NAD - Mesa Boogie Mark III Red Stripe

[ultimatemetalguitartones]

I've actually got to compare my III RS to a IIC+ RI and they are different in the highs and lower mids. The overall sound is not worlds apart like some like to claim to keep the value of their OG IIC+ up but the difference is there and noticeable. I myself prefer the brash and aggessive nature of the III but the IIC+ is so nice and clear. I get the praise and appeal of them now that I've been so curious about for over a decade. Thats even if the RI is as deadnuts or ultra close as owners of both have claimed so take my thoughts for whatever they're worth.

Agreed! I had 2 OG 2C+s, one being an SRGX (crunch and aggressive as fuck) and the other one being a HRX (new caps + EQ faceplate added) and IMO they were better for lead stuff. If one is into heavier and more aggressive - maybe thrash and death metal - the Mark III is the one to get.
Fun fact - this is a mesa boogie mark III (red stripe IIRC) -

The story goes that Kirk lent Lee Altus his amp (check at 45:00 - 47:00)