What do you guys think the best current production "Mid Priced" amps are these days?

[Matt42]

Re: What do you guys think the best current production "Mid Priced" amps are these da

Re: What do you guys think the best current production "Mid Priced" amps are these da

Not long ago, I shopped for a smallish 20-40W combo (channel-switching preferred) for nearly a year. From the beginning, the Express 5:25 (which I tried in the actual Boogie shop – bless them for having a huge chunk of their product line in stock) was clearly the right amp for what I wanted. But I didn't want to spend that much, so I kept looking.

Some things were "good," like Egnaters, Blackstars, and reissue Fenders. I even liked the Haze 40's tone. But, short of the RI Fenders, very few of the tones from these amps were "great" to me. And those that did have great sounds would pretty much just get that one great sound. Plus they had shared E.Q. 99 percent of the time, and all seemed to have quality/durablity that would be compromised by a good, healthy fart being cut in the room. (The Fenders seemed the most solid, but even they felt kind of chintzy to me.)

Finally, I got fed up. The long search period had actually increased my budget, so I custom ordered the Mesa. I ordered the old 5:25, but unknown to me, it happened to be right before the Plus was announced. I never heard about the Plus until I opened the box and saw one in there! Good on them for giving me the Plus; it's upgrades are quite significant, yet it gives up nothing that the "Non-Plus" model had.

My only regret is that I did not wait a few weeks longer before buying. If I had, I would have seen the Plus line come out, and I would have got the 5:50 Plus instead, just for its 25W class A mode. I'd also have ended up with 6L6's, which probably would have been better, as my EL84's keep shorting.

Anyhow, I'm with you on the 5:25. Not only incredible sounding, but versatile as all get out. At $1,300 new, and under $750 used), it's the amp that showed me just how bad the sub-$1,000 amp field is (in general).

I'm in a similar boat, looking for a 20-40 watt amp to gig small clubs with, and the Express +'s were on my list, until I tried a 5:50 + and hated it. The cleans were very glassy and sharp, it didn't sound at all like I'd imagined having played a 5:25 (regular) and really liking it. How are the cleans on the 5:25 +? Do you have trouble dialing them in?

At the moment I'm torn between the Super Sonic 22 and the Lonestar Special (used on both, of course).

 

[King IzzO)))]

Re: What do you guys think the best current production "Mid Priced" amps are these da

Re: What do you guys think the best current production "Mid Priced" amps are these da

I can't really help, I like my amps, so I haven't really looked for a long time. I did really like the JCA22H I messed around with, and I still really want one, but I'm doing just fine with the 250ML as my home/practice amp for now. I have a hard time believing that thing can be topped in that price range though.

 

[agentzero12]

What do you guys think the best current production "Mid Priced" amps are these

What do you guys think the best current production "Mid Priced" amps are these

I had a traynor 4x10 combo. It was great. I'd still be using it but I had it pop something on the board and start smoking. At the time I wasn't smart enough to try and repair it so I threw away the head unit in it. But I kept the cab and still use it. Has celestion tube 10s. They sound great.

 

[Mr 9finger]

Re: What do you guys think the best current production "Mid Priced" amps are these da

Re: What do you guys think the best current production "Mid Priced" amps are these da

Those guys actually did something different with the Fender and Marshall designs thus propelling the industry forward and offering a broader selection for guitar players. Bugera is just directly ripping amp companies off and mass marketing to make money from someone else's ideas. Which it's why myself and others dislike the company business ethic. And the fact that they sell products with shoddy workmanship. If you were a touring guitarist would you bring your 5150s or your 6260s?

Hey dude, that's your opinion and you're entitled to it. I've never seen or tried to do a part to part match between the schematics, nor am I going to try. You're defending Jim Marshall because of his name or his prestige in the industry and I get that and there's nothing wrong with it. But apples to apples, the first Marshall amps were slightly modded Fender Bassmans. And I mean SLIGHTLY. Period.

So do you feel the same about all these boutique tube screamer pedals? Half of these pedals are either outright copies or might have a few cap or resistor values changed, but not nearly enough for me not say they're not copying the design someone else came up with.

Behringer gives people with less money options they wouldn't normally have. I'm completely fine with that. Even their quality control has improved quite a bit so even better. Would I take one on stage? No, I've played both and don't find either to my liking.

 

[jimman]

Re: What do you guys think the best current production "Mid Priced" amps are these da

Re: What do you guys think the best current production "Mid Priced" amps are these da

For a mid priced amp I really like the Marshall DSLs (older ones, I have not tried the new ones). I remember playing it for the first time and realizing I could get the exact sound I wanted that was in my head. I realize that there are other amps htat would be regarded as better, but for the sound I was going for that amp suited me perfectly. I traded it for a 6505 when I was going through a real metal phase and thought hte 6505 would do what I wanted better. Big mistake.

The JCA22h is a killer amp too. The Orange Dark Terror does its own thing pretty well too. Lots of good amps out there these days.

 

[TSE]

Re: What do you guys think the best current production "Mid Priced" amps are these da

Re: What do you guys think the best current production "Mid Priced" amps are these da

Hey dude, that's your opinion and you're entitled to it. I've never seen or tried to do a part to part match between the schematics, nor am I going to try. You're defending Jim Marshall because of his name or his prestige in the industry and I get that and there's nothing wrong with it. But apples to apples, the first Marshall amps were slightly modded Fender Bassmans. And I mean SLIGHTLY. Period.

So do you feel the same about all these boutique tube screamer pedals? Half of these pedals are either outright copies or might have a few cap or resistor values changed, but not nearly enough for me not say they're not copying the design someone else came up with.

Behringer gives people with less money options they wouldn't normally have. I'm completely fine with that. Even their quality control has improved quite a bit so even better. Would I take one on stage? No, I've played both and don't find either to my liking.

Do you think Marshall got their prestige from making the best Fender clones around? Jim took an idea and changed it in his own way. Through innovation Marshall created many different variations based on an existing idea over time and thus contributed to music in many different ways. Same could be said about Mesa and the the modded Fender Princeton that became the boogie and gave way to the company success. Even the boutique screamer pedals offer their own variation on an existing idea with premium components and build quality.
Bugera does neither of these things. They copy and profit. If people like the price that's fine. It's the way in which they make their money that is unethical. If a company is going to copy a product at least put your own spin on it. Change something about it that would be an improvement on the existing product from which it was ripped from. Do something to make it your own. End rant

 

[lNllClK]

Re: What do you guys think the best current production "Mid Priced" amps are these da

Re: What do you guys think the best current production "Mid Priced" amps are these da

what is the v22 a copy of? or the v5? I'd love to know. Doesnt sound like a matchless nor a vox...

 

[gvis]

Re: What do you guys think the best current production "Mid Priced" amps are these da

Re: What do you guys think the best current production "Mid Priced" amps are these da

No love for the EVH 50 watt? Never played one, but, based on clips and reviews, I've been eye balling one for awhile now. Unfortunately my budget has recently evaporated and I'm no longer close to buying some $1k range amp, but I'd be curious to know if that amp deserves to be in this group, since $1k will likely still be my target when I'm ready.

So far the only downside I've read about are the clean vs dirty channel volume drop and where it's made/quality, although I'm not reading as many quality issues now as when they first came out.

 

[IM4Tone]

Re: What do you guys think the best current production "Mid Priced" amps are these da

Re: What do you guys think the best current production "Mid Priced" amps are these da

Do you think Marshall got their prestige from making the best Fender clones around? Jim took an idea and changed it in his own way. Through innovation Marshall created many different variations based on an existing idea over time and thus contributed to music in many different ways. Same could be said about Mesa and the the modded Fender Princeton that became the boogie and gave way to the company success. Even the boutique screamer pedals offer their own variation on an existing idea with premium components and build quality.
Bugera does neither of these things. They copy and profit. If people like the price that's fine. It's the way in which they make their money that is unethical. If a company is going to copy a product at least put your own spin on it. Change something about it that would be an improvement on the existing product from which it was ripped from. Do something to make it your own. End rant

They have. They have 'cheapened' every sub component and made 'disposable' amps! :laugh2:

 

[Mr 9finger]

Re: What do you guys think the best current production "Mid Priced" amps are these da

Re: What do you guys think the best current production "Mid Priced" amps are these da

Everybody is an expert on the internet. My final thought on the whole Bugera dispute/discussion is this. When I punk 15 year old kid 20 years ago, I would have loved to be able to buy an all tube high gain head for $500. I'm sure most of the people in thread complaining would have to. But this is the internet and everyone has to uphold some kind of prestige for acceptance in the flock of sheep. This is what I call the guitar forum mentality. Too much complaining about what things "should" be instead of taking things for what they are and using them to the best of said items utility. That's all these things are right? You can either buy your tools out of the dollar bin, go to Sears and buy Craftsman, or you can spend your life's savings on something like Snap On. This is what all of this equates to. I don't look down on my neighbor because he can't afford Craftsman tools and I'm not going to piss on someone on a guitar forum because they can't afford their dream Marshall or whatever.

But thanks for crapping all over my thread w/ your misplaced hate for a company that's doing what every other company in the business has been doing for decades. You talk about innovation, and all I see is hype and rebranding of stuff that's been around for a long time.

 

[Toe-Knee]

Re: What do you guys think the best current production "Mid Priced" amps are these da

Re: What do you guys think the best current production "Mid Priced" amps are these da

Change something about it that would be an improvement on the existing product from which it was ripped from. Do something to make it your own. End rant

Well for starters the Bugera 6260 has a higher spec power transformer that can actually handle the current draw of EL34's.

There are also quite a few differences in the circuit too. The high end isn't as a abrasive which reduces the fizz in the lead channel and the noise floor is also lower than an actual 5150.

The output transformer also has a very different tonality which leads to a less compressed sound overall.

Sure they had some reliability issues initially but most amps do. Look at the Fender 5150III i've seen more of those with failing components than i have Bugeras & crates.

 

[Vengeance]

Re: What do you guys think the best current production "Mid Priced" amps are these da

Re: What do you guys think the best current production "Mid Priced" amps are these da

after getting my Orange Thunderverb 50, the last thing in the world that I need is another amp.

I own and have owned a lot of amps. I'm pretty much stuck on Orange now. I love the cleans and having the extra gain in there is nice. I play everything from classic to modern metal and I never thought one amp could do it all.

 

[Laughing Kookaburra]

Re: What do you guys think the best current production "Mid Priced" amps are these da

Re: What do you guys think the best current production "Mid Priced" amps are these da

As far as a new amp in the OP's price range, I'd go for one of PV's Classic series. Various spkr configs and choice of 30 or 50 watts, all between $500-$1000.

 

[sosomething]

do you guys think the best current production "Mid Priced" amps are these days?

do you guys think the best current production "Mid Priced" amps are these days?

The best $1000 amp is a used $2000 amp.

I'm quoting this because the thread didn't immediately stop and the OP reply "Whoa, you are totally right. I'm going to start scouring eBay and Craigslist right now for a used amp and get something serious that I'd never be able to afford new!"

Because that is what should have happened.

 

[Mr 9finger]

Re: do you guys think the best current production "Mid Priced" amps are these days?

Re: do you guys think the best current production "Mid Priced" amps are these days?

Well for starters the Bugera 6260 has a higher spec power transformer that can actually handle the current draw of EL34's.

There are also quite a few differences in the circuit too. The high end isn't as a abrasive which reduces the fizz in the lead channel and the noise floor is also lower than an actual 5150.

The output transformer also has a very different tonality which leads to a less compressed sound overall.

Sure they had some reliability issues initially but most amps do. Look at the Fender 5150III i've seen more of those with failing components than i have Bugeras & crates.

Well TSE, I believe this is called being schooled by an actual amp builder.

I'm quoting this because the thread didn't immediately stop and the OP reply "Whoa, you are totally right. I'm going to start scouring eBay and Craigslist right now for a used amp and get something serious that I'd never be able to afford new!"

Because that is what should have happened.

I'm not really "in the market" for a new amp SoSo. Of course I say that loosely because I've constantly got GAS for something and if a deal pops up whilst my wallet being heavier than normal....I'm sure you can figure the rest out.

Was just trying to get some good healthy conversation going in the amp room. Unfortunately, it's turned into a pissing match like most other threads on here. My premise for this topic was since a lot of these lower watt, mid priced amps have been out for a while, which ones make the cut and which ones don't. Truth be known, I buy most of my gear used. I've only bought 1 amp that was new in the last 5 years. I have to buy some of the production guitars I want new because I'm a lefty and the ones I'm interested in don't come up on the used market too often. The only time I buy amps, pedals, etc...new is when I absolutely can't find it used or it makes more sense to buy it new for warranty sake.

 

[TSE]

Re: do you guys think the best current production "Mid Priced" amps are these days?

Re: do you guys think the best current production "Mid Priced" amps are these days?

I was just attempting to convey my point clearly. Our opinions differ and that's ok. I wasn't trying to troll your thread. A valid point was made of which I am unaware of. To me it looks like a brand is undercutting others with low quality products. But I'm sure their quality will get better and they do apparently make improvements on the original design. Point taken. Apologies for getting you all worked up.

 

[Monsta-Tone]

Re: What do you guys think the best current production "Mid Priced" amps are these da

Re: What do you guys think the best current production "Mid Priced" amps are these da

I really like the looks of some of the Traynors.

I have a great Peavey Classic 20 that is really hard to work on, but just keeps going. The faceplate was super rusty, so I sanded it down and painted it. I changed the output transformer to a really nice Heyboer and installed a Weber speaker.
$200 for the amp
$70 for new tubes
$75 for a Weber speaker
$50 for the Heyboer
$395 total for a great little blues amp that has some nice mods and is still rocking! I gave it to one of my kids, he ended up with an Orange Dark Terror, now it belongs to my 5 year old.
I really hate the 3 circuit board layout though, it's a mother to fix!

Originally Posted by some_dude View Post
The best $1000 amp is a used $2000 amp.

I gotta go with this just because I have 3 kids and 2 of them already have GAS! Plus, I got a really cool Rivera S120 combo from a guy on Oahu for $750! They go for around $3,500 new and are special order only.

 

[briggleman]

Re: What do you guys think the best current production "Mid Priced" amps are these da

Re: What do you guys think the best current production "Mid Priced" amps are these da

I'm in a similar boat, looking for a 20-40 watt amp to gig small clubs with, and the Express +'s were on my list, until I tried a 5:50 + and hated it. The cleans were very glassy and sharp, it didn't sound at all like I'd imagined having played a 5:25 (regular) and really liking it. How are the cleans on the 5:25 +? Do you have trouble dialing them in?

At the moment I'm torn between the Super Sonic 22 and the Lonestar Special (used on both, of course).

Just what you experienced.... I did too! I did not like the 5:50 (old version), not at all. Its tone, or soul was nothing like the 5:25 with the 12" speaker. That being said, I am a EL84 type of guy..... just love the harmonics those glass jars produce at 5 watts Class A. I do know the 5:50 at the time of my purchase was using 6L6's. The 5:25 was using the EL84's. It sounded so warm and smooth and its ability to go from super clean to down right nasty with the flick of a switch or using the foot pedal made it a no brain'er for me. I have read the new 5:25+ has even better cleans, but I have not auditioned one yet. I don't really have the need to either. VERY HAPPY WITH MY OLD 5:25 EXPRESS!

 

[Adieu]

Re: What do you guys think the best current production "Mid Priced" amps are these da

Re: What do you guys think the best current production "Mid Priced" amps are these da

Let's say the price range is between $500 and $1000

That's NOT midprice, that's an expensive pricepoint for pro-level gear. Just get it used (like the Marshall TSL suggested below) or same circuit, just not USA/UK built (as the PRS SE version of their "30" combo amp).

But, whatevs, at your price range, this stuff's really a no-brainer:

Head/halfstack: *USED* Marshall JCM 2000 TSL 60 or 100
*$600-700 head
*$750-900 halfstack w/ 1960A 4x12 (bought as set... helped a friend find a minty TSL 100/1960A set for $750 in SoCal a few months back)
* ~$700 buying separately w/ cheapest decent 4x12 you can find...
* TSL 100's can be a bit difficult to find used for cheap, but as to TSL 60's, my local GC usually has 2 or 3 @ 599+tax for the head alone, so it's a no-brainer without even needing Craigslist etc.

Combo, NEW (hard to find used, they just recently came out): PRS SE 30, $1000
*Same PRS circuit, well-made, just built in Asia
*Since amps are essentially consumer electronics, not artisan pieces of craftsmanship like guitars, SE Asian factories do just fine
*This thing is TRULY awesome. Nothing cheap, no expense spared, really. Crazy LOUD *and* excellent master volume giving you sweeeeeet tones even at Master set to <1.
*Even the cab & speaker are done right, unlike stuff like Marshall combos, it sounds like a proper Head + Cab pairing, not a cheapo combo with a useless toneless internal speaker that gets crazy better the moment you try using the speaker outs

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: What do you guys think the best current production "Mid Priced" amps are these da

Re: What do you guys think the best current production "Mid Priced" amps are these da

Just what you experienced.... I did too! I did not like the 5:50 (old version), not at all. Its tone, or soul was nothing like the 5:25 with the 12" speaker. That being said, I am a EL84 type of guy..... just love the harmonics those glass jars produce at 5 watts Class A. I do know the 5:50 at the time of my purchase was using 6L6's. The 5:25 was using the EL84's. It sounded so warm and smooth and its ability to go from super clean to down right nasty with the flick of a switch or using the foot pedal made it a no brain'er for me. I have read the new 5:25+ has even better cleans, but I have not auditioned one yet. I don't really have the need to either. VERY HAPPY WITH MY OLD 5:25 EXPRESS!

I always liked the 5:50, but I did highly prefer the 5:25. The difference that I heard was exactly what you'd expect: EL84's vs. 6L6's; 25 watts vs. 50; tense, dynamic rawness vs. laid back and refined mule-kick wallop.

The 5:25 really comes alive with an extension cab that has a "loose" speaker in comparison to the V30. I've been using my Ampeg 1x12 Jet combo as an extension cab. It's 50W Greenback clone blends well with the V30.

I dislike the 5W setting on both amps. I use it only late at night when I can't get the 15W mode quiet enough. I wish it just sounded like a Champ...but it's nowhere near as cool.

But good lordy, the 25W class A mode on the 5:50 Plus is pure heaven! It is reason enough to get the 50. Imagine taking the glorious 15W class A setting on the 5:25 Plus, and shoring it up with some 6L6 backbone; it's tonal perfection. The 50W class AB setting would never get used if I had one.