Miniamps Randall rd5 vs rd1 rd20 vs Peavey 6505 Mini

[Vin Diezel]

Do you have experience with any of these?

On yt there are a few clips that sound decent.
I'm leaning towards the RD5 somehow, butt the 20 seems also good.

Then there is also the Career Felleretta which is a bit more vintagey.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bw0wUFswm2Q

What do you think?

 

[Detroit1973]

i've been down the same path & i decided on the EVH Lbx. I haven't bought mine yet since i'm going on vacation soon and i wanted to wait until i come back so i can have the amp shipped to my office.

 

[napalmdeath]

What's your ultimate goal, low volume, or cheap? I've had all you list, as well as the LBX mentioned. The LBX sucks for low volume.

I find higher watts with an exceptional volume taper is the way to go. Like the 50 watt EVH. I'd take that over any lunchbox, any day, and better tone at quieter volumes than the LBX, the 6505MH, and the Randall. Plus, you need an EQ in the loop to get any bottom end.

 

[Rex Rocker]

I used to have the Randall RD5 combo (which I later had turned into a head) and RD1 head. The RD1 was far better at low volumes. The RD5 was pretty fizzy until you got it cranking, and by that time, it wasn't all that bedroom friendly. Not LOUD, but louder than TV levels for sure. Honestly, the RD5 was kind of harsh in general.

I'd stay away from the combos, personally. The speakers they put in them blow balls, and the cabinets they put them in are pretty terrible too. The head versions sound much better through a decent 1x12 of your choice.

I disagree about "needing an EQ in the loop to get any bottom end", but maybe that's just me. I found they had plenty.

FWIW, I ended up selling both the Randalls and got a Marshall DSL1. It doesn't really sound better than the Randall RD1, but it doesn't sound any worse either, and it has a dedicated clean channel, a full BMT tone stack, and high and low power modes. At full power, it's almost as loud as the RD5 anyway (even if it's only 1W), and at low power, it's quieter than the RD1.

 

[Vin Diezel]

The Marshall would interest me as well. I don't need much bass. I've found I turn the deep on my D120 and vh4 down actually when I use a 4x12.

 

[Rex Rocker]

Well the Randall RD1 is more plug-and-play. It sounds mean with very minimal tweaking.

The Marshall has more tweakability, but it's a bit stuffy in the low mids. Nothing some tweaking and some tube swapping wouldn't fix, though.

Both sound particularly great through a 4x12.

 

[GJgo]

I've had the RD1 and the RD20. IMO the 1 was just... too quiet. The 20 was actually a really solid amp. The 5 however is a Class A amp, that could be really cool.

That said, if you have a grand get a used Mark Five 25. That amp KILLS. 10w triode or 25w pentode.

 

[D-Rock]

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