Considering going back to rack; power amp options?

[satannica]

Decided I think I wanna go the rack route again. My old rack setup was so nice and neat and I didn't need to do anything. I have been tossing up about a new Peavey 6505, or a JVM but kinda thinking I would like a rack with an effects unit, my rackmountable senny wireless... nice and neat in one box (and heavy as fkkk)

I'm going to have to use my Pod XT to start with as a preamp as I am in need of a power amp first and foremost.

These are my viable options here (buying new). Later on, I'm thinking maybe a Voodu Valve as a preamp whilst I save up for another Triaxis. I had one before running on a Mesa Synergy 500 and it was da bomb. I have two Marshall 1960 412 cabinets (one a standard 1960BV and the top 1960A has two V30s and two G12T75s in X pattern) for live and a standard 1936 212 with V30s for practise/recording.

Anyways, here are my power amp options. Which would you go for?

Engl E840 50W £889

Marshall EL34 100/100 £999

Marshall EL34 50/50 £699

Or is there a real gem of a power amp I'm missing out on that I could get for a coupla hundred quid used?

Cheers guys!

 

[glpg80]

VHT 2/90/2

mesa 2/90/2

marshall 100/100

mesa stradegy 400, 500

peavey classic 120/120

between all of those, i would prefer the VHT or the peavey classic

 

[guitarslinger]

I LOVE Marshall Power amps.

Look for a Rivera too!

 

[rlord1974]

I LOVE Marshall Power amps.

Really Gene? I know you've had one in the past. What do you think?....9200 with 5881's or a VHT 2/90/2?

 

[guitarslinger]

I LOVE Marshall Power amps.

Really Gene? I know you've had one in the past. What do you think?....9200 with 5881's or a VHT 2/90/2?

I had a 9100, loaded with JJ 6L6's. So loud, and punchy. It was like a sledgehammer. LOVED it.

FWIW, I HATED it with 5881's. Seriously, it was like night and day with the darker JJ tubes.

 

[droptrd]

The Randalls are cool too

 

[rlord1974]

I had a 9100, loaded with JJ 6L6's. So loud, and punchy. It was like a sledgehammer. LOVED it. FWIW, I HATED it with 5881's. Seriously, it was like night and day with the darker JJ tubes.

Really? Did you every try it with Mesa 6L6GCs? I love those tubes - they have consistently been reliable for me over the past 15/16 years.....

What kind of music were you using it for?

Thx

 

[guitarslinger]

I had a 9100, loaded with JJ 6L6's. So loud, and punchy. It was like a sledgehammer. LOVED it. FWIW, I HATED it with 5881's. Seriously, it was like night and day with the darker JJ tubes.

Really? Did you every try it with Mesa 6L6GCs? I love those tubes - they have consistently been reliable for me over the past 15/16 years.....

What kind of music were you using it for?

Thx

The Mesa 6L6GC is something relabeled. Is it Russian, Chinese, or Czech?

I played hair metal to the max. Even without EL34's, the 9100 was Marshally as heeeellll.

 

[Roland]

Marshall EL34 hands down! I love that son of a bitch! Wooohooo!!! I've owned two in the past at different times. IMO, it depends alot on the pre amp you're going to use with it as well. I've never played the ENGL but some one mentioned the VHT 2/90/2, I find that power amp to be very sterile. On the other hand it's great for metal...not enough bounce for anything else because it's too tight.

To my USA forumites, the Peavey 120/120 kicks a lot of tits! It can be found kind of cheap and sounds huge!!! I got one for about $350, very worth the money! And, and it's a true stereo amp. I used one power amp to power two separate rigs; I've been broke and I have to supply my bitch ass, jobless, ungrateful lead guitarist with his amp as well. Sold it to one of the bands I've recorded and they used half for a Bass amp with DI, and the other side as a PA. Mexican Ingenuity at it's best!

 

[rlord1974]

The Mesa 6L6GC is something relabeled. Is it Russian, Chinese, or Czech?

I think they may have been all of the above at times over the past decade or so. I just believe that Mesa's tube testing and matching ensure they are only pushing decent tubes out the door.

Even without EL34's, the 9100 was Marshally as heeeellll.

I hear that. I already have the 9200 (with 5881's) and have been thinking I should "upgrade" to a VHT 2/90/2 or Mesa 2:90, although I am also not convinced these truly represent upgrades. Thoughts?

 

[rlord1974]

That's a real weak showing for vote count!

Help this fella out, RT'ers! Get yer votes in!

 

[Wayniac]

Not much help here -
I have the older ENGL 50/50 with EL34s and it kicks all kinds of a**! I think it is teh precursor to the one in your poll. It has just been sitting there in my SUS4 rack alone since I no longer have a rack rig.

Also like the Marshall and Mesa. Never heard a VHT in person, but they certainly have plenty of fans !

Good luck