If you're looking for budget amp, PRS MT-15 is the way to go

[nightlight]

I really think this thing can hang with the 100-watters in my room. Just so much aggression in such a tiny package. Going with 6L6s is a good call, completely smokes the Mark V:25 I used to own and gives the Archon:25 and Kraken that I also had at one point of time a run for their money.

It's also relatively cheap, I can't imagine anyone looking for a high gain amp with a budget around $500 would consider anything else. There are just three used ones for sale on Reverb right now, which I think is a strong sign.

I recorded my MT-15 earlier today, was surprised at how ballsy and big it sounds, like it could hang with my 100-watters in a mix. Nice low end, a slightly stiff tone, and plenty of aggression.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/B_e0xdYnQrr/

 

[Markedman]

Sounds great!

 

[Mailman1971]

Yes. Buddy brought his over. We hooked it up to my stack. Thing was great!!!
Loud. Clear.
But plugged in the 100 archon of course it was better. Headroom. Girth etc. tone was damn near the same.
but that 15 watter crushes.

 

[Beyond Black]

Great sounding little amp. I had one and liked it a lot. Stellar tone, but in a live setting, a 50 or 100 watt with devour it. I would buy a used 5150 III for a little more. The EVH will sound just as good at low volumes, and eat it alive at band volumes.

 

[Meeotch]

Eagerly awaiting the MT-100! Never played the 15 but Mark recognizes the poor MV taper and will be fixing that in the 100 watter. Not many more details on it at this point. Anyhow I've heard great things about the MT-15, and yes killer value!

 

[jabps]

Eagerly awaiting the MT-100! Never played the 15 but Mark recognizes the poor MV taper and will be fixing that in the 100 watter. Not many more details on it at this point. Anyhow I've heard great things about the MT-15, and yes killer value!

Yep, for such a fantastic item that has been a great seller, you wonder why not just fix the taper? Same thing with the old original 5150's, just fix the volume taper. Those amps were unusable at low settings because it was just fiz then bam, too much. IDK, I'm obviously not a tech so what do I know but it seems like a simple fix.

 

[ErikT]

Eagerly awaiting the MT-100! Never played the 15 but Mark recognizes the poor MV taper and will be fixing that in the 100 watter. Not many more details on it at this point. Anyhow I've heard great things about the MT-15, and yes killer value!

Whoa, didn't even know they were doing a 100 watt head, that's awesome news! Looking forward to that, the 15 crushes.

 

[errrrrl]

I still got my MT15. I don't use it much but when I do it fkn rocks and is great on your back!

 

[bubbastain]

I got a MT-15 when they first came out. Awesome amp for sure. I only sold it to fund some other things, but I have come close to buying another one on a few occasions. Really a killer amp.