Both the XS II and the following XS III amps have probably 'the' most versatile 'clean/crunch' channel on the planet. This Head Box gets the AWW sound the British amps are famous for without any trouble - but is not limited to that !! Note; James Black of Finger Eleven on the ARTISTS page has a customized 50 watt version of this amp pushing two - 4-12" cabs. This amp in 50 watts can be LOUD.
The difference between the XS III and the former XS II is in the unique design of this Mercury Mags output transformer, giving the whole amp a bit smoother sound and of course the extra gain boost when you switch to the Boost Master. Even though it still runs the EL34's and has a tailoring switch designated British 1 / British 2 - it is a LOT smoother than the XS II.