Anyone score a Zzounds 2203x blowout?

[S̷͖͑m̵͎͂á̵̺s̸͚̈́h̴̬̑]

Honestly I'm kind of jabbing but also more serious. I have had the ability to play the 2203x in store and its great, but would be curious for something new in the same price point. I like it more than the SB and BE 100 and have compared them in the same room.

If people say it sucks then list a 5k amp it doesn't really do anything for me. For THAT sound its the best I've played so far, (edging out a small box for example) .. but for $2900 (edit 2600 now at SW) what beats it at that price?

Most of the other options are either a used more expensive unobtainium or something boutique I'd have to get without being able to try it somewhere.
The snorkler is also in the running and I think the el34 stealth covers tons of bases. So new, at the price point, what else competes and edges it out?

Similar amps are mostly 50w.. looking at the small box, mgl 50, etc.. stuff under 3k I can go buy new now. I really like the TK Royalist and Plex but no loop

I absolutely love MGL and think you will love one, too. The 50 watt are insane and hang with most 100s. I spent three years trying to get an amp to beat it.

As far as cheap amps go, if i were looking for best bang for the buck metal amp, i would grab a mt100

 

[tjnx]

I absolutely love MGL and think you will love one, too. The 50 watt are insane and hang with most 100s. I spent three years trying to get an amp to beat it.

As far as cheap amps go, if i were looking for best bang for the buck metal amp, i would grab a mt100

Yes, agreed! I have played the mt100 and its great.

 

[Rackman]

What do all you guys that don't like 2203s like instead? Lots of "better amps out there" but no list of better amps

I've mostly played Bogner XTCs and various rack setups. X88s, CAEs etc. with a SM100R. I have a synergy rack. I have a JP2C a well.

If it doesn't have an independent clean channel and a loop or split pre/power I'm really not interested for a rock amp. Jazz and country I can do Fender.

I've used it enough now that I can say my 104BV is top dog sound wise and has good functionality.

 

[Greazygeo]

What do all you guys that don't like 2203s like instead? Lots of "better amps out there" but no list of better amps

Pretty much anything…considering I have had my Wizard MC1 for over 20 years and still gig with it, that is my pick, but that is a higher priced amp. Has been the perfect amp for me. For what they cost now, don’t know I would buy one. I take that back, yeah I would.

VHT /Fryette 50ST / Ultralead / CLX / Deliverence.

Any good plexi style amp if you have the hands for one to get the goods (and know how to mod them so they don’t suck).

5150’s any of them.

Engl Ritchie Blackmore / Artist

I have a 78 2203 I picked up recently for $500.00. That is the most I would (or have ever) paid for one. Thought I would revisit the amp. Have had plenty of them, still don’t like them. Grew up playing them or plexis modded to that circuit…The modded plexis were better, but back to the original circuit with my tweaks are better. Glad to have my Wizard though…

 

[PiggySmallz]

I have grown to appreciate the hotrodded plexi circuit more than the hotrodded 800 as well. That said, if I only had a stock 800, I could make it work easy.

As far as better amp, I would say for metal, the list is nearly endless.
Wizard mtl, mcii, hellrazor
Bogner twin, snorkler
Friedman naked
MGL RED
Mesa mark, dual or triplle rec
Diezel bigmax, vhii, vh4
Fryette Ultralead
Lenz Octane
Monomyth (anything)
Groundzero (anything)
I really could go on



For rock, that is very subjective. But i think if I were only playing rock, i would take an 800 all day if only for the iconic sound

Monomyth and Ground Zero changed everything for me about amps. Was always a rectifier guy and had a love for my PRS archon....I dont play anything but my hellion and unholy grail now. Really got me to love modded marshall tones

 

[DanTravis62]

Engl Ritchie Blackmore / Artist

ALRIGHT NOW WERE TALKIN

Now we can talk about the amp I like instead of the amp everyone else is talking about



I think the artist sounds really good! And that's neat.

 

[Greazygeo]

ALRIGHT NOW WERE TALKIN

Now we can talk about the amp I like instead of the amp everyone else is talking about



I think the artist sounds really good! And that's neat.

I really like the Blackmore (having played it a number of times). Reminds me alot of the 5150’s. The Artist I have only heard recordings, some vids etc. It sounds good as well. Much better attack, midrange and bigger soundstage than a 2203. Ive almost bought an Artist a few times. New guy in Deep Purple gets some good tones with them.