Anyone else disappointed with the EVH 5150 III 100 watt?

[thiswaythatway]

If there's nothing wrong with the amp there's something wrong with expectations.

 

[mindseye]

I love my 5150III 100 watter, and dare I say I even like the loop better on it than my old VH4.
Really sound like a preamp tube issue.....swap 'em out and get back to us!!

 

[Chubtone]

The 5150 III has so much gain it's silly. Let me guess, you are hooking it up like this; guitar straight into speaker cabinet?

Seriously,






I'm just kidding look closely in here and you will see what is wrong

 

[IntenseJim]

Honestly I don't think there's anything wrong with the amp other than
Higher expectations for an EVH branded head, just thought it was
Going to be great, instead of just ok. The FX loop not having a way
To adjust the level seems like a no brainer. My bad for not noticing
Before I purchased. Compairing this head to a Mesa it doesn't even
Show up to the party. I have a feeling I'll be selling or trading in the
Near future. I should have bought a splawn when I had the chance.

51-49 and a half

If you think the 5153 doesn't have enough gain, then the Splawn will sound like a Twin Reverb to you.

Try the Sweet Brown signature head.

 

[Purpleibby]

apologies, but some of these responses are crackin' me up Seriously, that amp should have enough gain for anyone....something must be wrong.

 

[Shiny_Surface]

If you think the 5153 doesn't have enough gain, then the Splawn will sound like a Twin Reverb to you.

I agree, he's in for a shocker if he thinks the Splawn will be gainier.

 

[paulyc]

The 5153 is a flamethrower compared to a candle for the Splawn as far as gain...

 

[aftec]

or
Dunno, but that thing has ghobs of gain. It is actually pointless to turn the gain above noon on CH3, because you are already at Übermegagiga gain territory.
I don't have issues with the loop, actually it is the best loop next to CAA. Footswitch and popping at channel switching is an issue with some of these, but man, they rip.

 

[SFW]

I've owned my 5150 III for a little over a year now. And lack of gain has never been a description that I would use for it. I definitely think that you have an issue with a tube. There are way to many HEAVY metal bands out there right now using this amp for it to not be able to get the broots out of it.

It may not be the amp for you, but it should have more than enough gain.

 

[Robotechnology]

It is either a tube issue or a tube related issue (bias). I set the gain on channels 2 & 3 at 10 o'clock and it is more than enough for my female fronted euro power metal band! The gain knob on channel 3 set past noon should sound almost uncontrollable. I will say I've played 5150 III 100 watters that sounded meh and ones that sounded heavenly. The only different between them were the tubes and the bias.

 

[Buckeyedog]

Problem is that you ask for advice, then when most are telling you it's likely a tube issue, you come back with:

"Honestly, I don't think there's a problem with the amp........." What is that based on??

You are not listening or willing to at least try to swap some pre amp tubes. This is why you are catching some grief.

 

[dooredge]

OP, don't feel bad mate... I didn't like the 5153 either. To each their own!

Eddies still loves you even if you don't like his amp.

 

[Anonymous]

Not liking the voicing is one thing, but thinking it lacks gain seems kinda ridiculous
Bad tubes or bad ears

 

[glassjaw7]

One of the best metal amps, period. Like the voicing or not, channel 3 has enough gain for tracking huge, tight insane metal tones with the gain at 11:00! Get that bitch re-tubed.

 

[yngzaklynch]

I owned one for about 2 months. I didn't really gel with it. From my own personal experience I have formed the opinion that if the amp doesn't floor you pretty much right off the bat you might as well move on. No amp is for everyone. My last amp purchase was a 5150II that was modded by Jerry at FJA. One the best amps I've ever plugged into and I'm thrilled with it. Good luck.

 

[glassjaw7]

I owned one for about 2 months. I didn't really gel with it. From my own personal experience I have formed the opinion that if the amp doesn't floor you pretty much right off the bat you might as well move on. No amp is for everyone. My last amp purchase was a 5150II that was modded by Jerry at FJA. One the best amps I've ever plugged into and I'm thrilled with it. Good luck.

I agree, to each their own when it comes to tones, amps, etc. But to say "where's the gain?" about a 5150 III is like asking "where's the clean?" on a Twin Reverb. Something is clearly wrong with that amp if it is lacking gain. Gain stages aren't a matter of opinion; they're either there or they're not, and that particular amp has loads of it.

Now, if it's the gain voicing the OP doesn't dig, well that's understandable. Not for everyone.

 

[russoloco]

I have to assume that maybe this is a troll thread? (sorry if it isn't)....I have owned at least 15 "high" gain heads, and I find it inconceivable that one would find that the EVH 5150 III is "light" on gain or distortion. I understand if it just doesn't suit you...But not enough gain? I believe that that head has 5 gain stages...

Try 6 plus a cathode follower so 7 total.

 

[stompboxfreak72]

I will gladly trade you a Splawn Nitro for the 5153 as long as it is has no functional issues.