Ive been looking for various amplifiers, specifically all tube, and somewhat versatile, but mainly being needed for death metal/deathcore/etc,... My main choice being a Peavey 6505+, but that being a bit pricey, I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations. Ive also been looking at Bugera 333XL (Peavey XXX/JSX rip off?), Bugera 6262 (Peavey 6505+ rip off?), Bugera 6260 (???)... What does everyone think?
There's always the good ol' Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier that can handle various metal sounds. But I know Peavey makes some really nice high gain amps, too. Unfortunately, I'm not necessarily an expert on the death metal tone in particular, but I'd imagine most high gain amps could handle the task fairly well...perhaps? What else is out there... I've heard some really nice things about Hughes and Kettner, Crate, Laney... Some Soldano amps are really nice as well. There's also companies like Bogner and Carvin who actually make great sounding high gain amps as well. By the way, there's always Marshall, too. Those newer high gain models especially have plenty of distortion. If you weren't looking SPECIFICALLY for something all-tube, then I would've also suggested Line 6(I'm a POD user myself). I know they have amp heads like Vetta II's and HD147's that can easily give you any sound from surf to metal. They also have tube amps as well, that have been co-produced with Bogner. So maybe the tube ones you might like to consider as well. Hope you find what you're looking for!
I know nothing about death metal amps, but I wouldn't rule out solid state amps if I were you. They're a lot cheaper, and I could imagine them working well with a crisp, highly distorted death metal tone. The technology's gotten really good over the years.
As a previous owner and user of many Line 6 amps, thats out of the question. The new ones with tubes are a definate improvement, but all around the tone just isn't quite there. After spending alot of time playing on many different tube amps, including my current amp (Peavey Classic combo), Im rather set on it being all tube, and the reason Bugera sparked my interest is great tone, alot of good reviews, and amazing price (120 watt head for $500-600). Ive played some good Mesa's, Kranks, Randall, Peavey,... amps, and In my experience I seem to keep coming back to the 5150 II/6505+, which is more or less what the Bugera 6262 is... As for Marshalls, I would have to say they are probibly the worst in my opinion. All the ones Ive ever had a chance to play were rather disappointing, especially for what they cost.
I know some like the AMP to be portable, but in the end you want some POWER.. so why not build a PA...??
For what it's worth, I usually run a Boss GT-8 into a Roland JC-120, and am able to get some amazing, heavily distorted tones. But I'm sure you know better than I do what you're looking for.
Hmm, sounds like you've pretty much narrowed it down, if you're finding that you keep returning to the Peavey 6505 sound but your preferred price range is up to $1000. You've mentioned the name Bugera a number of times so far, so am I correct to think that your main aim at this point has been set for a Bugera? There's also Engl, if you haven't checked that company out already. OR, you could try to find a used 5150, if you're not too particular about getting a brand new head.
Ive had this question on my mind for some time as well. I am looking for an all valve amp to play black/doom metal. The Bogner Alchemist looks good, decently priced 40watts -sutable for bedroom use, recording and would be loud enough for gigs. It is also built to be more responsive -Death mettalers are usualy more suited to solid state because they are much more responsive to shorter sharper movement ie technical shit. remember valve amps can go louder watt for watt when compared with solid states. A 50 watt amp is probably going to be too much power, vavle amps sound fantastic only if they are cranked up, so getting an expensive 50watt vavle amp and only being able to play in your bedrrom with the volume on 1, would be a waste.
's what attenuators or "power soaks" are for. You can run your amp on the top settings and bring down the volume with the attenuator. Good ones are expensive... 2-300$ on top of your over-priced tube amp... I mean, tube amps are cool an' all, but if you are not a professional why spend the money? There are amp sims out there that will blow your mind and solid state is sooo much cheaper to repair. I have melted my share of glass amps and lemme tell ya, If you blow a transformer in your 50-100 watt tube amp (pretty common when you run them wide open all the time) its gonna cost minimum 100$ not counting labor. And you gotta maintain your tubes (they always need biasing or replaced)... those fuckers aren't cheap. Remember, buying the same amp as your favorite metal-head guitarist will not give you their sound. Nuff said. ZW
Can't go wrong with a Peavey or a Mesaboogie, just save up... I love the sound of Peavey amps with my BC Rich guitar. I tried others but always came back and been with the same amp for years and it still kicks ass, well worth a few extra bucks.
