Sonus Amplification SC30 212 Combo

This is the single channel 'green badge' Sonus SC30 - the 30 watt rather than 50w model. The amp is highly unusual in design - vertically angled cab which means that each 12" speaker is angled slightly outwards, aircraft aluminium rounded sides and a piano finish type top. It looks more like a piece of high grade furniture than a guitar amp which can put some people off but I like the fact that it dares to be different and judging by the sound (see below) these differences are there for a reason. The curved sides have acoustic chambers which are intended to increase bass response, the cab is open backed with a couple of special design Celestions and the front has bass middle treble volume and gain controls plus an off/off switch. Two speaker outs on the rear allow connection of additional cabs, which I haven't yet tried and there is a proprietary 'expansion port' which will allow future modules to be plugged in. There is no reverb - something I initially missed but no longer as the sound is so rich that is just doesn't seem overly dry.
For a 30w amp this is one seriously loud beast. The amount of clean headroom is amazing and gain can be dialled in very controllably. The features that are there are great although I occasionally wish there were another guitar input (just the one provided) which would allow more real world flexibity (Godin LGXTs acoustic pickup option or guitar synth for example - I know, use the PA) and if I was being picky, I reckon an idiot proof DIY biassing option would be a nice feature but then how many amps have that? My rating for this amp reflects the breadth of features rather than the quality. The quality is extremely high but the number of them (in true hi-fi tradition) are limited.

I use this amp with all manner of guitars - mainly a Strat but also Godin LGXT, Ibanez JS1000, Gibson Firebird, Gibson Blueshawk and the occasional burst of mandolin. I'm mostly interested in blues/jazz for which it is perfect. Sound is clean and warm, break up controllable and just lovely when it is brought on. This is not a hi-gain fuzzbox but an incredibly musical and rich amplifier for the sound that you put in. Smooth crunchy overdrive which seems too good to call 'distortion'.
Tone controls work in a particularly interesting way - middle tone allows vast tonal flexibility whilst bass and treble operate in the way one would expect - ie emphasising highs and lows. However the middle seeems like a souped up version of Gibson's varitone switch and can drastically change your sound. I'm still experimenting with it as the sounds on tap are extensive.
One indicator of the sheer quality of this amp is the near total absence of background noise. This has the best signal to noise ratio of any guitar amp I've ever heard and I suspect it would give a few hi-fi's a run for their money too.
I've never heard a better amp and although I've only played through Marshall's, Boogie's, Fenders rather than a host of other boutique amps, I would be very surprised if there is a better sound to be had.

Build quality seems very rugged. If you threw this around in a casual fashion it would suffer cosmetically but I reckon the components would live through anything. It is apparently overspecced in all significant respects and feels like it (no lightweight either). It has yet to break down although the power tubes became rattley before time but this isn't a design factor. In short, I've yet to own it for long enough to determine reliability but I have far more confidence in it than previous amps I've had (Marshall - sent back because of intermittent failure, Fender back to manufacturer because of dry joints). My rating here reflects my confidence rather than actual experience

I bought this amp direct from Sonus as an ex-demo. The people at Sonus are extremely helpful and friendly. Tam (who designed and built it) took quite a chunk of time out to chat with me about the amp after I'd bought it and when I've rung subsequently with queries (see rattle in tubes above - new tubes sent next day) they actually remember who I am. Responsive to suggestions, top people and more helpful than any company I've ever dealt with before. Service does not get better.

I've been playing for 25 years or so and I feel I have found an amp which will keep me happy for at least the next 25. I bought this amp on a whim after browsing the Sonus site. I'd heard about them, read about them and NEVER thought I'd buy an amp without hearing it but the confidence inspired by the 14 no quibble deal tipped the balance and I'm very glad I did. It replaced a Fender Deluxe (nice amp in it's own way), is less flexible in terms of on board widgets but has a tone to die for. This isn't a cheap amp by any measure but if you appreciate good tone over 'extra's' then this has to be hard to beat. I'm not giving it 10 because anything over a grand is a big chunk of money and I frankly get a bit fed up reading guitar journalists talking about mega-buck gear representing 'good value'. However, that's the only reason, so it gets a 9 :)