The differences between a rack setup and a halfstack

[commandante]

What is the main difference between using seperate power amp, pre amp units and a half-stack? Why do you guys prefer one over another? I like my Mesa Mark, but I am also planning for a über-hi-gain setup and I guess the first decision I have to make is, either to get another head or seperate power/pre amp units... So what should I do?

 

[Razorjack]

Rack's are addictive. The options are endless. You could even use your Mesa Mark as a pre-amp (take out the power tubes and run the f/x loop out as the output), guys like Petrucci and Hetfield used to do it and with a decent EQ & compressor the sound can destroy!!

I run a Marshall based rack, JMP-1 pre and 9005 power amp into a Laney 4x10.

 

[commandante]

So wait? If decide to go for a rack setup I could just buy a power amp? What difference will it make to use the Mark as a pre-amp and another power-amp? I mean compared to just using Mark...

 

[Razorjack]

The choice of power amp would determine the sound difference. A Mesa power amp would probably not give you much of a difference, but a VHT or a Marshall would.

The best thing you can buy for a Mark III is a rack EQ.

 

[commandante]

I am pretty pleased with its own EQ so far. What would you recommend as rack EQ?

 

[Exsanguis]

I used to have a rack setup(did the shred thing for a while), and, while the sound I got out of it was good, I felt like it was a little less responsive to my playing than a regular amp. So, I ended up selling the rack piece by piece, till I ended up with just a single preamp and poweramp. It sounded better, but I just felt like I didn't need the extra little bit of control and variety it gave me. So, to make a long story short, I kept the rack, but began searching for the best stack I could find, eventually settling on an original 5150 head, a Marshall JCM900 4x12 cab with Vintage 30's, and a Mesa 4x12 with stock speakers. This setup is for live playing(in some venues, I only bring one cab, which is decided upon which one I am in the mood to play), but I use it, among other combinations in the studio. I'm getting the best sound and feel I've ever had.

 

[commandante]

I will probably go for another half-stack again, but I am just making sure that I don't miss anything...

Oh man I am so tempted to get a Framus Cobra half-stack. I have to save a lot more cash...

 

[egan.]

I have found that a lot of times (not always) dudes will run a ton of shit and have giant complicated rigs and just end up sounding ok......probably not any better than with the right amp. Obviously this isn't always the case and therre are things you can do with a rack setup that are impossible with a half stack. My reference with everything (guitar/bass/audio) is keep things as simple as possible.

 

[Nostalgiaplatz]

I completly agree with egan. Racks get weightier than amp heads and you'll have to carry it afterwards for gigs. See Opeth' live gear: Laney TT100H + 4x12 + gt-6 + guitar, simple isn't it?

The choice of power amp would determine the sound difference. A Mesa power amp would probably not give you much of a difference, but a VHT or a Marshall would.

Why wouldn't a mesa poweramp give much of a diference? I'm curious about this, cuz I had the possibility to buy a Soldano SP-77 valve preamp and I was like looking for a good poweramp and possibilities were Marshall 20/20, marshall 50/50, mesa boogie 2:20 and all persons to which I asked about the combination of Soldano SP77 one of these powers, they were all for the marshall, especially for 20/20; I unfortunately had to drop this great soldano offer because I was fired, but I'm still curious to know the reason why mesa poweramps alone ain't that appreciated as I will look forward to buy rack amp for studio purposes as soon as I get employed again.

Thanks

 

[Razorjack]

The Mesa would only not make a big difference with the Mark III. For any other set-up I would die for a Boogie!! I only own a Marshall power amp as I don't have enough cash for a Mesa 2:90

It's too bad about the Soldano, I know guys who would sell their Grandmother for one of those baby's!!

I can see why other guys would recommend a Marshall with the SP-77, since the Soldano sound is based on Mike's Marshall Hot Rods.

 

[Nostalgiaplatz]

It makes all sense indeed. Thanks!