Amp Opinions

[Kratken2112]

So I have been looking at amps forever now. I have a decent solid state marshal combo that I have been playing through for the past few years, but I am definitely not in love with it and I have to use distortion pedals to get any type of usable distortion.

I really wanna get a great tube amp, whether it be a combo or half stack (need that raw tone!). My dilemma is only money, but I suppose I can save for something in the future if I had enough patience. I have done tons of research on amps and cannot find something I'm FULLY content with that isn't over $1,400. Been looking at mesa boogies a lot and they are probably my dream amp, specifically a rectoverb because of price or a mark V even though it is more expensive.

Anyway... haha, I'd like to know if anyone has any suggestions for a tube amp that is around $800-1,200. I am a prog rock kind of player, pushing metal often too, but nothing too brutal.

I have also tried a Carvin X100b half stack at a friends house that seemed really good for what I like to play, and it is fairly cheap too. I'm just not totally sure how reliable it is so Id be curious to know anyone's opinion if they have tried this amp (whether it be tone, price, reliability).

Sorry a little drawn out but I wanted to explain the situation

 

[Larry]

If your pretty handy with a soldering iron MetroAmp kit baby!

Metropoulos Amplification - The best vintage Marshall plexi replicas in the world.

They offer kits of classic Marshall heads that you build. They are a load of fun and save you a good chunk of change too.

 

[RacerS]

There are sooo many great amps out there, and $1200 is a good amount to spend. One of the many things I'd look at in your price range is an Orange Tiny Terror with a Mercury Magnetics upgrade. You could easily get that and a nice 2x12 and it is really an impressive sounding amp for dirty tones. It's also loud enough but not too loud.

Of course if you are playing with a full band at high volumes it may not be loud enough unless you mic it, but the nice thing about it is that you can get real amp distortion at reasonable volumes.

Steve

 

[73h Nils]

Try and find a Mesa F-50. Best amp in that range, IMO. Also not too brutal, just sick sick tone.

 

[fatoni]

there are plenty sweet mesas in that range. mk3 or 4, dc series, f series, rectifiers, calibers.

 

[Ripper]

there are plenty sweet mesas in that range. mk3 or 4, dc series, f series, rectifiers, calibers.

Yeah of course!! Small wattage mesa are good!!

 

[ScoobySteve]

Check out the ENGL Raider, Fireball or Mesa Single/Dual Rectifier.

 

[Kratken2112]

thanks guys, I'll definitely give those a look at

 

[pearlredburst]

even though you can't give them a play before you try em, have you thought about a carvin legacy? They have sound clips on their site. Ive played one and thought it had great saturation! a 2x12 wouldnt be terrible to get.

 

[Kratken2112]

Hmm, idk something about the Legacy just isnt "me", but ty for the suggestion

Whats everyones opinion of the Mark III? What is it like, I havnt really researched much about it and I saw one for around $950, so its seems like a good idea if you guys have any positive feedback. Does it get nice gain and saturation?

 

[JoeDogInKC]

Give the Egnater Rebel 20, 30 and Renegade a shot.

 

[buckethead777]

Don't forget Egnater Mod50!!!!
And yes,,,any small watted Mesa is a treat!