Power Amp for Mesa TriAxis

[JLagoon]

Hey guys,

I'm looking for a power amp that would suite my TriAxis well. I'm aiming for Petrucci sound with more Marshall mid frequency (not that I want Marshall sound).

I read that people choose VHT 2/50/2 (EL34) or Mesa 20/20 (EL84) over Mesa 2:90 (6L6). What are you thoughts?

Oh, and recommend me a complementing cabinet (4x12) as well if you can.

Thanks!!

 

[DeadSkinSlayer3]

Re: Power Amp for Mesa TriAxis

Honestly, I'd stick with the 2:90. It was made for the Tri-axis, and I think the preamp sounds best with the 2:90. Not only that, but with the combo, it opens up some more tonal possibilities.

The only downside is that it's a heavy ****er.


As for cabinets, my favorite, EVER, is a Mesa traditional sized 4x12 with V30's and C90's in an X pattern.

 

[Guitarist]

Re: Power Amp for Mesa TriAxis

****...does anyone know if the 2:90 can support both 6L6s and EL34s?...it seems like it should...

 

[Guitarist]

Re: Power Amp for Mesa TriAxis

JLagoon, I know what where you're coming from...that's why I'm taking full advantage of the Simulclass feature on my Mark Series head...running two 6L6s and two EL34s. I want those crunchy mids...

I'm sure you'd be happy with either the VHT 2/50/2 or the Mesa 2:90...but I'm sure others will chime in.

 

[JLagoon]

Re: Power Amp for Mesa TriAxis

Reviewers of the VHT 2502 on HC.com said that it's more articulate than the 2:90 is, and is not as dark sounding. The TriAxis is already dark sounding, so a brighter power amp would probably be a good match.......???

Guitarist, the 2:90 has a fixed bias. Did you just type that a Mark series head with simulclass feature can run 6L6 and EL34 at the same time??? Does the sound blend together or split into separate cabinets?

:burnout:

And what's a cabinet with an X pattern?

Thanks!

 

[DeadSkinSlayer3]

Re: Power Amp for Mesa TriAxis

Reviewers of the VHT 2502 on HC.com said that it's more articulate than the 2:90 is, and is not as dark sounding. The TriAxis is already dark sounding, so a brighter power amp would probably be a good match.......???

Guitarist, the 2:90 has a fixed bias. Did you just type that a Mark series head with simulclass feature can run 6L6 and EL34 at the same time??? Does the sound blend together or split into separate cabinets?

:burnout:

It blends together.


There is a poweramp, I forget which one, that can run 6L6 on one side and EL34 on the other. That, into a 4x12 cabinet with the stereo sides in an X pattern would sound amazing.

 

[Guitarist]

Re: Power Amp for Mesa TriAxis

Reviewers of the VHT 2502 on HC.com said that it's more articulate than the 2:90 is, and is not as dark sounding. The TriAxis is already dark sounding, so a brighter power amp would probably be a good match.......???

That's a fair conclusion on the VHT power amp and how it will sound with the TriAxis...but that's all I'm gonna say.

Guitarist, the 2:90 has a fixed bias. Did you just type that a Mark series head with simulclass feature can run 6L6 and EL34 at the same time??? Does the sound blend together or split into separate cabinets?

Yes, I did...All Mesas sport the fixed bias...and yes, they blend together. It'd be pretty cool if you could do that with the 2:90 as well, huh?!

And what's a cabinet with an X pattern?

A cabinet with two different types of speakers alligned in an X pattern...meaning one type on top left and bottom right, and the other on top right, bottom left.

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Power Amp for Mesa TriAxis

Get the Simul. It's voiced specifically for the Triaxis. Besides, Simulcass is a beautiful thing.


Oh yeah, I would suggest a pair of Mesa deep 2x12 cabs. Hey, if you're spending the cash on a stereo rig, might as well use it properly.

As far as running dissimilar tubes on eac side, the only power amp I know of that can do that is the Carvin 100 watt unit. It's only 700USD BTW. :burnout:

 

[DeadSkinSlayer3]

Re: Power Amp for Mesa TriAxis

Oh yeah, I would suggest a pair of Mesa deep 2x12T

I wouldn't . For John Petrucci type stuff (metal-esque), you dont want open cabinets, in any way, shape, or form.

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Power Amp for Mesa TriAxis

I wouldn't . For John Petrucci type stuff (metal-esque), you dont want open cabinets, in any way, shape, or form.

I didn't know that the 2x12 recto cabs were open. I guess you learn something everyday.

Get what I have then: a pair of Marshall JCM C212 cabs. I have one loaded with a V30 and an EV 12L and it rips. I pair mine with a Vox 2x12 open back cab (V30/G12H30). Metal isn't my main style, but I can definately pull it off with these two cabs, my 50:50, and my GT8. I can only see my sound getting bigger and tighter if I replaced my Vox cab with another C212.

 

[JLagoon]

Re: Power Amp for Mesa TriAxis

Thanks for the replies, guys!!

Check out what I found from googling:

Sound clip of TriAxis and VHT 2502
http://www.petrucciforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1551&page=1&pp=10

From JP forum -- Running 2:90 with EL34 and 6L6
http://www.petrucciforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=144079

One guy claimed that Masotti Slave 100 is better than the 2:90
http://hugeracksinc.com/board/viewtopic.php?t=11357&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=15&sid=1b4685592547e0f9f084828c862848ce

 

[BluesGuyJ]

Re: Power Amp for Mesa TriAxis

As I recall, Petrucci ran his Triaxies into Mark II C+s. I've only heard great things about the VHT you've mentioned and the Mesa 20/20 or 50/50.

If the 290 was made for the Triaxis then you should def check that puppy out.

 

[PUCKBOY99]

Re: Power Amp for Mesa TriAxis

I ran a VHT 2/50/2 with EL34s on one side & 6CA7s on the other...thru a VHT GP-3...to a 2x12 & a 4x10.

Sounded HUGE !!!

I don't think you'd go wrong with the VHT 2502, 2902 or the Mesa 2:90....not sure the Mesa 20/20 will get what you want, but it is a good amp.

 

[DeadSkinSlayer3]

Re: Power Amp for Mesa TriAxis

I didn't know that the 2x12 recto cabs were open. I guess you learn something everyday.

Ah sorry, you had a T and a character I can't read, it came out as a block. I assumed you meant TQ, or three-quarter backed.

The Recto's are tight as a dolphins anus, no open back there!

 

[Jeff5]

Re: Power Amp for Mesa TriAxis

I run mine with an older Mesa 50/50 and it sounds really nice. I'd get the 2:90 though if you can. Its what I want eventually.