NAD- Metropoulos Amps

[DetroitBlues]

I was very fortunate to obtain over the weekend this killer Metropoulos 50w Metroplex MKII. 

This takes three of the most widely regarded Marshal circuits, Superlead, Superbass, and modified Superlead that follows the component values of EVH's Superlead. 

Only two inputs as the jumper method used on old Marshall’s is done internally.  From what I understand the bright switch is the only major difference between the Superlead and Superbass amps, this amp has two flavors 500k and 5000k (so far the 5000K sounds best to me).  

The EVH channel called 12301 (EVH’s amp's serial number).  It shares the tone controls but has separate gain controls.  This allows the circuit to be second channel for a different flavor or a solo voice. 

To make it more friendly for home and small gigs, this model has a 50/25/10 watt setting.  One important feature of this is the tone does not alter when changing the output.  You can get the high gain sound without losing the low end typically found when you step down an amp or lower its volume. I can tell you last night I was rocking out on the amp and the Mrs was not complaining. 

A few more features are feature are high voltage boost by pulling the gain controls (which may be how it simulates the jumper method on the inputs?) and in-house designed effects loop that cuts the DB levels for pedals or boost them for rack effects. The effects loop is so well regarded, it can be purchased separately for amp builders to add to their own designs, I believe Friedman uses Metropoulos effects loop circuit.  

I've found this amp to be very pedal friendly and even through a 2x12 cab it has amazing tones at bedroom volumes. However, even at 10w through the same 2x12 its crazy loud.  I'll be using this amp at my next gig, so I’ll share better, live band use mixes then for sound demo's.  You can also reference this year's PSP videos.  The same amp was used by Fredzep and myself on many of the songs.  

Edited October 23 by DetroitBlues

[kennyv4]

Congratulations on a great find, I know it will sound fantastic at your next gig,

[bolero]

Well look at that!!

Congrats. Those are great amps!

[rockabilly69]

lets hear a demo!

[DetroitBlues]

In three weeks, I'll have a demo ready.

[rockabilly69]

2 hours ago, DetroitBlues said:

In three weeks, I'll have a demo ready.

great!

[Steiner]

Nice amp DB!  Congrats!

Happy NADs.