Is this a good amp? I know it's solid state, but I am trying to find a good amp around the $500 range. I want something that I can also take around with me when I travel, so a stack would be out of the question. It needs to sound good at low volumes (apartment complex) as well as high volumes. Any other suggestions would be great too, thanks.
Marshall MG250DFX
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Rushfan2112
New member
Re: Marshall MG250DFX
Most people on this forum will recommend a tube amp (as will I), but if you prefer the sound of a solid state amp, then I'm sure it's good for you. What do you mean by "sound great"? Super saturated distorted? Somewhat distorted breakup? Explaining what you want will give us more to work with.
Most people on this forum will recommend a tube amp (as will I), but if you prefer the sound of a solid state amp, then I'm sure it's good for you. What do you mean by "sound great"? Super saturated distorted? Somewhat distorted breakup? Explaining what you want will give us more to work with.
Re: Marshall MG250DFX
First, try it out if possible, WITH the guitar you will use (or very close to it).
The MG are good for some music but not everything, I own the head version by the way.
If you are really planning on moving it around a lot, why not try the MG100 DFX instead? it'll probably be a lot more moving friendly and it'll almost sound the same. Also, It'll be more apartment friendly since even at low volumes 2x12's might cause enough vibration for the neighbors to hear you play, can't say that for certain though.
Being solid state it'll naturally be ok at low volumes and its pretty good at high volumes...it really does get loud! Especially for a solid state amp.
All that said, I find it really helps to have a good overdrive pedal with these amps.
If you want something else, look into getting an Epipohne valve Jr, a good pedal or two suited for your style, and a 12" speaker cab. Depending on what you want and what you like this May or may not be better. It's a tube 5 watter, getts pretty loud though.
First, try it out if possible, WITH the guitar you will use (or very close to it).
The MG are good for some music but not everything, I own the head version by the way.
If you are really planning on moving it around a lot, why not try the MG100 DFX instead? it'll probably be a lot more moving friendly and it'll almost sound the same. Also, It'll be more apartment friendly since even at low volumes 2x12's might cause enough vibration for the neighbors to hear you play, can't say that for certain though.
Being solid state it'll naturally be ok at low volumes and its pretty good at high volumes...it really does get loud! Especially for a solid state amp.
All that said, I find it really helps to have a good overdrive pedal with these amps.
If you want something else, look into getting an Epipohne valve Jr, a good pedal or two suited for your style, and a 12" speaker cab. Depending on what you want and what you like this May or may not be better. It's a tube 5 watter, getts pretty loud though.
Re: Marshall MG250DFX
By sounding good, I mean has killer cleans and an overdrive that just sings. For distortion I play more classic and hard rock...not very into metal. Also, a reverb that is worth something would be great. I use various guitars though, so using something that just sounds good out of one guitar won't help me much...
By sounding good, I mean has killer cleans and an overdrive that just sings. For distortion I play more classic and hard rock...not very into metal. Also, a reverb that is worth something would be great. I use various guitars though, so using something that just sounds good out of one guitar won't help me much...
Re: Marshall MG250DFX
Ok the cleans are more than decent on the MG's, but it is not much of a "singing" distortion unless you use the right overdrive pedal. The High-gain portion (OD2) can get close but is more of a modern metal lead sound...I think.
I think the reverb is great and so is the delay and this is more geared for classic and hard rock rather than metal. but it is really difficult to get singing leads from it, though not impossible with the right overdrive or pickups
worth a try, but I wouldn't drop money on it going in to it blind.
Ok the cleans are more than decent on the MG's, but it is not much of a "singing" distortion unless you use the right overdrive pedal. The High-gain portion (OD2) can get close but is more of a modern metal lead sound...I think.
I think the reverb is great and so is the delay and this is more geared for classic and hard rock rather than metal. but it is really difficult to get singing leads from it, though not impossible with the right overdrive or pickups
worth a try, but I wouldn't drop money on it going in to it blind.
Rushfan2112
New member
Re: Marshall MG250DFX
They make a Peavey Windsor Studio, 15-20w (that's actually pretty loud) with an attenuator and can take any octal poweramp tube (EL34, 6V6, 6L6, etc.). I don't believe it's out yet, but this seems like it would be perfect for you.
http://www.peavey.com/products/brow.../03597430/cat/397/begin/1/Windsor?+Studio.cfm
They make a Peavey Windsor Studio, 15-20w (that's actually pretty loud) with an attenuator and can take any octal poweramp tube (EL34, 6V6, 6L6, etc.). I don't believe it's out yet, but this seems like it would be perfect for you.
http://www.peavey.com/products/brow.../03597430/cat/397/begin/1/Windsor?+Studio.cfm
lex666
New member
Re: Marshall MG250DFX
This Marshall might be more than you need.
Why not look into a Fender tube amp around this price range?
Otherwise, if you wanna go solid state, check out Vox, or Line 6 instead... I like their solid state sound much more. Some people like Crate, you can try that too, but I never really cared for Crate's SS sound...
This Marshall might be more than you need.
Why not look into a Fender tube amp around this price range?
Otherwise, if you wanna go solid state, check out Vox, or Line 6 instead... I like their solid state sound much more. Some people like Crate, you can try that too, but I never really cared for Crate's SS sound...
Red_Label
New member
Re: Marshall MG250DFX
For a non-tube amp under $500 I have to recommend the Behringer Vampire digital modelers. I have the 1X12 combo, the head, and the V-Amp2 versions of that amp. It's a great amp and you can get the combo or head for under $250. I use tube amps live because I need that clean headroom and something to cut through the mix. But when it comes to bedroom volume, I've never had any amps that I've been happier with than the Behringers (including Line 6, Yamaha DG, and others). They are an awesome value.
I would not touch any of Marshall's non-tube stuff. It just doesn't have the sound quality and features that these other companies that I listed (and have owned) have.
For a non-tube amp under $500 I have to recommend the Behringer Vampire digital modelers. I have the 1X12 combo, the head, and the V-Amp2 versions of that amp. It's a great amp and you can get the combo or head for under $250. I use tube amps live because I need that clean headroom and something to cut through the mix. But when it comes to bedroom volume, I've never had any amps that I've been happier with than the Behringers (including Line 6, Yamaha DG, and others). They are an awesome value.
I would not touch any of Marshall's non-tube stuff. It just doesn't have the sound quality and features that these other companies that I listed (and have owned) have.
lex666
New member
Re: Marshall MG250DFX
All I meant was a 2x12 can be fairly heavy if you plan take it with you when you travel as stated in your OP. Also, if you live in an apartment, you might not be able to turn it up loud enough to take advantage of 50 watts into a 2x12.
I use a Vox AD15VT for compact portability. You can always go little bigger, they have 50 watt 1x12 that will be easier to travel with than a 2x12. I like Vox's SS sound and built in effects better than Marshall's - and I'm pro-Marshall all the way... I compared Vox vs. Marshall for a long time before I settled on the Vox, it just sounded better.
All I meant was a 2x12 can be fairly heavy if you plan take it with you when you travel as stated in your OP. Also, if you live in an apartment, you might not be able to turn it up loud enough to take advantage of 50 watts into a 2x12.
I use a Vox AD15VT for compact portability. You can always go little bigger, they have 50 watt 1x12 that will be easier to travel with than a 2x12. I like Vox's SS sound and built in effects better than Marshall's - and I'm pro-Marshall all the way... I compared Vox vs. Marshall for a long time before I settled on the Vox, it just sounded better.
Re: Marshall MG250DFX
i use solid state amps all the time.... i have no issues with them not being tubes... I have lots of tube amps but SS works in places Tubes don't... like low low volume practices...
But on record so far the Marshall MG line is my least favourite line of amps Marshall has ever made.... So dam noisey!!!!! Same goes for the 2000-2004 Fender DSP stuff... so much extra hum and buzz it should be called a noise generator... not an amp.
i use solid state amps all the time.... i have no issues with them not being tubes... I have lots of tube amps but SS works in places Tubes don't... like low low volume practices...
But on record so far the Marshall MG line is my least favourite line of amps Marshall has ever made.... So dam noisey!!!!! Same goes for the 2000-2004 Fender DSP stuff... so much extra hum and buzz it should be called a noise generator... not an amp.
