The Tubepath line (there’s also a 500-watt “5.1” model) revolves around a cool idea: a switchable mini tube power amp that behaves almost like an effect, adding distinctive coloration to the overall tone. The Tubepath preamp is an all-tube affair, with two 12AX7s handling input and EQ driving duties, while the power amp uses a gaggle of well heat-sinked MOSFETs for energy. To this fairly typical hybrid-amp recipe Warwick adds an EL84, a pentode famously found in the power amps of classic British guitar amps, like the Vox AC-30 and Marshall Bluesbreaker. The EL84 lies post-EQ in the circuit, and is connected to the dummy load of a transformer whose output is in series with signal when the 2nd stage button is depressed. Like the Warwick Hellborg rig, which used a large output transformer—an unusual component in a solid-state amp—the Tubepath merges tube-oriented amp technologies with a more modern solid-state design.
Other than the intriguing circuit, the Tubepath is a fairly conventional amp. Its EQ features midrange filters with switchable frequency centers, as opposed to a continuously variable semiparametric control. The contour control is a substantial tone shifter; in the SMOOTH setting, it offers a subtle scoop as the knob is turned up, but ROUGH yields a much more dramatic dip in the mids, resulting in propulsive lows and crisp highs for clacky metal or over-the-top slap. The 2nd stage adds a lot of harmonic coloration, particularly in the midrange, juicing the signal with a bit more gain in the process.
The Warwick’s construction and design were top-notch. The blue-backlit “W” logo not only looked cool, but helped illuminate the nicely laid-out front-panel in dark environments. Warwick sourced high-quality components throughout—I especially liked the detented pots and tough-feeling switches. Due to the Tubepath’s two-transformer internals, it was quite heavy, so you may want to factor a rack with good handles into the purchase price.
With a variety of cabinets, including the Warwick PRO-series cabs reviewed here, the Tubepath proved itself a deliciously warm and powerful head. Its tone was distinctively tube-y, with or without the 2nd stage circuit engaged. Without the 2nd stage, the Tubepath was a little less plush, warm, and harmonically rich. In true tube fashion, the Warwick’s thick overall character was perhaps a little slow in developing, but there’s no denying it’s a remarkably aggressive and potent power amp, which seemed blessed with a limitless supply of headroom and volume. The tone controls were nicely voiced: I found that midrange manipulation led to pleasant sonic results, particularly with back-pickup fingerstyle. Overall, the Tubepath, despite its modern looks, is a surprisingly vintage-y sounding head, although blessed with the power delivery and flexibility that only modern technologies can provide.
WARWICK PRO CABINETS
Warwick’s PRO-series cabinets offer a healthy amount of value for the dollar. Each is constructed from birch ply and loaded with custom- designed drivers from Eminence—no big news here, other than their low price and admirable power handling. Each cabinet seemed rugged, with metal corners and a solidly attached grille, but it would be cool if they had interlocking stackable corners. The crossover and connectivity is straightforward, with two parallel Speakons and an L-pad governing highfrequency delivery to the horn. Each cab performed in line with my expectations, given the speaker configurations: the 1x15 was stout and barky, with a lot of boom on the bottom-end thanks to the extensive porting and large enclosure; the 2x10 was much stronger in the mids, only losing composure at high volumes; and the 4x10 was an excellent all-around option, with nice fidelity, sound-staging, and depth.
Given its recent amp efforts, Warwick should become an increasingly big player in the amp world. Whether it’s the Tubepath’s clever technology, or the low-cost, high-value proposal of the PRO-series cabinets, Warwick merits your consideration among the more established names in the amp game.
TECH SPECS
Tone controls LOW: ±12dB @ 80Hz (shelving); LOW MID 1: ±10dB @ 180Hz; LOW MID 2: ±10dB @ 320Hz; HI MID 1: ±11dB @ 600Hz; HI MID 2: ±11dB @ 1.1kHz; HI: ±13dB @ 9kHz; LOW BOOST: +8dB @ 50 Hz; HI BOOST: +13 dB @ 18kHz
Contour SMOOTH: –16dB @ 300Hz, +12dB @ 16kHz; ROUGH: +2dB @ 100Hz, –16dB @ 1.1kHz, +8dB @ 18kHz
DI output Op-amp-driven, transformer-coupled XLR with pre/post eq switch and ground lift
Power amp topology Class AB, with auxiliary 4-watt Class A tube power amp
Power output 1,000 watts @ 4Ω
411 PRO
Configuration 4x10 + horn (available in 4Ω and 8Ω versions)
Power Handling 600 watts
Sensitivity 106dB
Speaker manufacturer Custom-designed Eminence ceramic drivers with compression tweeter
Weight 86 lbs
211 PRO
Configuration 2x10 + horn
Power Handling 600 watts
Sensitivity 101dB
Speaker manufacturer Custom-designed Eminence ceramic drivers with compression tweeter
Weight 53 lbs
115 PRO
Configuration 1x15 + horn
Power Handling 600 watts
Sensitivity 98dB
Speaker manufacturer Custom-designed Eminence ceramic drivers with compression tweeter
Weight 64 lbs
Made in Germany (amp); China (cabinets)
Warranty Two years limited
WARWICK TUBEPATH 10.1
Street $2,160
Pros Tube-y tone with major power
Cons Heavy
Bottom Line If you’re a fan of the SVT-style tube sound, but aren’t thrilled about dealing with tube amps’ special needs, the Tubepath is a killer option.
WARWICK PRO CABINETS
Street 411 PRO, $630; 211 PRO, $430; 115 PRO, $420
Pros Solidly built cabinets at an attractive price
Cons None
Bottom Line The Warwick cabinets offer components and features typical of pricier stuff.
CONTACT
(805) 644-6621
www.warwickbass.com