Help me amp hunt?

[the rossness]

I've been a Randall MTS user for a LONG time and my RM100 finally bit the dust. For the cost of fixing it, I might as well just get a Synergy SYN-2. I plan on using it in conjunction with a new amp.

On the Randall, I was mainly using a Synergy T/DLX (fender Deluxe Reverb) Soldano SLO, and a Jaded Faith Snakebite (Framus Dragon/Cobra). The Fender module gave me a great clean and pedal platform. The SLO was just awesome to play whatever on and the Snakebite was super versatile. I could get it from crunch to insane gain. Sometimes I'd also throw my Fryette Deliverance or CCV clone into the amp as well.

So, I'm searching for a new amp with those kind of tones in mind. I used to have a Fryette CL100 as my main amp and have thought about going back. Maybe trying a UL or SigX? I've also toyed with Splawn- I love the sound, but the feel never seems right. I might like to add one to the stable some day but don't know if I'd want it as my main amp. I also keep thinking about a Laney Ironheart, but there's something about the tone that doesn't sound quite right to me. I do like the feel. Way less gain than a 5150. Yet something keeps me from pulling the trigger on one. Are there any other amps that have the stiff feel and articulation of Splawn or Fryette?

The SLO 100 has been my dream amp for ages. The price has always scared me away. Do I take the plunge on a used one? Then there's the new SLO 30.
In every youtube demo, I hear a lack of low end in the 30 vs 100.The 100 just seems to have more thump and thickness. Has anyone else found this to be the case?

What are some modded 800 or CCV style amps? Does anyone have a Ceriatone Molecular. How is it?

I'd love to get some advice for what direction to go in??? TIA

 

[ZEN Amps]

If you can get a decent deal on a used SLO-100 it'd really be worth trying it. If you don't scratch the itch, you'll always be left wondering.

If it doesn't work out you can always flip it, and probably not lose much. The loop is good, the power section is punchy and the deep control is useful - all important factors if you want to integrate a Syn-2 into the rig.

Others will have different opinions, but I'm convinced 50 to 100-watters universally outperform their 20-30W little brothers. It's not about the SPL really, it's the girth and firm low end you get from big glass, higher plate voltages and chunky iron. Clips don't really tell the story in this case.

Having said all that a Syn-2 and a decent power may be all you need, sounds like you've got the tones you liked covered via those preamps.

 

[glpg80]

I find the SLO100 highly overrated and outgunned with what options now exist today. I’d suggest saving your money and go Stealth 100W 6L6 instead.

 

[thenine]

Ground Zero Hellion!

 

[MadAsAHatter]

^ This, or Headfirst Alta. Both are phenomenal amps

 

[fek]

We all hear things differently, but for me, I didn't love the SLO30 I had. The normal channel boosted was great but the overdrive channel was too thick and dare I say muddy? The SLO100 I played was much better. I prefer the Syn1 with SLO module and PS2 set up that I am currently running to either. But what in the hell do I know.

 

[MetalHeadMike]

We all hear things differently, but for me, I didn't love the SLO30 I had. The normal channel boosted was great but the overdrive channel was too thick and dare I say muddy? The SLO100 I played was much better. I prefer the Syn1 with SLO module and PS2 set up that I am currently running to either. But what in the hell do I know

Prime example that we do in indeed all hear/perceive things differently. I Had both the SLO100 and SLO30 side by side for a bit and dumped the 100 within a week. I much prefer the 30. If you play the lead with gain above 9-10 o'clock, it starts getting stupid saturated. I would say it stays together until about noon, but still stupid saturated.

Above noon it's way too much. Boosted with gain at 8-10 o'clock is as articulate/clear as anything out there. With gain at 8-9 o'clock it's pretty dry and very tight with a boost, but still has meat/thickness too the tone, doesn't thin out.

The 30 will fall apart at high volumes, where the 100 doesn't sound good until you reach high volumes. Depends on what your using it for. Bedroom to small venue the 30 is one of the better sounding/feeling amps I own. Stadium levels, the 100 roars.

OP:

A Mark III would be worth exploring. A Mark III++ just popped up in the classifieds.

Don't know your budget, but a Gower modded Marshall, Wizard might float your boat. I've not played a Hellion, hope to have one soon, but that might be worth considering.

 

[Racerxrated]

I find the SLO100 highly overrated and outgunned with what options now exist today. I’d suggest saving your money and go Stealth 100W 6L6 instead.

Have you actually owned/tried one? I know you love your OG 5150; but IMO the SLO destroys the 5150(which of course as you know, is a SLO clone) for everything EXCEPT tightness (but put a boost in front and it tightens up just fine for non metal stuff).
An SLO at volume is comparable to a Wizard, old Superlead, and your Bogner XTC. Clarity/thump in spades.

Any EVH 5153 is a congested mess, plastic/fake garbage tone compared to the SLO. I've had all the 5153s so I can speak from experience.

 

[Racerxrated]

If you can get a decent deal on a used SLO-100 it'd really be worth trying it. If you don't scratch the itch, you'll always be left wondering.

If you it doesn't work out you can always flip it, and probably not lose much. The loop is good, the power section is punchy and the deep control is useful - all important factors if you want to integrate a Syn-2 into the rig.

Others will have different opinions, but I'm convinced 50 to 100-watters universally outperform their 20-30W little brothers. It's not about the SPL really, it's the girth and firm low end you get from big glass, higher plate voltages and chunky iron. Clips don't really tell the story in this case.

Having said all that a Syn-2 and a decent power may be all you need, sounds like you've got the tones you liked covered via those preamps.

This.

I'd grab an SLO if it's something you've always wanted to try. For me it's the journey of trying all the amps that I've had the opportunity to own...even if they were short term rentals I still can say that I tried them. Like the Rev C.....it's a 5K amp and unless it's THE tone I've always searched for, with that value I knew I'd move it eventually. My 72 Marshall is all the tone I need, for what I like anyway.

 

[glpg80]

Have you actually owned/tried one? I know you love your OG 5150; but IMO the SLO destroys the 5150(which of course as you know, is a SLO clone) for everything EXCEPT tightness (but put a boost in front and it tightens up just fine for non metal stuff).
An SLO at volume is comparable to a Wizard, old Superlead, and your Bogner XTC. Clarity/thump in spades.

Any EVH 5153 is a congested mess, plastic/fake garbage tone compared to the SLO. I've had all the 5153s so I can speak from experience.

A SLO does not destroy a 5150. Tell me how many deathcore albums are recorded with SLOs and how many are recorded with 5150s. I’m eager to hear your answer.

The original SLO effects loop was a fucking mess and the amp did not have channel specific resonance and presence or a bypassable dedicated tube buffered effects loop like a 5150 II.

Ive played countless SLOs at volume and that is why I don’t own one. As far as my XTC, it has a better clean channel, bigger and bolder low end, is easier to play, is not cabinet picky, and takes pedals like a champ. I cannot say the same thing about SLOs.

Also are you seriously trying to peg me as someone stupid enough to type my opinion without actually cranking at least a few of them if not owning one? I’ve given them multiple tries and don’t see the cult following. They lack gain, really lacked in features until their revamp by BAD, and pale in comparison to an XTC.

 

[thegame]

My 72 Marshall..

I know my day doesn’t start off right until I read Racer’s daily affirmation

 

[Racerxrated]

A SLO does not destroy a 5150. Tell me how many deathcore albums are recorded with SLOs and how many are recorded with 5150s. I’m eager to hear your answer.

The original SLO effects loop was a fucking mess and the amp did not have channel specific resonance and presence or a bypassable dedicated tube buffered effects loop like a 5150 II.

Ive played countless SLOs at volume and that is why I don’t own one. As far as my XTC, it has a better clean channel, bigger and bolder low end, is easier to play, is not cabinet picky, and takes pedals like a champ. I cannot say the same thing about SLOs.

Also are you seriously trying to peg me as someone stupid enough to type my opinion without actually cranking at least a few of them if not owning one? I’ve given them multiple tries and don’t see the cult following. They lack gain, really lacked in features until their revamp by BAD, and pale in comparison to an XTC.

1. I could give 2 shits about 'how many albums were recorded with' blah blah blah. How the fuck does that 'measure an amp up' to anything? For example, how many 'albums' were recorded with your 'fav bestest evar XTC' ? I bet not many; if at all. Yet it's your FAV amp. How could that be?

2. Who cares about the damn FX loop; when comparing tone? Sure, I get that people want a good loop but comparing tones based on features?
I'm comparing the SOUND of an amp vs 'how practical' it is.

3. Good, that you've played one. That's why I asked the question. I wasn't assuming anything. Some here seem to give opinions on amps, and it's pretty damn obvious they've never seen one let alone played one.

Finally, saying they 'lack gain'? Really? How much fucking gain do you need?? Every SLO I've played, the lead channel OVERFLOWS with gain. I never had the lead gain past 5/6. That's all I need, and at that level it sounded like a modded 2203. To get tight though, they do need a boost and are even more killer with that boost.

The SLO at volume is more 3D, harmonically rich, just plain sounds better than ANY iteration of the 5150, to my ears. Comparing it to a Stealth is laughable when you compare everything tone-wise EXCEPT tightness. I'll give the EVH that.

 

[the rossness]

I find the SLO100 highly overrated and outgunned with what options now exist today. I’d suggest saving your money and go Stealth 100W 6L6 instead.

I have a 50 watt 5153 and I almost never play it. Too much gain and the feel isn't right for me these days. My local GC has all the 5150's and the Ironheart and I gravitate towards the Laney. There's something about a stiffer feel with not much sag that helps me play better.

Prime example that we do in indeed all hear/perceive things differently. I Had both the SLO100 and SLO30 side by side for a bit and dumped the 100 within a week. I much prefer the 30. If you play the lead with gain above 9-10 o'clock, it starts getting stupid saturated. I would say it stays together until about noon, but still stupid saturated.

Above noon it's way too much. Boosted with gain at 8-10 o'clock is as articulate/clear as anything out there. With gain at 8-9 o'clock it's pretty dry and very tight with a boost, but still has meat/thickness too the tone, doesn't thin out.

The 30 will fall apart at high volumes, where the 100 doesn't sound good until you reach high volumes. Depends on what your using it for. Bedroom to small venue the 30 is one of the better sounding/feeling amps I own. Stadium levels, the 100 roars.

OP:

A Mark III would be worth exploring. A Mark III++ just popped up in the classifieds.

Don't know your budget, but a Gower modded Marshall, Wizard might float your boat. I've not played a Hellion, hope to have one soon, but that might be worth considering.

Mark series amps aren't really the tones I go for these days, but its not a bad recommendation at all. I've often thought of getting a Mark V/JP/or the new 7. I had a Mark V years ago and oddly enough the tone I liked most was Mark 1 mode on channel 2. It gave me Santana vibes.

Budget is around $3k give or take.

 

[MetalHeadMike]

1. I could give 2 shits about 'how many albums were recorded with' blah blah blah. How the fuck does that 'measure an amp up' to anything? For example, how many 'albums' were recorded with your 'fav bestest evar XTC' ? I bet not many; if at all. Yet it's your FAV amp. How could that be?

2. Who cares about the damn FX loop; when comparing tone? Sure, I get that people want a good loop but comparing tones based on features?
I'm comparing the SOUND of an amp vs 'how practical' it is.

3. Good, that you've played one. That's why I asked the question. I wasn't assuming anything. Some here seem to give opinions on amps, and it's pretty damn obvious they've never seen one let alone played one.

Finally, saying they 'lack gain'? Really? How much fucking gain do you need?? Every SLO I've played, the lead channel OVERFLOWS with gain. I never had the lead gain past 5/6. That's all I need, and at that level it sounded like a modded 2203. To get tight though, they do need a boost and are even more killer with that boost.

The SLO at volume is more 3D, harmonically rich, just plain sounds better than ANY iteration of the 5150, to my ears. Comparing it to a Stealth is laughable when you compare everything tone-wise EXCEPT tightness. I'll give the EVH that.

?

I get what your saying Tom in regards to the tone being better. I liked the OG 5150 & 6550s I've had for metal, but the quality of the tone is better on the SLO (100w or 30w). It's like Wizards, there is just a certain quality, natural/organic quality to the sound/tone/gain structure/ Many more examples, but I like using Wizard as an example because it seems to agitate some folks that Wizards get talked about so much.

As far as available gain, I don't know about the OG SLOs, but the BAD 100w I had and SLO30 I have now have stupid amounts of gain/saturation. I play the 30 with gain at 8-9 o'clock & lightly boosted and it's still plenty.

 

[MetalHeadMike]

I have a 50 watt 5153 and I almost never play it. Too much gain and the feel isn't right for me these days. My local GC has all the 5150's and the Ironheart and I gravitate towards the Laney. There's something about a stiffer feel with not much sag that helps me play better.

Mark series amps aren't really the tones I go for these days, but its not a bad recommendation at all. I've often thought of getting a Mark V/JP/or the new 7. I had a Mark V years ago and oddly enough the tone I liked most was Mark 1 mode on channel 2. It gave me Santana vibes.

Budget is around $3k give or take.

A post 2011 Engl Savage (But before the MK2 version) will give you that stiffer/fast attack as will a Fireball 100. Similar'sh to Fryette, but more polished as opposed to raw/organic. The CLX100 like you said is just a monster, that was my favorite Fryette.

 

[glpg80]

1. I could give 2 shits about 'how many albums were recorded with' blah blah blah. How the fuck does that 'measure an amp up' to anything? For example, how many 'albums' were recorded with your 'fav bestest evar XTC' ? I bet not many; if at all. Yet it's your FAV amp. How could that be?

2. Who cares about the damn FX loop; when comparing tone? Sure, I get that people want a good loop but comparing tones based on features?
I'm comparing the SOUND of an amp vs 'how practical' it is.

3. Good, that you've played one. That's why I asked the question. I wasn't assuming anything. Some here seem to give opinions on amps, and it's pretty damn obvious they've never seen one let alone played one.

Finally, saying they 'lack gain'? Really? How much fucking gain do you need?? Every SLO I've played, the lead channel OVERFLOWS with gain. I never had the lead gain past 5/6. That's all I need, and at that level it sounded like a modded 2203. To get tight though, they do need a boost and are even more killer with that boost.

The SLO at volume is more 3D, harmonically rich, just plain sounds better than ANY iteration of the 5150, to my ears. Comparing it to a Stealth is laughable when you compare everything tone-wise EXCEPT tightness. I'll give the EVH that.

Tell me on the doll where the 5150 has hurt you ?

 

[Bxlxaxkxe]

I have a 50 watt 5153 and I almost never play it. Too much gain and the feel isn't right for me these days. My local GC has all the 5150's and the Ironheart and I gravitate towards the Laney. There's something about a stiffer feel with not much sag that helps me play better.

Mark series amps aren't really the tones I go for these days, but its not a bad recommendation at all. I've often thought of getting a Mark V/JP/or the new 7. I had a Mark V years ago and oddly enough the tone I liked most was Mark 1 mode on channel 2. It gave me Santana vibes.

Budget is around $3k give or take.

Let me throw this out there. Verrrry similar to the SLO, but a tight feel and a slightly Marshally influence….Mezzabarba MZero. Seems right up your alley man

 

[the rossness]

1. I could give 2 shits about 'how many albums were recorded with' blah blah blah. How the fuck does that 'measure an amp up' to anything? For example, how many 'albums' were recorded with your 'fav bestest evar XTC' ? I bet not many; if at all. Yet it's your FAV amp. How could that be?

2. Who cares about the damn FX loop; when comparing tone? Sure, I get that people want a good loop but comparing tones based on features?
I'm comparing the SOUND of an amp vs 'how practical' it is.

3. Good, that you've played one. That's why I asked the question. I wasn't assuming anything. Some here seem to give opinions on amps, and it's pretty damn obvious they've never seen one let alone played one.

Finally, saying they 'lack gain'? Really? How much fucking gain do you need?? Every SLO I've played, the lead channel OVERFLOWS with gain. I never had the lead gain past 5/6. That's all I need, and at that level it sounded like a modded 2203. To get tight though, they do need a boost and are even more killer with that boost.

The SLO at volume is more 3D, harmonically rich, just plain sounds better than ANY iteration of the 5150, to my ears. Comparing it to a Stealth is laughable when you compare everything tone-wise EXCEPT tightness. I'll give the EVH that.

I'm not really looking to debate the SLO, but these are my two cents-

I grew up listening to it. VH, Lynch, Ratt. Every time I play a SLO 100 at a store, I love the tone! Much more "Marshall" than a 5150. I can get my Lynch and Warren vibes on. Very 3D. Much more so than a 5150. I find 5150's to be too much gain and not enough feel. Like I previously said, I'd take an Ironheart over a 5150. I like the feel more. I don't care about how many albums were recorded with 5150's. I don't really listen to super-heavy death metal. I'm a hard rock and classic metal person.

I'm not a fan of the XTC. Hated the feel of it. The other guitarist in an old band of mine had one. I thought it was a cool amp, but I could never get into it. If we're talking Bogner, I'd rather have a Shiva or Goldgfinger or something in that realm.

I have a kemper, so I can at the very least try a profile out before I buy the real deal amp. One of my fav profiles is a Fryette Modded Marshall fwiw.

 

[Zado]

Ceriatone makes a SLO clone

 

[Racerxrated]

I'm not really looking to debate the SLO, but these are my two cents-

I grew up listening to it. VH, Lynch, Ratt. Every time I play a SLO 100 at a store, I love the tone! Much more "Marshall" than a 5150. I can get my Lynch and Warren vibes on. Very 3D. Much more so than a 5150. I find 5150's to be too much gain and not enough feel. Like I previously said, I'd take an Ironheart over a 5150. I like the feel more. I don't care about how many albums were recorded with 5150's. I don't really listen to super-heavy death metal. I'm a hard rock and classic metal person.

I'm not a fan of the XTC. Hated the feel of it. The other guitarist in an old band of mine had one. I thought it was a cool amp, but I could never get into it. If we're talking Bogner, I'd rather have a Shiva or Goldgfinger or something in that realm.

I have a kemper, so I can at the very least try a profile out before I buy the real deal amp. One of my fav profiles is a Fryette Modded Marshall fwiw.

Exactly. The '3D' thing is used often and it's hard to explain, but you just know when an amp SOUNDS better than another amp. That's my only point; they of course are more $$ but if I'm judging on tone alone, SLOs are hard to beat. I haven't played an XTC but I know lots of guys swear by them so I'll defer to that. But like you I've played/owned many versions of the 5150s and while they are good amps they don't measure up tonewise to an SLO, for what I like anyway.

Fryette Modded Marshall?? That's one I've never even heard of; or even seen for sale. Interesting....