What amp to buy?

[mnnt75]

Been searching for something new and have listened to a ton on youtube at this point and got a chance to play a few but not many of them.

I was drawn to the Mesa Mark V but this is just going to be something I play at very low levels at home and from what I have read is that this amp does not perform the best at low levels.
If this is wrong let me know.

But that metal sound I love and the versatility is what I am really looking for, preferably something with tubes.

Anyone have the Mark V combo and how is that amp?
I have seen mixed reviews and have not found one to be able to play yet.

Was not 100% sold on the Blackstar line, not sure about a Bogner but if I am going that route I would just do the Mark V...

The amp so far that I am leaning towards is the EVH III 2x12 combo.

I play some old rock, a lot of 80's rock/metal...so looking for more gain than clean.

Any suggestions or recommendations would be helpful!

 

[nnajar]

Are you set on a combo? I would say a DSL50 head and 1936 cabinet. You can easily do that used just on the north side of a grand.

 

[mnnt75]

Not set on a combo, in fact probably prefer not to have one just because the stacks typically sound quite a bit better.

I do somewhat like the Marshalls but was liking/wanting more of the metal crunch but they are always on the fringe for me.

Thanks for the recommendation, will have to try out that specific combo.

 

[jlbaxe]

Had the Mk V in head and combo version. Great amp through a Bogner 4x12 and I like the combo but it was wide and heavy.

I was downsizing and it was just missing a bit of sonic character that my Mk III has.

A small combo is great to take out and jam. Just converted my Mk III (60watt)back to a combo....still a tad heavy and I like the open cab for a more fendery open-ish sound.

I have a HR deluxe III but that is wider than the Mesa and still heavy.

Think I'm getting a Blues jr III and my mini pedal board.

 

[mnnt75]

jlbaxe,
not worried about the weight on this one as it will essentially be placed and it is not moving.

Did you find any major differences between the combo and the head?
And can it be played at low levels and still sound like it is supposed to?

 

[Findthetone1]

A 5150III 50 watt and two EVH 1X12 cabs sounded great for me at all volumes. Super portable.

 

[Racerxrated]

Since you mentioned the Mark V how about the Mark V 25? Better for home use....

 

[mnnt75]

The 25 loses a little bit of functionality but I may have to suck it up.

Here is an article stating the differences.
http://sixstringsamurai.co.nz/2014/11/0 ... -cabclone/

 

[Stv97]

I've been doing a similar search as of late. I'm trying to stick around $1500. Since I can't try any in person, i find the following intriguing:

Bogner Atma
Revv Generator 7-40
Victory Kraken

Probably leaning towards the Kraken at this point, but I'm waiting for some more reviews from other than the Anderton's crew.