Block logo 5150's vs modern day 6505

[JakeAC5253]

WHAT is the deal here? Some people say the original block logo 5150's sound the best. While others say that the modern day 6505's are the same amp and that the amp hasn't changed throughout the years. Let's put the monkey to rest... or something like that

 

[glassjaw7]

I think I remember Jerry (FJA) saying they were the same, but I may be mistaken.

 

[Mailman1971]

I think I remember Jerry (FJA) saying they were the same, but I may be mistaken.

I read the same from Jerry as well.

 

[again with this]

The people who say the block letters sound better, are amost always block letter owners. That said, believe the hype Block letter MFTW

"Sameness" is reletive. The circut and electrical vaules of components may be the same, but I think most amp snobs will agree, "they just don't make 'em like they used to" and I think that applies to parts in this case. Another example, all the rave about Boogies and which OT they had/have... I highly doubt Peavy could make the 6505 with the same parts they were using 15+ years ago when they first started making the "poor man's SLO" (5150).

My .02 YMMV

 

[skoora]

I thought the only difference was that the block letter ones shipped with an American 6L6/5881 tube. Other than that the circuit is absolutely identical.

 

[droptrd]

What year did they switch from block to the sig on the 5150s?

 

[Death by Uberschall]

All you need to know.

http://www.wolfgangregistry.com/5150-in ... eview.html

 

[Bishop5150]

Hard to say for sure without comparing side by side. I have a block letter from the first year they came out and I have 2 signature series as well. I think the block letter sounds better. Just my opinion.

 

[jasonP]

Had a old block letter and a good guitar bud had a signature version. Had both here at the house at the time and both sounded the same to my ears. Had the same tubes. I couldn't tell a difference between the two.

 

[Death by Uberschall]

All you need to know.

http://www.wolfgangregistry.com/5150-in ... eview.html

 

[JerryP]

There actually is a difference with the 6505's, the output transformer is made by a different company than the earlier amps. I'm not sure when the change happened, I don't recall seeing this on the first 6505's.
The still sound the same to me and the OT is the same specs, just a different manufacturer.
All in all there is no difference that can be linked to the block logo, signature, or 6505. Circuit is the same for all. I've heard good and better of all version. Like anything, line up 10 of them and some will sound better than others.
Jerry

 

[fek]

I thought the only difference was that the block letter ones shipped with an American 6L6/5881 tube. Other than that the circuit is absolutely identical.

That is what I was told about 5 years ago when I had one for a short time.

 

[Hollywood]

What Jerry just posted makes a great point.
I know you can put any 10 amps, quality stuff I might add in a row and play all of them and ' YOU WILL GET ONE FROM THE BUNCH THAT SHINES '

 

[JakeAC5253]

I agree, it was a good point about the randomized chaotic magic of electronic circuits. Now that brings up a completely different question. The QC at Peavey. Better then, or now?

 

[JakeAC5253]

Rather than create a whole new thread I'll just bump this one with a new question seeing as how this one had good info to begin with... anyway.

What to look for in a used 5150? Obviously Block vs. Sig (not implying one is better) how about serials? Is there a certain range of serial numbers that are the most sought after ones? Are there serial ranges to avoid? The reason I ask is that a the factory makes changes it corresponds to the serial numbers so to get the best sounding ones you need to get the ones that were made before/after those changes and all that blah blah. Anything to keep in mind/ask when questioning potential sellers?

 

[Motorpud]

Rather than create a whole new thread I'll just bump this one with a new question seeing as how this one had good info to begin with... anyway.

What to look for in a used 5150? Obviously Block vs. Sig (not implying one is better) how about serials? Is there a certain range of serial numbers that are the most sought after ones? Are there serial ranges to avoid? The reason I ask is that a the factory makes changes it corresponds to the serial numbers so to get the best sounding ones you need to get the ones that were made before/after those changes and all that blah blah. Anything to keep in mind/ask when questioning potential sellers?

Plug it in and fire it up and see if it sounds good

 

[JakeAC5253]

Plug it in and fire it up and see if it sounds good

Preferably without turning my home into a shipping company warehouse.

 

[Motorpud]

Plug it in and fire it up and see if it sounds good

Preferably without turning my home into a shipping company warehouse.

Good point . Some of this stuff about different amps does seem a little like folk lore to me though. Like they will find out a guy is using Dual recto #R-9567 and then there will be some kind of uproar about how rectos 9500-10000 have a special "part" inside that makes it better than all the rest I think sometimes there is some substance to it for for the most part a mountain gets made out of a molehill. The part that trips ms out with the 5150 is it's not even the circuit/components that's talked about, it's the logo on the headshell

 

[D-Rock]

Yeah, I'm with you on that Motorpud.
Every 5150 and 6505 model I've ever heard have all sounded the same.
What changes these amps are the players playing them.
Not the date they were manufactured.

 

[Dimebag11]

I got a 3 week old Peavey 6505 if anyone wants buy one Minty fresh with original paperwork/box/footswitch.....$795 Shipped.