Lunchbox amps

[ChadVanHalen]

So I recently sold an Orange Micro Terror I had as a backup for shows/bringing to rehearsals if either of the 100ws were down or I was too lazy to drag them to the rehearsal space. Main reasons were the lack of FX loop, the power source wasn't an IEC (made it inconvenient to need a separate power supply for the back up) and just barely not enough gain. Had to push my TS just a little more to get it where I wanted.

So I've been meaning to replace it with it's bigger brother the Dark Terror but, like I always do when making a purchase, I started looking at a whole bunch of different little lunchbox amps. I have it down, I think, to 4 and asking y'all's opinions. I have a friend that works at MF and she can get me pretty decent discounts on them... The Dark Terror for $412, the Jim Root Dark Terror for $450, the EVH 5153 for $510 and the 6505MH for $318.

Now, just based on price alone the 6505 seems to win... Is there any reason I should opt for the 5153 or the Oranges outside the fact in one of my bands I use a 100w 5153? I play 80's-y metal, maybe a little heavier, clean channel not required (but doesn't hurt). As a not main amp is there any advantage to the more expensive, Mexican made with less "features" 5153 over the China made 6505? Both have more gain than I'd likely use

 

[ElectricVoodoo]

Just the other day, yesterday I think, a member posted how he picked up the 5153 and loved it. In the same thread it was also stated how they felt the 5153 sounded better than the Friedman PT. I've heard nothing but great things about it. I have heard a handful of negatives regarding the 6505 mini.

I own the 5153 50 watt and love it. I'm sure the mini kicks ass too !

 

[Riffraff]

My lunch box is OLD AF.

'51 Stromberg Carlson

 

[godgrinder]

If the Micro Terror was loud enough for you, check out the new Micro Dark, it has an fx loop and more gain.

Peavey is doing something similar too:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAbP7GyT7Q4

 

[ChadVanHalen]

If the Micro Terror was loud enough for you, check out the new Micro Dark, it has an fx loop and more gain.

Peavey is doing something similar too:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAbP7GyT7Q4

I did see Peavey came out with that Piranha which is like a micro 6505... But that and the Micro Dark (which I also looked at) has the problem of needing a separate power supply, which for backup purposes being able to pull it out and just put it on top of my amp and just plug everything from the down amp into the little backup is what I'm wanting, as cool has being able to put them in my gig bag real simple is. I know the smaller 15v power input saves space but not having an IEC power input is the reason I'm not down for a Micro Dark sadly

I've seen Charvelstrat81's 5153 thread and I'm glad he loves the thing but not sure if it's worth an extra hundred or two compared to the 6505... What were the negatives you heard about the 6505? China QC compared to the EVH Mexico factory?

 

[Lampshade1973]

Chad, just a heads up I had 2 6505 minis that broke down on me, each within a few weeks, my 5150 LBX is going strong, also you cant tell from the videos but the 6505 mini seems to break down sonically as you push it and give it some volume, the 5150 LBX gets nastier and sounds better pushed like a tube amp, I know it doesn't have a clean channel but it sounds way better, the 6505 was OK but the LBX rips...

 

[ChadVanHalen]

Chad, just a heads up I had 2 6505 minis that broke down on me, each within a few weeks, my 5150 LBX is going strong, also you cant tell from the videos but the 6505 mini seems to break down sonically as you push it and give it some volume, the 5150 LBX gets nastier and sounds better pushed like a tube amp, I know it doesn't have a clean channel but it sounds way better, the 6505 was OK but the LBX rips...

Ah... Fine product of the People's Republic of China I see... I can do without a clean, that's what the volume knob and chorus is for

Alright, so I guess I'll be owning a 5153 LBX soon to compliment my 100w 5153, and hey $500 ain't too bad

Unless anyone knows some sort of device that can go between the IEC cable and a Micro's 15v input then that'd throw a wrench in this whole thing

 

[godgrinder]

Unless anyone knows some sort of device that can go between the IEC cable and a Micro's 15v input then that'd throw a wrench in this whole thing

Doesn't the Micro Terror power supply come in 2 parts? A standard IEC cord that goes into a 15v transformer.
You can tape the transformer part to the head.

 

[ChadVanHalen]

Unless anyone knows some sort of device that can go between the IEC cable and a Micro's 15v input then that'd throw a wrench in this whole thing

Doesn't the Micro Terror power supply come in 2 parts? A standard IEC cord that goes into a 15v transformer.
You can tape the transformer part to the head.

I'm trying to remember what the power supply the Micro Terror had... I don't think the end was IEC, but my bassist bought it, I'll take a look at it next time I'm over there. Maybe the Micro Dark's does