TEST: Koch Amps JUP45-H + KCC112

You know what I really like about product development in amplifier technology in recent years? The softening of the individual camps, which used to be characterized by bitter trench warfare, or in other words, a Dutch head like the Koch JUP45-H plus the matching box KCC112-GS60 would have caused a few decades ago still disbelieving head shaking. Why, some of you might ask.

Well, the hybrid technology used at that time was still in its infancy and provided more than half-baked results. The different transistor and tube elements were often combined in the wrong order and caused a scratchy distortion with a transistor preamp, combined with a lead-heavy tube power amp, which in 212 combo design often scratched at the 40 kilogram mark. Terrible!

It seemed to make much more sense to reverse the construction methods, since this way one already had the much warmer sounding distortion of a 12AX7. However one would have saved with a pure transistor output stage each quantity of weight, however in the same breath some Saturisation of the achievement glass shovel destroyed. What to do said Zeus. Well, as with the Valvetronix series from Vox, Koch takes a single ended power amp tube in the form of a 12AX7, uses its sound characteristics and hangs a MOS-FET power amp behind it to be able to produce enough power.

To put it bluntly, we are dealing with a very quiet all-tube amplifier, which is blown up to 50 watts via a transistor power amplifier, depending on the impedance of the speakers. The whole thing, however, with a comparatively low weight and the regular replacement of the power tubes is also saved. We are curious about that.



Head

The Koch JUP45-H is a three-channel top with the dimensions (WxHxD): 54 x 27.5 x 23.2 cm, whereby the three channels share a three-band tone control. The same tone control can be varied in the center frequencies via a Contour switch. One channel each ("Cool" - clean channel, "Hot" - lead channel) have a separate gain and volume control, whereby the lead channel can be set a little hotter in the gain via a boost switch.

In addition to a reverb control, which emulates a reverb spiral on a digital level, there is also a so-called "dimmer" control in the master area, which controls the final volume of the head. Koch Amps advertises with the description that due to the patented ATR circuit you can achieve a final stage saturation at any volume level.

Visually, the Koch JUP45-H presents itself in a very nice vintage green, which also features a matching brown faux leather handle. The slightly yellowed-looking knobs, which have also been trimmed to look old, can be read well even from a comparatively long distance. 4 steel corners provide the necessary protection during transport, four strong rubber feet provide the necessary stability.

On the back, a massive perforated plate prevents unauthorized objects or incompetent fingers from entering the amp's inner workings. They wouldn't be able to do much damage, though, since apart from a transformer and the two tubes, nothing sticks out of the amp's electronic inner workings. Anyway, one gets the impression that the dimensions of the amp are more due to the admittedly very pretty optical concept than they would be a spatial necessity. The actual components would only take up about half of the available space.

In terms of connections, the Koch JUP45-H has a serial FX loop, 2 speaker outputs, which can manage all common impedances from 4 to 16 ohms, a frequency-corrected output for recording purposes and a connection for the included, very massive 2-way footswitch. If necessary, the channels can also be switched manually by means of a switch here. Koch has built a very nice variation regarding the footswitch. By means of a mini switch you can set whether the second switch should activate the boost function or the reverb unit. Finally, on the left side, the mains plug and a microfuse, done!

In terms of volume, the power output decreases with the impedance of the connected speaker, as is usual with all transistor power amps. If 50 watts can still be generated at 4 ohms or 2x8 ohms, this drops to 45 watts at 8 or 2x16 ohms and drops further to 35 watts at 16 ohms. With a tube power amplifier this is compensated by different taps on the transformer, in addition, a tube power amplifier is short-circuit-proof, however, a transistor power amplifier is protected against no-load operation without load resistor. You can't have everything.


Cabinet

As a suitable addition in terms of loudspeakers, the Koch JUP45-H was accompanied by the Koch KCC112-GS60 speaker cabinet, which has the impedance of 8 ohms that is often used for small cabinets. It is a cabinet that comes with a bass reflex port in the form of a slot under the front cover and has a 12-inch speaker that can handle 90 watts RMS. Visually, the cabinet was also given a green cloth with silver / black front cover plus a brown leatherette handle. Very nice. Eight steel corners and four strong rubber feet complete the overall picture.


Practice

Anyone who has kept an eye on the Dutch company in the past will have quickly noticed that the strengths of the various Koch Heads and Combos are to be found in rock and blues. Not that products like the Powertone or Supernova can't satisfy high-gain fanatics, but in the final analysis Koch always prioritizes its tuning a tad more on the ultimate tone of its amps than on the degree of half-wave cut. For maximum interaction with the artist, only all-tube amps from the halls of Holland's most successful amp manufacturer have found their way to the customer.

Aware of this, you have to launch a very sophisticated product in order not to alienate your core clientele and still reach new groups of buyers with the weight, price and maintenance advantages of a hybrid amp. To say it in advance, Koch has done everything right. This is immediately noticeable in the basic sound of the "Cool" channel. The sound is warm and clean, with the emphasis on the adjective warm. Ultra-clean, sterile sounds are fortunately not to be elicited from the Koch JUP45-H, there always remains the touch of ear candy.

However, you can also elicit very nice crunch sounds from the Cool Channel with appropriate gain application. Here it is truly worthwhile to follow his play instinct a little and to act with gain and volume accordingly. In the Hot Channel, the distortion level increases accordingly and delivers from light crunches to a proper rock board all the sounds that the standard gain program so offers. The sound remains nicely transparent even in powerful regions and sprays just the right portion of "Everybodys Darling", paired with enough independence.

The Boost function actually activates a booster that doesn't change much more in the sound character and only increases the gain portion for wonderfully standing, long decaying tones. "Yeah, ok, that's all well and good", I can already hear the first people saying, "but what's special about it now"? Well, for one thing, we're talking about a hybrid amp with European manufacturing under 600 euros, and most importantly, the Koch JUP45-H actually manages to generate that sound at ALL volumes.

The dimmer control bears its name truly not without reason. The entire sound spectrum can be transported with this control in all volume ranges, from the popular bedroom amp up to the big stage. You can drive the power amp very nicely into saturation and still reduce the volume to a minimum. Great!

Conclusion

With the Koch JUP45-H and the matching KCC112-GS60 speaker, the Dutch company has an excellent combination on offer. For just under 1,000 euros retail price, you get a very good, vintage-oriented head/cabinet solution that manages to transport its excellent basic sound into all volume ranges.

The annoying "quiet-sounding-it-doesn't" can be confidently left at the checkroom. A blessing in small clubs for the musicians as well as for the FOH and the audience!

Absolutely test!

Additional informations:

Koch Amps is a revered name in the world of guitar amplification, known for their commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and delivering exceptional tone. In this comprehensive review, we will explore the history, philosophy, notable product offerings, and the impact of Koch Amps on the music industry, showcasing their contributions to the art of guitar amplification.

History and Legacy: Koch Amps was founded in the Netherlands in 1988 by Dolf Koch, a passionate guitarist and engineer. The company began as a small operation driven by a desire to create amplifiers that captured the essence of vintage tube tones while incorporating modern features. Since its inception, Koch Amps has grown to become a respected and sought-after brand among guitarists worldwide.

Craftsmanship and Quality: At the core of Koch Amps' philosophy is an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and quality. Each amplifier is meticulously handcrafted using premium components, ensuring exceptional build quality, durability, and reliability. From the selection of high-grade transformers to the careful wiring and assembly, Koch Amps exemplifies the highest standards of craftsmanship in their amplifiers.

Innovative Technologies: Koch Amps has been at the forefront of innovation, constantly pushing the boundaries of guitar amplification technology. They have introduced several groundbreaking features and advancements, including:

a. Power Scaling: Koch Amps was one of the pioneers in incorporating power scaling technology in their amplifiers. This feature allows guitarists to achieve power tube saturation and breakup at lower volume levels, offering the dynamic response and tone of cranked tubes at any volume.

b. Switchable Impedance: Many Koch amplifiers feature switchable impedance options, enabling players to match the amplifier's output to different speaker cabinets. This flexibility ensures optimal performance and tone with a variety of setups.

c. Integrated Effects: Koch Amps has integrated high-quality effects, such as reverb and tremolo, into some of their amplifier models. This innovation provides guitarists with convenient access to essential effects without the need for additional pedals.
Notable Amplifier Models: Koch Amps offers a diverse range of amplifier models, each designed to cater to different playing styles and tonal preferences. Some noteworthy models include:

a. Jupiter Series: The Jupiter series represents the flagship line of Koch amplifiers, offering a wide range of tonal options and features. Models like the Jupiter Combo and Jupiter Head deliver boutique-quality tones, from crystal-clear cleans to high-gain aggression.

b. Studiotone Series: The Studiotone series embodies versatility and portability without compromising on tone. These compact amplifiers are ideal for studio recording and smaller gigs, providing a range of tones from pristine cleans to classic overdrive.

c. Twintone III: The Twintone III is a dual-channel amplifier that combines vintage British and American voicings, offering players a palette of tones suitable for various genres. Its versatility and intuitive controls make it a popular choice among guitarists seeking tonal flexibility.

Artist Collaborations and Endorsements: Koch Amps has garnered the respect and admiration of renowned guitarists who have chosen to endorse and use their amplifiers. Artists such as Greg Howe, Frank Gambale, and Orianthi have collaborated with Koch Amps to create signature models, showcasing the company's commitment to working closely with musicians and tailoring their amplifiers to meet the demands of professional players.

Impact on the Music Industry: Koch Amps has made a significant impact on the music industry by providing guitarists with amplifiers that combine vintage tonal characteristics with modern features and reliability. Their commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and attention to detail has earned them a dedicated following among players across various genres. Koch Amps' amplifiers have found their way onto the stages and studios of numerous professionals, contributing to iconic recordings and live performances worldwide.

Conclusion:
Koch Amps stands as a testament to the fusion of precision engineering and passionate artistry in guitar amplification. Through their unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, innovative technologies, and collaboration with renowned artists, Koch Amps continues to redefine the standards of tone, inspiring guitarists to explore new sonic frontiers. With their diverse range of amplifiers, each delivering exceptional tone and performance, Koch Amps has cemented its place as a trusted name among guitarists seeking quality, versatility, and unparalleled craftsmanship.