Randall MTS vs. Egnater Modules

[irondeth21]

How do they stack up to each other? I know Bruce designed both right? I hear good stuff about the Eganter, but there seems to be long waits for the amps (U.S. lines) and they seem to be more money than the Randall. I would love to have something fender for cleans, uber for rhythm and SLO for leads

 

[Anonymous]

I'm totally judging a book by it's cover here but given your ID I would think the Randall gear is probably more up your alley. In my experience the Randall modules are more aggressively voiced + there are 21 choices vs 9. Either product can cover the ground you're looking for. The Egnater modules are 2 channels and share an EQ as well as bright and bass boost. The gain and volume are independent. I prefer the Egnater gear as the build quality and tone are superior.

 

[irondeth21]

I'm totally judging a book by it's cover here but given your ID I would think the Randall gear is probably more up your alley. In my experience the Randall modules are more aggressively voiced + there are 21 choices vs 9. Either product can cover the ground you're looking for. The Egnater modules are 2 channels and share an EQ as well as bright and bass boost. The gain and volume are independent. I prefer the Egnater gear as the build quality and tone are superior.

LoL my id everywhere else is bluesymetal and would have been here if I didn't have some registration problems. I was just on a maiden and megadeth kick when I came up w/ this one.

Tone wise I love AIC facelift, Velvet Revolver's contraband, the new alterbridge, etc... That said its still seems randall might be more for me. I would love to have those modules I listed before for my band's gigs, then if we feel like rocking out some zz top or skynard, throw in a black face, plexi and well I'd still probally keep in the SLO lol.

You can check out what my band sounds like here: https://www.myspace.com/IIIshot

My main question is, is the overall tonal quality and build quality close enough on the randall?

 

[rynnce]

I know someone who swears by as small Randall MTS combo. I've also read on the grailtone.com MTS board that some have had issues with the Randall transformer. Maybe you can post this question over on that site and see what answers you get.

Tone was a huge issue for me and I was able to try the Egnater stuff out before buying. Made in USA was also a huge factor. I think your music was somewhat aggressive, almost a Zakk Wyled/BLS vibe going on. I'm sure one of the Egnater modules could cover that easily.

The wait was a little long for the Egnater stuff but I think they've caught up on all the back orders and the waits should be shorter.

 

[Anonymous]

My main question is, is the overall tonal quality and build quality close enough on the randall?

Build quality is not even close IMO. Egnater blows the Randall away. I don't feel the tones between the two companies are similar either. The Egnater stuff has some extra mojo whereas the Randall's sound plastic to my ear.

It's seriously like the difference between sugar and Splenda. I'm a sugar man and the Eggie stuff is sweeeet.

EDIT-Another big thing to consider is that you can use the Randall stuff in the Egnater amps, but the Eggs are not fully functional in a Randall amp. You only get channel A.

 

[irondeth21]

My main question is, is the overall tonal quality and build quality close enough on the randall?

Build quality is not even close IMO. Egnater blows the Randall away. I don't feel the tones between the two companies are similar either. The Egnater stuff has some extra mojo whereas the Randall's sound plastic to my ear.

It's seriously like the difference between sugar and Splenda. I'm a sugar man and the Eggie stuff is sweeeet.

EDIT-Another big thing to consider is that you can use the Randall stuff in the Egnater amps, but the Eggs are not fully functional in a Randall amp. You only get channel A.

Hmm... how hard is it to get an Egnater than? I think build quality alone is a selling point to me. I gig usually 1-2 a weekend and am hoping to tour soon, so dependable gear is clutch. That and and if you factor in you can use the randall stuff with the egnater's anyway... you have more tonal options. I am really considering getting one of these at this point.

I have been through a ton of amps, 2 channel dual Rec, single recto, Mark III, Blackmore, 2 DSL's, 2204, 2210, JVM, JSX, 6505+, Classic 50, GH50L, 2 Quickrods, and have actually really bonded with my 5150 of all things. The quickrod was one I really loved as well. My favorite amp I've ever played but not owned is a SLO. I think a more refined, less noisey, 5150 with more flexibility live (IE: good cleans), with a lead channel like the SLO, would be my ideal sound, I know that's asking a lot, but I think the only amp I could do that with is one I could actually pick out each channel's tone. Seems like Bruce's idea could get me there.

 

[Audioholic]

I have a compared the Egnater Bassman and Randall Tweed side by side. It is really really hard to tell the difference on these modules, the randall is pretty much the same as the more expensive egnater.

other modules, I am sure there are differences perhaps. But, randall modules are cheaper, even after having a pro mod them such as Dave Friedman. Egnater's setup is different, dual modules. you can get single channel modules, but in my opinion , they are not cheap. Randall has more variety, specially in the high gain area. I know all egnater owners love their EG5, but some randall owners who also have an eg5 list some randall high gain mods over it in preference. So some of this comes down to personal taste.

all of this is from egnaters concept anyway. I have had no issues what so ever with my randall RM4 and power amp, and modules, some sound really really good, specially after some modding.

speakers, cab, these will all effect sound as well. Just giving a different opinion. Egnater probally is built a little better, but if time is an issue, I don't think Randall is a bad apple by any means.


here is a side by side comparison of the Egnater Bassman vs Randall Tweed, just noodling around, virtually identical in sound imo. So I am a little leary when people say egnater blows randall away you know. I am sure some of the Egnater modules are plenty sweet, but some of the randalls are too. if you are not happy, have Dave Friedman or Pete Turley mod them.
quick clip - Egnater then Randall

 

[irondeth21]

I have a compared the Egnater Bassman and Randall Tweed side by side. It is really really hard to tell the difference on these modules, the randall is pretty much the same as the more expensive egnater.

other modules, I am sure there are differences perhaps. But, randall modules are cheaper, even after having a pro mod them such as Dave Friedman. Egnater's setup is different, dual modules. you can get single channel modules, but in my opinion , they are not cheap. Randall has more variety, specially in the high gain area. I know all egnater owners love their EG5, but some randall owners who also have an eg5 list some randall high gain mods over it in preference. So some of this comes down to personal taste.

all of this is from egnaters concept anyway. I have had no issues what so ever with my randall RM4 and power amp, and modules, some sound really really good, specially after some modding.

speakers, cab, these will all effect sound as well. Just giving a different opinion. Egnater probally is built a little better, but if time is an issue, I don't think Randall is a bad apple by any means.

Used, what am I looking at price difference here? How much do the mods usually run?

 

[Anonymous]

Hmm... how hard is it to get an Egnater than? I think build quality alone is a selling point to me. I gig usually 1-2 a weekend and am hoping to tour soon, so dependable gear is clutch. That and and if you factor in you can use the randall stuff with the egnater's anyway... you have more tonal options. I am really considering getting one of these at this point.

I have been through a ton of amps, 2 channel dual Rec, single recto, Mark III, Blackmore, 2 DSL's, 2204, 2210, JVM, JSX, 6505+, Classic 50, GH50L, 2 Quickrods, and have actually really bonded with my 5150 of all things. The quickrod was one I really loved as well. My favorite amp I've ever played but not owned is a SLO. I think a more refined, less noisey, 5150 with more flexibility live (IE: good cleans), with a lead channel like the SLO, would be my ideal sound, I know that's asking a lot, but I think the only amp I could do that with is one I could actually pick out each channel's tone. Seems like Bruce's idea could get me there.

You'll have a bit of a wait. Not sure where they are now truthfully. Waiting is over for me. Call the Amp Lounge and talk to Frank (248-541-9100). Just know that it is worth every bit of the loooooooooooong ass wait I had.

If you like the Quickrod and SLO then you have to have an Egnater EG5. It is the closest I have heard to a SLO in the modular series. It is THE high gain monster in the Egnater camp. Pair it with an SL2 or EG3/4 and you would be set for the songs on the myspace. As for cleans I use the BMAN and VX channel A and they are both spectacular.

Here are some points of reference I found useful along my tonal trek.

http://www.bandslink.com/randall.htm
https://www.soundclick.com/bands/defaul ... tent=music
http://plaidfaction.com/gearstuff.html
http://www.gearpedia.net/index.php?action=mediacenter

 

[Audioholic]

be sure to check out that comparison clip above I just added. I know those are not high gain modules, but that is all I had from both side by side

Depends on what route you want to go, Rack or head. I like the Randall RM4, rack pre with options for 4 single channel modules. Or randall's head with options up to 3 modules. Egnaters mod 50 holds 2 modules, but they are dual, so a totall of 4 channels. Though not necessarily 4 completly different tones, some may disagree. Egnaters M4 holds 4 dual modules, so 8 possible channels, but pretty expensive

Egnater dual modules usually go for about 375 Used. Randall's single channel modules go from anywhere from 100 bucks to a little over 200 used. Buying an already modded module by Dave Friedman or Pete Turley, plan on spending about 200-240, but after getting upgraded, they sound pretty dang good imo. Randalls RM4 used usually goes for about 450. Not so sure on their heads. Visit this site: http://www.mtsforum.grailtone.com/ for more info and searching on randall stuff.

Don't get me wrong, I think the egnater stuff is awesome, and as much as it may pain some people, I have to say however that randall can make some pretty great stuff too and should not be overlooked because they are not a smaller botique-ish brand or company you know. If you have money, and can wait, then sure, go Egnater, or look for a used amp that pops up every now and then, I know you won't regret it. But if you can't wait and want to save some coin, I think you should take a serious look at randall.

Like I said before, this is all Egnater inspired anyway, the concept, I have the Randall RT2-50 that bruce designed, all sounds good.

 

[guitarslinger]

Egnater = made in USA
Randall = made in China (Except, their high-end cabs are made here in their own woodshop)

Egnater = dual channel modules
Egnater M4 = 8 channels

Randall = single channel modules
Randall RM4 = 4 channels

Tonally, they really aren't very different. I can dial a Mr Scary to sound like an EG5. I can dial an SL2 to sound like the EG3/4. etc etc etc.

buy both. love both.

 

[muudrock]

Egnater = made in USA
Randall = made in China (Except, their high-end cabs are made here in their own woodshop)

Egnater = dual channel modules
Egnater M4 = 8 channels

Randall = single channel modules
Randall RM4 = 4 channels

Tonally, they really aren't very different. I can dial a Mr Scary to sound like an EG5. I can dial an SL2 to sound like the EG3/4. etc etc etc.

buy both. love both.

Hey slinger, I have some Randall that are US made, at least that's what it says on the bottom. Says made by EDEN in the US. FWIW.....There are some US made Randall mods out there unless I'm just a dumbass--which could be the case .

 

[guitarslinger]

Egnater = made in USA
Randall = made in China (Except, their high-end cabs are made here in their own woodshop)

Egnater = dual channel modules
Egnater M4 = 8 channels

Randall = single channel modules
Randall RM4 = 4 channels

Tonally, they really aren't very different. I can dial a Mr Scary to sound like an EG5. I can dial an SL2 to sound like the EG3/4. etc etc etc.

buy both. love both.

Hey slinger, I have some Randall that are US made, at least that's what it says on the bottom. Says made by EDEN in the US. FWIW.....There are some US made Randall mods out there.

True. I have a few myself.

But, they're Chinese now.

 

[irondeth21]

I have a compared the Egnater Bassman and Randall Tweed side by side. It is really really hard to tell the difference on these modules, the randall is pretty much the same as the more expensive egnater.

other modules, I am sure there are differences perhaps. But, randall modules are cheaper, even after having a pro mod them such as Dave Friedman. Egnater's setup is different, dual modules. you can get single channel modules, but in my opinion , they are not cheap. Randall has more variety, specially in the high gain area. I know all egnater owners love their EG5, but some randall owners who also have an eg5 list some randall high gain mods over it in preference. So some of this comes down to personal taste.

all of this is from egnaters concept anyway. I have had no issues what so ever with my randall RM4 and power amp, and modules, some sound really really good, specially after some modding.

speakers, cab, these will all effect sound as well. Just giving a different opinion. Egnater probally is built a little better, but if time is an issue, I don't think Randall is a bad apple by any means.


here is a side by side comparison of the Egnater Bassman vs Randall Tweed, just noodling around, virtually identical in sound imo. So I am a little leary when people say egnater blows randall away you know. I am sure some of the Egnater modules are plenty sweet, but some of the randalls are too. if you are not happy, have Dave Friedman or Pete Turley mod them.
quick clip - Egnater then Randall

Yeah man, I can't tell a difference at all between those two. Do you have any high gain stuff?

 

[Juggernaut]

True. I have a few myself.

But, they're Chinese now.

I've had 5, yes 5 RM100s, and that includes both Lynchboxs, ALL Made in the good ole USA. my first LB was new, was 6-8 months ago, MIA.

I think that the MTS stuff is all manufactured here, and all the other gear is made in China or wherever.


FWIW, to the O.P. You can't go wrong with either, both are great platforms. And I haven't read anything about "problems" with any transformers other than maybe 1 or 2, the main Tranny thread over at the MTS forum is for MM upgrade trannies.

 

[stratotone]

Clips I recorded of modified randall modules here if you're curious:

http://www.gigmods.com/Page4.html

Pete

 

[dfrattaroli]

Just buy an M4 so you can use Egnater and Randall modules. Done deal.

 

[Jeff Hilligan]

Hmm... how hard is it to get an Egnater than? I think build quality alone is a selling point to me. I gig usually 1-2 a weekend and am hoping to tour soon, so dependable gear is clutch. That and and if you factor in you can use the randall stuff with the egnater's anyway... you have more tonal options. I am really considering getting one of these at this point.

I have been through a ton of amps, 2 channel dual Rec, single recto, Mark III, Blackmore, 2 DSL's, 2204, 2210, JVM, JSX, 6505+, Classic 50, GH50L, 2 Quickrods, and have actually really bonded with my 5150 of all things. The quickrod was one I really loved as well. My favorite amp I've ever played but not owned is a SLO. I think a more refined, less noisey, 5150 with more flexibility live (IE: good cleans), with a lead channel like the SLO, would be my ideal sound, I know that's asking a lot, but I think the only amp I could do that with is one I could actually pick out each channel's tone. Seems like Bruce's idea could get me there.

You'll have a bit of a wait. Not sure where they are now truthfully. Waiting is over for me. Call the Amp Lounge and talk to Frank (248-541-9100). Just know that it is worth every bit of the loooooooooooong ass wait I had.

If you like the Quickrod and SLO then you have to have an Egnater EG5. It is the closest I have heard to a SLO in the modular series. It is THE high gain monster in the Egnater camp. Pair it with an SL2 or EG3/4 and you would be set for the songs on the myspace. As for cleans I use the BMAN and VX channel A and they are both spectacular.

Here are some points of reference I found useful along my tonal trek.

http://www.bandslink.com/randall.htm
https://www.soundclick.com/bands/defaul ... tent=music
http://plaidfaction.com/gearstuff.html
http://www.gearpedia.net/index.php?action=mediacenter

Franks number is 248-553-3400!

 

[jmgman69]

Just buy an M4 so you can use Egnater and Randall modules. Done deal.

This is WISDOM!!!!

 

[MichaelG]

Egnater = made in USA
Randall = made in China (Except, their high-end cabs are made here in their own woodshop)

Egnater = dual channel modules
Egnater M4 = 8 channels

Randall = single channel modules
Randall RM4 = 4 channels

Tonally, they really aren't very different. I can dial a Mr Scary to sound like an EG5. I can dial an SL2 to sound like the EG3/4. etc etc etc.

buy both. love both.

Exactly! Forget about the name that is screen printed on the module and evaluate both on equal terms. The ones that you keep are obviously the ones that you like the best. +1 on the M4... get the best of both worlds. I've got 6 dual channel modules and 9-10 Randall modules... I love them all and they all get their playtime.