Diffrences Between Boogie Mark III and 50 Caliber plus

[eternal_idol]

I'm interested in this style amp, I am wondering if and one can compair the two.

I am more familir with the Mark III.

going to be using V30s and H30s

 

[Neeklaus]

i played a 50 caliber + one time, if you can imagine a slightly gainier Rhythm 2 of the Mark III that's about where the Lead channel of the 50 Cal+ sounded to me. I wouldn't say it's a metal monster but it could easily be pushed into metal territory with a boost or some strong pick ups I'd imagine. Can;t comment on the clean channel...spent about 30 seconds on it.
Unfortunately my experience will forever be tarnished because immediately after playing the 50 Cal+ I played my 1st mark IV....so even though the 50 cal+ is a completely satisfactory amp- it's no Mark IV (or any Mark series amp).

 

[eternal_idol]

I can't remember if i spent much time on R2 one got a nice mid gain overdrive at mid gains settings..

Could it handle 80's metal without a boost?

 

[Neeklaus]

in my opinion, yes but I'll admit that I'm not really familiar with what people consider "good" and "bad" 80s tone. With the exception of the heavier (more mid scooped sounds) of the 80s- your metallicas/slayers/etc, I think the 50+ cal should handle 80s sounds pretty easily. If you're looking for processed/compressed sounds look else where...it's fairly open sounding and feeling.

 

[steve_k]

Not even in the same league.

50 cal is a toy compared to the Mk3. With the Mk3, the preamp gain stacking, big transformer, and simuclass circuity, graphic EQ, it will run circles around the 50 cal. The 50 cal may make a good bedroom amp, but that's about it.

Steve

 

[eternal_idol]

Not even in the same league.

50 cal is a toy compared to the Mk3. With the Mk3, the preamp gain stacking, big transformer, and simuclass circuity, graphic EQ, it will run circles around the 50 cal. The 50 cal may make a good bedroom amp, but that's about it.

Steve

I havn't compaired schematics yet, And the .50+ does have eq.

If i snag one i think i might use the transformers from my dead rectifier, and a get a few mods done.

In theory, The control Layout is the same, so the potential to be similar is there.

P.S. the 1-2 year plan would be a tube head into a hotplate and then into a High power power amp.

In terms of gain. I can do what I need with a Renegade 65(60?) head with an od pedal. just they are more then i can afford at this moment of time.

 

[stratotone]

Not sure what Steve meant by 'preamp gain stacking' since damn near all the mark and caliber boogs are just cascased stages... but anyways, I always thought the 50+ amps sounded pretty cold and harsh. I always preferred the 50 cal (non plus 4xEL84) amps. Neither 50cal models had the gain a Mark III has though.

Pete

 

[eternal_idol]

thanks guys!