Peavy Classic 30 v. Mesa DC-2

[beggar_guitar]

Perhaps this is an apples to oranges comparison, but what are some thoughts?

I'm looking into a little tube amp. I need something to leave at either my pratice space or at church.

There's a DC-2 on the board here, and a Classic 30 I can pick up locally.

Played a classic 30 before. It's a nice little amp. Never played the Mesa though.

Fill me in a little bit. I've been reading reviews online. Looking for clips and all that.
Just curious how the Pros on the board felt about either amp.

Al

 

[Mr. B]

Re: Peavy Classic 30 v. Mesa DC-2

Don't know the MESA model, but its hard to beat the little Peavey Classic 30 for the price. They are great little amps. I've still got an old Peavey Classic 20 that can really tear it up too.

 

[Soujurn]

Re: Peavy Classic 30 v. Mesa DC-2

I own a Classic 30. I've had it about 5 years now. Within a year, I had to have it worked on. The circuit board is very flimsy, and the tube sockets are right on the main circuit board, so when you wiggle them to get'em in and out, they stress the board.
My Reverb went out twice and the second time I decided to hell with it and bought a reverb pedal.
I am not familiar with the Mesa, but even though the Peavey has a delicious clean class A sound since I put in NOS and JJ tubes, and replaced the speaker with a Celestion G12 Vintage 30, I cannot recommend it due to other issues of quality construction and reliability.

 

[BigAlTheBird]

Re: Peavy Classic 30 v. Mesa DC-2

Take the Peavey.

 

[Boogie Bill]

Re: Peavy Classic 30 v. Mesa DC-2

I have a Mesa DC-3, and I love it. This amp has devoured, frustrated, shamed and humiliated scores of Classic 30s!

The DC-2 has two power tubes to the -3's four; and it doesn't have the -3's Graphic EQ. Still, it has the same two channel design, with individual volumes, gains and tone controls. The clean channel is based on the Mark IV, and the Lead Channel is based on the Recto design.

DC's, though, ususally command a much higher price tag. Are they worth it? I say, "ABSOLUTELY!!!" The amps are much nicer, better built. Cabinets are top quality plywood, rather than the Classic 30's particle board. The Mesa will keep its value much better, too.

My choice: the DC-2.

Bill

 

[ElUnoAstuto]

Re: Peavy Classic 30 v. Mesa DC-2

Peavey gear FTW! Don't forget about that Valveking for sale on the board! /shameless plug