Budget amp suggestions?

  • Thread starter Thread starter OldGtrGuy
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OldGtrGuy

OldGtrGuy

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Looking for something high gain and super saturated for metal but on a budget.

I'm looking at the new iconic el34. Although it doesn't seem saturated enough for me it sounded good and the price is right. Maybe add the right boost and im there.

Just looking for other suggestions first.
 
I still see XXXs/3120s (same thing) go for $500 and under on the used market. All tube, insanely saturated, brutal chug machines, lead channel doesn't need a boost.
 
OldGtrGuy said:
Looking for something high gain and super saturated for metal but on a budget.

I'm looking at the new iconic el34. Although it doesn't seem saturated enough for me it sounded good and the price is right. Maybe add the right boost and im there.

Just looking for other suggestions first.
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I don't think you can go wrong with the Iconic. I'd go experiment with a few boosts and EQ's with one.
 
Code001 said:
I still see XXXs/3120s (same thing) go for $500 and under on the used market. All tube, insanely saturated, brutal chug machines, lead channel doesn't need a boost.
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Was definitely looking at the XXX. Didn't know about the 3120. Are there any differences at all besides cosmetic?
 
Smash said:
Snk Vh300
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Interesting.

I do like the VH140C BUT there is some low frequency that I can't dial out that killed the amp for me.

With that said for $1k for a copy, I'd rather just buy the real thing no offense.

I must say though your suggestion now has me thinking about ceriatone
 
Code001 said:
I still see XXXs/3120s (same thing) go for $500 and under on the used market. All tube, insanely saturated, brutal chug machines, lead channel doesn't need a boost.
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Also with this suggestion, which is very appealing to me. I have a question for you as well.

I looked on Facebook and im seeing both 3120 and the Ultra 120 close by for reasonable prices. I have had the 120 and it was definitely cool but I'm wondering if you've experienced the Ultra 120 vs the 3120
 
OldGtrGuy said:
Also with this suggestion, which is very appealing to me. I have a question for you as well.

I looked on Facebook and im seeing both 3120 and the Ultra 120 close by for reasonable prices. I have had the 120 and it was definitely cool but I'm wondering if you've experienced the Ultra 120 vs the 3120
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Ultras are sick amps, but they're a bit tough to dial in at times from what I remember. Headshell on them is bonkers, so make sure to bring your A game when lifting it. Kyle Bull did a playthrough awhile back if you want to hear what one is like.



To answer your earlier question, the differences between the XXX and 3120 are tube types that were shipped stock. 3120 had EL34s stock, XXX had 6L6s. Both have switches to select between the two.
 
RaceU4her said:
i recommended the 5153 EL34 50w in the expensive metal amp thread cause im digging it so much, guess i gotta recommend it here too. you just gotta clip the c137 diode. heres a couple clips i did

red channel

https://app.box.com/embed/s/8m63yy2oncjtwle6z2y2h6a406bumej3


blue

https://app.box.com/embed/s/71j5veczkh4lveravh8tti32pvvtm0h8
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Yes that's on the radar too. I've put a good amount of time on it and loved the amp. One of my favorites in all honesty. My worry being 50w.

That also is what lead my interest into the new Iconic EL34 because that is 80w.

The 5150 iii 100w is just too expensive for me and the 80w iconic is a fair trade off for higher wattage headroom.

When I did use the 50w it was just myself and a drummer. It got there but barely. My new situation is a full band with 2 guitars so I may not need all the headroom. Hard to judge.

So yeah I'm in a pickle with a tough decision to make.

I've found a 5153 el34 50w and the matching 2x12 for $1k with a 2 hour drive each way.

I also see an ultra plus 120 with poverty cab for $600 super close by and a 3120 + poverty cab for $800 close by.

As of right now those are my top 3 options.
 
OldGtrGuy said:
Also with this suggestion, which is very appealing to me. I have a question for you as well.

I looked on Facebook and im seeing both 3120 and the Ultra 120 close by for reasonable prices. I have had the 120 and it was definitely cool but I'm wondering if you've experienced the Ultra 120 vs the 3120
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Get 3120
 
Iconic, DSL, 5153....all good choices.

Iconic has the best tone of those 3, IMO. Got a high vol bloom the others don't quite have.
 
Techdeth said:
Get 3120
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I ended up just snagging one of these locally. It was a tough decision because there was a few options but when I tested it to make sure it worked it immediately sounded great so I'm happy with my decision so far. I'm on my way home right now plug it in and dial it up.. thanks for all the suggestions to everybody
 
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