Someone school me on 5150 III's

[mchn13]

My favorite tone of all the inceptions is the original 100w blue channel with a boost. It was my main amp from 2007 until about 2012. I had no issues with the amp except for a blown preamp tube. Most problems with the early amps were from a poorly made proprietary foot switch cable, which was never an issue for me since I always ran midi (using an RJM mini amp gizmo). Also, the first 1000 or so amps built used a mix of EHX and Sovtek preamp tubes with Sovtek power tubes that I think sound better than the later amps which come with all JJ's.

That being said, I wound up trading the 100w head, something that I never thought I would do, for an SLO (plus cash) The deal was great and I couldn't pass it up as the SLO has always been a bucket-list amp. I still have my 50w EVH which I really like, but my main gigging amp now is a Bogner Shiva 20th. I guess I was ultimately just looking for a change and was re inspired by the Bogner. Also, the 100w EVH is HUGE! I got tired of lugging it around.

Even though the 100w blue channel may give the best tone (boosted), I think the 50w may be the way to go as it sounds huge and loud with tons of gain. Very similar to the 100w with the added benefit of smaller size, resonance control, and on-board midi. I didn't mind the shared EQ of channels 1 and 2 of the 50w. This was an issue for many however.

EVH amps have to be one of the best deals going in the world of guitar. Especially in the used market.

good to know. I've been debating the 50 watt as well. If it's loud enough to hang with everyone that would be sick? I find them for good deals all the time. I should get to try my friends 50 watt at his spot loud this week.

 

[Rick Lee]

I ran a 50w through two 4x12s and it left my bandmates begging for mercy. You will hear a 50w and think it's totally awesome, and it is. But a 100w always sounds bigger. If you can A/B them, you'll see.

 

[mchn13]

A 6505 would be such a better option if a clean isn't that much of an issue to you. There are lots of USA models still out there.

Some may argue that the 6505 has a sterile tone, but compared to the 5153, not so bad imo.

Really? So the peavey are less sterile? I'm super familiar with that tone as I used them for years. Definitely would be cheaper. The only negative was they were so noisy.

 

[ElectricVoodoo]

Just my perception of course.
This stuff is all in the ear of the beholder.

Imho, nothing is better than anything else, as long as you like it.

Hey, I just did a clip a week ago from my narshall code on a plexi setting...some liked, some not so.
I loved it but there ya go.

I'd take the 6505 over the 5153 for high gain personally.

 

[crwnedblasphemy]

I have the 50w combo 2x12 and the stealth. For most my needs, tend to gravitate towards the combo...but when the kids and wife get outta the house I fire up the Stealth. The stealth is way more bright. Combo has darker/spongier attack. The stealth I run presence way below noon. It kinda reminds me more of what a modded cameron would be.

 

[mchn13]

How's the stealth compared to the regular 100watt? Thanks for all the replies y'all

 

[Rick Lee]

How's the stealth compared to the regular 100watt? Thanks for all the replies y'all

It looks a lot cooler and has resonance knobs on the back to fatten up the depth on each channel. Green, even with the gain way down, is still way too crunchy. I found it unusable. But it does have some more tone to blue and red, less sterile than the standard 100w. I just found it was way too distorted for what I like to play now.

 

[crankyrayhanky]

Where's Bobby at? He's had many high end amps & swears by the newer Stealth34

 

[Badronald]

I've got a 6505+ I picked up on CL for $650! NOS.
Absolutely crushes.
It's big and heavy but for the price and versatility they cannot be beat. By anything.
I love that thing.

I've played a few 5153's. I didn't gel with them at all. Strange.