Re: DSL15 vs. AC15 vs. Super-Sonic
I know I'm biased, but I'm not a huge fan of any of these amps. Some of the recently issued VOX and Marshall stuff I've tried out is just junk. The SS would probably get my vote, but Fender QC these days isn't anything special, either. And you might want to consider the Peavey Classic 30 in this mix, too. But again, MIC.
I prefer the sound and dynamics of a big-bottle amp, and for the last 20 years or so I've been using Mesa amps. I have Mark IIIs, a IV, a V; and then two EL84-based amps, the DC-3 and the Maverick. At around 35 watts, these two can handle almost any gig I play at, but I'm still partial to the 6L6 amps. And the Mark Series amps can all be switch down to 10-15 watts, if I'm looking for that "pushed" tone.
I recently spent a few days up in Seattle, and got to try some of the new smaller Mesa EL84 amps. The TA-15 and TA-30 (30 Watts) lean toward VOX-like tones. The TA-15 is one of those little lunch-box heads and sounds really great--my only quibble is that I wish it had an EFX loop, not an issue in the bigger amp. The little Mini Recto Reverb is a wolf in sheep's clothing--a totally stealthy gain monster. The Mark V Mini head really captures the essence of the big Mark V, in a 16 lb. head. That is a totally awesome amp. The Express 5:25+ is a bit simpler, and kind of the in-between amp of the line. Does the country, blues, hard rock, jazz stuff really well. They are all versatile amps, but each one is voiced a little differently.
So my thought is this: almost any amp you get is going to be a compromise. I'm like a lot of players these days who need an amp that is rugged, well-built, and versatile. I play in a band that crosses over into five genres, but a lot of guys these days play in five different bands! And having a stable of different amps to choose from is pretty smart, though it can get to be an expensive habit fast. I'm blessed to have several Mesas at the moment, so I can cover very differently sized venues, and get some different tones when I need them. If you can afford to record and tour with a wall of amps like Stevie Ray--great. If you only play Death Metal and XYZ amps is the only company that makes suitable amps--go for it. But if you need something a little more versatile, then I think Mesa is the way to go.
Yeah, it costs more--probably WAY out of your budget. I know I broke my wallet when I bought my first Mark III, but it was worth it. It had exactly the tone I was looking for; it was versatile--great cleans and lead tones--and in no time at all my playing got better, and I started getting lots of compliments on my tone. That's a GREAT feeling! I finally had the tool to get the job done--the RIGHT tool. I had been struggling for a number of years with amps that couldn't cut it for one reason or another--vintage SUNN, Marshall, Acoustic Control, and several Fenders before I got the Mesa and then BAM!!! It was an "AHA!!!" moment of the Nth degree.
So if you get a chance, take a look and listen at some of the small amps in the Mesa line. Used amps occasionally pop up on the Craigslist, and they could be worth looking at. Mesas has a 5-year warranty on their amps and it's transferrable, so it is one of the best in the business. Take a little time to look at the Owner's Manuals (they're on Mesa's web-site) so you can get a quick feel for what the amp is capable of. All of that versatility does come with a learning curve.
If one of the amps you've mentioned is really blowing your skirt up, fine--go for it. If you're at the stage of your career where you need a little more, and you don't want to waste time or money fooling around with lesser gear, then you've got some thinking and planning to do. I'm not advocating that your kids go without shoes or you let your house go into foreclosure, but if I'd known then what I know now--I would have moved heaven and earth to get that first Mesa amp YEARS before I did.
I sincerely hope you find the amp of your dreams, no matter what the brand. It is a great feeling, and I wish you a lot of luck.
Bill
