I just got the EVH 5150 III - 100W Stealth a couple of weeks ago. This amp is awesome. and is one of my favorites now
This is the meanest and most vicious tone monster I have ever heard!!! I've played a lot of amps. I worked music retail for 15 years. I own about 15 amps now (four different Marshalls plus a Mesa Boogie, two Peaveys, a Hughes and Ketner, Ampeg, Fender, Vox and others).
The 2nd/Medium Gain channel is very versatile. You can do any kind of mild rock to full blown metal. It has as much gain available as most amps lead channel has.
The 3rd/High Gain channel should be illegal. It has more gain than anyone will ever need.
The tone controls, presence and resonance controls are very effective and interact together in wonderful ways. The best way I can put it is that usually a high gain amp has one sound with different EQ curves. This amp has many, many different sounds available.
What impresses me the most is that even with ridiculous amounts of gain, the notes still retained clarity and punch. This amp doesn't squash the notes. It enhances them.
This amp is LOUD. I have played 100 watt heads for decades. This is the loudest, most efficient head I have ever touched. Even at high volumes the noise floor is very very low and the hum almost non existent. I'll still use a gate in the loop but it isn't necessary.
I am so glad Eddie gave us this amp before his passing. RIP and thank you from the bottom of my heart.
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