50 vs 100 watts

[heavision]

Just wondering what people prefer, tone/feel-wise, and why.

Also wondering what guys think is the actual difference, tone/feel-wise.

Bring it!!?️?

 

[Ben Waylin]

50 watts is like 73% of 100 watts in volume (dB).

 

[DanTravis62]

I feel like they are generally quite different - sometimes I prefer the 100w versions, sometimes the 50w. It depends on which amp we're talking about.

Generally though, I prefer the 100w for gigging and recording purposes. At least under a microphone, the extra headroom seems to translate to better low end response for heavy tones.

 

[VonBonfire]

Really depends on the amp. Last 100 watt Marshall I had was loaded with 6550's and could set off car alarms and turn my whole house into a resonating sound board. I had to chain my kids down so they didn't blow away while I practiced at what I call "bedroom volume". My Twin Reverb is like a student amp compared to that half stack.

 

[RaceU4her]

For the loud metal I’m playing most of the time I want the extra volume and headroom of 100w

 

[Smash]

I always preferred 100 watters, but now i have a MGL. I havent tried the 100 watt version. But the 50 has more headroom than my last 100 watter.. but the punch of a 150 watter is very satisfying

 

[Bxlxaxkxe]

I think it’s difficult to generalize 50 vs 100 without specifying the type of amp. In most cases, I want the 100 for all the obvious reasons - width/footprint, increased low end and slightly relaxed mids. But I play my 2204 a lot more than my 2203 if we’re talking Marshalls. The 50 still sounds big, but the little bit of extra mid content is just more interesting and inspiring for me, and it just feels more aggressive in the room with it.

 

[Techdeth]

I don’t like under 100 watts . It feels off for me

 

[romanianreaper]

I had a Splawn Competition years ago and sold me on lower watt amps. I'm sure I'd like the 100 watt 5150-III 6L6 but my 50 watt sounds insane and eith a loud drummer I have it at 9 o'clock and is LOUD.

I don't need 100 watts, hell I probably don't need 20 watts but agree with others. Just depends on the amp.

 

[itsme]

50 for me. I’d rather not waste the two extra tubes I don‘t need.

 

[Racerxrated]

There's nothing like the push of a 100w amp through 1 or two cabs....very addicting when you can unleash the power. Some 50/60w amps can give you a similar experience, with a slightly 'sweeter' tone...but ultimately, I'm more of a 100w fan.

 

[Mr.Fun]

100 watt amps will have better low end.
The lows will be bigger and hold together with presence.
They tend to have a more complex tonal palette altogether, lows mids and highs as well as their gain structure.
50 watt amps tend to have a more grinding upper mids that can cut a bit more and it really does depend on the amp.
I had a 5153 50 watt that was excellent at 50 watts.
I’ve had other 50 watt amps that were less impressive versions of the 100s.
I prefer the 100 watts.
The feel for me is big and 100 watt amps have better sag whereas I’ve felt 50 watt amps are a bit stiff.
Just my observations.

 

[CrystalSky]

For the loud metal I’m playing most of the time I want the extra volume and headroom of 100w

You definately need to get rid of that 75w mistake then. I can help you and come pick it up myself lol

 

[japetus]

When in doubt, watt it out.

 

[lespaul6]

100 watts

 

[Shask]

Generally I have always been a 100W fan for the bigger depth on the low end. However, the 5153 50W is the one amp I have that seems to break that trend.

 

[Joey B.]

A good friend has the 180 watt Boogie Mark2C+. It is a beast as far as dynamics go. The transformers are to blame.

 

[thegame]

100w and up for amps with lots of preamp gain and vice versa for 50 watters.

 

[Greazygeo]

100 watts. Prefer the headroom and clarity.

 

[glpg80]

I feel like they are generally quite different - sometimes I prefer the 100w versions, sometimes the 50w. It depends on which amp we're talking about.

Generally though, I prefer the 100w for gigging and recording purposes. At least under a microphone, the extra headroom seems to translate to better low end response for heavy tones.

+1

Under a mic there’s no contest that more headroom is better for cleaner representation of low end and general fullness of the guitar sound from the mic and this is regardless of how bass is dialed in. Generally speaking the higher the gain the more headroom I want on tap especially under recording. Now in a band setting or when low gain is involved it begins to become amp dependent and even mic dependent.