What amp would suit me best at my budget?

[Speeddemon]

@conanthewarrior
Note that the Fireball 25 and MT15, as well as the bigger EVH 50W all have 'big' tubes; 6L6.
This usually translates to a fuller tone, even for tight metal, compared to amps with 2x EL84 tubes, which are considered 'small'.

Now, I will say, as someone who owns and gigs with the EVH 50W, as well as the Engl Ironball for home-use, the Engl Ironball doesn't sound as small as most EL84 amps. And it has not only a very good master volume knob for home use, it also has the power soak function, to reduce the wattage from 20W, to 5W to 1W or even off. But the Fireball 25 also has this powersoak option. It does lack the reverb, which the Ironball does have.

Aside from the vertical 2x12 Harley Benton cab, the regular 2x12 cab from them, when placed on its short side (so vertically) has the exact same width (20") as the EVH 50W amp. I owned that cab for years as well and used it to test a variety of speaker combinations; V30+G12K85 (or K100) especially is a great combo for metal, as the K100 will reinforce some low-end that the V30 will lack, but makes up for with punch and cut.

If I were in your shoes, I'd start with looking at the Engl Fireball 25 (also because I greatly value a footswitchable fx-loop!) and then maybe some of the others, especially as they may be available to you on the used market.

 

[the rossness]

I'm glad to hear that you can go from gigging to using them at really low volumes, as I mentioned I was under the wrong impression that I needed something lower watt wise to play quietly, so will keep those on my idea list for sure!

I think so far the MT15 is my most likely go too, as I can get it for just £499 new. Did you find the tube swap made any change in tone, or was it you just needed to replace them?

It's funny you mention Laney, I was considering a Laney Ironheart 15H a few years ago, looks like I would have to buy it new now though. It was only £399 new, so is it actually any good?


I have to ask, what is a "Crab" amp lol?

I don't actually know what amp that is, apart from obviously Ibanez, was this a joke or are they good amps?


Thank you for doing the Google search, and I understand because you are listing them you can't guarantee anything, but still very kind of you.

I live right near to Southend if I was to go for the tonex, also thanks for Wunjo guitars as a Dark terror is something I think I would like.

I see, so if I had a bit more money I could potentially get a really good head! Maybe I will try and save a bit more as it is an investment, at least thats the way I see it.

I only mentioned the tonex as the quad cortex seemed really cool, however I think I need to use my computer as well as the pedal to make it run don't I? I would rather something that works standalone so that might not be the right choice for me.

The PRS MT15 seems like a great contender at the moment given its price, and its good reviews.

I bought my Laney new for just over $600 shipped to me. Killer deal as they’re usually much more expensive. And yea, for $600 3 channels, 60 wats with a built in boost and power scaling options. It was money well spent.

 

[conanthewarrior]

Different brands and types of preamp tubes have different qualities. Not a necessity.

Amp sounds great plugged straight in but I like a really tight feel and a good TS or similar pedal that cuts a bunch of lows going in is my preference. This is with most amps though. Even an EQ pedal works for this.

I see, I think I would likely be fine with the standard tubes as long as they are working correctly.

Thats good to hear, I generally play plugged straight in apart from a tuner pedal, but could get a tubescreamer to tighten things up a bit

Hello! Just to clarify and expand since you asked:

Crab amps are a brand that is hand made by a guy in the Ukraine. He can build a custom styled amp head or one that is his clone of another. There is a post on here where a member grabbed an Orion and something else from him. That member got 100w tube heads for like $650 a piece or something. I personally would go for a 50w or something just to save my ears a touch but the pricing seems hard to beat for the quality.

He has a Facebook page I found when looking up Crab amps.

Beware that I have not personally been able to play a Crab amp, just have heard about them and read about them online, including this forum.

Oh I see, this is something I could look into a the idea of a custom made amp sounds really cool! I will keep that as a potential option although I am leaning towards the MT15.

In the UK, Marshall or Victory will be priced well.

JVM410H, JCM 900 SL-X, DSL,...

Hmm, I haven't ever checked out victory before so this is something else I can look at, thank you! Also the Marshalls you mention I will look at now.

Dumble or train wreck….. if you are not in a hurry I would suggest a Larry….

I don't think even selling my kidneys, limbs and eyes would pay for one of those lol.

@conanthewarrior
Note that the Fireball 25 and MT15, as well as the bigger EVH 50W all have 'big' tubes; 6L6.
This usually translates to a fuller tone, even for tight metal, compared to amps with 2x EL84 tubes, which are considered 'small'.

Now, I will say, as someone who owns and gigs with the EVH 50W, as well as the Engl Ironball for home-use, the Engl Ironball doesn't sound as small as most EL84 amps. And it has not only a very good master volume knob for home use, it also has the power soak function, to reduce the wattage from 20W, to 5W to 1W or even off. But the Fireball 25 also has this powersoak option. It does lack the reverb, which the Ironball does have.

Aside from the vertical 2x12 Harley Benton cab, the regular 2x12 cab from them, when placed on its short side (so vertically) has the exact same width (20") as the EVH 50W amp. I owned that cab for years as well and used it to test a variety of speaker combinations; V30+G12K85 (or K100) especially is a great combo for metal, as the K100 will reinforce some low-end that the V30 will lack, but makes up for with punch and cut.

If I were in your shoes, I'd start with looking at the Engl Fireball 25 (also because I greatly value a footswitchable fx-loop!) and then maybe some of the others, especially as they may be available to you on the used market.

I see, I didn't realise that bigger tubes meant a fuller tone, so I have learned something.

The ironballs power soak function sounds perfect for me, so hang on the Ironball includes reverb but the higher priced Fireball does not?

The ENGL fireball is probably number 2 on my list, only due to cost factors vs the MT15. I will have to do some proper research before I decide what to buy!

 

[conanthewarrior]

I bought my Laney new for just over $600 shipped to me. Killer deal as they’re usually much more expensive. And yea, for $600 3 channels, 60 wats with a built in boost and power scaling options. It was money well spent.

What model Laney did you get? That sounds a great deal!

 

[JackBootedThug]

You’re in Europe right? Get that four channel crab
SLAVA UKRAINE !!! Whatever that means… I’m waiting to hear from my brosky when he gets his. If he gives me the green light then I’ll probably order one myself…

 

[Speeddemon]

The ironballs power soak function sounds perfect for me, so hang on the Ironball includes reverb but the higher priced Fireball does not?

Engl Ironball back: (has reverb control + headphones out )

Engl Fireball 25 back: (has noise gate control )

Both have 4 functions that can be footwitched:

Ironball: Channel, Gain Boost, Master Volume Boost, Reverb
Fireball: Channel, Mid Boost, Master Volume Boost, FX-Loop

Purely based on the functionality, the Ironball is slightly more intended for studio/home use, whereas the Fireball also veers into rehearsal and possibly gigging use. The Ironball's gain boost is pretty useful!

Note: I actually have gigged with the Ironball and the 2x12 Harley Benton cab (sold now), but it runs out of gas quickly then.
As I have quite a few amps (and not enough room anymore), I have no plans to add the Fireball 25 myself anytime soon, but it does look like an interesting option. Especially the KT77 version looks awesome with the typical Engl bars.

For reference:
PRS MT15 back (only footswitchable function is channel switching )

 

[OldGtrGuy]

EVH 5150 III 50 watt

This......in EL-34 configuration. Killer amp

 

[311splawndude]

Thank you for doing the Google search, and I understand because you are listing them you can't guarantee anything, but still very kind of you.

I live right near to Southend if I was to go for the tonex, also thanks for Wunjo guitars as a Dark terror is something I think I would like.

I see, so if I had a bit more money I could potentially get a really good head! Maybe I will try and save a bit more as it is an investment, at least thats the way I see it.

I only mentioned the tonex as the quad cortex seemed really cool, however I think I need to use my computer as well as the pedal to make it run don't I? I would rather something that works standalone so that might not be the right choice for me.

The PRS MT15 seems like a great contender at the moment given its price, and its good reviews.

Hey man, I forgot to ask you if you got your new tube(s) yet - can't remember.

Sounds like you want to move on regardless so kudos for that. But yeah, hard to sell a broken amp.

I made a clip for you with my Recto at low volume since you were asking, but it didn't accomplish what I wanted because it sounds loud But it was still just maybe over TV volume.

Can't really speak to the ToneX stuff. Have not messed with it. I only downloaded the software back when it was $99.

I think the Iron Ball, Randall MT15 and EVH III 50 are going to be great options for you.