Mesa Boogie 295 Stereo Power Amp

[Jeff5]

I'm looking to upgrade from my 50/50 to either a 2 95 or 2:90. I know that many say that the Triaxis and 2:90 are meant for each other, but the guys at the Boogie Board seem to think really highly of the 2 95. Has anyone tried both or one of the other (with a Triaxis preferably) and what are your thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[Jolly_Rancher]

Re: Mesa Boogie 295 Stereo Power Amp

The 2:90 is a magic machine, and I loved everything I've played through it, but I haven't compared it to the 2 95.

 

[Robert S.]

Re: Mesa Boogie 295 Stereo Power Amp

I owned both a 290 and a 295 and ran a triaxis through them.

The differences didnt seem huge to me, mostly in layout if I remember correctly. The best tone I ever got from those rigs were when I ran EL34s in the Simul sockets and 6l6s in the std slots.

I think you'll be happy either way. I wanted to replace the 290 with another 290 but I loved my 295 after I got over the fact that it was a little different.

 

[Jeff5]

Re: Mesa Boogie 295 Stereo Power Amp

Thanks guys. Robert that's exactly what I've hard about the 295 that the magic really happens due to the mix of 6L6 and EL34 tubes.

 

[dystrust]

Re: Mesa Boogie 295 Stereo Power Amp

I have yet to encounter a 295, but the best power amp tone I've ever heard was a Simul 395 with EL-34s in the class A sockets. This is after playing the 395, 50/50, Simul 2:90, Stereo 2:50, Recto 2:100, and loads of other high-end rack power amps. The only pro-level power amps I haven't played are a 295, Strategy 400/500, or a VHT/Fryette.

In terms of raw tone, the best sounding power amps were the 395 and 50/50. Provided that you have this 50/50 and not the later Stereo 2:50, I'd recommend keeping your power amp unless you need the switch track functionality in the 395. I didn't like the newer 2:50 or 2:90 at all; they were both nasally and weak sounding compared to their earlier counterpart. I also didn't like the Recto 2:100, but this was due to the damping and extremely fast taper of the volume knob.

 

[Jeff5]

Re: Mesa Boogie 295 Stereo Power Amp

I have the 50/50, not 2:50. I've never been totally unsatisfied with the tone of my rig and I get some really good tones. But I've never been totally satisfied either. It just seems that something is lacking. I know the Triaxis is wonderful and I'm not going to switch that out. The power amp plays a huge part in overall tone and I'm thinking that maybe switching that out will give me what I'm looking for. People rave about the 2:90 and 295 so much in combination with the Tri that I thought I'd give them a whirl. (I have to sell my 50/50 to justify this too!)

I'm also looking to get a Mesa Cab loaded with vintage 30s as it seems that anytime I hear V30s, I like them and prefer their sound overall. (my current cab is an old Carvin with 75 watt Celestions)

I know that everything in conjunction affects your tone. If I can get a 2:90 or 295 (still not sure which yet) and a Mesa cab and still am not satisfied, them maybe I need to go in a different direction with my amp choice.

 

[Jeff5]

Re: Mesa Boogie 295 Stereo Power Amp

I owned both a 290 and a 295 and ran a triaxis through them.

The differences didnt seem huge to me, mostly in layout if I remember correctly. The best tone I ever got from those rigs were when I ran EL34s in the Simul sockets and 6l6s in the std slots.

I think you'll be happy either way. I wanted to replace the 290 with another 290 but I loved my 295 after I got over the fact that it was a little different.

Robert can you expand on what you mean by a little different? Just a different tone than the 2:90?

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Mesa Boogie 295 Stereo Power Amp

I used to have a 295 years ago with a JMP-1.

One thing that sets the 4 space power amps apart from the 2 space ones is the transformers. I think big iron sounds better than the donut shaped toroidal transformers, and that's why the vast majority of guitar amps use conventional steel trannies.

And the 295 came in two versions. One only had power/standby on the front panel, and later they added 2 volumes and 2 presence, so you'd have a little more control over the output and tone.

 

[Jeff5]

Re: Mesa Boogie 295 Stereo Power Amp

GJ what was your overall impression of the 295 tone wise?

 

[CTN]

Re: Mesa Boogie 295 Stereo Power Amp

I gigged with a 295 for a couple years.

Very very powerful amp, but it's also very clean sounding. I had the version with two presence knobs on the front. Built like a tank, and weighs approximately the same.

Because it's so transparent sounding, it pays to have a badass preamp going into it, otherwise you won't be making the most of it. It was built to be accompanied by the Quad preamp like so:

 

[Jeff5]

Re: Mesa Boogie 295 Stereo Power Amp

Thanks man good clips! I'll be using it with the Tri-Axis so it should sound really good.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Mesa Boogie 295 Stereo Power Amp

GJ what was your overall impression of the 295 tone wise?

It's loud, so it's hard to get much power tube breakup, but the headroom and size of sound is amazing. I never used anything but the stock 6L6's back then, so I'd take Robert's advise about mixing them with EL-34's.

Whatever you do, don't get caught up trying to create a giant rack. You'll regret it, once you lift it a few times. Stay away from those big shockmounted racks, and stick with an 8 or 10 spc. SKB type rack. The 295 is heavy enough as it is.

 

[dr. ad]

Re: Mesa Boogie 295 Stereo Power Amp

i've never seen a 2:95 but having played through both a 2:90 and a strategy 500 (same guitar/triaxis/mesa quad), i would be going straight past the simulclasses to get the strategy
that thing sounded huge. completely different vibe from the 2:90, which sounded relatively crisp and dry. the strategy sounded as if one were completely surrounded by valves and speakers, like someone sewed a few supertwins into some kind of poweramp-centipede.

 

[Jeff5]

Re: Mesa Boogie 295 Stereo Power Amp

Thanks for the responses guys. I may try to pick one up. I'm mentally going back to the 2:90 though just due to it's features and size. We'll see. There's a couple 295s in the Chicago area, one has the knobs on the back which I don't want and the other is in NW Indiana with the knobs on the front although it looks beat to hell. I can get the beat to hell one for $550 which is a pretty good deal.

Robert, by the way you're the reason I own a Triaxis. In October 2004, you gave us all a heads up on one that was on clearance from a music store in Southfield Michigan. I got it for $999.99 new where as I had just paid $1100 for a used one! I was able to return the used one and get that new one you told us about for like $200 to $300 cheaper than they went new for at that time. I always remember that as I love that darn preamp!

 

[UberMetalDood]

Re: Mesa Boogie 295 Stereo Power Amp

This thread has got me gassing for a tube power amp. Mesa Boogie sounds good but so does Engl and VHT. Anyone ever compare Engl or VHT to the Mesa power amps?

 

[Binnerscot]

Re: Mesa Boogie 295 Stereo Power Amp

The Freyette 2:90 and the Mesa 2:90 are the two most recomended and popular. The Fryette (KT88s) adds a little less color, and is a litle more puntual in the mids (depending on the preamp). The Mesa (6L6s) adds a little flavor of its, but all in a good way.

You really can't go wrong with either one. I went with the Fryette just because I already had a pile of Mesa amps and wanted something different and dedicated for the Fish, I am very happy with it.

 

[UberMetalDood]

Re: Mesa Boogie 295 Stereo Power Amp

The Freyette 2:90 and the Mesa 2:90 are the two most recomended and popular. The Fryette (KT88s) adds a little less color, and is a litle more puntual in the mids (depending on the preamp). The Mesa (6L6s) adds a little flavor of its, but all in a good way.

You really can't go wrong with either one. I went with the Fryette just because I already had a pile of Mesa amps and wanted something different and dedicated for the Fish, I am very happy with it.

Thanks for the info. I like the big sound of KT88's. I might go the Mesa Boogie way though since they're a lot more affordable.

 

[mesa1]

Re: Mesa Boogie 295 Stereo Power Amp

Awesome ....FYI ...you only live once so don't be afraid to try the best! My progressions 50/50 (very weak after you move up ,have to add pedals to help the amp achieve sounds)-2:90 (lots of headroom,Brutally Loud,basically the mass produced amp out of a custom amp shop-after getting the 295 and 395 , I sold the 2:90 -was not impressed) Note : I have the Triaxis as the preamp for all these amps. Bought a 295 with Quad and a 395 at the same time. Now we are Talking !!!WOW!!!! The 395 is the most impressive amp ,man what a sound.The little brother of the Strategy 500 , so the 500 must be the BOMB. Man the presence dailed up , the choice of deep or not on each side ...wow ....deep on one side and not one the other,,,NICE The THUMP you always just dreamed of is here ! The 395 is so great ! The 295 with the Quad ( The Quad just KILLS The Studio ..so don't buy the Studio , buy the Quad ) Classic Rock Heaven. With the EL-34's and 6L6's you have a nice blend. If you are into clean sweet guitar the 295 and Quad is really nice probably the best clean guitar sound that right there with all the nuances and sweetness you will ever need. I'm still loving the 395 a bit more , and it sounds better with the Triaxis than any amp I've heard. I have a chance to get a Strategy 400 for $1000 and I'm tempted to buy it just to see, and I could always re sell it.It looks like the same design as the 295 . Hmmm. You only live once !

 

[Boogie Bill]

Re: Mesa Boogie 295 Stereo Power Amp

I'm not a separates guy, but I do have a clear preference for the Simul-Class amps with 6L6/EL-34 tubes. Tri-axis or Quad...both great choices.

Bill

 

[Jeff5]

Re: Mesa Boogie 295 Stereo Power Amp

Keep in mind that you can run a mix of 6L6 and EL34s in the 2:90 as well. I do and it sounds great. Never played a 2:95 though.