Mesa Simul 90 vs. VHT 2-50-2

[Benjy_26]

Hey all. I'm thinking about upgrading my 50:50 in a bit and was wondering what power section would be a good step up from it. I love the idea of SimulClass power, but I've also heard great things about VHT's power sections.

I run a Boss GT-8 as a stereo preamp and use a Vox open back 2x12" open back cab and a Marshall 2x12" closed back cab.

I play anything from country to hard rock and I like a good amount of clean headroom.

[PUCKBOY99]

Re: Mesa Simul 90 vs. VHT 2-50-2

Hey Benjy, probably can't go wrong with either....

I've got the VHT & use a VHT GP3 preamp & it kicks ass!

I'm running it in class A on both channels...

CH A= 6CA7s to a Marshall 1965A 4x10
CH B= EL-34s to a Marshall 1966A 2x12

Both sides take my pedals well & CH A sounds HUGE with some reverb thrown in.

I've had a few Mesas & they're solid as a rock....I just stumbled onto the VHT & ran with it.

So far...so good!!!!


What about the 50/50 are you looking the upgrade?

[Benjy_26]

Re: Mesa Simul 90 vs. VHT 2-50-2

Cool, thanks for the info. How loud is the clean when running in class A on the VHT?

Don't get me wrong, the 50:50 does its thing very well, but I want to get a piece of class A mojo every once in a while.

I know SimulClass isn't completely class A, but It gets close enough to get me excited.

[PUCKBOY99]

Re: Mesa Simul 90 vs. VHT 2-50-2

It's pretty friggin' loud in Class A....but SO SWEET!

There's a switch on the front that kind of acts like a 1/2 power switch too, so you can run it in Class A AND keep the volume down a bit, if wanted, but it still sounds sweet.

[InstituteOfNoise]

Re: Mesa Simul 90 vs. VHT 2-50-2

The VHT is 50w in class AB mode the Mesa from my understaning and the way Stevie at VHT described it really runs around 37-40w. The VHT in Class A mode is the shizzle! I just produced a band using that for a pile of tracks and they are some great tones! Used a vintage Marshall 4x12 with 25w Blackbacks and an old 80's cab that was one of George Lynch's touring cabs with Vintage 30's. Smokin!

The 2/50/2 is one of the best in my mind. I had an old old VHT 2150. One of the first prototypes from Stevie and it sizzled, but was just too over the top. Not too mention is was heavy as hell! The 2/50/2 is perfect!

[PUCKBOY99]

Re: Mesa Simul 90 vs. VHT 2-50-2

Yeah man, the 2/50/2 & the GP3 are a fantastic combination....so I'm finding out

[Burkwieser]

Re: Mesa Simul 90 vs. VHT 2-50-2

The 2/50/2 has an awesome clean section. That is actually what I used it for when I owned mine. I do miss it. I use to own an Randall/Egnater RM4 Preamp and 2/50/2, and I am thinking about selling my Mesa and going back to it. Don't get me wrong, the Mesa is nice, but I love the versatility and sound with the RM4 setup. I think I will go with the new 8 channel Egnater M4 this time though. Oh if you go the VHT route, make sure you put JJ tubes in the 2/50/2. I found that they sounded the best for that amp.

[PUCKBOY99]

Re: Mesa Simul 90 vs. VHT 2-50-2

I like the sound of mine as it is right now, but I'll definitely try the JJs when tube time comes; thanks for the tip

[Johtosotku]

Re: Mesa Simul 90 vs. VHT 2-50-2

I haven't tried out either one, but I've seriously been looking at the VHT for my self. I'd take it, especially here in Europe where they're surprisingly cheap for an US amp, when compared to mesa, for example.

Sorry to carry this a bit off-topic, but what is the difference between an UL and a GP3/poweramp solution? If anyone knows?

[PUCKBOY99]

Re: Mesa Simul 90 vs. VHT 2-50-2

I think the 2502/GP3 is basically a stereo UL or CLX....I'm not sure of that though.

[Johtosotku]

Re: Mesa Simul 90 vs. VHT 2-50-2

I think the 2502/GP3 is basically a stereo UL or CLX....I'm not sure of that though.

Well that's what I've thought so far as well, but it's weird that you get a more versatile rack setup for 2000€ when you have to pay 2500 for an UL. So I've been trying to turn it around and around and poke it with sharp objects trying to find the catch.

[PUCKBOY99]

Re: Mesa Simul 90 vs. VHT 2-50-2

I would imagine it has to do with guys buying more heads & combos than rack units.

The deal for me was the versatility of being able to set up both sides so differently.

I can run 6L6s in class A on ch A & EL34s in A/B on ch B....or vice versa...or both class A...or both A/B...or.........

You get the idea.....I like it.

[That90'sGuy]

Re: Mesa Simul 90 vs. VHT 2-50-2

Yep, VHT is definitely the company to buy power amps from. The quality and stability of the tone in their power amps are unparalleled as far as I'm concerned.