5153 vs. AFD100 vs. JVM410h

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tweed

tweed

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Time for a new head. I will probably keep my DSL for a backup just in case. Looking at these three heads at the moment. Need something for a cover band project to cover all types of different music and I would also like to find something readily available and not wait for months for it to be built.

5153, JVM410h and the AFD100 seem to be good candidates for this. Anyone currently gigging with the EVH and/or the JVM that can offer up some pros and cons on these heads? I am going to check out the AFD at NAMM hopefully.


TIA!
 
I gigged with my JVM410H for a long time before I got my current amp. I think it is an awesome amp and does the hi gain Marshall thing better than any other Marshall production amp. The AFD I heard was the one Slash has and it sounded killer but is really only one channel. I know it has the gain switch on it but I don't think it is footswitchable. Not sure if that would work for a cover band thing. The JVM would for sure. As far as the 5153 goes, it sounds great but is super compressed which is not really my thing too much.
 
JVM used for $1200...............................................the AFD will be at $2000 for at least the next year.
 
Digital Jams":2378hw21 said:
JVM used for $1200...............................................the AFD will be at $2000 for at least the next year.
Click to expand...

You know what Scotty you are probably right. Do you happen to know if the JVM has any MIDI capabilities?
 
tweed":1kigmti8 said:
Digital Jams":1kigmti8 said:
JVM used for $1200...............................................the AFD will be at $2000 for at least the next year.
Click to expand...

You know what Scotty you are probably right. Do you happen to know if the JVM has any MIDI capabilities?
Click to expand...

It is MIDI Capable. It has MIDI In and MIDI Thru on the back.

Some other MIDI amps to consider are the:

- ENGL Invader and SE, which are both great amps, ENGLs also dont seem to hold their value well, not in England anyway.

- Hughes and Kettner Switchblade and Triamp

- Randall MTS series.

All of these amps are MIDI capable and versetile.
 
tweed":tzto0whj said:
Digital Jams":tzto0whj said:
JVM used for $1200...............................................the AFD will be at $2000 for at least the next year.
Click to expand...

You know what Scotty you are probably right. Do you happen to know if the JVM has any MIDI capabilities?
Click to expand...

That is how I used mine. Worked great.
 
Oh, another thing. There's a method in which you can hook up a MIDI controller such as the Ground Control or G System to a 5150 II via the footswitch cable and the FX return I think. Anyway, it's possible.

If it's possible on a 5150 II then it's possible on the 5150 III. That's something to consider. I'm not sure if it's as fully capable as the other ones I mentioned though.
 
My buddy has a mint JVM410 for sale with fresh tubes and bias
 
My friend bought a used JVM410H from GC. Ended up taking it back, nothing but trouble with that amp. I didn't even get to hear it either. It was blowing output tubes and fuses. I know its just one amp, not saying they are all unreliable, just something to be aware of...
 
killertone":31edyi5b said:
I gigged with my JVM410H for a long time before I got my current amp. I think it is an awesome amp and does the hi gain Marshall thing better than any other Marshall production amp. The AFD I heard was the one Slash has and it sounded killer but is really only one channel. I know it has the gain switch on it but I don't think it is footswitchable. Not sure if that would work for a cover band thing. The JVM would for sure. As far as the 5153 goes, it sounds great but is super compressed which is not really my thing too much.
Click to expand...

Couldnt have said it better. JVM without hesitation.
 
As stated earlier, there are several MIDI heads on the market. The H&K stuff is top notch, and build like a tank. Love my TriAmp and use a MIDI foot controller to change channels and my effects in one stomp. The Switchblade is a monster head, and will be my next amp.
 
I like the 5150 III more than the JVM but they're both great amps. To my ears, the 5150 III has a much better clean channel, and the crunch channel can get into JCM800 territory and even XTC Blue Channel territory. I can stay on this channel all day.

The lead channel just screams and rips, but stays warm and soulful. And it can get super modern and mean sounding too.
The JVM was awesome for low/mid gain but was too raspy on the top end for me. And the clean channel is only so-so. but I feel that way about many Marshalls.
 
I had the JVM410H for a while, and then for some unknown reason I sold it when someone proposed a deal... Anyway...

I miss the living f**k out of it!

Get one, and never let go!!!
 
Out of those 3, and I haven't gotten to play the AFD or 5153, only the AFD even appeals to me. It is built for my needs and style. That said, my Riveras do everything else, and my KHR has midi and I don't even use it. So, if I had to chose, it would be the AFD. That said, if you need more features for your style, I can see it not working for you.
 
Tawlks":22lxfyij said:
Oh, another thing. There's a method in which you can hook up a MIDI controller such as the Ground Control or G System to a 5150 II via the footswitch cable and the FX return I think. Anyway, it's possible.

If it's possible on a 5150 II then it's possible on the 5150 III. That's something to consider. I'm not sure if it's as fully capable as the other ones I mentioned though.
Click to expand...

How do you hook up midi commands with a 5150 II?
 
Tweed,

I had a JVM410 and gigged with it for over 2 years. If you really need crystal clean and varying levels of distortion, the JVM is hard to beat. I have seen them on Ebay around $1,000. I play in a cover band, CCR to Ozzy and use a single channel amp, you'd be surprised at the variety of sounds a single channel amp can deliver. So the AFD could be a winner too.
 
I haven't played the AFD or 5153 but the JVM is pretty damn versatile. Great all around amp.
 
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