Mesa Mark V25, Power Amp Sims or Load Box?

[McLeanAB]

Whoo! I am loving this Mesa Mark V25... really just a treat to play... the cleans are fantastic, the Mark IV mode really changes how I play compared to the Xtreme mode... so much fun... max the gain on the Crunch channel along with the Mids and it's like a fourth gain channel. Absolutely sick...

Currently running with the speaker off (internal load engaged), effect send out to a lovely little NUX Solid Studio using a Celestion Alnico Cream IR (I have the real things in my ISP Technologies Theta Combo and Vector 2x12) and the NUX's EL34 Power Amp Sim. Really digging the sounds and will record soon...

However, how accurate are power amp sims compared to the real thing? For instance, if I shell up the bucks to get a really good reactive load box, and run it with the actual speaker outs so I can use the real on board power amp and all it does to shape the sound, will it be THAT much better than the NUX's power amp sim?

Any and all thoughts... it sounds pretty damn good right now, I just feel like I'm not hearing the possibilities by really getting the actual power amp...

Let me know your thoughts/anecdotes/experiences, please!

Thanks!

 

[bhuard75]

Ive been running my amps for the last six years through two notes load box products and celestions IRs exclusively and out through Friedman powered monitors. Never been happier. I recently got a JP2C so fun to play. I think no matter which way you go, you should see what that power amp section has to offer.

EDIT:: Cant wait to hear what you record. Something dark please, I still go back and listen to that Jake E. Lee inspired clip you put up! I agree the Mark cleans are nuts and are almost to die for.