Question Engl vs. Mesa Boogie, who wins?

[That Guy]

In your opinion, who do you think wins and why?

 

[Ventanaman]

In your opinion, who do you think wins and why?

That is purely subjective. For me however, an EL34-based Engl delivers a very nice British-flavored modern tone that is/was easier to dial in than a Mark IV. YMMV.

 

[TimSz]

I've played most every Mesa and every Engl and I've found that the Engl just delivers amp after amp. The Mesa amps kind of fall flat. I think the only Mesa I really gelled with was the Blue Angel... as it was the least Mesa.

I have a E-656 Steve Morse Signature Engl running through a Soldano SLO212 open back cab, and everything from clean to crunch to high gain; it just slays twice over.

I've been ridiculously picky about amps, but this one just does it for me. My two cents would go into the "Buy an Engl" jar.

 

[mesavox]

Both. Neither. Depends on what you like. They both make top of the line stuff so it's all about what kind of sound you prefer. I like the Mesa 6L6 Cali sound for what I do and my ears, but I love the EL34 sound too.

In the end, if the amp is well made and has enough punch (whether a high gain or lower gain amp) I think any amp can get the job done. Those little nuances of different brands are important, but as long as an amp doesn't sound weak or cheap, I don't find myself stressing.

 

[73h Nils]

I love Mesa. I like ENGL a lot too. You have to decide, really. They're both very good at doing many different things. ENGLs just have a whee bit too much compression sometimes, but that could be a good thing.

 

[Stratty316]

BP wins, because you end up buying a new MusicMan to play through them!

 

[leftyguitarblue]

BP wins, because you end up buying a new MusicMan to play through them!

haha, true!

 

[jam3v]

I've owned a Trip Recto and an ENGL Savage 120 in the past. I currently own a Mark V. I have to say I miss the Savage sometimes.

Ridiculously easy to dial in (not so true with the Mark V), great cleans, great effects loop. Nothing really bad to say about it other than the fact that it sounded like a buzz saw (when you WEREN'T playing) on the high gain channel.

The Mark V is great too. I wish I could justify owning both.

P.S. The Trip Recto was garbage.

 

[DTJPPR]

ENGL. To my ears, the gain structure is cleaner meaning they have more clarity. Boogies are a lot looser, and you lose some of the higher voices when playing extended chords. I've owned 5 different boogies now... ENGL won me over.

 

[TNT]

The Engl is close to a VHT Pittbull cl/100, just doesn't have the awesome bottom end of the VHT.

As far as the Mesa's, I really don't think they are close enough (motiff wise) to compare. Two different beasts.

 

[fbecir]

ENGL are better because they are made in Europe

 

[metalmarty]

They don't compare really. Engl's are tighter, brighter, German precision warmachine's whereas Boogie, IMHO, produces warmer, darker tones with more "sag". Hard to explain and there are amps on both sides that cross-over a bit but in general that's my comparison. My money is on Engl in general. I owned the Savage SE (this one did go a bit into boogie territory, 6l6-poweramp and more slick then the regular Savege) and regular Savage, and I played almost all models extensively. BUT I would also love to own a Lonestar (heavenly cleans...) and a 2C+/mkV for THAT lead sound. Build quality on both is fantastic. Never had problems with Engl, never heared someone have problems with them (and there are A LOT of Engl's here in the Netherlands). Same goes for Boogie btw.

EDIT: at the moment I think the Morse-sig is top dog in the Engl-line, I like it better then the S.E. flagship. Check it out if you have the chance. I love this vid showing it:

EBMM Morse content as well )

 

[Tanax]

Really depends on what you like and what type of music you will be playing through them.
I love Mesa Mark V, at the same time I love the ENGL Invader. Totally depends on what you will be playing and what you like. I like both.

 

[Heeboja]

Engl all the way, but I am biased. I have only tried a tri-rec. I spent a good 30 mins dialing it in and still couldn't get ANY good sounds out of it. I guess I'm used to the easiness of the ENGLs. I have the origional fireball and I love it. Only thing that's missing is at least two different EQs, maybe 3 for clean, crunch and lead. It only has one. Then again I haven't tried any other Mesas. + Engls are way cheaper in Europe than Mesas are.

 

[bkrumme]

A good amp is a good amp. I like both ENGL and Mesa. Currently a Mark V player, but I could get into a Powerball or Fireball from ENGL...

 

[Hendog]

Is there a comparable ENGL for the Mark V???


I'm not implying anything, I am just curious about the brand.

 

[bkrumme]

Is there a comparable ENGL for the Mark V???


I'm not implying anything, I am just curious about the brand.

Technically, no, but ENGL makes a few models with very simiiar features. The Mesa has a couple of patented circuits nobody else can use.

You could check out the Special Edition. I think they're releasing a new Powerball model soon, too.

 

[Hendog]

Well, which one has a great clean, amazing medium gain, and crushing high gain all in one amp?

Again, I'm not implying anything I am just trying to decide if I should check them out.

 

[Tanax]

Well, which one has a great clean, amazing medium gain, and crushing high gain all in one amp?

Again, I'm not implying anything I am just trying to decide if I should check them out.

You can't just ask "which one duplicates what Mark V does". ENGL have their perks, Mesa have their perks. Depends on what you're playing and what you prefer.

 

[koogie2k]

Each manufacturer has great features and great quality. I prefer my Engl. It melts kittens.