Fullsize express with attenuator vs lower wattage variant

[EW_57]

Greetings, I apologize if this has been covered before, but what is the consensus on the original full sized trainwreck (with an attenuator) vs the smaller variants such as a 4-4-0?

It appears that the low wattage builds chase the tone of the original, but sometimes lack the 'mojo' (and still potentially require an attenuator) so other than the (significant) difference in build cost, would a prospective builder be better off going with the bigger bottles?

Thanks & take care,

[dblgun]

Yes, the Express is a loud 40 watts. I don't like mine through an attenuator. With that being said, I would build the full tilt version. You can run it with 6V6's rather than EL34''s but it is still LOUD! In a very good way.

[RockinRocket]

I use mine with a rockcrusher attenuator and sounds great up to the max of -20db. The studio knob goes from -30db down to zero and doesn't sound great with express.
Id vote good reactive attenuator over low watts all day long.

[Roe]

I always prefer bigger amps with attenuator or reamping

[johnnyreece]

I have a 4-4-0 and like it very much. However, several folks have mentioned they prefer the pentode sound vs. the triode sound. One of these days, I'm going to build a 6Y6 Express. Got the parts years ago from RJ; just have had the desire to get some other stuff made first.

[joeboo88]

I have a 4-4-0 and like it very much. However, several folks have mentioned they prefer the pentode sound vs. the triode sound. One of these days, I'm going to build a 6Y6 Express. Got the parts years ago from RJ; just have had the desire to get some other stuff made first.

Jonnyreece - I also got parts from RJ for a small Express I liked the 6f6 power tubes over the the 6y6, although the 6f6 tubes are in a metal case, but it’s still a loud little amp, but I can crank it up a little more than my full blown Express which i use that exclusively with an attenuator
The 6f6 express gets played more….

[EW_57]

Thanks everyone for the replies, I appreciate your insights!