I picked one up recently as well; perhaps 4 weeks ago. I'm keeping mine to be used specifically with a Marshall SV vertical 2x12 that I've loaded with an Celestion Alinco Cream and an Eminence Swamp Thang (I know, curious combo). In comparison to the SD 170 I've used for 3-4 years, the Fryette has a bigger sonic footprint: lower and more powerful lows, more open top end. While the SD170's EQ can sort of get that happening, it's just a more mid-forward sound (that I actually prefer with a different 1x12 openback). Running bridged, the lower mids seem to fill out a little bit more compared to stereo mode on one channel. In combination with Cygnus, I'm digging the tones overall. Most of what I play is one the cleaner side of things compared to a lot of Fractal users; no metal unless I'm goofing around. Most of my tones rarely get heavier than the Comet or Soldano models with the gain no higher than 6. That said, I could see it pleasing those who want a lot of power on tap and a big sound overall.
The flexibility is great, with separate settings for the presence, depth, and speaker loads, and two standby switches for each channel. I briefly messed with running the 2x12 (4 ohms) and 1x12 (8 ohms) at the same time, and could balance the two out from the AXE as needed. I'm actually glad there aren't two separate volumes for each channel.
I wish that the inputs could accept a balanced signal. unbalanced TS only. I haven't used the line level pass throughs for anything. One could conceivably run 4 cabs as two stereo pairs.
I had previously tried the Fryette PS2, but for some reason I wasn't impressed enough to keep it. I don't know how they compare head to head, so maybe it was my preferences that changed.
3 downsides: expensive, heavy, and very loud fan. The first, I can imagine being pleased with something like the SD at 1/4 of the cost; I was for years and only picked this up because I wanted to try it. But I've got the 0% finance and have no other big debt to deal with so... Second, it is heavy. I probably won't permanently put it in the rack with the AX3 because there will be times I'll take the SD170 and 1x12, and don't want the extra 27ish pounds. But if the gig is long and loud enough (and I don't have to bring the PA), then I'll be cool with hauling it out. Years ago I regularly used a Peavey CS800x power amp; this isn't that heavy, but.... Third, the fan is loud. Once you get playing (especially with any drumming louder than brushes) you won't hear it. But this is not meant to be a bedroom setup. It has two speeds and the idle is louder than any other gear I have with it unracked and sitting on top of my Ax rack. When it kicks up higher, I would say it's comparable to other loud stage gear like hazer fans and the like. If you find the Ax fan annoying, this is not the amp for you.
I don't think a lot of players would gravitate towards it for those reasons. Nor is it an easy piece to purchase as far as I can tell. But I'm happy with it and think that like some of the old-style Fryette/Mesa/Marshall power amps, it has its place.
