JJ Jr. or PRS MT15?

[maddnotez]

I am getting close to being able to make my purchase. Since the first NAMM video I wanted the JJ and the more I have heard from it the better it got, it just rips.

Since I have had a lot of time to debate I am sort of considering the PRS, mostly because of the price tag but it still seems pretty damn good but I cannot find any videos comparing the 2 side by side.

Listening separately I much prefer the JJ tone but the PRS isnt bad at all. The JJ seems much cleaner which I like but also just makes me say DAMN...Where as the PRS vids I have found are really good.

Do you all think the JJ is worth the extra $850?

What are some of the best YT vids you have seen from the 2?

 

[fek]

I say JJ because I want one badly! Most likely will pick one up on the used market as soon as they start landing in that area.

Having not played either, I agree that the clips of the JJ seem more up my alley but the MT15 sounds pretty good to me as well.

 

[Junk Yard Dog]

I've got my share of Friedmans, so I love them, but I've played that PRS MT15 and it's a RIPPER. If you can mod the FX loop (it kinda sucks) and maybe the master volume for a better taper (more amps are coming with good MVs), it would be a HUGE winner. It really only does Clean and MEAN, tho. Not great 'classic' tones. It's a beast. Those mods would still put it under the $850 more.

That said, I think the JJ JR. appears to be tremendous value and maybe the better overall purchase. All depends on what you lik, need, and can afford, though.

 

[acidvoodoo]

but I cannot find any videos comparing the 2 side by side.

Your in luck, this was posted the other day. Not a full on comparison but both amps can be heard!

 

[GOHOINC]

Is there any comparison used to say that one is better than the other where Cantrell loses to Tremonti?

I think not.

 

[dpeterson]

worth the extra 850? no. I think all of the Friedman stuff prices are bloated.

 

[nightflameauto]

I like the MT15 plenty, but if you like the JJ tone better, I'd say hold out and go that route. They're different tones, for sure, and you won't be happy if you compromise.

Or you'll just end up owning both at some point down the line.

 

[acidvoodoo]

Is there any comparison used to say that one is better than the other where Cantrell loses to Tremonti?

Hell NO!

 

[maddnotez]

I like the MT15 plenty, but if you like the JJ tone better, I'd say hold out and go that route. They're different tones, for sure, and you won't be happy if you compromise.

Or you'll just end up owning both at some point down the line.

So true. I thought damn Ill just buy the PRS now and then get the JJ later but I don't need or want 2 amps.

They both sound good but the JJ clips make me say fuck yesssss It is just a cleaner sounding gain to me which I prefer.

 

[skullfxr]

Splawn Supersport is a good option. In the middle of the price range.

Two channels, nice from cleans to screams. Good footswitchable gain options. Built like a tank.

I have had mine for a while and it's a beast.

 

[MetalHeadMike]

I just grabbed a JJ Jr. last week and it absolutely rips. It gets very tight/punchy and can be set to have a very "clean" gain structure with the amps gain around 10 o'clock and boosted with a good OD.Or it can get very saturated/compressed with gain noon and beyond. I like hitting it with the Duncan 805 and gain down quite a bit...very raw/clean gain structure that way.

To get the goods it still needs to be cranked up pretty loud IMHO... like all tube amps. Not that it sounds bad at low volume mind you, but cranked up...it's a beast & it gets LOUD LOUD LOUD! A lot of punch and grind. I play it through a 412 and a 2x12 together and it will rattle the house.

I've been having so much fun just chugging metal riffs on JBE mode I haven't even ventured into classic rock territory with the switch flipped the other way. I know it sounds amazing for classic rock though because I demoed it on 3 separate occasions at the store with an Anderson, a Suhr, and numerous LPs. I need to try some pedals into the clean ch because straight in it's fairly clean until window shattering volumes where it finally starts to break up a bit...at least with the BK Rebel Yell loaded LP.

This is my 1st Friedman and have to say it's a hell of an amp regardless of the size/wattage/price. Not sure how long I'll keep it as I have a Wizard and well...they all seem to fall to the Wiz sooner or later. But for now it's staying put and IMHO it's a great great amp.

Never played the PRS, so no help there

 

[romanianreaper]

These situations are always so tough, especially when you like both things you are comparing.

I always try to compare features as much as I can but in the end it comes down to what tones I'm digging the most. I'm a modded Marshall guy anyway and love the Friedman tone, so going with the JJ. Jr. was an easy decision for me, especially because if money was not an option, I'd get the BE 50 DLX. The JJ Jr. allows me to get the Friedman tone for much less. Basically allows me to buy a tube amp that I normally wouldn't buy because it would be too much for my personal budget.

I checked out a vid of the MT 15 and looked like an awesome amp! There were a few things that blew me away like the bias points on the back of the amp so you don't have to mess around inside. In one review the guy said that 15 watter is almost as loud as his bigger amp heads!

As others have mentioned, it really comes down to what tones you like because they are different. I'm Friedman all the way and like being able to do everything from hair metal tones to the AIC stuff. The MT 15 is a different type of heavy. Both great amps and can't go wrong with either. Like someone said above though, get what you want because if you don't you will end up getting it eventually.

 

[sleewell2]

Prices aren't even close. You are comparing a Ford to a Ferrari.

 

[errrrrl]

I like my MT15. But I love my Friedmans. I don't have a JJ Jr but did have a PT20 which got very loud. The MT15 is also loud AF. It is in no way a 15w amp. I just took it practice last week and it held up nicely and sounded great. I don't think I would compare getting a MT15 vs a Friedman though. I think I'd compare the MT15 to a 5153 or something imho. If you got the cash I'd go Friedman for sure.

 

[311boogieman]

You need to get the JJ because I want to try it

 

[Racerxrated]

Seems to me that they are 2 very different tones; MT is like a modded Recto and JJ is a modded Marshall. Pretty simple solution really..you'll have to buy both for the variety.
I have 2 amps atm. Mesa 2C+ Coliseum, and an 82 2204. Two very different tones, but easily justified to own.

 

[shred-o-holic]

I've got my share of Friedmans, so I love them, but I've played that PRS MT15 and it's a RIPPER. If you can mod the FX loop (it kinda sucks) and maybe the master volume for a better taper (more amps are coming with good MVs), it would be a HUGE winner. It really only does Clean and MEAN, tho. Not great 'classic' tones. It's a beast. Those mods would still put it under the $850 more.

That said, I think the JJ JR. appears to be tremendous value and maybe the better overall purchase. All depends on what you lik, need, and can afford, though.

Mod the loop how? For the humming issue? I love my Tremonti it's ridiculously great for the used price I got it for. The hum issue is a bit annoying which didn't show up for a couple months until after I had purchased. It's not that prevalent with some simple rigs/ speakers but with some it's annoying. It's an amazing sounding amp with the correct setup. I'm sure the JJ owns but the Tremonti is fun in a modded Recto sort of way and it is LOUD sounds HUGE!

 

[maddnotez]

I just grabbed a JJ Jr. last week and it absolutely rips. It gets very tight/punchy and can be set to have a very "clean" gain structure with the amps gain around 10 o'clock and boosted with a good OD.Or it can get very saturated/compressed with gain noon and beyond. I like hitting it with the Duncan 805 and gain down quite a bit...very raw/clean gain structure that way.

To get the goods it still needs to be cranked up pretty loud IMHO... like all tube amps. Not that it sounds bad at low volume mind you, but cranked up...it's a beast & it gets LOUD LOUD LOUD! A lot of punch and grind. I play it through a 412 and a 2x12 together and it will rattle the house.

I've been having so much fun just chugging metal riffs on JBE mode I haven't even ventured into classic rock territory with the switch flipped the other way. I know it sounds amazing for classic rock though because I demoed it on 3 separate occasions at the store with an Anderson, a Suhr, and numerous LPs. I need to try some pedals into the clean ch because straight in it's fairly clean until window shattering volumes where it finally starts to break up a bit...at least with the BK Rebel Yell loaded LP.

This is my 1st Friedman and have to say it's a hell of an amp regardless of the size/wattage/price. Not sure how long I'll keep it as I have a Wizard and well...they all seem to fall to the Wiz sooner or later. But for now it's staying put and IMHO it's a great great amp.

Never played the PRS, so no help there

Thanks for that insight, it is helpful.

 

[maddnotez]

You need to get the JJ because I want to try it

am down. Getting close to ready. Just a couple more payments on my card.

 

[Dimebag11]

I just got the JJ Jr and think it’s awesome! It made me sell my Engl Ironball (also a great amp). I have a PRS Mt15 otw, so I’ll reply again once I get to compare them.