Crate is releasing the V100H, a 100 watt all tube head that costs less than $500 -- by a penny, mind you, but it's still a decent value. The V100H has four 12AX7 preamp tubes and four EL34 power tubes, delivering class AB power switchable from 100W to 50W if you don't need to make heads explode.

Two separate headroom palettes provide the basis for both the Vintage and Flat voiced boost functions. Also appearing on the panel are a three-band EQ for each channel. Furthermore, Crate adds a spring reverb that has level control and a bright input in addition to its normal input. Throw in a Y-cable in and even use both inputs.

Even though the V100H has four, eight, and sixteen ohm outputs, making it easier to use with other cabs, Crate recommends the V-Series loudspeaker cabinets made specifically for the unit. The slanted V412A or straight V412B, at roughly $400 a pop, will get you stacked and shaking your walls for about $800 plus whatever inevitable noise violation fines you incur.

Crate's product director Paul Meisenzahl expounds on some of the ideas behind the V100H.

"The redesigned Crate V-Series features all the tone and performance one would want from all-tube, classic circuit design with the added benefit of Crate's innovative switching power supply design. Without an ounce of sacrifice to touch, responsiveness and subtle-yet-critical performance nuances like the 'sag' of a quality tube power section, Crate's design team worked closely with Mackie to remove 20 to 40 percent of the unnecessary weight while creating the most durable all- tube amp range in existence. This unique power design also allows for on-the-fly voltage switching nearly anywhere in the world, saving performing musicians time and money on the global road to stardom."

It looks like even tube amps are trying to shed some winter weight.