What's an under $700 amp to compete with VH140C for metal?

[Spaceboy]

I'm looking to spend around/up to 700 dollars (used prices) on a new amplifier for death metal. I need something high-gain, tight, percussive, and preferably doesn't need a boost. I'm probably going to grab another 5150 (my fourth within the last 2-3 years!) if I can't find anything else. I'm currently playing an Ampeg VH140C, so that's what it's going to be competing with. I prefer tubes instead of solidstate or valvestate, but I'm open to anything really.

 

[crwnedblasphemy]

Rocktron Voodoo Valve, Mesa Single Recto.

 

[thiswaythatway]

Mesa Mark III.

 

[Spaceboy]

I'm also entertaining the idea of a Peavey Triple X. Suffocation has recorded the past couple of albums with them, I think.

 

[glassjaw7]

What about that new Dime amp?

 

[rottingcorpse]

the madison prophecy (100 watt first gen) is an awesome, cheap, and brutal death metal head. i freaking love mine.

the marshall 8100 kicks ass too for a cheap effective metal amp.

the peavey XXX is a great metal standard. as is the 6505 series. throw an e.q. in the loop for the heavy tones.

the mesa mark series is on my short list of metal heads under a grand.

i have not personally heard a recto that didn't need something in front of it to achieve the brutals yet, but will soon!!

i am always looking for a $700 head for metal, so i will be watching to see what others suggest. been wanting the ampeg your using for a while, but keep getting suckered into more expensive stuff. always spending somewhere else when one shows up on ebay.

 

[headlessdeadguy]

XXX is a good option. I'm gonna pick up another one some day for sure.

 

[glpg80]

dime's new sig model and the single rec are what i recommend

 

[Tawlks]

Ultra Plus

XXX

Dime

No votes for the 5150 yet?

 

[SirBoye]

No votes for the 5150 yet?

That's what I was coming in to recommend

That or, as it has already been stated, mesa mark series.

 

[Spaceboy]

Mesa Single Recto.

I'm not looking for a rectifier sound right now, and single rectos around here are a bit more than 700.

Mesa Mark III.

I've only played the Mark V and it was a beast. How does the III compare?

What about that new Dime amp?

I haven't heard it. I dig the old Randall solidstates though.

the madison prophecy (100 watt first gen) is an awesome, cheap, and brutal death metal head. i freaking love mine.

the marshall 8100 kicks ass too for a cheap effective metal amp.

If I could find a Madison Prophecy I would probably grab it. I've been keeping an eye out for that Marshall Valvestate for awhile but have found nothing locally, and I don't really think it would be my go-to amplifier so I don't want to go through the hassle and cost of having one shipped. It's something I would probably want around for jamming some oldschool death metal and running in stereo rigs. I think I want to get back to tube amps though since I've been on this VH140C kick for awhile.

No votes for the 5150 yet?

Well, I mentioned my interest and experience with 5150s in the first post, so suggesting that is a little redundant.

 

[Mailman1971]

I'm also entertaining the idea of a Peavey Triple X. Suffocation has recorded the past couple of albums with them, I think.

Yeah the XXX is a fun amp that can do metal very easily!

 

[OldSkoolNJ]

That Dime amp sounds promising for the cost... I would like to hear it with a good graphic EQ or maybe even a Preamp/Dist pedal with actual 12ax7's in it to see if it can warm it up a little...

I would also say try a Ampeg VL head with both gains dimed..

 

[droptrd]

Dont forget about the mesa dual caliber series. they kill at metal. The DC 5 or DC 10 can be found from $400 to $700.

I think its better for brutal tones than the Mark III though the III kicks major ass.

And you cant go wrong with a 5150. Probably your best option cause they are cheap and plentiful

 

[stephen sawall]

Mark III

 

[Gsxrbusa]

Another vote for the Madison Prophecy. But you did say you want to go back to tube so

 

[roadifier]

Framus dragon If you look around, you can get them for under $700

 

[D-Rock]

Laney GH50L
Peavey Ultra Plus
Peavey XXX
Randall T2/V2
Crate Blue Voodoo
Marshall JCM 900 SLX
Line6 Spider Valve

 

[Motorpud]

I would say MarkIII but they've been up over $700 lately for the loaded ones. I personally wouldn't get one without all the options though, if you could find one for $700 it would beat anything in that price range IMO. On the other hand if you don't like to tweak or don't like that it has a shared EQ it would wear on you quick

 

[jabps]

I'm looking to spend around/up to 700 dollars (used prices) on a new amplifier for death metal. I need something high-gain, tight, percussive, and preferably doesn't need a boost. I'm probably going to grab another 5150 (my fourth within the last 2-3 years!) if I can't find anything else. I'm currently playing an Ampeg VH140C, so that's what it's going to be competing with. I prefer tubes instead of solidstate or valvestate, but I'm open to anything really.

Hey...D-Rock mentioned the SLX...since your in TN there's one at Rock Block Guitars/Nashville...or was the other day that could be had for $500 bills...maybe a little cheaper with some haggling. It's beat but it sounded pretty freakin good the other day. Almost bought it myself. Just a thought.