Which should I get - Randall RD1H or Bugera G5 Infinium?

[Rex_Rocker]

I had a Randall RVC that I had turned into a head (so I basically had an RD5H). It liked how it sounded when turned up relatively loud, but I got rid of it for a few reasons: First, the point where it sounded best was a bit too loud for bedroom practice, I thought. Second, I've got a friend I jam with with an RD1H which I always thought sounded less fizzy and overall slightly better. Third, I would've liked a 3-band EQ instead of a 3-position midscoop switch to really adjust the settings to the tone that inspires me. However, this last one is a weird one, because one thing that I also liked about the Randall is how straighforward and plug-and-play it was.

So I sold it, and now I'm looking for a new bedroom practice tube amp. I've narrowed it down to these two: Randall RD1H (like my friend's) or Bugera G5 Infinium.

I like the clips I've heard of the Bugera, but I haven't heard it in person. I also really like the option of running it at 5, 1, or 0.1 W, but I'm also concerned about the bad reputation Bugeras have for reliabilty.

I already know the RD1H sounds good in person, especially at lower bedroom-practice volumes, and mine and my friend's have been reliable so far, but I'm concerned the lack of a tweakable tonestack will leave me unsatisfied again.

So which one would you go for? I can get them for the same price.

Thanks.

 

[Little Pigbacon]

Re: Which should I get - Randall RD1H or Bugera G5 Infinium?

Is an EQ pedal in the loop out of the question?

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Re: Which should I get - Randall RD1H or Bugera G5 Infinium?

Is an EQ pedal in the loop out of the question?

On the Randall? Hadn't thought about it, but that would add like a hundred more bucks to the price, wouldn't it? That'd be cool, but I don't know if its the best option...

 

[Little Pigbacon]

Re: Which should I get - Randall RD1H or Bugera G5 Infinium?

I guess it would work out better if you already had the pedal. Still, no prizes for ergonomics.

I think amps with no EQ or very limited EQ are more successful when the circuit just sounds great no matter what. I think the Orange Dark Terror is like that -- it has a certain voice, and there's no getting around it, but if you dig what it's doing, you probably don't want to EQ it much anyway.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Re: Which should I get - Randall RD1H or Bugera G5 Infinium?

I like the fact that you can dial in the EQ on the Dark terror to some extent, though. I wish the Randalls had that option of controlling the midscoop as well instead of the 3-pos switch they have. The Randalls do sound great, regardless. That's why I'm undecided.