Amps

[waif]

Here's the deal: I currently have about $850 and should be able to save about $50 a week. I want to get a kickass tube head. I play power, thrash, black, and death metal, so what I want out of this thing is to be able to get brutal, insane distortion but also a more moderate sound and even a decent clean. I'd prefer something that I could actually play in my house without destroying it, but I can deal with something obnoxiously loud.

What I've been thinking was either a Peavey 6505 (5150) or an Engl of some sort (Fireball or Powerball or something). Thing is, I could get the Peavey now more or less, whereas the ENGL would mean a lot of saving.

So...recommend me some other amps that meet that criteria of badassery and are <$1200. Cheaper is better; leaves some money for a cab. Also, weigh in on whether the Engl is worth the extra $$$ over the Peavey.

 

[Jerich]

www.brunetti.it

 

[WarriorOfMetal]

If you're gonna get an Engl, don't bother with one of the 'balls. The 5-6 times I've played through Powerballs, I've always been anywhere from unimpressed/underwhelmed to disappointed (although I think they can sound cool when other people play them, if they're set right). On the other hand, the first time I played a Savage 120, I was blown away and decided I needed one...and got one about 6 months later, and it's not going anywhere. Check out the Nocturnal Rites album "Afterlife", the first two Communic albums, and just about any Darkane for an idea of what that amp sounds like. I know it's on the pricy side, but you can pick them up for a decent price used...like $1500-1800.

Also, a friend of mine will be opening a physical location for his store soon, in Walpole...not too bad to get to from Brookline, I don't think. He's not an Engl dealer, but he has some other really cool stuff that would be worth your time to check out, and he's a metal guy, and very knowledgable.

www.axepalace.com is his website.

 

[waif]

@Jerich: the only one of those even close to my price range is the 141. That one looks good but the samples don't blow me away and the only US dealer is way too far away to try before shelling out. Thanks, though.

@Warrior: I'll definitely check that place out, then.
Youtubing the savage 120.


Now that's what the fuck I'm talking about...
Now I really want one.

 

[WarriorOfMetal]

I don't remember if it's on the website, but I can PM you my friend's number if you want it.

 

[Episteme]

What do people reckon of the Laney VH100R?

 

[waif]

In vids it sounds pretty damn good. Dunno if it's worth the $$$, though...
Think I may just go with a peavey and spend the difference on a better cab.

 

[razoredge]

I have an old Carvin X100B I bought years ago used for like $225 but I must admit I dont use the distortion channel anymore but use my ART SGX 2000's multitude of sounds and have a decent crunch preset that doesnt use other effects.

The new Carvins sound good and dont carry the designer amp price tag
https://www.carvinguitars.com/products/single.php?product=V3
https://www.carvinguitars.com/products/single.php?product=VL100
http://www.carvinbbs.com/

A friend of mine who has been a semi pro player since the early 80's played Marshalls for years, then 5150's for a few, then finally landed on VHT pitbulls for the longest time. Last time I saw him play which was only about a month ago he had some new ???? I just cant think of the name, something new... seemed like Bulgaria or something. The thing was a beast, he didnt have it dial in real good yet, it was very fluid, great solo tone but not dialed in good yet for punchy riffs, he said he paid like 600 something for it and needed more time with it.

 

[WarriorOfMetal]

In vids it sounds pretty damn good. Dunno if it's worth the $$$, though...
Think I may just go with a peavey and spend the difference on a better cab.

If you like the sound of the Savage 120, the 5150II/6505+ will get you in roughly the same zone.

I just cant think of the name, something new... seemed like Bulgaria or something.

Most likely Bugera. Peavey and Marshall copies made by Behringer. The build quality is questionable, and I've heard of a number of reliability issues with them...but word is that they sound decent. Never tried one myself.

 

[Episteme]

I'm using a Bugera 333XL 2x12 combo through my Marshall 1960A cab, it actually sounds good for something cheap. I spent awhile dialling in a good tone though. I agree, build quality is questionable but it sounds really good.

I had one major problem that kinda pissed me off when I just bought it. I played it twice, and the 3rd time I played through it, the fucking thing died. Thought there was a fuse blow, but I checked it and it was fine. Called Bugera, they told me to bring it in to the music store I got it from. Store sent it to Bugera, and it took bloody 5 weeks for me to get it back. They said it was a blown power tube and transformer, thank god I didn't have to pay for anything. When I tested it out though, power light turned on, standby light didn't and no sound came out of it. It seemed like all they did was fix the power light bulb... The guy at the store was at a complete loss, in the end he said he'd switch it for another one. I got a replacement, that played well and sounded well. Now though, the LED light for the standby blew as well but at least there's sound coming out of it. I cbf replacing the light yet even if it's a simple job. I have to say, good sound comes out of these amps but build quality is VERY questionable.

 

[razoredge]

probably made in China

I have no nned for anothr amp, the various sounds I have now is good enough for what I do ro will ever do and its damn good sound, unexpensive sound, most of which was money spent years ago.

If I did go to buy a new amp I would get a V3, Im happy with my Carvins. I also have a Carvin 100w solid state combo for taking on the fly to jam with others. My SGX effects unit is both anolog and digital with a tube preamp so it sounds decent even through the SS combo. I have an old 60w Magnatone tube head for classic natural tube tone and use my X100B in stereo through my SGX with a mid 80's Randall solid state half stack. Alls well and I didnt spend more than 1500 on the entire collection. Its a bit of a frankenstein but so what.

 

[waif]

The advantage to the Peavey is they have them at GC and so I can test them out with my own guitar before buying.
I remember Daddy's had some cool boutique high gain amp for about 1k. I'll look into that.

 

[ParsonsMatt]

5150 can be found for $400-600 used, Mesa Rectifier cab can be had for $400-600 used, together you have a badass amp. You can't do better for the money.

 

[viewerfromnihil]

Check out the Peavey 3120, they just released it not too long ago. It's priced at $1000. I haven't had the chance to play on one but judging from clips I've heard, it sounds damn good.

 

[WarriorOfMetal]

Check out the Peavey 3120, they just released it not too long ago. It's priced at $1000. I haven't had the chance to play on one but judging from clips I've heard, it sounds damn good.

FWIW, it's a Triple XXX with a different name and headshell, and stock EL34s instead of 6L6s.