Egnater M4 incoming: need to start considering power amps

[Bucksears]

......and I'm on a bit of a budget. Can't swing the $1500 for a new Fryette 2/50/2, so I'm looking for something in the used, $500/600 range.

I've seen some Peavey Classics (50/50, 60/60) in good shape for a low price - are those any good?
I've read not-so-good things about the current Carvin T100(?), so I'm steering clear of that one.

Anybody use a Peavey Classic or Mesa 20/20? And what did you think?

Thanks,
Buck

 

[Klark]

I'm looking for something in the used, $500/600 range.

Randall RT2/50. Can run stereo like most, or if you're not needing stereo, you gain the ability to switch back & forth between 6L6s and EL34s which opens up A LOT of tones when used with an M4.

Marshall 9200, if you want big & heavy, but with a big & heavy sound.

 

[Just Joe]

......and I'm on a bit of a budget. Can't swing the $1500 for a new Fryette 2/50/2, so I'm looking for something in the used, $500/600 range.

I've seen some Peavey Classics (50/50, 60/60) in good shape for a low price - are those any good?
I've read not-so-good things about the current Carvin T100(?), so I'm steering clear of that one.

Anybody use a Peavey Classic or Mesa 20/20? And what did you think?

Thanks,
Buck

I've been using my M4 thru a PV 50/50 since I got it - love it! Tried Mesa and Randall, but for the weight to sound to price ratio, I (and my back) liked the PV better...plus I turn it way up - nothing like those 84s lit up all the way

 

[tlingen]

For that price range, I would do the Randall and retube it with quality tubes as soon as you can. I ran a RM4 with the RT2/50/2 and nothing could touch it with the quality tubes in it except a VHT IMHO. I used -C- EL34's and -C- 6550's. With it's flexibility of midi switching and user biasing accessibly, it's just pretty hard to beat Good luck with your decision.

 

[mboogman]

I've actually been considering selling my Mesa 50/50 power amp lately. I'd want to get something like $450 for it, shipped to you (in the US of course). PM me if you're interested.

FWIW, I've been using it with my M4 for the last 6 months or so, with great results. It's just more than I really need, and the extra cash couldn't hurt either.

 

[Bucksears]

I've actually been considering selling my Mesa 50/50 power amp lately. I'd want to get something like $450 for it, shipped to you (in the US of course). PM me if you're interested.

FWIW, I've been using it with my M4 for the last 6 months or so, with great results. It's just more than I really need, and the extra cash couldn't hurt either.

PM'd

 

[Beagle1]

I've been using my M4 thru a PV 50/50 since I got it - love it! Tried Mesa and Randall, but for the weight to sound to price ratio, I (and my back) liked the PV better...plus I turn it way up - nothing like those 84s lit up all the way

+1 on the Peavey 50/50

I have both the Peavey and the Randall RT. I like the Randall, but one day just for kicks I plugged the M4 into the Peavey which had been just lying around my music room not being used. I was surprised by just how good the M4 sounds through the Peavey. The EL84's in the Peavey are wonderful on the Vox and COD modules. If you are into metal, then the Peavey will not be tight enough on the high gain modules. But for jazz, country, pop, classic rock, etc I really like the Peavey. I keep the Randall RT around and use it with my Egnater IE-4...sounds great with that preamp. Also, for sure the Peavey is lighter and easier to carry than the Randall, which is an absolute beast.

 

[HughJasol]

Randall RT2/50. Can run stereo like most, or if you're not needing stereo, you gain the ability to switch back & forth between 6L6s and EL34s which opens up A LOT of tones when used with an M4.

+1 . . . although currently I have Tung-Sol 5881s installed in mine.

For a lightweight solution, consider the Mesa 20/20 . . .

 

[jasco]

I use a 20/20 - mostly due to size, weight, and volume constraints - and it sounds great for my needs. If I was going on tour with a metal/hardrock band I'd probably try something 50 or 100watts and EL34-based (at least for the SL2 and other higher-gain tones) but for my needs the 20/20 has been great - including for higher-gain tones, which I run through a Bogner 4x12, as opposed to low/mid-gain sounds which are run into an open-back 1x12 with a Celestion Gold or Blue.

 

[Dave L]

A "sleeper" power amp is the Rivera Hammer TBR3/TBR5. Enormous tone and power - and considering that Riveras often are steals on the used market they could be a very cool alternative if you can find one. Definitely up there with the VHTs and what not.

They´re not an option if you want light weight or small size, though, since they are tanks.

 

[Bucksears]

Well, I appreciated all of the offers and communication, but I pulled the trigger on a used RT2/50. Should be here next week - my M4 should be here today. Might be making a trip over to Indoor Storm shortly (local shop).