I've been playing this amp [Quantum Zen] a bunch in the last couple of months and I figure it should get a little notice on TGP.
I went to a shop up in Portland, Oregon to try out a particular Les Paul that was for sale and when they asked me what amp I wanted to play I noticed this beautiful little thing. Now, I had seen Eddie's amps on line in passing but I had never had a chance to play one. This is the ZEN version of his original Quantum design. Dual EL84s and an EF86 is the V2 position. The look reminds me of that killer Supro Thunderbolt that Jimmy Page played but with a slight aesthetic shift...very retro and still original. I dig.
I'm not a big EL84 fan though....I figured I'd give it a listen and then plug into something else but I came home with the amp. Rich harmonic content, the most useful and natural wattage knob you're likely to find and, basically, an amp that is one big sweet spot. The cleans are just stunning and have plenty of girth to go along with the chime. The drive has what I like about EL84 when it comes to richness but it's all more pleasant that I tend to experience with VOX type circuits. Basically it's what I've always hoped that a Vox AC15 could be and ALSO what I always hoped that a Fender 5E3 could be. Richer and fatter than the VOX but more defined and 'together' than the Fender tweed.
This is my first experience with the VSOP speaker as well and I can't imagine a better fit. The amp is very open sounding and I know that Eddie spent quite a bit of time on the cabinet. It's finger jointed all the way around and that includes the face of the amp. Hand wired, low noise floor....there's nothing not to love in my experience with this sucker. Super light too.
Eddie Wang did great work with this one. Just thought I'd share. It's stood out to everyone I've shared it with.
- rhinocaster on TheGearPage
I stumbled onto Eddie's amps thru The Gear Page Builders section.
I was intrigued by the slightly different take on amp design that Eddie
incorporates.
I began communicating with Eddie and he was generous with his time,
and always responded to my questions and emails in a prompt manner. I
decided on the Polaris.
He kept me informed on the progress and the amp was delivered when
it was promised.
The cabinet is built like a tank, the tolex is perfect, and the
grill cloth is nice and tight. Very pleasing aesthetically!
I've had too many boutique amps to count in my 35 years of playing
for a living. Its called G.A.S. LOL
This amp has the clean headroom I needed and still sounds warm ,
rich and has a nice chime. No ice pick!
I use pedals for different amounts of OD, and the Polaris melds
with them really well.
I am super pleased with this amp, and working with Eddie was a
pleasure. Thanks Eddie
- Russ Reiser