Which Peavey Classic series amp speaker configuration is the best?

[Mukobi]

Hey, I'm looking to buy a new amp primarily for playing blues and jazz. Someone recommended the Peavey classic series of amplifiers, and when I looked them up, I noticed they have several models. Here are the models with the only differences between them I could find:

• Classic 30—30 watt, 1x12 config
• Classic 50 212—50 watt, 2x12 config, includes a presence knob
• Classic 50 412—50 watt, 4x12 config, includes a presence knob
• Delta Blues 115—30 watt, 1x15 config, includes tremolo but no presence
• Delta Blues 210—30 watt, 2x10 config, includes tremolo but no presence

All the innards of these amps are the same (beside the presence and tremolo, but I don't care about that too much). It seems the main difference lies in the speaker configuration. Can anyone who has had experience with several of these amps or who just has experience with similar amps in different speaker configs tell me which speaker config seems to sound the best for you, especially for playing blues and jazz? I'm not concerned about wattage, any of these should do fine for my playing, its just the sound difference the size and number of speakers make that I'm interested in.

 

[t1r12003]

Re: Which Peavey Classic series amp speaker configuration is the best?

You gigging or hauling this around? Size of the amp may play a factor. Classic 50 410 is pretty large. I have a Peavey Classic 30 that I upgraded the speaker and 3 preamp (12AX7) tubes. It sounds amazing and I get complimented on my tone all the time. It can do nice cleans for jazz, push the clean channel into breakup for blues or run the gain channel for an even hotter sound. 212 Classic 50 will have more clean headroom if you need it for louder clean jazz gigging. Can't comment on Delta Blues series as I've never played them.

 

[jmcorey]

Re: Which Peavey Classic series amp speaker configuration is the best?

You gigging or hauling this around? Size of the amp may play a factor. Classic 50 410 is pretty large. I have a Peavey Classic 30 that I upgraded the speaker and 3 preamp (12AX7) tubes. It sounds amazing and I get complimented on my tone all the time. It can do nice cleans for jazz, push the clean channel into breakup for blues or run the gain channel for an even hotter sound. 212 Classic 50 will have more clean headroom if you need it for louder clean jazz gigging. Can't comment on Delta Blues series as I've never played them.

Which speaker did you change to?

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Which Peavey Classic series amp speaker configuration is the best?

My buddy just got a Classic 30
And I was shocked to hear him gush about the Blue Marvell it comes with

 

[ginormous]

Re: Which Peavey Classic series amp speaker configuration is the best?

+1 about the Classic 410. It's loud and clean, but it's a real booger to drag in and out.

 

[Mukobi]

Re: Which Peavey Classic series amp speaker configuration is the best?

So is the Classic 50 2x12 a good middle ground where it has a bigger sound than the 1x12 or 1x15 but is still more portable than the 4x10 because that is what I am leaning towards right now?

 

[ginormous]

Re: Which Peavey Classic series amp speaker configuration is the best?

The best answer is one that only you can provide: if it sounds good, and fits the budget, then go for it.

 

[dystrust]

Re: Which Peavey Classic series amp speaker configuration is the best?

The best answer is one that only you can provide: if it sounds good, and fits the budget, then go for it.

That's pretty much it. I haven't played the Delta Blues because I don't care for 15s for guitar, but I've played all of the other Classics and they sound VERY similar. In short buy the amp that you can afford that also suits your needs. You didn't say where you're playing, but for blues / jazz at home or in smaller rooms the Classic 30 1x12 is plenty. If you're having trouble hearing yourself, put it on a kick-back stand so it isn't blasting your knees. Either Classic 50 is probably overkill unless you're playing in medium sized (or larger) rooms un-mic'd or with a loud drummer or 2nd guitarist.

Whichever you choose budget for a speaker swap in the not-to-distant future as those Blue Marvels are awful. In terms of a replacement, go for something that you like. I've heard re-speakered Classic 30s sound great with G12M Greenbacks, V30s, and even a Jensen-voiced Weber (forgot the exact model).

 

[t1r12003]

Re: Which Peavey Classic series amp speaker configuration is the best?

So is the Classic 50 2x12 a good middle ground where it has a bigger sound than the 1x12 or 1x15 but is still more portable than the 4x10 because that is what I am leaning towards right now?

Yes 212 and 50 watt will sound bigger than 112 combo and 30 watt. And I second Ginormous that it has to sound good to you.

 

[t1r12003]

Re: Which Peavey Classic series amp speaker configuration is the best?

Which speaker did you change to?

Had Eminence Swamp Thang in there as well as Eminence Mod 12-110. Both sounded great.

 

[Mukobi]

Re: Which Peavey Classic series amp speaker configuration is the best?

for blues / jazz at home or in smaller rooms the Classic 30 1x12 is plenty. If you're having trouble hearing yourself, put it on a kick-back stand so it isn't blasting your knees. Either Classic 50 is probably overkill unless you're playing in medium sized (or larger) rooms un-mic'd or with a loud drummer or 2nd guitarist.

Would the 2x10 delta blues be louder than the 1x12 Classic 30 but still quieter than the 50s to play at home while having a good sound, or would two smaller speakers sound weaker and have less bass than one 12 inch?

 

[Lake Placid Blues]

Re: Which Peavey Classic series amp speaker configuration is the best?

Typically 10" speakers are significantly less efficient than 12" speakers. A 12" or two is the way to go.

 

[Kosh Naranek]

Re: Which Peavey Classic series amp speaker configuration is the best?

It's worth noting that some blues and jazz players prefer a 15" speaker for its deeper tone, and don't need as much high end as rock players, who typically play through 12" speakers, do.
If there's a dealer around where you can plug in and take a listen to models with 12" as well as 15" speakers, you'd be the best judge, based on the tone that you're after.