Help me choose: 5153 mini or 5150 amp

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Marshallman

Marshallman

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Hey guys need your help decide what to do. I've got a friend offering me his mint 5150 half stack. The good old version from the 90s. Or I could buy a 5153 mini head for the same price. He's wanting $800 for his head and the 4x12. What should I do?!
 
I have and love my 5153 mini, but at that price for the head AND the cab, I'd be tempted to do that, TBH.
 
I like the feel and voicing of the IIIs much more than the 5150, but $800 may not be a great price, unless it's near mint. They go for 1G new. If the 5150 and cab are in good condition, then that's a pretty good price. Depends what you want it for I suppose.
 
For what I do the 5150III fits the bill because it's smoother and more versatile. However, I still feel the Peavey does the brootz a little better.
 
Like others have mentioned, I prefer the feel and voicing of the III WAY better than the 5150.
 
I have the 100 watt 5153, I played through the 50 watt version and that also sounded great. You could get the 5150 half stack for cheap and that also sounds good. If you got that you could save up and get some mods done to it later on and still have a great amp while you save up the money for mods if you want to go that route. I had a peavey 6505 modded after I had it a while and that amp just kicked ass. The 5153 is an awesome amp though. I am glad I purchased the amp even though it is expensive. I do not have any regrets. If you have a speaker cab all ready I might go with the 5153 50 watt. I am just saying that because I prefer the 5153 over the stock 5150.
 
I still get a smile on my face evey time I turn my Mini on!!!!! Great amp :thumbsup:
 
Yes I currently play in a classic rock band and use my Egnater Renegade for that. But this is a new project/band where we play hard rock stuff that you hear on Octane. Anything from Godsmack, Live, Pillar to Creed, Alterbridge and Disturbed to name a few. See my thought at first was to go with the 5153 mini and the 2x12 cab that Trace at Voodoo amps builds but then my friend threw that offer at me for his half stack. But what I'm hearing here is a consensus on the 5153 mini which I read nothing but great things about.
 
If you need a clean channel, make sure you are aware of the clean channel volume drop on the 5150 III 50W...
 
IndyWS6":1bmstuc4 said:
If you need a clean channel, make sure you are aware of the clean channel volume drop on the 5150 III 50W...
Click to expand...
True, but I like the clean better than the PV's. I overcome the volume drop w/ an EQ pedal in the loop that is automatically set to engage with every clean patch that I hit on a midi floorboard. Saying that, I would consider the 5150III 100w if it isn't out of your budget and if size isn't an issue. Those can be had for just over a grand used nowadays. I like the 3 separate EQ channels and think it sounds a bit bigger. If you already have a cab than a used 100w would be cheaper than the 50w with the 2x12. The 100w sounds just as good at low volumes compared to the 50w, if not a bit better to my ears.
Good luck :rock:
 
nevusofota":1h9d5d6h said:
IndyWS6":1h9d5d6h said:
If you need a clean channel, make sure you are aware of the clean channel volume drop on the 5150 III 50W...
Click to expand...
True, but I like the clean better than the PV's. I overcome the volume drop w/ an EQ pedal in the loop that is automatically set to engage with every clean patch that I hit on a midi floorboard. Saying that, I would consider the 5150III 100w if it isn't out of your budget and if size isn't an issue. Those can be had for just over a grand used nowadays. I like the 3 separate EQ channels and think it sounds a bit bigger. If you already have a cab than a used 100w would be cheaper than the 50w with the 2x12. The 100w sounds just as good at low volumes compared to the 50w, if not a bit better to my ears.
Good luck :rock:
Click to expand...

this... i do the same thing with a midi set up... no volume drop anymore!!!

to me... i need an amp that is versatile(somewhat). i've owned every other 5150 as well and the iii just does it for me the most. i've never loved my tone more than when i use the iii
 
5150 half stack definitely worth $800. I'd go for that. But I'm biased. Flat out beast. But if you need more than one sound mini might be the ticket. Or just for bedroom jamming and what not, I'd definitely go for the mini
 
The original 5150 cabs only sell for around $200, less sometimes. So you're looking at paying about $600 for the head at the price your friend quoted you. Not bad, but I got my newish used 6505 head for $600, so maybe take that into consideration.

I think you will likely be happier with the 5150 III. For what you play, it's smoother and more compressed. Deep lowed chunk is easier to achieve at all volume levels too. Whereas the 5150 needs volume for that.
But if you don't have a cab, then you may as well just go with your buddies offer because that's a good setup too.
 
I happen to own both. sold the PV years ago. The 5150 III is simply better IMO in many respect, it has it's own unique voicing that's really gain friendly and amazing lead tones.
I would definitely go for the 5150 III, from what you described.
 
No matter how good a deal on whatever item, you should try to base your decision on what sounds the best to your ears. 5150 III sounds great (some say) - Peavey 5150 sounds great (some say), regardless if your essentially getting a free cab @ $800 for mini or 5150, you probably already have a cab, so the clear choice would not be bang for buck, but overall tone and your preference. Play both heads into your existing cab...maybe that helps. Good luck, probably can't lose either way - :rock:
 
Go with the mini. I've had the original and now I have the 100w III. My buddy has the 50w. I can tell you the III kills the original in every conceivable way. Yes, the original has more gain, but that gain isn't really usable after 7 or so. On the 3, you can dime the gain and it's still usable.
 
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