Opinions. Looking for an affordable lower wattage tube amp

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gbsmusic

gbsmusic

Well-known member
I tried the Fractal FM9 it sounded great but it was just too much for me. To much tweaking and I'm just not a guy to read a 120 page manual to learn how to use something. I sold it and I'm looking to get a lower wattage tube head 2 channels minimum, bigger glass a plus, something that will has a great clean, crunch, and can pull off metal. I don't want to break the bank. The Mesa Mark V-25 has really peaked my interest. The only thing is I have never liked an EL84 amp, they always sound ice picky or glassy on the top end. Maybe there are some now that are better than what I've heard years ago, I don't know. I should also mention I've owned the Bogner 3534 which is a great amp but after you get the head and cabinet you're into it over $2200 to $2400 used and then you have to buy a couple of pedals. I've also had the Mezzabarba Skill 30 which I completely loved but same thing very spendy. I realize I'm going to get a ton of different opinions but any advice would be great. I moved a few months ago and unfortunately I'm 3 hours away from a Guitar Center where I can go try out a few amps and this time a year in Montana & Idaho the roads are pretty nasty. Thanks as always for any advice.
 
Go with the Mesa Mark V-35....bigger glass. Also, Engl Fireball 25, or just a EVH 50w. Those would be my choices narrowed down
 
crwnedblasphemy said:
Go with the Mesa Mark V-35....bigger glass. Also, Engl Fireball 25, or just a EVH 50w. Those would be my choices narrowed down
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I believe the 35 is still using 84s isn't it, just 4 of them. I have had the EVH 50 a couple different times and they just to me sound a little harsh I never experimented with power tubes though I don't know if that makes a big difference or not. Thanks
 
My bad...the V-35 does have 4 EL84s. Just looked. Could try the Fireball 25 or the PRS MTS tremonti head? Those have 6L6s. I'm with ya on the EL84s sound.
 
I can’t really speak to my own experience because I’ve never plunged into anything lower than 100W. But here are a couple that I’ve researched and “almost” pulled the trigger on: the EVH III 50W seem cool, especially the 50W stealth; Friedman JJ Jr and the Engl SE 25. All these seem like they’d be pretty cool amps.
 
crwnedblasphemy said:
My bad...the V-35 does have 4 EL84s. Just looked. Could try the Fireball 25 or the PRS MTS tremonti head? Those have 6L6s. I'm with ya on the EL84s sound.
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I had a tremonti head for a little while it was a cool head great clean but the overdrive seemed like it was all or nothing. It really pulled off the brutal gain though. The 5150iii stealth has really peaked my interest also. Can anyone chime in on this, it as harsh as the regular 5150s? Thanks
 
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Findthetone1 said:
Maybe look into a Mini-Jubilee?
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I forgot to mention that 1 I have watched some videos on it and it really does sound good, but I've been fooled too many times with videos. You get the amp in your home and it just doesn't sound like it does on is on the videos. It looks like a cool little amp though. Anyone have or had this one and your thoughts?
 
Just another one worth mentioning I owned a black star HT40 combo that was pretty impressive for the price. I've watched a couple videos on the HT50 mkii head and they sound very impressive.
 
311splawndude said:
Maybe make us a list of small amps that you are NOT interested in so we don't waste our time making recommendations :LOL:

My recommendation is a Splawn Quickrod and run it at half power.
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Point taken, I don't think I called you at home waking you up asking your opinion. ??? You don't have to chime in, I believe questions like this are where this form really shines because everybody has owned a ton of gear. Thank you on the Splawn by the way I've never owned one, I will check it out.
 
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gbsmusic said:
I forgot to mention that 1 I have watched some videos on it and it really does sound good, but I've been fooled too many times with videos. You get the amp in your home and it just doesn't sound like it does on is on the videos. It looks like a cool little amp though. Anyone have or had this one and your thoughts?
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I have had one for probably 6 months now and have only played it 3-4 times. My little music room is a bit shambled right now so I'm mainly playing my Spark or Waza Airs. I will say even in 5 watt mode it's pretty damn loud. The majority of the vids are a pretty close representation of the amp. Watch as many as you can. It's got that Marshall kerrang for sure. One thing that people will comment on is the diode clipping option. It's a cool feature if used on the clean channel but using an OD pedal is a better option for pushing the gain side.
 
A used Bogner Atma. Warm, plenty of gain, 60s,70s,80s mode. Those EL84s will sound as good as the 3534. Not to mention, being able to go to gigable 18 watts. Down to 5, or 1
 
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lessarti said:
I'm going to say Wizard, and yes I know you said on a budget, but I suggest saving for a bigger budget and you will never regret it ;)
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I would love to so much but it's just not gonna happen.
 
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