5150 ii or 5150 iii 50 watt

  • Thread starter Thread starter BrentSSL
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BrentSSL

BrentSSL

Active member
These seem to priced Right for me just trying to get some thoughts on these. I'm more of a dual rectifier fan I just want something different.
 
5150iii 50w without a doubt. Better clean channel. More usable gain. Midi switching, smaller footprint, lighter, built better. I have had every version of 5150 at some point and the only one I havent sold due to either it breaking down or just starting to have problems is my 50w 5150iii. Had it since they came out, and not a single problem to this day. It looks like shit and is beat to hell, fallen out of the back of my truck and still sounds and works as good as the day I got it.
 
They simply sound different. I don’t know about “built better”, I’ve literally rolled a Peavey 5150 down a flight of stairs and played a show an hour later, same amp feel out of the back of a van, survived being dragged all around the country without any issues.
 
6505+ without hesitation.

Very versatile, indestructible.

I see them mint on CL all day for $650 - $700.
 
Both are nice amps, and available used at reasonable prices.
In this case, you said you want something different from a Dual Rec.
I would say the 5150 iii 50 watt is the "more different" amp compared to your Rev F.
 
Unfortunately I sold the Rev F and when I say something different mean I won't find another Rev F or dual rec that I want lol
 
the iii is more articulate and versatile. its doesn't grind or roar the same way the old 5150s do though. it just kind of depends on what you play i guess. if you are a super shreddy dude, probably the iii. if you play low or groovy riffs, peavey. both great amps really.
 
I'm kind of all over the place tbh I am leaning towards the 3 due to the 50 watts I don't need 120
 
You should love that thing. It has the gain and grind of an old 5150, with a more refined midrange, and enough low end to not miss the Mesa. I'm really digging mine right now.
 
I think I am the only person on the planet that doesn't like the EVH stuff. I hear good recordings of it but literally never enjoy playing one. My buddy is going to bring his 50 watt EL34 version over so I can give that a go... My vote is for the Peavey unless you need all the other bells/whistles.
 
5150 III red channel is the 5150 series lead channel. Very little difference and I'll bet what most say is a difference is speaker choice. 5150 III 50 watt vs any 5150 with the same cab and you'll hear they are the same. The III has a real clean channel. But it also doesn't thump and kill small animals like the old Peaveys do. I don't think you can go wrong with either. And no matter what people will say. Any 5150/6505 can do killer classic or mainstream rock tones. Just back off the gain. Which no one seems to want to do.

As for the Boogie Rectos. I replaced a guy who had a dual recto. He shows up one night and wants to sit in. Of course! After he kept saying how impressed he was with my old 5150. Couldn't believe how good it sounded etc. So they are different. But can sound good.
 
Can't go wrong with a 5153 50w especially at what they are priced at.
 
JerEvil":1eo0bvkz said:
I think I am the only person on the planet that doesn't like the EVH stuff. I hear good recordings of it but literally never enjoy playing one. My buddy is going to bring his 50 watt EL34 version over so I can give that a go... My vote is for the Peavey unless you need all the other bells/whistles.
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you're not the only one Jer. I think they sound fine, great in fact. but I still think the original 5150's gain is just better sounding to my ears. and I've played on a few 5150iii 50 watters as well as 100 watters.

of course, YMMV.
 
Riggins1966":1lttkrgp said:
JerEvil":1lttkrgp said:
I think I am the only person on the planet that doesn't like the EVH stuff. I hear good recordings of it but literally never enjoy playing one. My buddy is going to bring his 50 watt EL34 version over so I can give that a go... My vote is for the Peavey unless you need all the other bells/whistles.
Click to expand...

you're not the only one Jer. I think they sound fine, great in fact. but I still think the original 5150's gain is just better sounding to my ears. and I've played on a few 5150iii 50 watters as well as 100 watters.

of course, YMMV.
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It's because it feels like you are cheating lol I didn't like them at first either but you can't find a dual rectifier for 600$ and I am not a Marshall fan I really tried lol. The 5150 iii was the amp I tried after I had traded my rack mount dual rectifier for a mark V. I was in a GC trying out cabs for my mark V and I played the 51503 for the first time and wished my Mark V sounded like that. Do you know why? Because it's just good tone that's there when you need it you don't have to force it. We all deep down just want a tube head with solid state saturation lol
 
PV 6505 for me. But, best way is test drive both and pick what you like.
 
Having owned 7 Peavey 5150s over the years, a 5153 50 watt, and a 5153 stealth, I still prefer the Peaveys. I would 5150II/6505+.
 
CP5150":3pv6f4js said:
5150 III red channel is the 5150 series lead channel. Very little difference and I'll bet what most say is a difference is speaker choice. 5150 III 50 watt vs any 5150 with the same cab and you'll hear they are the same. .
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Having done this many times between my 5153 50 watt and 5150, I disagree. I have also used Eminence Legend V12s since I got my first 5150, and the 3 just cannot compete with the aggressiveness of the Peaveys. The lead channel is not the same.
 
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