HELP! Important rig decisions!

[dystrust]

Re: HELP! Important rig decisions!

Unfortunately its also a whole lot louder, which kind of ruins half the point of downsizing…

Not necessarily. You typically don't want power amp distortion when running a rack system, so why not just turn the power amp down a notch or two to balance things?

When I had the Simul 395 I never ran it above about 3 on the volume because I didn't need to. It was plenty loud at that point, but no where close to clipping. Because of the preamp-oriented nature of a rack system's sound, the overall tone also didn't change much between 0.25 on the volume and the 2-3 I usually ran it at.

 

[Sirion]

Re: HELP! Important rig decisions!

Well, for the time being I have gone solid state, as I wrote a few posts ago. As you say, power amp distortion isn't a big part of the sound, and I find that for my purposes there isn't enough difference between a tube power amp and an eq'd solid state to warrant the extra weight and maintenance. Judging from this thread I might have to try out other power amps, but that is irrelevant here.

As it is, I get what I like from a combination of pre-amp distortion and driving the speakers. If I want to do the latter I have to keep output level in mind. Beyond this I am sure the Eminences are a good option.

 

[DeadandBuried]

Re: HELP! Important rig decisions!

If you're worried about the flubbiness try and OD pedal in front of the amp. I use a TS9 in front of my 6505+ and it tightens it up a lot.
Mesa's are pretty known to be pretty modern and tight so maybe its the other factors like guitar pickups and stuff.