Mesa Recto: 2ch vs 3ch

[mfprh]

I have been looking into picking up a Recto recently, probably in the used market. Are there any differences in sound/reliability/etc between the 2 channel and three channel models? I favor the two channel Triple, since it's the one I have the most experience with, and I'd only be using one channel so three is fairly useless to me. I recall liking the sound of the 2ch over the 3ch, but not all variables were identical in testing so I don't know if they were all that different.

 

[some_dude]

Re: Mesa Recto: 2ch vs 3ch

The 2 channel will have a more crunchy thing going on.

The 3 channel will have less crunch as they have a smoother/more saturated gain.

Most people describe the 3 channel as being more fizzy, however I think they have far more complex harmonics than my 2 channel.

I've never actually played a 3 channel, so I can only tell you so much.

 

[sosomething]

Re: Mesa Recto: 2ch vs 3ch

I've only played the 3 channel...

Typically I always follow the adage that the simpler, most direct signal path yields the best tone, so based on that I would recommend the 2 channel - especially considering how overblown and complex Mesa circuits can tend to be.

However, on the 3 channel I spent some time with, the best tones by far were had on that middle channel.

So this is basically a useless post!