Jackson Ampworks have announced the Britain 2.0 Here's what they have to say about it...
The Britain 2.0 was designed over a period of more than a year and during that time we listened to everything people liked and disliked about the original Britain. In response to those requests we made the new Britain 2.0 18 pounds lighter, 8" more narrow and nearly 3 times more powerful! In addition to these changes we added a second channel to the amplifier, a unique footswitchable boost circuit for the Britain's now legendary EF86 channel, effects loops for each channel, selectable 18W Class A or 50W Class A/B operation, and perhaps most impressive of all, we dropped the price by over $500.00!!
Given the combination of features, performance and price, we hope you'll agree that not only does the Britain 2.0 offer Small Size and Huge Tone, it also offers a Tremendous Value as well!
Two channels. Infinite tones
The Britain 2.0 now features two totally separate channels, each with its own set of dedicated tone controls. While this in itself might not appear to be noteworthy, the magic lies in the Britain's ability to blend those two channels together to create an infinite number of tonal options!
Channel 1 is the exact same EF86 based preamp that was featured in the original Britain but has been updated with our own footswitchable Boost circuit that bypasses the Treble and Bass controls resulting in a substantial boost in volume, gain and in tonal purity. This channel being the higher gain of the two, is considered the dirty channel of the amp and offers a very broad frequency response that works to deliver your instruments true voice with minimal coloring or artifacts.
Channel 2 of the Britain 2.0 is a 12AX7 based preamp that balances perfectly against Channel 1 by providing pristine clean tones with incredible headroom and articulation. This channel which was designed to stay clean longer than Channel 1, embodies the very definition of clean British guitar tone but is enhanced with increased richness and depth.
Channels 1 and 2 are internally linked so that the use of the input labeled "1/2" sends the guitars signal to both channels equally. In this arrangement, each channel is active along with its associated tone controls and blending of the two channels is a simple as adjusting the Volume control for each channel. The true advantage of this type of arrangement lies in the ability to blend Channels 1 and 2 together while still allowing tonal shaping of each channel via their respective Treble and Bass controls.
Plugging into the input labeled "2" breaks the internal connection to Channels 1 and 2 thereby allowing them to function independently. This feature allows the musician to use a completely different signal chain (floor based effects etc.) for each channel if desired, and is fully expanded by the use of an ABY box to select channels 1, 2 or both.
With all of these tonal options available, the Britain 2.0 truly delivers Two Channels, Infinite Tones.
So Versatile it's like having two amps in one
The Britain is the only amp of its kind that offers switchable power output of either 18W Class A or 50W Class A/B. This adjustable power feature allows the player to tailor the amps response to any given musical setting.
In high volume situations, select the 50W mode for maximum volume and clean headroom. When less volume is desired, select the 18W mode and enjoy the early breakup and harmonic richness that only comes from low power Class A operation.
When in 18W Class A mode, the Britain is cathode biased and features a proprietary circuit that exactly reproduces the natural compression and sustain of a tube rectifier. These features give the 18W mode its own unique voice and a softer, more spongy attack.
In 50W Class A/B mode, the Britain switches to high voltage operation and is now fixed biased. The combination of high voltage and fixed bias allow the Britain to have a very quick and aggressive attack with increased headroom and volume.
Each of the two power modes have been developed to add versatility and character to the tone while giving the player the ability to carry one small amp that will work in any musical setting.
Given its power and performance, the Britain really is like having two amps in one!
Bulletproof construction
Since Jackson Ampworks began in 2003, we have established ourselves as a premier manufacturer of the highest quality amplifiers available and we are proud to say that with the launch of the Britain 2.0, the quality of construction methods used in our amplifiers have only improved. Quality to us is more than just a bragging right, it is a critical component in every amp that we build. This commitment to quality is such a cornerstone of our business that since 2003, we have not had even one reported failure in any of our amplifiers; a testament to the build quality and durability of our products.
Seamless FX integration
To make the Britain even more flexible, we have incorporated a series FX loop for each channel. Much the same way using two inputs gives maximum flexibility, having a dedicated FX loop for each channel allows the player an unprecedented amount of control. As an example, with this configuration, the musician could insert a reverb or delay unit in the Channel 2 FX loop to expand his clean tones while at the same time leave Channel 1 dry to optimize his/her overdriven sound for greater punch and clarity. The same goes for each channel. With this setup you can add effects to either channel, both channels or neither channel. You have complete control.
Perfectly priced
With a retail price of $1,995.00, the Britain is hands down the best built, most versatile and most affordable amplifier of its kind. And while you can certainly find many amps in this price range, you can rest assured that none of them will come close to the level of quality and attention to detail that is found in the Jackson Ampworks Britain. In fact when comparing amplifiers that come close to the features found in the Britain their price tags start at almost $4,000!
All of the features listed here work to make the Britain one of the most revolutionary amplifiers on the market. With features like small size, tonal flexibility, switchable power, bulletproof construction and great affordability, the Britain is poised to redefine the boutique amplifier market!
Standard Features
- Channel 1: EF86 Preamp with Volume Treble and Bass Controls.
- Channel 2: 12AX7 Preamp with Volume Treble and Bass Controls.
- EL34 Power Tubes provide 18W of Power in Class A mode and 50W of Power in Class A/B mode.
- Boost Footswitch for Channel 1 that disables the Treble and Bass controls and provides gain and volume boost and front panel LED indication.
- Series FX Loop for Channel 1 and Channel 2.
- 4-8-16 Ohm Speaker Output Jacks.
- 18W Class A and 50W Class A/B Power Switch on back panel.
- Power and Standby Switches on back panel.
- External Locking Bias Trimmer and Test Points on back panel.
- Power Entry Module that allows switchable 120/240VAC operation.
- Mains and B+ Fuses on back panel.
Pricing and Availability:
$1,995
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