Mesa vs. Marshall Power Amps.

[Benjy_26]

Hi everybody.

I've come to the conclusion that I don't need quite as much power as I thought. This has lead me to look at low wattage power amps to use with my GT-8's preamps.

Specifically, I've been looking at the Mesa 20/20 and Marshall 20/20. Both put out 20 watts on each side using a pair of EL84's on each side.

What are the pros and cons of each? Which one would you guys take?

I'll be running into a pair of 2x12 cabs. One Marshall sealed cab and one Vox open back cab. The speakers are a V30/G12H30 combo in each cab, but I'm thinking of going with a V30/Red Fang combo in each box.

Thanks for your help.

 

[DeadSkinSlayer3]

Re: Mesa vs. Marshall Power Amps.

I've heard too many horror stories about Marshall poweramps and their (lack of) reliability to even consider one.

 

[Grandor]

Re: Mesa vs. Marshall Power Amps.

The mesa 20/20 is a great little preamp. Some people don't like its bass response, but its really something you need to try for yourself.

 

[Zerberus]

Re: Mesa vs. Marshall Power Amps.

I've heard too many horror stories about Marshall poweramps and their (lack of) reliability to even consider one.

Please DO tell, I haven´t heard a single one yet nor seen one that was FUBAR´ed.....:eek13:

In my experience both Marshall and Mesa products are built to last and work, it essentially comes down to whick sounds better to your ears... Here I can´t help because I´ve never looked at smaller poweramps...

 

[milkbone]

Re: Mesa vs. Marshall Power Amps.

I remember when I was searching and researching reading reviews that the Marshall had overheating issues. It was a while back(4-5 years). Probably got the info on HC. I got the Mesa(just to let you know how long ago I got the 20/20 and a v-twin pedal for $500!) I see the 20s going for over 500 now! It is a great amp and I can see how someone who is used to a "big bottle" amp would complain about the bass. It's all in how you eq it. It's not going to have the "thump" of the bigger amps but it does cut through great and have a wonderfull mid punch. I never played the Marshall so I can't say firsthand about it's reliabillity or sound but I can say theat the Mesa is a great amp and I've gigged small, big and outside and never had a problem with reliabillity or volume. I have a 4x12 and a 2x12. The 20 does a great job with either or both. Drop me a line if you want to chat. I'd be happy help out. Mike

 

[DeadSkinSlayer3]

Re: Mesa vs. Marshall Power Amps.

Please DO tell, I haven´t heard a single one yet nor seen one that was FUBAR´ed.....:eek13:

I'm looking right now, it was Cleveland on the JCF boards, IIRC.

 

[BigBazz]

Re: Mesa vs. Marshall Power Amps.

I'm looking right now, it was Cleveland on the JCF boards, IIRC.

Im in a band, the other guitarist has been gigging 3 nights a week for almost a year with his current amp.

Marshall Jmp-1 into a Marshall 20/20 EL84.

No problems whatsoever, and the thing is loud as hell, his setup has a louder clean channel than my 5150 (despite being 40w stereo), i have never once seen that amp on even half volume, it puts put a lot of power, plenty of low end punch, there seems to be sweet high mids that makes me think its the perfect poweramp for those "steve vai" solo guitarist moments.

Anyway, it sounds good, its loud as hell and reliable, not as much grunt as a mesa though, but that can be expected.


Ryan

 

[Zerberus]

Re: Mesa vs. Marshall Power Amps.

I'm looking right now, it was Cleveland on the JCF boards, IIRC.

Hmm, interesting... I´ll see if I can find the thread tommorrow or so

 

[Vasshu the humanoid typhoon]

Re: Mesa vs. Marshall Power Amps.

Uh I had a Marshall 100 watts poweramp back then...it never ever failed me, the other player in my band had a 20/20 Boogie...it never failed to crap out
Guess it is a matter of luck sometimes

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Mesa vs. Marshall Power Amps.

I remember when I was searching and researching reading reviews that the Marshall had overheating issues. It was a while back(4-5 years). Probably got the info on HC. I got the Mesa(just to let you know how long ago I got the 20/20 and a v-twin pedal for $500!) I see the 20s going for over 500 now! It is a great amp and I can see how someone who is used to a "big bottle" amp would complain about the bass. It's all in how you eq it. It's not going to have the "thump" of the bigger amps but it does cut through great and have a wonderfull mid punch. I never played the Marshall so I can't say firsthand about it's reliabillity or sound but I can say theat the Mesa is a great amp and I've gigged small, big and outside and never had a problem with reliabillity or volume. I have a 4x12 and a 2x12. The 20 does a great job with either or both. Drop me a line if you want to chat. I'd be happy help out. Mike

How do you run the 20/20? In stereo with only th 4x12, or one cab per side? Also, what speakers are you using with it?

Thanks a bunch for your help, bro. I'll probably be bothering you with more questions later on.

Bazz, what kind of music do y'all play?

Rid, was the problem with the Mesa confined to one thing, or were various problems popping up?

Thanks for your help, everyone.

 

[milkbone]

Re: Mesa vs. Marshall Power Amps.

I run stereo into one cab or both. The 4x12 has the stock g12ts and the 2x12 has g12ks. I can run with either cab or both. The 20 has 2 8 ohm outs and 4 4ohm outs. I've never had any problems with mine. I use JJel84s and a GT12ax7M. The phase inverters are Shuguang 12ax7s. What preamp are you looking to use? Glad to help!

 

[BigBazz]

Re: Mesa vs. Marshall Power Amps.

Well we play a lot of metal mainly.

easiest way is to just click the website in my sig, that is the music we play.


Ryan

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Mesa vs. Marshall Power Amps.

I run stereo into one cab or both. The 4x12 has the stock g12ts and the 2x12 has g12ks. I can run with either cab or both. The 20 has 2 8 ohm outs and 4 4ohm outs. I've never had any problems with mine. I use JJel84s and a GT12ax7M. The phase inverters are Shuguang 12ax7s. What preamp are you looking to use? Glad to help!

I'll be using a Boss GT-8. I play pretty much anything save for modern metal.