TopHat Supreme 16

The Vox AC15-ish channel is the volume-knob-only channel. It is my stand-alone - has a distinct tone that needs nothing else. The more Vox AC30-ish channel with more tone control is awesome by itself or with pedals - it is my multi-channel channel and with subtle tweaks of the knobs with/without extra boost/drive/distortion pedals can give you so much territory. I use the AC15 75% of the time - just so easy, no tweak, and sounds full bodied every time.

I play with two Strats. The first is an ash body/maple neck/rosewood fret with 3 aftermarket Bill Lawrence single coils. The second is a Warmoth mahogany body and neck, ebony fret with 2 old LP humbuckers, don't specific model. Both sound like you would expect, with so many usable tones. For plug and play, the AC15 volume-knob-only channel gives me great sounds every time - really brings out the guitar tone. Guitar volume does everything.

I use this rig once a week for band practice, once a month for gigs, and play at home every day. No problems yet, and don't expect any b/c of hand-wired chassis, and simplicity.

I played a Fender deluxe reverb amp for years, but haven't used it as much since getting the TopHat Supreme. The 84's cut through the mix better for me. Can't duplicate the 6V6, but get close enough to fake it, and can so much more with the 84's. Don't miss the reverb at all b/c the 84's have a certain atmosphere around them. The head weighs less than 25 pounds, as does the cabinet: put one in each hand and you have a well balanced tote to the stage - don't underestimate that if you're over 30 years old! It is more than loud enough for four-piece band with hard hitting drummer; not bedroom level power tube overdrive but very playable without threats of divorce. I compared to Matchless Clubman head/cab that i almost bought, but settled for TopHat because of getting my tone at usable/giggable volume, but lower overall volume (and weight!) , than the Clubman.

Two channels that you can jump between with a switcher, or run them together--very handy. I like the high and low inputs, very useful for adjusting the gain. Changed my pilot light from red to green. 16 watts has plenty of power to run a 2x12 cabinet and gig with. Perfect actually. This is a bright amp that really cuts well and the cut knob is an important feature. I have mine cut back 75%.

I really like the clean crunchy rock and roll sounds John Mellencamp's band gets. I know Mike W. uses a Mesa Boogie Mark III. Loved Grissoms tone and now Andy York. The Supreme 16 can nail all these tones and just about everything else you would ever want in the classic rock vein. Very chimy, lot's of Jangle, perfect crunch and just awe inspiring. No pedals needed but my Blackbox Cobalt works very well to give a little extra punch and grind. I use my head with a 2x12 greenback loaded closed cabinet. My search is over. Now I probably need to buy a Vandy 33 that Top Hat makes now too---Damn it!

Never broke, runs great.

Looks very elegant on my Hughes and Kettner CC212 cabinet. It fits perfectly both vertically and horizontally because the head is small box (and lightweight). Selling most all my other amps now, including my Budda gear which until now held top honors.

This is a 16 watt EL-84- based amp with 2 non-switchable channels. One channel is an EF-86, Vox AC15 preamp with a Bright/Fat switch. Channel 2 is based on A Vox AC-30 with a traditional tone stack and a bright, fat,normal switch in back. There is also a cut control on the back.

Brian from Tophat really nailed the tone with this model! Ch 1 is menacing, fat AC15 tone,which cleans up when you turn guitar vol. down. Ch 2 is classic AC30 territory and has a master vol. on it, so you can set it clean and chimey, or get that AC30/Matchless type grind. This amp can get quite loud for a 16-watter. Impressive headroom in Ch 2 with master vol up full. The rectifier is an EZ-81, same as a Vox AC-15, which is the power amp platform this amp is built on.

This amp has performed flawlessly at gigs and home studio. Hand built, point to point wiring and quality components throughout.
Had a power tube crap out, but replaced both and amp has worked grat ever since.

Had a Celestion Blue in the matching speaker cab(beautiful art-deco burgundy) that had some cone-cry and just wouldn't break in right. Brian was more than happy to send me a brand new Blue! I sent the old one back and the new one rocks!He's great to deal with. Also wanted to mention the dealer Cliff Cultreri at Destroy All guitars.com He goes above and beyond to make sure his customers are happy. Check out his site and look at his posting of the Supreme 16!
He really believes in Brian's products aand is a class act.

Been playing over 30 years. Amp is lightweight which is something an aging boomer like me appreciates. Yeah, I've got some guitars and other amps...who cares. I really like this amp, looks great, sounds great, likes pedals, built great.No ghost notes! Great singing feedback at louder levels. I'm really suprised I haven't seen more reviews of this amp. Maybe those other guys are guarding their tone secret. Classy art-deco look. Pricey, but reasonable in the boutique amp universe.
Highly recommended!