NAD! Wizard MTL 50w

[Racerxrated]

Wow. What a great amp. And a shout out to DrKorey, who packed it professionally and to survive the apocalypse. So far, everything I've read about these amps have held true. Just awesome straight up Rock tone. If you are looking for a compressed metal amp like a 5153, or original 5150 look elsewhere. This has plenty of uncompressed gain, more than anyone would really need. The clarity is right there with the best amps I've owned, including 5 Camerons, a 2C+ and 2 SLOs. But the cool thing about it is the FEEL...if you've played a 2C+ you know the feel is unique, and to me worth the price of admission. This Wizard also has that special feel, unlike any amp I've played. Not the feel of a 2C+, but my point is the feel of both amps is a special thing exclusive to each. It has the clarity of a VHT but isn't as dry, which makes it easier to play IMO. This amp is very sensitive to bias and tube selection, and when I got it the bias was around 40ma. Dropping it down to 30-33ma it sounded better to my ears. Not done tube rolling yet, but so far the Chinese Bs sound great. It likes my 1974 creamback cab best, over my Rivera V30 cab. I'll try to upload pics later.

I would also add that although it is Marshall like, it definitely has its own thing going on.

 

[SpiderWars]

Sweet! I know you've been wanting one for a while, so awesome that it meets/exceeds lofty expectations. How much do you have to open it up for it to really breathe?

 

[Racerxrated]

Sweet! I know you've been wanting one for a while, so awesome that it meets/exceeds lofty expectations. How much do you have to open it up for it to really breathe?

It actually has a nice taper, better than a 2204 imo. Around 2-3 its sounding killer. I know the 100w versions slay, but this 50w MTL has a much more manageable volume output for the home player. Although I do have some gigs booked this year...
This does remind me of a VHT D60 in that it feels more like 80w vs 50.....fun amp!

 

[fusedbrain]

Happy NAD

I know you've been waiting for this to show up for a bit. Really glad you like it.
You nailed it about the feel. Any other amp I've played that had this kind of clarity and tightness also felt super stiff and fatiguing to play. I don't know how Rick does it, but Wizards are definitely unique. Best amps I've ever played for sure.

 

[lespaul6]

Congrats! yeah rick likes the 40ma of current draw on those E34l's... that's the first thing I do is bring it back to around 33ma, good move. They also like those JJecc803c long plates in the preamp so if you come across any give them a try. I cant believe how much V3 alters the tone and feel on the MC I... anyway, have fun with it! post a clip if you can and don't mic it and put fucking rev/delay on it.. just raw lol!

 

[Racerxrated]

Congrats! yeah rick likes the 40ma of current draw on those E34l's... that's the first thing I do is bring it back to around 33ma, good move. They also like those JJecc803c long plates in the preamp so if you come across any give them a try. I cant believe how much V3 alters the tone and feel on the MC I... anyway, have fun with it! post a clip if you can and don't mic it and put fucking rev/delay on it.. just raw lol!

Thanks guys! I only have an Iphone to record, and last time I tried it wouldn't upload...it was that "Lay it Down" challenge lolol!! Anyway, the pre tube rolling will continue..just because it's fun, and I don't think I've ever had an amp be as sensitive to tubes as this one..

 

[SQUAREHEAD]

Congratulations bro! You have a monster on your hands, treat with respect! Ha ha Ha ha ha
Best amp I've ever played or owned! Hands-down…

 

[rottingcorpse]

I am jealous for sure. Congrats.

 

[mchn13]

Congrats man! You and DevilInside are killing me. I really want to get my hands on one next year. I love my marshalls, but god they're loud if you whisper on the volume knob after 1 lol.

 

[Mailman1971]

Congrats bro!
Wizard. On my bucket list for sure.

 

[parntz145]

Hows the master volume on the newer amps? I had a modern classic that I loved. The only problem was it went from mouse fart volume, which sounded terrible to blazing loud as hell. There was no in between volume with the amp.

 

[Racerxrated]

Hows the master volume on the newer amps? I had a modern classic that I loved. The only problem was it went from mouse fart volume, which sounded terrible to blazing loud as hell. There was no in between volume with the amp.

This is a 2012, and a 50w but I can say that it has a better taper than a 2204. Sounds best around 4 but is great on 1-3. Even with the Sat dial up, doesn't feel saturated, due to the really clean gain if you will. But the feel makes it smooth to play, like a 2C+. But of course it sounds nothing like a 2C+.

 

[Devilinside]

Congrats....score!

 

[suhrimmetal]

Good man... Good amp... Good times. Enjoy your tonal playground. I will try and head your way soon and at least touch a Wizard in person.... and of course, a few drinks... then standby off and make some noise with one of thee best amps made. Cheers

 

[MetalHeadMike]

Nice review. Congrats!
Definitely a lot of Wizard hype on hear as of late; definitely would like to try one some day.

 

[CEG85]

Very cool, congrats on the new amp!
Wish I could get my hands on one of these monsters.

 

[Racerxrated]

Good man... Good amp... Good times. Enjoy your tonal playground. I will try and head your way soon and at least touch a Wizard in person.... and of course, a few drinks... then standby off and make some noise with one of thee best amps made. Cheers

 

[cecilbag]

Congrats bud. I know you have wanted that tone for awhile. Crank it and smile away