Anyone heard a Crate Powerblock?

[RandomHero]

It's a little one-channel head about the size of a purse, and it pushes 150 mono or 75x2 stereo.

It's being hailed for a very nice clean, and is said to have about the gain level of a Marshall JCM800. Controls are Gain, Treble, Mid, Bass, and Level... That simple... it sounds ideal to me!

Anyone heard it? I've never been a big fan of Crate, but this thing has piqued my interest... at just $200 a unit, if it's anything tonally like some people in HC say it is, then it's quite a bargain.

[erikh]

I tried one a few weeks ago. It's not bad but is really nice when using a PODxt through it as a preamp. I was surprised at how well it sounded and for $200 you can't go wrong. Makes the perfect backup in case your amp decides to take an extended nap during a gig. I'd like one myself.

[RandomHero]

The thing I like about it is that it's straight up one channel - no bazillion effects to mess with and no need for anything but stompboxes of your choice. I need a 212 cab for it to drive, and I'm looking at Avatar, they seem to have really good prices and quality. I'm seriously thinking about that combo as my next big purchases since I'll need to be able to hold up my end in a band if things go my way...

[erikh]

That's what I like too but I'm really wanting a nice tube combo, around 50 watts or so. One that has caught my eye that I want to play through is the Traynor TCV50BLUE. I've heard nothing but good things about it.