5150 vs Mesa Mark series

[thiswaythatway]

I was debating on grabbing a Mark IV, but this one was there, and it sounds incredible. I've yet to play a Mark IV through a 412. I spent about an hour with a combo about 3 years ago, but I didnt know what to do with a Mark series at that time. Definitely want to play one before buying one, since my Mark III and Mark V experiences were not the greatest.

The Mark series through a combo doesn't do it justice. Overall they sound small, boxy, not enough low end. The only way to solve it is adding 1x12 Thiele cabs, or just plugging the combo into a 4x12. The widebody Mark IV is....agh...alright. But really, the only way to play a Mark IV is though a good 4x12.

The combo's that Mesa makes that have some serious low end are the Electra Dynes and Recto's like the Roadster, Rectoverb, Tremoverb and Roadking. But they weigh a TON and they still sound better on 4x12's....even for low volumes.

 

[greatmutah]

is the Peavey 3120 any good?

Suffocation uses them

It's got absolutely nothing on either the 5150 or any Mark series amp. If you're going to invest in an amp, get a good one. If you're going to consider shelling out for a used 3120, then just spend the same amount (or less) on securing a good, solid, classic 5150.

I don't agree with your assessment of the 3120. The XXX/3120 is the culmination of the Peavey Ultra series. It is a good one.

It is. A buddy has had a XXX for years and that thing is built like a tank and sounds amazing.