Help me out, guys: Marshall JVM410H/210H vs. EVH 5150 III vs. Splawn Quick Rod

[PowerTube]

Okay, I've basically narrowed my choices down to these three amps. Specifically, the Marshall and Splawn used vs. the EVH new. From where I stand, the pros and cons are as follows:

Marshall JVM410H or JVM210H

PRO
Great tone
That Marshall "feel"
Nice cleans
Thick overdrive and sustain

CON
"Everyone has one"

EVH 5150 III

PRO
Great tone
Decent cleans
Thick overdrive and sustain

CON
No reverb onboard

Splawn Quick Rod

PRO
Great tone
Decent cleans
Thick overdrive and sustain

CON
People say that the Splawn amps are "unforgiving," that the slightest bit of sloppiness will be highlighted. I haven't had a chance to plug into one so I can't quite wrap my head around this.

[jdr94]

splawns are great but id go for the jvm. i had a few 5150s. not the III but the jvm can do alot, splawns are known for doing what theyre designed to do, but dont seem to have much in style range.

[P I K A]

I believe that Marshall is noisy on hi gain settings . The Splawns sound good LOUD . The EVH is the ticket it sounds good at all volumes and is built really well as is the Splawn. Not sure about Marshall. Ive had 2 Splawns and while they are great tone it wont get there without it being cranked up.

[jdr94]

yes hes right the jvm does have some noise to it, but didnt matter that much. tone is really a preference.

[P I K A]

Here watch this vid a little goofy at times but has a some good tones .http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxUuXyXPhpY

[Kempo Bulldog]

If you go with the 5150iii combo you will have reverb on board and better tone at low volume compared to the splawn.

[slowhand66]

I've gigged with a 2006 QR for about the past 5 years. Great workhorse. It will do the 80s thing for sure. It is unforgiving to some degree, boost it with a pedal and it loosens up a bit.

Here's my amp with V30s and a Dimarzio Distortion, gear 2 with reverb in the loop. It's recorded at my gig (small club) volumes, about 1-2'sh (out of 10).

[BigE13]

The JVM is a great amp and the noise on high gain can be tamed with a NSP, the tone is fantastic. My best friend plays the 205H in his band and through a Dave Mustaine 4x12 it absolutely kills at high volume. The 5150 III is a phenominal amp that I agree with everyone that you can get great tone at any volume level. I have both the JVM410HJS and the 5150 III (50 watt) heads plus a ENGL Powerball II that is amazing and beats both the Marshall and the EVH on cleans and matches up very well on crunch and high gain settings. I gravitate to the Powerball the most. If you must have reverb, get a great pedal so you can apply the right amount of flavor without being limited by what the amp can provide. Good luck these are all great amps!

[PowerTube]

I believe that Marshall is noisy on hi gain settings.

I keep hearing that, but I can't imagine it being noisier or more hissy than my JCM800 was with a Metal Zone and GE-7 in front of it. It was the GE-7's volume dimed that caused most of that, but it was critical for shaping the tone. Catch-22.

[PowerTube]

If you must have reverb, get a great pedal so you can apply the right amount of flavor without being limited by what the amp can provide. Good luck these are all great amps!

I've thought about that, just get the 5150 III and add a reverb pedal. Plus, I can get the 5150 III brand new for slightly less than the JVM's are going for used.

[PowerTube]

There's one thing that bugs me. I know it shouldn't, but it does. I'm not sure I'll be satisfied with a 2x12 cab for the 5150, so I would want the 4x12. Used ones are a bit scarce and new ones are about a grand. I can grab a used Marshall 1960A or B for about $400.00.

[BigE13]

I play my 5150 III head through an Orange closed back 2x12 with V30's. It sounds massive and would probably work for just about any situation. That being said, there is that extra oomph with a 4x12 moving all that air! I have an old Marshall 4x12 that I put Warehouse Retro 30's in and it sounds amazing for far less than a 1960 AV. I play the Powerball II through that cab. ; )

[rattlehead74]

Haven't seen a bad review on the EVH...I had a tough time deciding between that or the Mark V. Also I like the combos better than a half stacks. The EVH combo seems pretty killer but probably heavy as hell.

[jgcable]

No question... I have heard an owned all of these amps. The Splawn Quickrod is head and shoulders better sounding than the other amps. The cleans are great and the amp is totally forgiving. Its incredible.

[Psh511]

There is also a new B+ option withthe Splawn that is supposed to give it more sag/be more forgiving.