ
Effects Send and Return
Line In and Out
Headphone jack on front
Standby switch

Rear Panel:
One 1/4" and one XLR speaker cab connections
Selectable 4 or 8 ohm impedenance
Main power switch
Fuse access

As always with Trace Elliot products, it sounds a lot louder than it's 220 watt rating. I pair it with a Trace Elliot 1524 2x15 cab and man this thing is LOUD! It handles itself quite well in medium size venues with my current "old school" punk band.

Currently I use either a Schecter Stiletto Elite 4 (EMG HZ soapbars)or a BC Rich Virgin 4 (EMG active P/J's run at 18v) through this head.

I play fingerstyle and with a pick. Sorry, no slap for me so I can't comment on how this amp performs with that technique. I play blues, rock, punk, and about any genre of metal. This amp works well for any of them. With the 11 band EQ its really easy to get your tone just right for any situation. It is definately more of a hi-fi sound compared to a Trace Elliot V8 or an Ampeg SVT but still has the tubey goodness. Its a warm, well rounded tone with clarity and punch.

There is only one negative when it comes to the sounds available with this amp. I can't get that natural tube overdrive/distortion from it. I hope to soon change the preamp tubes to some high gain versions to see if this helps. Until then, I will use my Nighbass SE to take care of my distortion needs. Thats why it only gets a 9 rating.

This amp has been rock solid reliable. The only problem I have had is a scratchy pot on the output level.

I never play a show without a backup but if I didn't have one, I feel the QuatraValve wouldn't let me down.

I have been playing since 1990. I have played in numerous bands with many different styles over the years. I have played many amps as well and this amp so far is my favorite.

Would I buy another if it was stolen? I would say yes. Ofcourse, if I could find its big brother the HexaValve, then no! :-)

I give it a 9 overall because of the lack of distortion/overdrive and that there is (currently) no factory support for parts or servicing.