Tell me about the Mark Five 25

[Rex Rocker]

I used to have an EVH LBX II which had a killer clean channel, and I kinda miss it. I'm looking to replace it with something different, since I now have the EVH LBX 1. I like lunchbox amps for their convenient form factor, and, since I do 99% of my playing at home, I don't mind them not sounding their best at full-band scenarios. However, if they can pull it off, that's a big plus. But again, that's not a priority right now.

The priorities are: a good low-volume tone, and a good recorded tone (not a problem cranking it up a little) through a 4x12 that can fool the mic into thinking it's bigger than it actually is. My EVH LBX 1 pulls that off great, but it doesn't have a clean channel.

I like the idea of the Mark Five 25 having a clean channel (which I've read it's pretty good), reverb, and a great high-gain channel that's probably different from my 5150's but still great in a different kinda way. I'm really wanting something that can pull off that late 80's/early 90's Metallica tone, and the Mark Five seems like it'd be the optimal mini head for that.

My main concern is that it doesn't have a 16 ohm output. My Marshall cab has the option of running at 4 ohms, but my Orange cab doesn't. Will it hurt anything if I plug it into a 16 ohm cab? Will it not sound its best with the impedance mismatch?

The transformers also seem pretty undersized on the pics. How is the low-end in it? Is it big-sounding enough through a 4x12?

Thanks.

 

[napalmdeath]

It's loud, but runs out of steam at about 11:00. It's a killer amp, though. I ran mine through (2) Thiele cabs, and it sounded pretty killer. More money than the LBX, but superior in tone, for sure.

 

[Rex Rocker]

It's loud, but runs out of steam at about 11:00. It's a killer amp, though. I ran mine through (2) Thiele cabs, and it sounded pretty killer. More money than the LBX, but superior in tone, for sure.

Thanks. How about the impedance thing? And how does it do at lower volumes?

 

[acidvoodoo]

I love mine and I've always been a british tone kinda guy. I think it sounds pretty huge for its size, bigger than my Friedman PT20. The clean channel is excellent, I usually use it in fat mode. Crunch mode is where I spend most of my time, it just sounds killer. I keep the 5 band eq on at all times.

My biggest gripe with this amp is I can't foot switch between clean and crunch but since most of my playing is at home its fine. If switching is needed you can dial in MK IIC+ channel pretty close to crunch mode. If I could only have one lunch box amp, it'd be the Mark Five 25, its just super versatile. Country to Metallica/Lamb of God all day.

 

[Rex Rocker]

I love mine and I've always been a british tone kinda guy. I think it sounds pretty huge for its size, bigger than my Friedman PT20. The clean channel is excellent, I usually use it in fat mode. Crunch mode is where I spend most of my time, it just sounds killer. I keep the 5 band eq on at all times.

My biggest gripe with this amp is I can't foot switch between clean and crunch but since most of my playing is at home its fine. If switching is needed you can dial in MK IIC+ channel pretty close to crunch mode. If I could only have one lunch box amp, it'd be the Mark Five 25, its just super versatile. Country to Metallica/Lamb of God all day.

Thanks, man. What kind of cab do you run it through? Any problem with the impedance thing seeing it doesn't go to 16 ohms?

 

[blackba]

I have read that the big mark V is actually better and easier to control at low volumes than the mark V:25. Not sure how much truth there is to this, but just something to consider.

When I think of an amp working at low volume I think of a few things. How easy is it to control at the low volume range, ie is the volume knob super touchy. Also, how does it sound at low volumes, do I get good sounds. Some of this will be influenced by how the amp sounds turned up, is there a big change or not.

 

[acidvoodoo]

Thanks, man. What kind of cab do you run it through? Any problem with the impedance thing seeing it doesn't go to 16 ohms?

Sourmash 2061CX with Hellatone v30's

 

[Tone Monster]

Absolutely love mine

 

[Rex Rocker]

Do you guys have any problems with the impedance thing?

 

[cardinal]

A lot of people playing Boogies may already use at least one 8-ohm cab. Check the manual, but Mesa often says their amps are fine with 16 ohms.

 

[UltraGary]

Another vote of love for this amp from me, although I've got the MkV:35. At low volumes it seemed identical to the MkV:25, but the extra 10watts makes it completely usable with a full band situation if necessary. (to the comment above regarding the regular MkV, I found that amp to really lose it's flexibility in the low-wattage setting, especially in 'at-home' volumes....which is where these 25 & 35 amps really shine)

 

[Markedman]

The Mark V25 is great, but a Mark IV is comparable in price and is much more. More is more, just ask Yngwie.

If I had a choice anyway, and I do, I chose to own a Mark IV over the Mark V25 or Mark V.

 

[GJgo]

The mismatch is not a problem in that direction and Mark amps love 1960 cabs. I used to re-wire mine because I only have Boogies, but it's not necessary.

The Mark Five 25 & 35 KILL. Perfect for home use as well. I personally prefer my 35 to every Mark I've had (which is basically all of them) except my IIB+ & IIC+.

 

[bubucci]

MK V25 is more bedroom than live playin amp because switching modes. In 2 guitarband and stronger drummer it really doesnt hold together on lead channel past 10-11 o'clock. Resp. it is enough for rhythm playing (hard rock tec. ) but there is no room for few dB volume boost for solos. But also need to mention I used it with 16ohm Bogner cab therefore it is ok for 8>16ohm
I find first channel on crunch mode louder, but I use that mode without EQ. On second channel I use Extreme because MK modes seems very agressive without and I dont like 'em with EL84 power section.
On the bright side, You get fantastic clean/fat channel, amazing crunch (for Boogie) and Petrucci rhythm/lead tone.

 

[Pearly Gates]

It's bit of a strange amp IMO. The volume taper is too sensitive to be a reasonable "bedroom amp", there's very little range between off and loud. Yet it's not quite loud enough to punch like a bigger amp and as others have said once you have the volume around 11-12 o clock there's barely any more volume in the amp. I found it couldn't quite keep up with a loud drummer with the amp basically maxed out on volume.

The tone is great if a little small sounding for rhythm work (i.e. not a lot of low end) and I think it's best suited for recording. The crunch mode is underrated as a high gain rhythm tone, much better than the lead channel. More percussive, tight and responsive, the lead channel seemed a bit woofy in comparison whereas the crunch mode does the classic Mark tight thing to a T. I sold it because overall I prefered my Avenger which I don't regret at all but I do miss it a bit occasionally, mostly for the crunch mode. The lead tones are pretty great too.

 

[GJgo]

Agreed that the crunch mode is worth the cost of admission.

You can control the volume taper by keeping presence low & balancing it with higher 6600 slider. Opposite when you need all the volume.

 

[Rex Rocker]

Thank you guys. It's good to know the impedance mismatch won't hurt anything. I read in the manual that it sounds best set to 8 ohms, though. I wonder if it'd sound good through my 1960A running at 4, or it would sound better setting the amp to 8 ohms and the cab to 16.

Yeah, it's no big deal that it won't keep up with a drummer. Like I said, this would be more of a home-use toy that would get used sometimes for recording.

 

[ElectricVoodoo]

I have the Mkv35 head. For the first time in the 6 months I've had it,I was able to use it in a band setting last weekend. We have both a loud drummer and a bassist who uses alot of effects and boosts. My volume never went above 11 o'clock.
Plenty loud, no problem whatsoever in the, "how loud will it be in a band setting?"

Agree 100% on the volume taper. It is also present on the 35 head. Imo, it's not a home friendly amplifier.
It goes from 0 to woah.. Selecting the lower wattage hardly adds a volume taper.

It cut through very well.
My only issue, it simply does not have a touch response that I desire. Whether it be the EL84 or the amps design...its not what I'm used to. Everyone I've talked to, responded on forums, yt vids, etc, all agree that the 90w wouldve been the way to go. The added Tweed channel sounds glorious to say the least, the built in variac and flexibility really fill in the amps lack of options in the 25/35.

Tone wise, I think its superb.

Btw...I run mine with either my 1960a or a 2x12 V30.
Both at 16ohms.

 

[Rex Rocker]

Thanks... so you guys say it's a no-go in the low-volume department?

 

[Chris6870]

Thanks... so you guys say it's a no-go in the low-volume department?

Not at all!