Recommend a Guitar amp, tube/SS arnd $1k?

[GuitarNoob]

Hi, I'm looking for a high gain guitar amp, maybe arnd $1k? Nice meaty/beefy/thick whatever u call it distortion for heavy riffs, and a good warm lead tone. I've tried the peavey XXL, and I really like it alot, its has what I want, but its a little over my budget =/, so maybe i can get a few recommendations from you =). I'm more inclined to metal/rock, so maybe tt would help with your recommendations.

 

[gargamelesp]

i would go with a peavey 5150 combo or if a marshall is high gain enough for you , the dsl401 seems pretty sweet. if you dont mind modelling, the line 6 flextone series is pretty good too.

 

[GuitarNoob]

What are their prices? and where can I get them? The DSL401, can I get Iced Earth/Metallica tones out of it? I'm using an ESP Kerry King V with EMG81s.

 

[gargamelesp]

i own an esp with emg81's too. the peavey is a lot more heavy soundwise but it runs around 1.6 if im not wrong. with a lil tweaking you could come close enough with the dsl and its around 1k .

 

[GuitarNoob]

Cool, but which will you buy? the peavey XXL or the DSL? what about laney tubefusion series?

 

[GuitarNoob]

anybody?

 

[penta-tonic]

well since u said u want tube amp den the peavey XXL should be out cos its a solid state amp. the dsl401 will be abt 1.2k and above. reviews state tt its a fantastic amp for gain n other stuff but be warned tt it contains 8 tubes for a 40 watt amp n is very prone to overheat. u could try the out of production peavey ultra 112. im using tt right now. pretty gainy on the ultra channel and on the crunch theres plenty of clarity. but it might require a boost pedal in front to really get a saturated rectified sound. hope this helps.

 

[Lazy_Tiger81]

I don't htink the dsl 401 is a good amp for the type of sound you are looking for. Its has barely enough for metal and forget about it if you are looking for grainy or scooped tones unless you intend to use it with pedals. It uses el84s for a smoother type of distortion, sounds very different from the xxx.

And yes the dsl401 has reliability issues. I've already sent it for servicing twice. Had to have a heat sink installed cos of the heat. I might consider a fan in the future or trade in for a decent sounding solidstate with some pedals.

 

[BlackMoo]

Gues a marshall JCM is out of the question huh?

 

[GuitarNoob]

er, not necessarily tube, may be SS too, or those fusion amps where they have a tube in the preamp or something like tt, so anymore recommendations?

 

[subversion]

Cool, but which will you buy? the peavey XXL or the DSL? what about laney tubefusion series?

if it helps, i've just reviewed the Laney TF200:
http://www.soft.com.sg/new/modules....tart=495&sid=7e625f33676ef6a77124e5a67718791d

 

[subversion]

what made me give up my 2 tube amps- Marshall DSL401/ Peavey Ultra Plus head (the head version of the Peavey 112 mentioned in above posts) for the above-pictured XXL? good tones aplenty, that's why. if you are a tube afficionado, stop reading now.

otherwise, be informed that the XXL is adequately a good amp, with lots of tube-like vibe on board. it's by no means a poor man's XXX, it's in another league since no tubes are used here. i embrace good tones regardless if it's a tube amp or otherwise. i wasn't after a tube emulation unit when i first auditioned the XXL, it's a bonus that this amp has that kinda technology as default. if you want menacing bottom end as well as good individual note definition when you solo, the XXL might just be it.

on another note, if you wish to acquire a tube unit, but insist on a certain level of clarity, do avoid amps with the EL84 valves on board (most european brands embrace the EL tube type in their power section eg: Marshall/ Laney). the default drive you get from these are more fuzz than distortion. if you think you might gain something from this then by all means go ahead.

 

[Timex]

I have an EL 84 amp as well as an EL34 amp. Both have very different tones and output power.

If you like crunch and gain Marshall asre the way to go.Are you willing to consider a second hand amp? I know there are marshalls going for under $1000.

Somehow the older amps seem better constructed. My JCM 900 is a great example. Made in 1992 and still works well. The newer ones have lot of features built in so chances of break down is higher.

 

[popeye]

which shop is still selling XXL amp?

 

[subversion]

swee lee

 

[Lifehouse]

If you're going modelling, I'm selling my Line6 Flextone III 2x12 Combo with footswitch. Too loud for my small room. Can PM me if interested.

If you're going tube, can consider DSL401 but it's all EL84 so you might want to take that in mind. You might want to scourge the 2nd hand market though.

 

[GuitarNoob]

I think the XXL would be most ideal for me except for the price haha. Know of any 2nd hand deals for the Peavey XXL? Or are there anything else comparable/similar and to the XXL? The DSL401, is it realiable, coz some of u mentioned it get hot easily, the reviews on harmony-central also said the same thing abt it.

 

[popeye]

how much is this XXL, btw?

 

[GuitarNoob]

$1386 after discount? The guy told me he could give me $1.3k max

 

[mikemann]

If you are interested, I have this 2nd hand Line6 AxSyS 212, amp with the full feature Floorboard controller (with volume & wah pedals, same one used for the POD & POD2). This is the first version of the popular Line6 incarnation amps produced, made in USA, well built for sure. At 100watts with 2 X 12inch speakers, this amp is enough for you to bring for performance.

Price wise, just PM me. Your 1K budget still got a large portion can use for other things as well. Try outs at my studio. Plenty of good tones, once you get into the groove of the use. Privately owned before in home studio, shows the age, but little usage.