EVH 5150 III LBX Lunchbox Tube Amplifier Head

[Lampshade1973]

I just ordered one from sweetwater with my 450 credit...the 6505 mini is unreliable, as I mentioned I went through 2 of them in a couple of months...not for me anymore....

 

[BrentSSL]

Sexy

 

[PBGas]

I likes! Have to check out when arrives!

 

[the1984]

First EL84 based high-gain based amp I've EVER heard that I dig!!!

GAS

 

[Rdodson]

Thanks for posting a really thoughtful review. Thoroughly enjoyed, and it does sound like the HR25.

 

[guitarmike]

I never quite understood the whole lunch box amp thing. A good full sized 50/100 watt head should sound good at any volume level and give you the option to roar if desired. If you like the sound of el84 based amps, cool. To me, nothing beats a 100watt amp.

 

[Speeddemon]

First EL84 based high-gain based amp I've EVER heard that I dig!!!

I take it you've never heard or played the Engl Ironball then...

 

[Findthetone1]

First EL84 based high-gain based amp I've EVER heard that I dig!!!

GAS

Yeah, I've also had a difficult time with el84 high gain heads. They all have a flubby low end.
Until I found a Pink Taco (yeah, I heard what said )

 

[Detroit ABA]

Why are all of these low wattage heads always el 84 and it seems that is the one of the first things that puts people off. I know nothing about amp building so maybe someone can explain why they couldn't use a 5881 or 6V6?. Also, at bedroom volumes do you think it matters what power tubes are used?

 

[PBGas]

I never quite understood the whole lunch box amp thing. A good full sized 50/100 watt head should sound good at any volume level and give you the option to roar if desired. If you like the sound of el84 based amps, cool. To me, nothing beats a 100watt amp.

Agreed! For some folks though, space is an issue. This with a little 1x12 takes up a whole lot less room than a 4x12 head and cab.

 

[Speeddemon]

First EL84 based high-gain based amp I've EVER heard that I dig!!!

GAS

Yeah, I've also had a difficult time with el84 high gain heads. They all have a flubby low end.

Another one that hasn't played the Engl Ironball.

 

[Findthetone1]

First EL84 based high-gain based amp I've EVER heard that I dig!!!

GAS

Yeah, I've also had a difficult time with el84 high gain heads. They all have a flubby low end.

Another one that hasn't played the Engl Ironball.

We get it, you like the Ironball. And quite the contrary, I HAVE played one and yes they are really great amps. As a matter of fact when I walked into GC a couple of weeks ago I had full intention of walking out with the Ironball. I play a lot of mid gain bluesy rock and the Ironball didn't have that in it that I liked. Plus there was just something about the Freidman I couldn't walk away from. I really like the single channel idea right now and getting better working my guitars volume. I still see an Ironball ending up in my basement eventually though.

 

[Speeddemon]

Fair enough, but you can imagine my brashness when I read statements like 'they ALL have flubby low-end", right?
I believe I read some technical blurb about the Ironball somewhere, how it has a filter internally to cut low-end below 85 or 90Hz, to help retain the tightness.
Not to mention, I run the Bass knob of mine at 3 o' clock most of the time, on a 2x12 or 1x12. Only on 4x12's, I can severely dial it down.
Regarding a good blues rock tone; keep the Drive channel's gain around 9 o'clock and you should be fine.

 

[charvelstrat81]

$700 new? I paid $650 for a MINT 50 watter still in box!

 

[Detroit ABA]

It would be interesting to hear how the LBX sounds vs. the 50 watt combo with the power scaling feature?

 

[shreder75]

These amps do have gain knobs. Blue too high gain? Roll it back to noon, then switch to the neck pickup and roll down the volume on your guitar for a nice clean. When trying out my 50 watt at guitar center before buying I noticed that, unlike the 6505, the gain on red doesn't get out of control all that quickly. In fact, i found most of it usable, depending on what you are looking to do. Keeping red at around 11:00 has been perfect; not too much gain , but more compression than you get with blue. It's an entirely different kind of flying if you don't dig the compression.

All that being said, I find the price tag to be a little on the high side.

 

[sixty-niner]

if it was 499 I would be buying it right now.

 

[Mailman1971]

These amps do have gain knobs. Blue too high gain? Roll it back to noon....

Hey.....hey....HEY!!
Lets not get crazy talking here.


Some people say the same with the Stealth that its too much gain.
I just dial it back a bit. Problem solved.

 

[shreder75]

These amps do have gain knobs. Blue too high gain? Roll it back to noon....

Hey.....hey....HEY!!
Lets not get crazy talking here.


Some people say the same with the Stealth that its too much gain.
I just dial it back a bit. Problem solved.

Is this a no logic zone?

An amp can never have too much gain! But said gain can be voiced in a way one doesn't like. That's an argument I can understand. You with me, bro?

 

[Mailman1971]

These amps do have gain knobs. Blue too high gain? Roll it back to noon....

Hey.....hey....HEY!!
Lets not get crazy talking here.


Some people say the same with the Stealth that its too much gain.
I just dial it back a bit. Problem solved.

Is this a no logic zone?

An amp can never have too much gain! But said gain can be voiced in a way one doesn't like. That's an argument I can understand. You with me, bro?

Oh yeah....feeling you loud and clear...and in public.
Voice will do it. I dont like the way VHT amps are voiced. Heavy gain....light gain....just not for me.