Best metal amp for 1000-1500usd

[Philthy]

Hey guys,

I am new to the forum, so forgive me if I have this thread in the wrong section.

Anyway, I am looking towards a tube amp that can do thrash really well (Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Exodus, Overkill), as well as NWOBHM and Dio stuff. I occasionally dabble in the blues and clean, but essentially it just has to do clean like Call of Ktulu and Fade to Black decently.

I play mostly standard, and might go as low as D Standard.

I live in a college dorm, so no 4x12 (I need the space and my back lol) - only 2x12 at max. Also, I would be mainly using the amp for the weekends in the university's rehearsal spaces.

So 100-120w would be overkill (i think, since wattage and volume dont go hand in hand).

Thanks in advance!

 

[Genius Gone Insane]

Are you looking to play with other folks or only by yourself? If by yourself, have you thought about getting a kemper? You can plug it into a stereo and it sounds pretty badass. And weighs a lot less.

 

[H-evolve]

Slayer and Megadeth are on Marshall amps. Exodus has used ENGL amps in the past I think, don't know about Overkill, nor Metallica (but Metallica always sound like shit... so who cares).

I'm not a Marshall fan, so I'm not sure good lower wattage stuff with that kinda tone exist? The Kemper is clearly a nice suggestion, but you'd have to find a used one to be within your budget (and even then I'm not sure?)

I think I've seen a video of the Joyo amps and they have a "Marshall" voice mini amp (or should I say "English amp", it could be an Orange amp). I think you should check them out.

I think it's their Meteor model, see this video from Ola:

However, if you gig with friends, that might not be powerful enough.

 

[jhohnerleinaudio]

You can get a used Mesa Boogie 25 watt rectifier for a fairly decent price. Or even a Peavey 6505MH. Pair that with the mesa 2x12 and I think you'd have a solid amp setup to jam.

 

[CyaeghaSteve]

I recently scored a used ENGL Blackmore signature for around $1100 and it's quite possibly my favorite head ever. It's super versatile. It has no problem going from crystal clear cleans to Cannibal Corpse and everything in between.

 

[AntonioPetrole]

I'll never not be a fan of 5150's, and they make a 2x12 of it. It's one of the most used amps on records and has stood the test of time for tours as well. Although I will say I'll never sell my Kemper (if you can afford one). You'd either have to run it directly into a sound board/PA live or buy the powered version and get a cab with it.

 

[argonaut]

Another vote for the 5150III. I think the Mesa Boogie Mark V:25 is great, but in a really loud situation, you may find yourself underpowered. The Kemper is a good choice, but may be overkill for some people.

 

[terorist]

Mu sugestion is EVH 5150III LBX.It's a 15 wat head but loud as fuck.I have one and I'm realy satisfied.Matched cab works prety well with this head.And all together is half the price of any other above, roughly.