Help me find a high gain amp.

[alashredder]

I'm looking for an amp that would sound great with my Duncan active blackouts. Has the in your face distortion with plenty of crunch as well as not sounding thin, sounds stereo like a BBE built in, tight bass, decent mids for riffing and high's for soloing. I tend to favor the scooped sound..but the mids still have to be there. I like the modern metal sound and not so much of the old school sounding stuff. I don't care much for cleans as this will be used as a metal amp. I don't use much effects and want guitar plug straight into the amp to get the best tone. Here are the amps that I may look into.

Randall V2 with matching cab

Marshall Kerry King sig with Marshall 1960B cab

Krank Revolution with matching cab

Engl Fireball with either matching cab or Marshall 1960B cab

VHT Deliverance with matching cab

Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier with matching cab

I did own a Peavey 5150 II..but I'm looking for a different sound than that.

Soldano's and Framus's are a bit out of my price range..I'd like to keep the amp head under 2 grand.

Any other suggestions? Thanks!

 

[brit84]

Re: Help me find a high gain amp.

Genz Benz el diablo 100 head and G-flex cab. Very good modern metal sound, and can be rebiased to use 6L6 tubes if thats your thing. It can cover anything form marshall to mesa style with a few tweaks but it is a very tweakable amp and takes more than 10 minutes to find good settings.

The genz can be had for about 900 used on ebay and the cab around 500.

 

[alashredder]

Re: Help me find a high gain amp.

Genz Benz el diablo 100 head and G-flex cab. Very good modern metal sound, and can be rebiased to use 6L6 tubes if thats your thing. It can cover anything form marshall to mesa style with a few tweaks but it is a very tweakable amp and takes more than 10 minutes to find good settings.

The genz can be had for about 900 used on ebay and the cab around 500.

I forgot to add that in. Thanks..I'll do more research on that!

 

[Mr 9finger]

Re: Help me find a high gain amp.

Out of all the ones you listed, the Engl gets my pick. W/ the VHT in a close 2nd.

 

[alashredder]

Re: Help me find a high gain amp.

I'm also looking into the Marshall JCM 2000 Dual Super Lead.

 

[brit84]

Re: Help me find a high gain amp.

I'm also looking into the Marshall JCM 2000 Dual Super Lead.

instead of wasting your timeomg:jk) look into the Laney VH100R (my pick), GH100L and TT100H. However if you are looking for modern metal, their Iommi signature amp the GH100TI will probably work well.

 

[flipside]

Re: Help me find a high gain amp.

I am in constant search of my ultimate metal tone as well, I've played a ton of amps, but regrettably I don't have the necessary funds to purchase, but it is always fun to dream. I will give you my opinions on what i've played amd compared.

First off I would stay away from the DSL for metal, it just doesn't have the gain that other modern amps do and I find it sounds quite thin compared to other amps as well. For the money there are much better metal amps.

I've never played the EL Diablo, but from people that i've talked to and reviews i've read, it would be something to stay away from as well.

JCM 800 has more of a vintage taste to it, but when you crank it, and boost the crap out of it, you can get an awesome high gain liquid lead tone out of it. If you like more of a modern sound it may not be your cup of tea, but it is prob my top 3 in lead tones i have ever heard.

I've never played the Fireball but I have tons of respect for the ENGL Powerball. One of the biggest most crushing bottom ends I have ever heard but still stays tight and defined. Tons of gain on tap, very nice lead tone too.

Again i havent played the Revolution but I was very impressed with the Krank Krankenstein. One of the best "all-round" metal amps i'ev heard, it seemed to have the right amount of everything, not too much of anything, but it had plenty of what you needed.

Havent played much VHT but i heard nothing but great things about the UL.

Dual Rec is a great pick, can never go wrong with that, seems like everyone and their dog has one though, and for good reason, they are amazing amps. HUGE bottom end, tons of gain, amazing versatility.

It might be out of your pricerange but I would look into a Bogner Uberschalle or Ecstacy. Two of my favourite amps of all time. The Uber is just an all round ip your face off amp. Ecstasy has a little more vintage feel, another one of the best lead tones i;ve ever heard, tons a bite and gain though.

I guess its time to whore my amp now. I have an Ashdown Fallen Angel, and I actually very impressed with this amp, thats why i bought it (no kidding). When cranked this thing has a bottom end like an Uberschalle, absolutely crushing. Doesn't have quite as much gain on tap as the uber, but i toss an OD in front, and I get some pretty sick lead tones, and for under a grand, who can complain.

I would also look into a Laney VH100R too, this is a diamond in the rough. I don't think there is anything this amp can't do, and the price absolutely blows me away everytime i see it. First off, amazing cleans, second it will do the clearest most crisp british crunch you could want. Wind it up more, and you have earth shaking bottom end, and wind it up more, and you have scorching lead tones to top it off. I want one.

Hope that helps, and happy hunting

 

[alashredder]

Re: Help me find a high gain amp.

I am in constant search of my ultimate metal tone as well, I've played a ton of amps, but regrettably I don't have the necessary funds to purchase, but it is always fun to dream. I will give you my opinions on what i've played amd compared.

First off I would stay away from the DSL for metal, it just doesn't have the gain that other modern amps do and I find it sounds quite thin compared to other amps as well. For the money there are much better metal amps.

I've never played the EL Diablo, but from people that i've talked to and reviews i've read, it would be something to stay away from as well.

JCM 800 has more of a vintage taste to it, but when you crank it, and boost the crap out of it, you can get an awesome high gain liquid lead tone out of it. If you like more of a modern sound it may not be your cup of tea, but it is prob my top 3 in lead tones i have ever heard.

I've never played the Fireball but I have tons of respect for the ENGL Powerball. One of the biggest most crushing bottom ends I have ever heard but still stays tight and defined. Tons of gain on tap, very nice lead tone too.

Again i havent played the Revolution but I was very impressed with the Krank Krankenstein. One of the best "all-round" metal amps i'ev heard, it seemed to have the right amount of everything, not too much of anything, but it had plenty of what you needed.

Havent played much VHT but i heard nothing but great things about the UL.

Dual Rec is a great pick, can never go wrong with that, seems like everyone and their dog has one though, and for good reason, they are amazing amps. HUGE bottom end, tons of gain, amazing versatility.

It might be out of your pricerange but I would look into a Bogner Uberschalle or Ecstacy. Two of my favourite amps of all time. The Uber is just an all round ip your face off amp. Ecstasy has a little more vintage feel, another one of the best lead tones i;ve ever heard, tons a bite and gain though.

I guess its time to whore my amp now. I have an Ashdown Fallen Angel, and I actually very impressed with this amp, thats why i bought it (no kidding). When cranked this thing has a bottom end like an Uberschalle, absolutely crushing. Doesn't have quite as much gain on tap as the uber, but i toss an OD in front, and I get some pretty sick lead tones, and for under a grand, who can complain.

I would also look into a Laney VH100R too, this is a diamond in the rough. I don't think there is anything this amp can't do, and the price absolutely blows me away everytime i see it. First off, amazing cleans, second it will do the clearest most crisp british crunch you could want. Wind it up more, and you have earth shaking bottom end, and wind it up more, and you have scorching lead tones to top it off. I want one.

Hope that helps, and happy hunting

You know what? I totally agree with you. My hunches with the amps that you mentioned totally agreed. Wasn't sure about the Marshall amps, but I knew I wouldn't get enough gain from them. The Powerballs definetly sounded thicker and more full than the Fireballs, with more gainy bottom end from the sample clips. The Ritchie Blackmore model actually sounded in between a Powerball and a Fireball in my opinion. I did some research with the Genz Benz El Diablo and they weren't recieved quite well..been hearing the "not enough gain" deal with it. The ashdown fallen angel..is that the 350 dollar 100 watt hybrid head you're talking about? If you're getting great gain and tones out of it, I'd say ****..that's a steal!! I'll look into the Laney's and I do like Paul Gilbert and Dragon Force's tone from it..wasn't sure if it would give me massive gain and crunch and also will look into the Tony Iommi model. Bogner amps are out of my price range..so I'll scratch that off.

 

[Empty Pockets]

Re: Help me find a high gain amp.

That Line 6 Spider Valve is reasonably priced.

 

[flipside]

Re: Help me find a high gain amp.

You know what? I totally agree with you. My hunches with the amps that you mentioned totally agreed. Wasn't sure about the Marshall amps, but I knew I wouldn't get enough gain from them. The Powerballs definetly sounded thicker and more full than the Fireballs, with more gainy bottom end from the sample clips. The Ritchie Blackmore model actually sounded in between a Powerball and a Fireball in my opinion. I did some research with the Genz Benz El Diablo and they weren't recieved quite well..been hearing the "not enough gain" deal with it. The ashdown fallen angel..is that the 350 dollar 100 watt hybrid head you're talking about? If you're getting great gain and tones out of it, I'd say ****..that's a steal!! I'll look into the Laney's and I do like Paul Gilbert and Dragon Force's tone from it..wasn't sure if it would give me massive gain and crunch and also will look into the Tony Iommi model. Bogner amps are out of my price range..so I'll scratch that off.

When you asked me if it was the Ashdown hybrid head i was talking about about i was like "what the heck?" Then i looked at musicians friend and all they carry are these new hybrid amps that I had no idea even existed. I've never played the hybrid, but I can almost guarantee it won't touch the all-tube ones. If you're going to look at an Ashdown look into the all-tube amps. I've seen guys grab a 60 watt head and a cab for 1300 bucks new, so they are still pretty cheap. They also make a 180 watt all-tube head which is a freakin monster. I have the all-tube 60 watt combo and for a combo it is a beast, when i toss an OD in front it throws the gain over the top. Ideally, if i had the money i would get a Laney VH100R, but i can not complain with the setup that i have right now, can't beat it for the money and it is metal heaven.

 

[JOLLY]

Re: Help me find a high gain amp.

Wasn't sure about the Marshall amps, but I knew I wouldn't get enough gain from them.

I get plenty of gain (with tons of room to spare) from my Marshall JVM410H.

 

[alashredder]

Re: Help me find a high gain amp.

I get plenty of gain (with tons of room to spare) from my Marshall JVM410H.

I'm not familiar with the JVM410H. Does it give a very decent crunch for modern metal? Also, someone else suggested to get a decent Marshall head and retube it with 12AX7's to get more gain. I really don't want to retube a amp head just yet.

 

[Empty Pockets]

Re: Help me find a high gain amp.

New tubes in your amp is like pants man...you gotta change 'em at least once a year, it's no big deal and it's just a part of life.

If I were in the market for a high-gain amp for metal, i'd get a Laney AOR 'cuz they're cheap and Matt Pike uses them.

 

[jmh151]

Re: Help me find a high gain amp.

The Carvin V3 is reasonably priced and alot of amp for the money. Does metal very well, particularly with a pedal in front and possibly an EQ in the loop

 

[TSE]

Re: Help me find a high gain amp.

For pure metal tone, KranK is pretty sweet. Also, check out Bogner amps, good stuff there too. I have a 5150II and I love it so much, but if I could have any amp, I might go with a customized Soldano SLO.

For cabs I would go with the GenzBenz G-Flex 4x12, Krankenstein 4x12, or a couple of EarCandy 2x12s. I have one EC with Eminence Swamps and it just dominates standard 4x12s like Marshalls or Avatars. Great tone there.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Help me find a high gain amp.

I'm not familiar with the JVM410H. Does it give a very decent crunch for modern metal? Also, someone else suggested to get a decent Marshall head and retube it with 12AX7's to get more gain. I really don't want to retube a amp head just yet.

No man...listen to Jolly. Pony up the dough for the 4 channel Marshall. You won't be worried about what tubes are in it, because it's got a tremendous amount of gain on tap. So much, that your gain knob will rarely go above 5.

The Fender EVHIII VH amp is also a killer channel switching head.

Plus, both those amps will always hold good value.

 

[brit84]

Re: Help me find a high gain amp.

You know what? I totally agree with you. My hunches with the amps that you mentioned totally agreed. Wasn't sure about the Marshall amps, but I knew I wouldn't get enough gain from them. The Powerballs definetly sounded thicker and more full than the Fireballs, with more gainy bottom end from the sample clips. The Ritchie Blackmore model actually sounded in between a Powerball and a Fireball in my opinion. I did some research with the Genz Benz El Diablo and they weren't recieved quite well..been hearing the "not enough gain" deal with it. The ashdown fallen angel..is that the 350 dollar 100 watt hybrid head you're talking about? If you're getting great gain and tones out of it, I'd say ****..that's a steal!! I'll look into the Laney's and I do like Paul Gilbert and Dragon Force's tone from it..wasn't sure if it would give me massive gain and crunch and also will look into the Tony Iommi model. Bogner amps are out of my price range..so I'll scratch that off.

if the el diablo doesnt have enough gain im deaf. Go to genz benz.com and look for the videos. theres a scooped demo in there. It can sound much better than the way he has it set up however. Them not being recieved well basically means that they are not a mesa/marshall rip off and actually sound different

I've never played the EL Diablo, but from people that i've talked to and reviews i've read, it would be something to stay away from as well.

sorry, but you have to take the reviews with a grain of salt. The Diablo cannot be simply turned on and expected to sound like a metal amp. The kids writing the reviews make up their minds after 5 minutes with no tweaking. Also no offence, but dont negate a suggestion if you have not heard/used it yourself, it can be misleading.

Since you are suggesting a dual rec and engl, save yourself $1000 and get an el diablo. the dual rec is much more loose in bottom end whereas the diablo and engl a much tighter

 

[alashredder]

Re: Help me find a high gain amp.

The clip tone of the Bogner Uberschall by George Lynch is close to the tone I want, but I believe he wasn't turning the gain high enough, but it still sounds great.

http://bogneramplification.com/GeorgeLynch1c.mp3

 

[Imp]

Re: Help me find a high gain amp.

engl... schwing!

diezels are probably out of your reach too, but their metal tones are beyond what an amplifier as we know it can do

 

[JOLLY]

Re: Help me find a high gain amp.

i've been playing my MArshall JVM410H head through my 5150 cabinet. Tons of gain, and sounds fantastic, but still not the sound I've been looking for. However, my buddy MrHeavyMetal from the forum came over today. He brought me his Marshall cabinet (which is loaded with Celestion Vintage 30's in it) to borrow and listen to for a few days. All I can say is....Daddy's home!! I got more gain than you can shake a stick at man. I thought I loved this head before...I'm totally in love now man!!

I got sooo much gain to spare man on this head. I'm amazed even more everytime I listen to it day by day. Now with the V30's. I'm at home. And I love gain man!!

edit: not to say the head sounded bad through the 5150 cab....it just got better sounding today. I guess that's what I meant.