Description
PRELOVED Victory VX The Kraken – Original MKI Valve Guitar Head
The Victory VX The Kraken packs serious high-gain valve tone into Victory's compact lunchbox format. Developed for players who want everything from classic British-inspired drive through to tight, aggressive modern gain, the original Kraken quickly became one of Victory's best-known amplifiers.
This is the original first-generation VX The Kraken (MKI), predating the later Kraken MKII. It is in good condition and has spent its life in a home studio environment rather than being regularly gigged.
It comes complete with its Victory padded carry bag and footswitch and has been tested and is ready to go.
Hand-built in England, the original Kraken delivers up to 50 watts from an all-valve power section while offering multiple lower-power options that make it surprisingly practical for home and studio use as well.
Gain I – British-Inspired Drive
The Kraken isn't simply about maximum gain.
Gain I starts with a more traditional British-inspired voice, with plenty of midrange character and a response that works particularly well for crunchy rhythm sounds, classic rock and heavier British-style drive.
There's plenty of gain available, but it retains the open character and dynamics that make lower-gain rock tones feel alive.
Gain II – Modern High Gain
Switch over to Gain II and the Kraken becomes a different beast.
This mode is tighter, more aggressive and more modern, with the kind of controlled low end and focused response that works beautifully for metal, progressive playing, extended-range guitars and heavily distorted rhythm work.
Despite the amount of gain available, the Kraken is designed to retain note definition rather than simply turning everything into saturation.
50 Watts – Or Turn It Right Down
One of the clever features of the original Kraken is its flexible power section.
At full power you've got 50 watts available for rehearsals, recording and live performance, but the amp can also be configured for substantially lower output.
Using its power modes and single-ended operation, the original Kraken can operate at approximately 50, 15, 9 or 2 watts.
That makes it considerably more practical in a home studio than you might expect from a 50-watt high-gain valve amplifier.
Dual Master Volumes
The Kraken features two footswitchable Master Volume controls, opening up some very useful live possibilities.
You can assign different master levels to Gain I and Gain II or use the two masters independently, allowing one to effectively function as a volume boost when you need to step forward for a lead part.
Combined with the included footswitch, there's a lot of control available without needing to add extra pedals.
Bass Focus
Victory's Bass Focus switch works within the power section rather than simply acting as another bass EQ control.
It allows you to change the way the bottom end responds, moving between a tighter, more focused response and a looser, more resonant feel.
That's particularly useful when changing cabinets, guitars or tuning, and helps explain why the Kraken works so well for modern high-gain sounds.
Condition
This preloved Victory VX The Kraken is in good condition.
It has been used primarily in a home studio environment and presents well for a preloved amplifier.
The amp has been tested and is working properly.
Includes Victory padded carry bag and footswitch.
Please refer to the product photographs for the cosmetic condition of the actual amplifier.
Key Features
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Original Victory VX The Kraken MKI
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Hand-built in England
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Compact all-valve guitar amplifier head
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Two footswitchable gain modes
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Gain I – British-inspired drive
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Gain II – tighter, more aggressive modern high gain
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Up to 50 watts output
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50 / 15 / 9 / 2-watt operating options
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4 x 12AX7 preamp valves
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2 x 6L6 power valves as standard
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Can also be configured for EL34 power valves with appropriate bias adjustment
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Dual Master Volume controls
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Bass Focus switch
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Series effects loop
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Single-ended operating mode
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Compact lunchbox format
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Victory padded carry bag included
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Footswitch included
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Good preloved condition
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Tested and ready to go
Who Is the Victory Kraken For?
The original Kraken is an obvious choice for rock, hard rock, metal and progressive players, but it's more versatile than its high-gain reputation might suggest.
Gain I covers plenty of classic British-style drive territory, while Gain II delivers the tighter response required for modern high-gain sounds.
Its compact dimensions and multiple power options also make it particularly attractive for players who want a serious valve amplifier for a home or project studio without committing to a huge traditional head.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the original Victory Kraken or the MKII?
This is the original first-generation Victory VX The Kraken, often referred to as the MKI. It predates the later Kraken MKII.
What's the difference between Gain I and Gain II?
Gain I has a more British-inspired character with warmer mids and classic drive, while Gain II is tighter, more aggressive and voiced towards modern high-gain sounds.
How powerful is the original Victory Kraken?
The Kraken can produce up to 50 watts, but its power switching and single-ended operation allow it to run at approximately 50, 15, 9 or 2 watts, making it useful in a surprisingly wide range of environments.
Can the Kraken use EL34 valves?
Yes. The original Kraken is designed to run 6L6 power valves as standard but can also be configured for EL34s. Correct bias adjustment should be carried out when changing power valve types.
Does this amplifier have an effects loop?
Yes. The original Kraken has a series effects loop, making it easy to run delays, reverbs and other time-based effects after the preamp.
What comes with this amplifier?
This particular preloved Kraken includes its Victory padded carry bag and footswitch.
What condition is it in?
This amplifier is in good condition and has primarily been used in a home studio environment. It has been tested and is working properly.
Looking to buy this PRELOVED Victory VX The Kraken MKI Valve Guitar Head? Visit us at Coleman's Music in South Melbourne or shop online with fast shipping Australia-wide.
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