If you use a buffered effects unit such as the C-lator with either the 50 or 100 watters you can attenuate the volume down to bedroom level without affecting tone too much so there is really no need for a lower wattage.

One thing about a smaller wattage version would be the weight of the amp would be much easier to haul around although with smaller trannies

Todd

+1 on using the c-lator as a global master. You can drive the power section hard and control the volume fairly well with little sacrifice in tone. That's what I do when I practice at home and in small venues.

FWIW Nik had plans for 5 watters no too long ago, and a 10-15 watter would seem like a next logical step

I have to agree with this for the most part. The C-lator does give another level of tone shaping, but it's going to be in the preamp. Nothing will substitutes cranking an amp, but cranking the amp.   The attenuator does help get you there, but I was never really impressed with the results using them with most amps. Even a low wattage amp is relatively loud once cranked to its sweet spot. But overall I would say a lower wattage amp is the best solution.

First let me say that I don't disagree with much of what you are saying here. (Although I do not agree 100%) When I hear someone talk about getting a tube amp to sound like a cranked tube amp, but at bedroom levels (whatever that means) I just don't think it's possible. I'm not even necessarily talking about power tube saturation, but more the fullness of the dynamic range that is achieved. I just finished building my dlator and experimenting extensively this week and no matter how you cut it, it's always a matter of "robbing Peter to pay Paul" sort of thing. As soon as you turn down whatever level to bring the volume down to low levels all the "fullness and open air dynamics" start to get lost.

I still love the Dlator for the fact that you can hit the PI harder (or sometimes not) and get another level of gain to play with and smooth things even further. Also when cranking the amp it gives even more control. Plus it is still nice to have the lower level control that you do get...and also the main purpose of being a buffer.

Basically, it's all an over simplification because it's everything from the preamp to the power to the speakers that make that cranked amp sound, sound so great. And the thing is, I'm not even talking about ear blistering levels, just that point where it comes alive. Which has always been in my experience, a level that most wifes, kids, neighbors, and basically non-guitarists find to be "too loud". 

That's why I say "screw em"....play it louder!! 

Just to clarify, I don't think hitting the PI harder with Dlator necessarily transfers to driving the power tubes the same way as driving the whole amp circuit from input to output hard.

If you use a buffered effects unit such as the C-lator with either the 50 or 100 watters you can attenuate the volume down to bedroom level without affecting tone too much so there is really no need for a lower wattage.

Despite what all the c-lator proponents say, you cannot get the same dynamics/harmonics with a master volume/attenuator/powerscaling as you get when the power section is being driven hard.

Thats why a 5-7 watter and a 12-15 watt OTS would be a very good idea. Fuchs have done that with their Casino range and I'd bet they're onto a winner with it. TR similarly.