delima on choosing a amp

[metalmachine]

so i got my 5150 going and sounding great. i have been trying choose between the 2 amps now. i really don't want the up keep of two amps plus i would use the money towards a nicer cab than the 5150 straight cab i got. they both sound really good. the 515o is a bit more brutal and precise but the carvin has this awesome growl to it. i am not really worried about the versatility because both cover my needs. anyone got experience with he 2 heads. what would you do and why?

now for pros and cons
peavey 5150
pros
plenty of volume
tighter
more precise
lead channel is a bit more brutal
more simplified layout

cons
needs the bias mod
a bit more fizzy (bias mod may fix that?)
cleans not as good but usable for the amount i need them

Carvin v3
pros
ability to use el34 or 6l6 tubes
ability to tweek more
more girth and warmth or mojo
adjustable bias
better cleans
cons
ability to tweek more
doesnt sound like it would cut thru mix as well
a bit less metal sounding


oh yea i am primarly a lead guitarist but i play i lot of rhythm being i play metal

now fire away

[ginormous]

Re: delima on choosing a amp

Dilemma #2: Can't spell "dilemma" or "tweak"

lol

Opinion: If you can tweak the Carvin, then you can get a sound closer to the 5150.
V3 wins.

[metalmachine]

Re: delima on choosing a amp

i promise i play guitar better than i spell

[metalmachine]

Re: delima on choosing a amp

8 people have voted but only one has posted. Comments please

[Binnerscot]

Re: delima on choosing a amp

5150...

I can't think of why that would be a hard choice.

[Empty Pockets]

Re: delima on choosing a amp

just by your description it sounds like you'd prefer the 5150

[guitfiddle]

Re: delima on choosing a amp

I would keep the V3. More to experiment with.

If you like the 5150 better, get some better pre amp tubes and you might get rid of the fizzyness.

[glassman]

Re: delima on choosing a amp

5150 is my vote.

+1 on the bias mod...while your tech is in there, those early ones need to have the screen resistors updated if it hasn't already been done. This is absolutely necessary if you are going to bias it even a little hotter.

A NOS 12AY7 in V1 really changes these amps! It gives the distortion sound more attack and takes some of the compression out of it. The clean becomes more useable and crunch tones become MUCH more British. This really helps with the fizziness issue too.

[metalmachine]

Re: delima on choosing a amp

Yea I think I do like the 5150 a bit better. Thanks for the tip on the preamp tube glassman

[lareplus]

Re: delima on choosing a amp

Here's a simple solution. In two columns list each amp's cost and weight. Divide. Buy the one that weighs less per dollar.

That's getting less pang for your buck!

[ImmortalSix]

Re: delima on choosing a amp

[ImmortalSix]

Re: delima on choosing a amp

Sounds like the 5150 brings it in real life, and the V3 brings it on paper.

[metalmachine]

Re: delima on choosing a amp

Here's a simple solution. In two columns list each amp's cost and weight. Divide. Buy the one that weighs less per dollar.

That's getting less pang for your buck!

I own both already....... I am about 90% towrads the 5150 right now. So I think I will end selling the v3. If I played hard rock I think I would keep the v3 but in case you can't tell by now I play metal. At the enf the day the 5150 aint bad for hard rock either though.

[SirJackdeFuzz]

Re: delima on choosing a amp

8 people have voted but only one has posted. Comments please

If you are looking at the V3 . . . the Traynor might be an option too !




They are very affordable too ! (...for what you get)

http://www.long-mcquade.com/products...uitar_Head.htm - 100W head

http://www.long-mcquade.com/products..._Tube_Head.htm - 50W head

[MojoMonster]

Re: delima on choosing a amp

I love my V3.
Have you thought about a stereo setup with those amps?
I'd love to run a JSX/V3 duo just to see.

If you haven't already, get the V3 biased like here.
And I'd think about a new tube compliment.

MM