Cobra vs. Sig:X?

[MatrixClaw]

I have a Cobra now, I've been offered a Sig:X in trade. There's a lot of mixed reviews on the Sig:X and I'd like to know what the major similarities/differences are between it and the Cobra (obviously the Cobra has its own voicing and the VHT has it's own, and is drier - but what can I expect it to do)?

I'm looking for a super articulate, brutal, saturated, distortion channel. Really - the rest of the amp I could care less about, though a nice clean is always good, I have other amps for mid-gain tones. I've read some reviews that say the Sig:X can get really brutal, and others that say they sold theirs because it wasn't brutal enough, so I'm really confused here.

I love the Cobra, but it's just time for a change. I don't play in a band anymore, so most of the time I have it on the Notch setting, just cause it sounds more br00tz, but it's just not doing it for me anymore. I love it with a boost, but I want the amp to sound how I like it without the boost. A boost should add to the amp, not make it.

Now, before you go shouting out that I should trade for a UL instead, I had one, and TBH, I wasn't really impressed. The gain channel had a shit ton of saturation, without having tons of distortion, which was badass, but it just sounded stiff and lifeless. I haven't played a Deliverance in a few years, but I remember liking that amp a lot and the Sig:X is supposedly like the Deliverance, but with more options? Also, really dug the 50/CL I played, but it didn't strike me so much as an all out br00tz amp.


Anyway...

tldr; Cobra or Sig:X for br00tz and why? Value wise-is it a fair deal?

 

[ericsabbath]

for home playing, I guess the VHT might be better
but I seriously doubt it could be any more articulate than the Cobra
that was actually what made me sell the Cobra

 

[locoed]

I've seen good reviews about the VHT but I've seen alot of people buy them then off load them,I was offered a trade for one but didn't do it.

 

[JC-Tonequest]

I have had both the Cobra and the SigX. They are totally different beasts for sure. The cobra is better for the brutal stuff. I loved the midi switching capability of the cobra but I hated the fx loop. The SigX is much more softer sounding. I used to own a UL too and the UL was definitely better for brutal stuff. The SigX is a little less stiff but not a lot. It just has this softness to it that I didn't get along with for heavy stuff. It just wasn't mean enough. The fx loop on the SigX is incredible and there is a lot of tone shaping possibilities. I would say it would be better for straight up rock and for someone who wants a very versatile amp. For what you are describing I would stay with the Cobra over the SigX.

I would check out an EVH 5150III if you get the chance. As long as you stay away from the first years production run. They are an incredible and versatile amp while still being very straight forward to setup. The clean channel is awesome and you get get it all the way from pristine to slight breakup. The mid gain channel is really nice too. Super touch sensitive. Probably one of the most touch sensitive channels on any amp I have played thru. The hi gain channel is monsterous. It is super tight and articulate but does not sound dry. It has a ton of gain on tap but retains tight. The fx loop is great on it too, just plug and play. The channel switching is seemless. I can't say enough good things about this amp. I went from the Cobra to the SigX and then to the EVH. The EVH is here to stay.

 

[JonnyXXXMac]

I can only weigh in on the 50CL and it was VERY articulate but definitely not brutal...I loved the graphic EQ. I played a deliverance 120 for an hour or so at a buddies place and that amp made my giddy...just haven't found one at the right time. While he's yet to do anything with VHT, there's a guy on youtube (fearedse) doing some SIIICCCKK amp demos with metal songs..not killswitch..his band. I'm anxiously waiting for his VHT and Bogner stuff. With I could have weighed in on the Sig:X but I have no experience with it.

Jonny

 

[MatrixClaw]

Hmm...

I think, from the descriptions of the tone I'm hearing, I'd prefer the overall voicing of the Sig:X to the Cobra, but if I have to use a boost to get a brutal tone out of it, I'm not sure it's the amp for me Not to mention, I just searched completed listings on eBay and a Sig:X sold last week for $1000, I know my Cobra is worth more than that and I don't want to lose money on it.

I was also offered a 200w Titan with all the options a while back... but though I've heard tons of praise for them in the past, spoke to a friend of mine who has similar tastes to mine (he used to own one), and he told me to stay away

 

[smucarolina]

Hmm...

I think, from the descriptions of the tone I'm hearing, I'd prefer the overall voicing of the Sig:X to the Cobra, but if I have to use a boost to get a brutal tone out of it, I'm not sure it's the amp for me Not to mention, I just searched completed listings on eBay and a Sig:X sold last week for $1000, I know my Cobra is worth more than that and I don't want to lose money on it.

I was also offered a 200w Titan with all the options a while back... but though I've heard tons of praise for them in the past, spoke to a friend of mine who has similar tastes to mine (he used to own one), and he told me to stay away

Titans are great. I have met zach and heard him demo the amp in front of me. Top notch.