EVH 5150 Iconic 40w Combo

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WhiteShadow

WhiteShadow

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Would like to get your guys thoughts on this amp. Tried one at low volumes in GC a while back and it sounded good in the store, but how you guys think this amp stacks up as a live gigging amp for hard rock/metal? I'm thinking about one as either my backup to my DSL40CR, or possibly my main gigging amp and using the DSL as my backup. I know my DSL40CR roars and I love it. How does the 40W Iconic compare to the DSL40CR? They seem to be comparable amps in the same class/category. Would you take the Iconic over the DSL, or vice versa? The price point of the Iconic is very attractive, I know that much. $900 new, $750 on the used market in excellent condish.
 
imo its a great amp... doesn't really sound like the dsl though IMO. still good, and no one you're playing to will no any different. they feel a bit different, which sounds weird. not much diff, but it's there. oddly, i'm at a point where i feel like low gain, and a TS in the front gives me the tone/feel i need. w/o a ts though, to me, the Iconic is bit warmer feeling/sounding than the dsl, which is bit raw with the uppermids, in comparison

if you can get a clean used one, i think its worth the $$
 
What is it I'm hearing about the "hybrid technology"? It is a true tube amp right?
 
I’m no expert, but the Preamp (or parts) are SS not tube. Sounds like a tube amp and feels like a tube amp. Sounds good recorded imo
 
WhiteShadow said:
Would like to get your guys thoughts on this amp. Tried one at low volumes in GC a while back and it sounded good in the store, but how you guys think this amp stacks up as a live gigging amp for hard rock/metal? I'm thinking about one as either my backup to my DSL40CR, or possibly my main gigging amp and using the DSL as my backup. I know my DSL40CR roars and I love it. How does the 40W Iconic compare to the DSL40CR? They seem to be comparable amps in the same class/category. Would you take the Iconic over the DSL, or vice versa? The price point of the Iconic is very attractive, I know that much. $900 new, $750 on the used market in excellent condish.
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I have a modified DSL40H that I’ve used for years. I recently got an Iconic head. Two completely different things. The Iconic has more gain, a tighter low end and a faster response. Probably is due to the non-tube V1. While the DSL is great for edge of breakup to hard rock, the Iconic is better for cleans and full metal. Even with pedals the DSL has too loose of a low end for modern metal (IMO of course). On the other side, the Iconic sounds too sterile and is too stiff a feel for mid-gain rock stuff.
 
WhiteShadow said:
What is it I'm hearing about the "hybrid technology"? It is a true tube amp right?
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It only has 2 preamp tubes and 4 power tubes. The phase inverter and the initial preamp stages are solid state. There’s a thread on the gear page where the amp’s designer talks about developing it.
 
8len8 said:
I have a modified DSL40H that I’ve used for years. I recently got an Iconic head. Two completely different things. The Iconic has more gain, a tighter low end and a faster response. Probably is due to the non-tube V1. While the DSL is great for edge of breakup to hard rock, the Iconic is better for cleans and full metal. Even with pedals the DSL has too loose of a low end for modern metal (IMO of course). On the other side, the Iconic sounds too sterile and is too stiff a feel for mid-gain rock stuff.
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Ah. That’s the feel thing I was talking about. The iconic is stiff by comparison
 
8len8 said:
I have a modified DSL40H that I’ve used for years. I recently got an Iconic head. Two completely different things. The Iconic has more gain, a tighter low end and a faster response. Probably is due to the non-tube V1. While the DSL is great for edge of breakup to hard rock, the Iconic is better for cleans and full metal. Even with pedals the DSL has too loose of a low end for modern metal (IMO of course). On the other side, the Iconic sounds too sterile and is too stiff a feel for mid-gain rock stuff.
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So you're saying the iconic is a bit tough to play. Less forgiving?
 
8len8 said:
It’s like a Soldano. You hear every little thing you pluck.
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I guess that’s a good thing? Makes it more graceful and easy to play?? I like that for live. Sometimes I feel like the DSL40CR fights.
 
8len8 said:
No, more difficult to play for most people. Doesn’t cover up flubs like a Marshall would.

In the end, no amp will save you if you need better technique.
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Yea. I need all the help I can get. When I talked about the tube screamer in front…imo it gives it a little sag or something that helps, plus I like the way it sounds. I’ve got a 212 with greenbacks that also helps…or maybe it’s all placebo
 
Do you guys think this thing has enough juice to hang with a drummer in an unmic'd jam situation?

Been wanting an Iconic head for a while but might spring for the combo
 
Devin said:
Do you guys think this thing has enough juice to hang with a drummer in an unmic'd jam situation?

Been wanting an Iconic head for a while but might spring for the combo
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yES loud AF.
As far as this amp it has gain all day long and works better w/o a boost pedal but its got its own boost too.
Less is more with this amps gain.
Speaker on this one is non original UK made T-75.
 
Devin said:
Do you guys think this thing has enough juice to hang with a drummer in an unmic'd jam situation?

Been wanting an Iconic head for a while but might spring for the combo
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Wish I could tell you. I got it loud with a bassist playing to our recorded music but no drummer in sight.

It's a great amp though and can get pretty mean. I would imagine it's good with a drummer as long as he isn't completely wild.
 
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