EVH stealth ?

[splatter]

I'm considering possibly picking one of these up and I don't know where I can find one to try.
I've had the 50 watt and IMO it is probably the best bang for the buck at $999.
The thing I didn't like about the 50 watt is IMO the 3rd channel is just way over the top so much so that I couldn't see a time when I would switch from channel 2 to 3 mid-song. So IMO it was basically just a waste. I could get more than enough gain from channel 2 and the voicing of channel 3 just wasn't pleasant to my ears.

So I guess what I'm asking is. Is the 100 watt stealth like this also. Or do you find all 3 channels usable ?

I would like to here the pros and cons from those that own or have owned them

 

[Racerxrated]

I'm considering possibly picking one of these up and I don't know where I can find one to try.
I've had the 50 watt and IMO it is probably the best bang for the buck at $999.
The thing I didn't like about the 50 watt is IMO the 3rd channel is just way over the top so much so that I couldn't see a time when I would switch from channel 2 to 3 mid-song. So IMO it was basically just a waste. I could get more than enough gain from channel 2 and the voicing of channel 3 just wasn't pleasant to my ears.

So I guess what I'm asking is. Is the 100 watt stealth like this also. Or do you find all 3 channels usable ?

I would like to here the pros and cons from those that own or have owned them

There's more clarity to the Stealth, articulation...but the channels are voiced pretty similarly. 6L6 version. Haven't played the EL34 version. I thought the Red channel, if you dialed the gain way back was usable. Reminded me of a buddy's Bogner Ecstacy. But not quite as good.

 

[fusedbrain]

I had a 6l6 stealth for a while. Still own an original 6l6 100watt.
The Stealth was the most over the top gained out amp I've ever played. The blue channel was over the top and the red channel was even more insane. Only amp I've owned where you HAD to use a noise gate to kill the feedback. I thought the amp actually sounded great tone-wise, but found the original version more controllable.
YMMV....
Definitely try before you buy.

 

[rm5153]

I owned the 6L6 Stealth and currently have a EL34 50 watt. The Stealth has CRAZY amount of gain on tap that is for sure.....way too much for me personally. Clean channel was ok and could be used as another gain channel if needed with everything dimed. I found that on the EL34 the blue channel doesn't have nearly as much gain anymore and allows me to boost where I need to be with a boost pedal. Red channel on the EL34 still has an insane amount of gain just like the Stealth. EL34 version is definitely more punchier as the Stealth is smoother sounding. Lots of gain on both and lots of compression going on. The Stealth and the EL34 versions seem to me to be 2 Dimensional in sound whereas my Friedman BE100 Deluxe or my Bogner Helios seem to be more rounded and 3D sounding.

 

[Kagami]

I have both the 50 W and Stealth 6L6 models right now and haven't played the original 100 or EL34 models. If you thought the 50 Watt had too much gain then you won't like the stealth model it has way more gain and basically 2 channel 3s from the 50. You can even play metal on the green channel if you boost it and 9 o'clock on the gain channels is about as high as you'd probably go. There is a difference from channel 2 and 3 but it is much smaller than on my 50 Watt model. The stealth has a cleaner more compressed sound so I guess if you want that it may be worthwhile to try it out ? (less "hair"?) From your post I don't think you'd like it.

 

[jabps]

To add to the OP's question.

Overall what is everyone's favorite "Fender" EVH version. There are some many variants now, what is everyone's choice? I know I liked the original alot as it reminded of the Peavey 5150's, just more usable at lower volumes.

 

[DeathbyButterslax]

Great amps, I really like the voicing and how tight they are for metal. My favourite of all the 5150s (excluding the block letter)

 

[fearhk213]

I have the 6L6 Stealth and really dig it. They definitely have tons of saturated gain, particularly the red channel, but I find both the blue and red channels usable.

I can't comment on the 50 watt EL34, but I have no issues going between the blue & red channels on the 6L6 stealth. Now if you set the blue channel to the lightest crunch it can do and then switched to the red channel for leads, that could be a bit of a drastic change because that channel has that "always on" quality about it. But over all, I don't find the tone or gain differences between the two gain channel problematic when switching between them.

 

[napalmdeath]

I think you're stuck with red channel insanity, no matter which EVH you buy. Biggest reason I dont own one, (and won't). I never found it useable, no matter what tubes I popped in. No thank you.

I can't believe they haven't addressed it. It's completely ludicrous how much gain is there, and at 9:00 to boot. Goes from thin to stupid.

Blue channel, I loved on all models. I lived on blue for rhythms and lead, I never used red - absolutely loathed it.

If I HAD to have a three channel amp, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another JSX. For now, I've really bonded with the Splawn Competition.

 

[rm5153]

I think you're stuck with red channel insanity, no matter which EVH you buy. Biggest reason I dont own one, (and won't). I never found it useable, no matter what tubes I popped in. No thank you.

I can't believe they haven't addressed it. It's completely ludicrous how much gain is there, and at 9:00 to boot. Goes from thin to stupid.

Blue channel, I loved on all models. I lived on blue for rhythms and lead, I never used red - absolutely loathed it.

If I HAD to have a three channel amp, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another JSX. For now, I've really bonded with the Splawn Competition.

This.....amen brother

 

[Meeotch]

I've heard rumors of a new EVH head for NAMM this year so I'd say wait another week!

As for the 50w 6L6 channel 3, I love it! Yeah just keep the gain dialed back but effortless tight, saturated metal tones at any volume. Just wish the cleans were better but thats why I have an Archon!

 

[napalmdeath]

I've heard rumors of a new EVH head for NAMM this year so I'd say wait another week!

As for the 50w 6L6 channel 3, I love it! Yeah just keep the gain dialed back but effortless tight, saturated metal tones at any volume. Just wish the cleans were better but thats why I have an Archon!

I'd say you're right.. New 50 watt Stealth.

http://www.evhgear.com/gear/amps/5150ii ... lack-120v/