Power Amp Comparison VHT : Mesa

[ttosh]

I have a Mesa 2:90 that I am digging and got new, but it is going back in for repairs as I think a tube slipped out of socket and Channel A transformer may have been damaged. I have read this is common when moving racks around and a good word of advice to know always check the tubes after a rack move. Anyway with this being an issue I am wanting to get feedback from anybody that has owned the Mesa 2:90 and the VHT 2:50 or VHT 2:90 to get input on how the VHT's rate to the Mesa. I really dig using the lower and modern setting/options on the Mesa and do not see anything comparable on the VHT power amps. I have a Fish preamp and it is rich sounding, but when I want to get really heavy the deep comes in handy for some of the drop tunings, and the modern comes in handy for faster tracking of riffs. Take them off and it is 80s heaven. So any feedback to the VHT's in regards to this would be awesome. I will probably keep the 2:90 but after having only a week and already having issues I am just a bit bummed.

 

[RedB4Black]

I have a 2/50/2 and just ordered a 2/90/2 last night. I figured the only way I'll ever know which I like better was to buy the 90. I figure I have 45 days to send it back to Music 123 if I don't want it. I wish there was a place I could do the same with a Mesa power amp.

 

[stratotone]

I ran my mesa quad with a 2/90/2 VHT this weekend and it CRUSHED. Within a 1/4 mile radius, small children were disintegrated, pregnant women spontaneously delivered their kids, women who weren't pregnant became that way, and every man wanted that tone.

Hey ttosh - if you can wait until next week (I have rehearsals and gigs coming up and may be using the 2/90/2... still figuring out what rig I'm taking) - you can borrow my 2/90/2.

Pete

 

[Ancient Alien]

I prefer the VHT amps.
I reference to your question:
The VHT amps do have a low power switch and a voicing switch which act like those on the Mesa.

 

[ttosh]

I ran my mesa quad with a 2/90/2 VHT this weekend and it CRUSHED. Within a 1/4 mile radius, small children were disintegrated, pregnant women spontaneously delivered their kids, women who weren't pregnant became that way, and every man wanted that tone.

Hey ttosh - if you can wait until next week (I have rehearsals and gigs coming up and may be using the 2/90/2... still figuring out what rig I'm taking) - you can borrow my 2/90/2.

Pete

Pete just let me know when you have time for this, my Mesa 2:90 will be going back to Mesa this week and I should have it back by then so I can do an A/B comparison of the two which would be really cool!! I would only need it for a day or two!!

Thanks bro!

 

[ttosh]

I have a 2/50/2 and just ordered a 2/90/2 last night. I figured the only way I'll ever know which I like better was to buy the 90. I figure I have 45 days to send it back to Music 123 if I don't want it. I wish there was a place I could do the same with a Mesa power amp.

Mesa Hollywood will give you a whopping 5 days to return if you do not like..... Not anything like the 30 or 45 days most companies give you.

 

[rlord1974]

This thread just dropped outta heaven!

Ttosh, you HAVE to post your take on this subject after doing an A/B comparison. I have a Fish as well and have been considering the exact same two power amps!

Thanks!

 

[stratotone]

I ran my mesa quad with a 2/90/2 VHT this weekend and it CRUSHED. Within a 1/4 mile radius, small children were disintegrated, pregnant women spontaneously delivered their kids, women who weren't pregnant became that way, and every man wanted that tone.

Hey ttosh - if you can wait until next week (I have rehearsals and gigs coming up and may be using the 2/90/2... still figuring out what rig I'm taking) - you can borrow my 2/90/2.

Pete

Pete just let me know when you have time for this, my Mesa 2:90 will be going back to Mesa this week and I should have it back by then so I can do an A/B comparison of the two which would be really cool!! I would only need it for a day or two!!

Thanks bro!

Not a problem. If you want, I can even throw in a Zoom Q3 if you want to do comparison audio.

Pete

 

[ttosh]

I ran my mesa quad with a 2/90/2 VHT this weekend and it CRUSHED. Within a 1/4 mile radius, small children were disintegrated, pregnant women spontaneously delivered their kids, women who weren't pregnant became that way, and every man wanted that tone.

Hey ttosh - if you can wait until next week (I have rehearsals and gigs coming up and may be using the 2/90/2... still figuring out what rig I'm taking) - you can borrow my 2/90/2.

Pete

Pete just let me know when you have time for this, my Mesa 2:90 will be going back to Mesa this week and I should have it back by then so I can do an A/B comparison of the two which would be really cool!! I would only need it for a day or two!!

Thanks bro!

Not a problem. If you want, I can even throw in a Zoom Q3 if you want to do comparison audio.

Pete

Cool, I was thinking of using Pro Tools and using a few Mics to do some audio, the Q3 would be cool as well. I have not used one and I am used to using Pro Tools to help me manage all my mistakes LOL.

 

[glpg80]

it would be cool to hear and see a comparison

 

[glassjaw7]

Mhenson, Sweetwater carries Boogie. Not sure about their return policy but I would imagine it's similar to MF and Music 123, etc.

 

[prsdiezel]

I ran my mesa quad with a 2/90/2 VHT this weekend and it CRUSHED. Within a 1/4 mile radius, small children were disintegrated, pregnant women spontaneously delivered their kids, women who weren't pregnant became that way, and every man wanted that tone.

Hey ttosh - if you can wait until next week (I have rehearsals and gigs coming up and may be using the 2/90/2... still figuring out what rig I'm taking) - you can borrow my 2/90/2.

Pete

Pete just let me know when you have time for this, my Mesa 2:90 will be going back to Mesa this week and I should have it back by then so I can do an A/B comparison of the two which would be really cool!! I would only need it for a day or two!!

Thanks bro!

Not a problem. If you want, I can even throw in a Zoom Q3 if you want to do comparison audio.

Pete

Cool, I was thinking of using Pro Tools and using a few Mics to do some audio, the Q3 would be cool as well. I have not used one and I am used to using Pro Tools to help me manage all my mistakes LOL.

Some clips would be killer

I have an AXE FX Ultra and I 'm running it threw my Mesa Recto 2 channel return with the modern switch on and it sounds amazing. So I have been contemplating the the same thing.

VHT 90 or Mesa 2 90

 

[locoed]

If it helps,I had the VHT 2150 and I own the 2:90 and prefer the 290.
The Mesa IMO had tighter low end and perfect mids,the VHT had ear splitting
highs I didn't like,kind of crispy and I tried to get rid of it with an EQ
but had no luck,I even used a Rane PE 15.
I was running a Triaxis and a Quad,I still use the Quad with the 290 and
a 295 for blues kind of stuff.And the 290 brought out the best of the Quad
IMO,chunked it up,more attack.don't get me wrong,VHT makes great stuff but
for me it was the Mesa.

 

[Devilinside]

VHT all the way! I had a 2:90 with a Engl SE preamp, and the VHT brought the engl to life. I just love VHT's power section!

 

[RaceU4her]

marshall 9200

 

[killertone]

marshall 9200

Don't know why these don't get more love...I love mine and it sounds awesome. I have had it since '97 and it has never given me one single problem. They are TRUE dual monobloc unlike the VHT, Mesa, or Randall power amps that get all of the love. I have owned a 2:90 and a 2/90/2 and the only one I still own is the 9200.

 

[rlord1974]

marshall 9200

Don't know why these don't get more love...I have owned a 2:90 and a 2/90/2 and the only one I still own is the 9200.

What tubes do you use in your 9200?

 

[stephen sawall]

The Fryette well not get close to the bass end that comes from the Mesa with the modern on.
The Mesa just has a bigger sound that is more guitar voiced ..... the Fryette is more hifi sounding. Both have their place.
For my taste I like the 2/90/2 better of the Fryette stuff but like the Mesa 2/90 better. My favorite being the Mesa Strategy 500.
These days I use my Mark IV's power section as my wet amp and after A/B ing like it with it's 8 voices and switchable 5 band EQ better than any of them.
I have not owned a dedicated power amp in years and a few years back when I was looking for one again I found I already had the one I want in my IV.
YMMV

 

[killertone]

marshall 9200

Don't know why these don't get more love...I have owned a 2:90 and a 2/90/2 and the only one I still own is the 9200.

What tubes do you use in your 9200?

Currently I am running 2 quads of TAD 6L6GC-STR, but have used SED 6L6GC and Sovtek 6L6WXT+ sets as well with great results.

 

[ttosh]

The Fryette well not get close to the bass end that comes from the Mesa with the modern on.
The Mesa just has a bigger sound that is more guitar voiced ..... the Fryette is more hifi sounding. Both have their place.
For my taste I like the 2/90/2 better of the Fryette stuff but like the Mesa 2/90 better. My favorite being the Mesa Strategy 500.
These days I use my Mark IV's power section as my wet amp and after A/B ing like it with it's 8 voices and switchable 5 band EQ better than any of them.
I have not owned a dedicated power amp in years and a few years back when I was looking for one again I found I already had the one I want in my IV.
YMMV

I had a VHT 2:90:2 quite a while ago and that is what I thought. I do not remember it having the heavy low end of the Mesa, or tracking as tightly as the Mesa does with the Modern mode switched on. I have the Mesa back already a local authorized dealer took care of me. Ready to do some more stuff tonight and get Pete's VHT to A/B soon.