Best Feeling, Most Punchy Amp?

[Red_Label]

I've owned and demo'd a LOT of nice amps over the years, and so far... my favorite is my Friedman Dirty Shirley. Haven't had it long enough to know if it'll still float my boat a ways down the road, but based on my preferences regarding tone and feel, I don't see why not. Is it "punchy"? I dunno. Is it "tight"? Not really. But it's not a mushy mess either. For what I want/need right now... it's perfection. The Smallbox that I traded for it was a good/great amp, but just didn't inspire me the way the Shirley does. My buddy's BE100 that I spent several weeks with was awesome, and I wouldn't mind having one. But given the choice I'd choose the Shirley.

The Bogner (Shiva and XTC Classic), VHT (UL), Engl (Powerball II), Marshall (many), etc amps that I've owned are sometimes fondly remembered, but not enough for me to actually buy another. I am still curious about the 20th Anni XTC, SLO, and Wizards... but those are the only amps that even still have my curiosity any more.

 

[mooncobra]

mezzabarba m zero overdrive
masotti x 100m
ccv

 

[braintheory]

mezzabarba m zero overdrive
masotti x 100m
ccv

Good choices! For both most punchy I'd say CCV and my Mark III++ coliseum

For best feeling I'd say: CCV, Mark IIC+ HRG, and Butterslax

For moving the most air I'd say the Mezzabarba MZero Overdrive and my one off Marshall SLP with the Cameron Atomica mod, but I bet the newer Wizard MTL would also be up there

Also, the following amps that I've either owned and/or AB'ed with the amps mentioned above (although they're also all fantastic amps and all do have great punch, feel, and move air) are not as good as what I mentioned for these categories (although the feel part is very subjective Pittbull UL, SLO, VH4, Herbert, Engl Invader, DAR FBM, DAR Forza, Rhodes Gemini and Colossus, Mesa Dual Rectifier Rev F, Uberschall Rev 2

 

[philnz]

Best feeling, Mojave Peacemaker
Punchy for me has to be Ultralead.

 

[Braciola]

Nothing punch as hard as my Wizard Metal

 

[BLUESSYNDICATE]

Mezzabarba MZERO Overdrive

 

[napalmdeath]

I found plenty of punch in a cheap JSX. I also believe you can't beat a cranked JCM800 with an SD-1. Punch doesn't have to cost a fortune.

 

[Mailman1971]

For me these days it's the EVH stealth EL34. So damn dynamic. Harmonics are just popping out at any fret any string. Natural or pinch. It's just an amazing amp.

 

[napalmdeath]

For me these days it's the EVH stealth EL34. So damn dynamic. Harmonics are just popping out at any fret any string. Natural or pinch. It's just an amazing amp.

I didn't find that with the 6L6 versions. If the 50 watt EL34 version is more alive feeling, and has more character, I might bite on one.

 

[Mailman1971]

For me these days it's the EVH stealth EL34. So damn dynamic. Harmonics are just popping out at any fret any string. Natural or pinch. It's just an amazing amp.

I didn't find that with the 6L6 versions. If the 50 watt EL34 version is more alive feeling, and has more character, I might bite on one.

Yes sir. I had the 6l6 version stealth. Powerhouse. But the EL34 version is just more 'crisp'??
Edgey???
Hard to describe. But it's fucking awesome.

 

[SavageRiffer]

For me these days it's the EVH stealth EL34. So damn dynamic. Harmonics are just popping out at any fret any string. Natural or pinch. It's just an amazing amp.

I didn't find that with the 6L6 versions. If the 50 watt EL34 version is more alive feeling, and has more character, I might bite on one.

Yes sir. I had the 6l6 version stealth. Powerhouse. But the EL34 version is just more 'crisp'??
Edgey???
Hard to describe. But it's fucking awesome.

It is indeed man. I won't argue with you on that.

 

[Mailman1971]

For me these days it's the EVH stealth EL34. So damn dynamic. Harmonics are just popping out at any fret any string. Natural or pinch. It's just an amazing amp.

I didn't find that with the 6L6 versions. If the 50 watt EL34 version is more alive feeling, and has more character, I might bite on one.

Yes sir. I had the 6l6 version stealth. Powerhouse. But the EL34 version is just more 'crisp'??
Edgey???
Hard to describe. But it's fucking awesome.

It is indeed man. I won't argue with you on that.

Do EEEEEEEEEET....
Join us on the Dark Side...

 

[Jayy]

Damn it all to hell. You jokers are making me get GAS for an EVH Stealth with EL34s too. Ugh. The last thing I need is another damn amp! I've gotta sell some shit...