NAD: Wizard (100w) MCII with clip

[LunatiBSW]

Sounds great man! One of the better vids of the Wizard tone that I've heard that actually do it some justice with the heavies!

Thanks, much appreciated my friend.
In the room, as you know, it’s a whole other level of punch and 3D.

Awesome! Sounds killer, and that amp punches like none other, well maybe my C+ Coli would give it a good run.

Funny story, when I had the 100w MC I was only able to get to around 4-5 on the master. The light fixture fell partially apart....luckily the bed is underneath it so I was able to salvage it and repair the light...
After that 2-3 was enough..lol

Thanks buddy
They should have warning labels for your house with the 100w+ wiz’s.
Funny story!

Man that sounds thick, juicy, lean and mean all at the same time. Really like the percussive knock it has on the attack.
Congrats!

I was just thinkin the same thing. This amp checks all the boxes. It’s got this awesome tight grind.
With the most punch I’ve heard from an amp. My “left hand” is also providing a lot of the attack. I play 11-56 guage strings with 1.38 ultex Jazz iii picks.
That combo with the wizard exposes ALL flaws.
The wiz is climbing its way to one of the top amps for me.

So does it literally sound like a boosted marshall ? Sorry as i hear many comments stating the Wizards are like boosted Marshall, maybe with better more tighter lowend to it? Just wanna find out more on wizard as i am also very interested in getting one...

Honestly no, I’ve played quite a few vintage Marshall’s.
Granted I’m not a “vintage” player. The main similarities, to me, is more in the way it cuts (especially in a mix). No Marshall has ever touched the tight punch of the wizard.
The wiz does have a tighter lowend for sure though, but also more immediate thump, that will rattle your guts. While also being wide. Marshall’s boosted are very “narrow” to me.
Im pretty positive it’s cause he does a Hiwatt type power section. I noticed some of the Marshall’s I played had more of a nasal quality to them, which I don’t notice with the wiz.
I mean, you can’t expect to pay close to $5k new and it just sounds like a boosted Marshall.
I can see where guys get that from. Maybe the vintage classic series Rick does is more to that lineage?
I mean don’t get me wrong, it’s a british amp at the end of the day. But I’m no tech.

Haha, I think I know an ac/dc tune or two. I’ll get something the next time I can play at volume. I’ll play it with a standard tuned guitar- with a jb in the bridge

AC/DC and Metallica, please!

Those are the two bands that come to mind when I think of Wizard amps.

Well, and the Pretty Reckless too

Oh I got Metallica In the bag. Couldn’t even tell you who or what pretty reckless is though
I’ll pull out the standard tuned ESP with het emg’s For those talllica tunes though.

That is a wicked sounding amp. Damn!

This thing is straight up hellbent evil.

 

[Racerxrated]

So does it literally sound like a boosted marshall ? Sorry as i hear many comments stating the Wizards are like boosted Marshall, maybe with better more tighter lowend to it? Just wanna find out more on wizard as i am also very interested in getting one...

I would just add that it CAN resemble a modded Marshall, depending how you eq it, which year/transformer you have and what type of boost pedal you use. The older Wizards came with "C" transformers and were the most Marshall sounding. They really have their own thing going which has some HiWatt DNA as well, with extended TIGHT lows and highs. I did end up scoring a 2010 MCI with C transformers and it did have some Marshall in it; I put a boost in front that added more upper mids and it got even more similar to a modded Marshall. If you run it through a greenback cab it sounds even more Marshally...but then run it through a V30 cab and it gets more modern even with the same eq.
Transformers DO make a difference with these and guys that have multiple Wizards will tell you this...Lunati has a virtually brand new one and those transformers are different in the mids than the older versions.

 

[LunatiBSW]

So does it literally sound like a boosted marshall ? Sorry as i hear many comments stating the Wizards are like boosted Marshall, maybe with better more tighter lowend to it? Just wanna find out more on wizard as i am also very interested in getting one...

I would just add that it CAN resemble a modded Marshall, depending how you eq it, which year/transformer you have and what type of boost pedal you use. The older Wizards came with "C" transformers and were the most Marshall sounding. They really have their own thing going which has some HiWatt DNA as well, with extended TIGHT lows and highs. I did end up scoring a 2010 MCI with C transformers and it did have some Marshall in it; I put a boost in front that added more upper mids and it got even more similar to a modded Marshall. If you run it through a greenback cab it sounds even more Marshally...but then run it through a V30 cab and it gets more modern even with the same eq.
Transformers DO make a difference with these and guys that have multiple Wizards will tell you this...Lunati has a virtually brand new one and those transformers are different in the mids than the older versions.

This is what I’ve heard also about the trannies.
I was mainly comparing to this current MCII.
The 50 I had def had a diff vibe to it (more classic).
Not as modern sounding I guess you would say as this guy.
Which I def prefer the modern touch for metal, for my taste.
But dialed back, yes, I can nail ac/dc. After all, Rick was their tech forever.
But a boosted Marshall can’t get close to the wiz territory.
Also played a 50w MTL, it’s even farther away from the Marshall camp

 

[LPMojoGL]

That was fast shipping! Congrats, man. Sounds fantastic.


Edited to say:

This is what I’ve heard also about the trannies.
I was mainly comparing to this current MCII.
The 50 I had def had a diff vibe to it (more classic).
Not as modern sounding I guess you would say as this guy.
Which I def prefer the modern touch for metal, for my taste.
But dialed back, yes, I can nail ac/dc. After all, Rick was their tech forever.
But a boosted Marshall can’t get close to the wiz territory.
Also played a 50w MTL, it’s even farther away from the Marshall camp

I cranked the Mesa Rev F Dual Rec, Naylor Duel 100 and Wizard MC50 up yesterday, close to noon on the mv for each one. You could hear the 50w come into play on the Wizard as it got into the power tubes, where the two 100 watt amps started thumping hard. All of em were plenty loud. I can only imagine how hard your 100w Wizard hits.
The MC50 has some of that classic Marshall sound, but is def it's own thing. Not unlike a cranked Friedman SB50 at those volumes, but with maybe more articulation and bite.

 

[scottosan]

Okay time for another Ampfest. Life wouldn't be complete without stereo wizards

 

[Racerxrated]

So does it literally sound like a boosted marshall ? Sorry as i hear many comments stating the Wizards are like boosted Marshall, maybe with better more tighter lowend to it? Just wanna find out more on wizard as i am also very interested in getting one...

I would just add that it CAN resemble a modded Marshall, depending how you eq it, which year/transformer you have and what type of boost pedal you use. The older Wizards came with "C" transformers and were the most Marshall sounding. They really have their own thing going which has some HiWatt DNA as well, with extended TIGHT lows and highs. I did end up scoring a 2010 MCI with C transformers and it did have some Marshall in it; I put a boost in front that added more upper mids and it got even more similar to a modded Marshall. If you run it through a greenback cab it sounds even more Marshally...but then run it through a V30 cab and it gets more modern even with the same eq.
Transformers DO make a difference with these and guys that have multiple Wizards will tell you this...Lunati has a virtually brand new one and those transformers are different in the mids than the older versions.

This is what I’ve heard also about the trannies.
I was mainly comparing to this current MCII.
The 50 I had def had a diff vibe to it (more classic).
Not as modern sounding I guess you would say as this guy.
Which I def prefer the modern touch for metal, for my taste.
But dialed back, yes, I can nail ac/dc. After all, Rick was their tech forever.
But a boosted Marshall can’t get close to the wiz territory.
Also played a 50w MTL, it’s even farther away from the Marshall camp

Yup, my first Wizard was a 50w MTL, and it was very hard to make Marshally, didn't take any of my boost pedals well at all..it took away from the tone instead of adding. The Saturation is not switchable on the MTL I had, whereas the MCI I had it was. Leaving the boost off on the MC allowed it to gel with all my boost pedals.

 

[Wizard of Ozz]

So does it literally sound like a boosted marshall ? Sorry as i hear many comments stating the Wizards are like boosted Marshall, maybe with better more tighter lowend to it? Just wanna find out more on wizard as i am also very interested in getting one...

It sounds different than any boosted Marshall 2203/1959/Jubilee 2555 et al. It’s a bigger, thicker sound.

 

[Wizard of Ozz]

So does it literally sound like a boosted marshall ? Sorry as i hear many comments stating the Wizards are like boosted Marshall, maybe with better more tighter lowend to it? Just wanna find out more on wizard as i am also very interested in getting one...

I would just add that it CAN resemble a modded Marshall, depending how you eq it, which year/transformer you have and what type of boost pedal you use. The older Wizards came with "C" transformers and were the most Marshall sounding. They really have their own thing going which has some HiWatt DNA as well, with extended TIGHT lows and highs. I did end up scoring a 2010 MCI with C transformers and it did have some Marshall in it; I put a boost in front that added more upper mids and it got even more similar to a modded Marshall. If you run it through a greenback cab it sounds even more Marshally...but then run it through a V30 cab and it gets more modern even with the same eq.
Transformers DO make a difference with these and guys that have multiple Wizards will tell you this...Lunati has a virtually brand new one and those transformers are different in the mids than the older versions.

I’ve tried all the output transformer variants... and the C does sound a bit more classic Marshall... but it also sounds brighter, thinner, and more ragged and raspy when you turn up the volume.

I like the current V OT version most myself... as it holds together better at high volumes, and sounds more saturated and has a bigger thump to it. It does sound more “modern”... but that’s why I like it. If I was playing ‘60s-‘70s classic rock I’d have a different favorite.

 

[Racerxrated]

So does it literally sound like a boosted marshall ? Sorry as i hear many comments stating the Wizards are like boosted Marshall, maybe with better more tighter lowend to it? Just wanna find out more on wizard as i am also very interested in getting one...

I would just add that it CAN resemble a modded Marshall, depending how you eq it, which year/transformer you have and what type of boost pedal you use. The older Wizards came with "C" transformers and were the most Marshall sounding. They really have their own thing going which has some HiWatt DNA as well, with extended TIGHT lows and highs. I did end up scoring a 2010 MCI with C transformers and it did have some Marshall in it; I put a boost in front that added more upper mids and it got even more similar to a modded Marshall. If you run it through a greenback cab it sounds even more Marshally...but then run it through a V30 cab and it gets more modern even with the same eq.
Transformers DO make a difference with these and guys that have multiple Wizards will tell you this...Lunati has a virtually brand new one and those transformers are different in the mids than the older versions.

I’ve tried all the output transformer variants... and the C does sound a bit more classic Marshall... but it also sounds brighter, thinner, and more ragged and raspy when you turn up the volume.

I like the current V OT version most myself... as it holds together better at high volumes, and sounds more saturated and has a bigger thump to it. It does sound more “modern”... but that’s why I like it. If I was playing ‘60s-‘70s classic rock I’d have a different favorite.

Well, we all hear things differently but I'd hardly call my MCI experience "thin" lolol....no way no how. Haha that's really kinda funny...mine had enough low end to stay with ANY Mesa, was incredibly full sounding and I have had 2 Triples and now own a 2C+ Coliseum. Something must have been amiss with yours with the C trans, I don't dial a modern tone in, really ever and the way I dialed that MCI I STILL had enough tight low end to flatten herds of Buffalo. It was a 'raw' and 'open' tone vs the smoother (from what I've been told by guys who've had both) V transformer, which you might equate to ragged and raspy I guess...
Maybe your tubes were on their way out?

I'm sure we can agree that ALL Wizard amps are amazing tonal machines.

 

[Wizard of Ozz]

Well, we all hear things differently but I'd hardly call my MCI experience "thin" lolol....no way no how. Haha that's really kinda funny...mine had enough low end to stay with ANY Mesa,

I'm sure we can agree that ALL Wizard amps are amazing tonal machines.

I think you misunderstood me... I didn’t say it sounded thin by itself... but rather in comparison to the newer V OT. The V sounded thicker, more chunk to it, and more saturated. Not to say a C OT lacks these characteristics... but they are more prevalent with the V version.

Different horses for different courses and all... but Rick builds some fine amps to be sure.

 

[Racerxrated]

Well, we all hear things differently but I'd hardly call my MCI experience "thin" lolol....no way no how. Haha that's really kinda funny...mine had enough low end to stay with ANY Mesa,

I'm sure we can agree that ALL Wizard amps are amazing tonal machines.

I think you misunderstood me... I didn’t say it sounded thin by itself... but rather in comparison to the newer V OT. The V sounded thicker, more chunk to it, and more saturated. Not to say a C OT lacks these characteristics... but they are more prevalent with the V version.

Different horses for different courses and all... but Rick builds some fine amps to be sure.

No worries, I was shocked hearing "thin" and Wizard in the same sentence lol.....

 

[hopkinWFG]

So does it literally sound like a boosted marshall ? Sorry as i hear many comments stating the Wizards are like boosted Marshall, maybe with better more tighter lowend to it? Just wanna find out more on wizard as i am also very interested in getting one...

I would just add that it CAN resemble a modded Marshall, depending how you eq it, which year/transformer you have and what type of boost pedal you use. The older Wizards came with "C" transformers and were the most Marshall sounding. They really have their own thing going which has some HiWatt DNA as well, with extended TIGHT lows and highs. I did end up scoring a 2010 MCI with C transformers and it did have some Marshall in it; I put a boost in front that added more upper mids and it got even more similar to a modded Marshall. If you run it through a greenback cab it sounds even more Marshally...but then run it through a V30 cab and it gets more modern even with the same eq.
Transformers DO make a difference with these and guys that have multiple Wizards will tell you this...Lunati has a virtually brand new one and those transformers are different in the mids than the older versions.

Hi racerated... thx but does the C transformer has more openess wider spectrum of tones than the later V version ? I should be thinking of more low mids, lowend tighter than the C tranny MC2 with more focus tone to it?

And just wonder can anybody confirm that wizards all has unuversal 117V to 240 power tranny taps? Will anybody care to share on the color conversion from 117 to 240?

 

[Racerxrated]

So does it literally sound like a boosted marshall ? Sorry as i hear many comments stating the Wizards are like boosted Marshall, maybe with better more tighter lowend to it? Just wanna find out more on wizard as i am also very interested in getting one...

I would just add that it CAN resemble a modded Marshall, depending how you eq it, which year/transformer you have and what type of boost pedal you use. The older Wizards came with "C" transformers and were the most Marshall sounding. They really have their own thing going which has some HiWatt DNA as well, with extended TIGHT lows and highs. I did end up scoring a 2010 MCI with C transformers and it did have some Marshall in it; I put a boost in front that added more upper mids and it got even more similar to a modded Marshall. If you run it through a greenback cab it sounds even more Marshally...but then run it through a V30 cab and it gets more modern even with the same eq.
Transformers DO make a difference with these and guys that have multiple Wizards will tell you this...Lunati has a virtually brand new one and those transformers are different in the mids than the older versions.

Hi racerated... thx but does the C transformer has more openess wider spectrum of tones than the later V version ? I should be thinking of more low mids, lowend tighter than the C tranny MC2 with more focus tone to it?

And just wonder can anybody confirm that wizards all has unuversal 117V to 240 power tranny taps? Will anybody care to share on the color conversion from 117 to 240?

I've only had a 50w MTL with the "A" transformers and the 100w MCI with the C trans. From what I know, the C will be more similar to a Marshall in the upper mids...sounds like the V is smoother with less upper mids and more lower mids than the C. I'm sure they can all be dialed in to sound similar, the MC that is, I or II. But the MTL is a different animal and definitely is more low mid centered. All have that killer clarity though, and punch....

 

[godgrinder]

And just wonder can anybody confirm that wizards all has unuversal 117V to 240 power tranny taps? Will anybody care to share on the color conversion from 117 to 240?

 

[311boogieman]

That really sounds bad ass. You've stolen James Hetfield's right hand and put it on your left hand? Seriously killer. I'd have to combine both my Rectoverb and Quick Rod together to get anywhere close to that. Looks bad ass too.

Enjoy

 

[DeathbyButterslax]

reminds me of some Iced Earth like tight attack. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on this vs the Cali

 

[hopkinWFG]

And just wonder can anybody confirm that wizards all has unuversal 117V to 240 power tranny taps? Will anybody care to share on the color conversion from 117 to 240?

Cool ! Didnt know wizard uses mercury magnetics on its line of amps... ie does it also speak for Tranny type A, C and V ? Lol sorry i just wanna make sure i can getta deal for a wizard if i were to see one and be able to convert to 240V... thanks for the nice info !

 

[peterc52]

So does it literally sound like a boosted marshall ? Sorry as i hear many comments stating the Wizards are like boosted Marshall, maybe with better more tighter lowend to it? Just wanna find out more on wizard as i am also very interested in getting one...

I would just add that it CAN resemble a modded Marshall, depending how you eq it, which year/transformer you have and what type of boost pedal you use. The older Wizards came with "C" transformers and were the most Marshall sounding. They really have their own thing going which has some HiWatt DNA as well, with extended TIGHT lows and highs. I did end up scoring a 2010 MCI with C transformers and it did have some Marshall in it; I put a boost in front that added more upper mids and it got even more similar to a modded Marshall. If you run it through a greenback cab it sounds even more Marshally...but then run it through a V30 cab and it gets more modern even with the same eq.
Transformers DO make a difference with these and guys that have multiple Wizards will tell you this...Lunati has a virtually brand new one and those transformers are different in the mids than the older versions.

Hi racerated... thx but does the C transformer has more openess wider spectrum of tones than the later V version ? I should be thinking of more low mids, lowend tighter than the C tranny MC2 with more focus tone to it?

And just wonder can anybody confirm that wizards all has unuversal 117V to 240 power tranny taps? Will anybody care to share on the color conversion from 117 to 240?

I've bought Wizards with 117v before and rewired them to 230 volts from Ricks help. No problem

 

[hopkinWFG]

Hi Peter52C thx i hope by the time if you still remember the color wires for some advice

 

[peterc52]

Hi Peter52C thx i hope by the time if you still remember the color wires for some advice

I believe i still have the mail from Rick. So hit me up whenever you're ready