I would concur the TE-1200 and Monza sound fabulous, although I think of the Trace as a small/mid sized head (its not a micro/mini in any sense). The Trace is really quite clean (doesn't overdrive like a valve or hybrid head) but sounds superb. It is not, as noted above, a cheap head and there are many other alternatives with more Watts for your pennies. Disclosure: I have only used at home so far, so haven't tested volume capabilities with a loud band (first rehearsal in a week or so's time)