mesa single rec solo 50

[lefty]

What is the difference between version one and version two?
Anyone played through both? Which do you prefer?

[jgcable]

Version 2 has a footswitchable variable solo boost.
Its actually called SERIES 2

I prefer the series 2 because of the solo boost feature. Besides that.. there is no difference tone wise.

[Electric]

The foot switchable solo boost was there on Series one also.

There are several difference though.

Series one doesn't have the bias switch to allow for EL34 tubes.
Series one doesn't have the "Raw" mode on channel two.
Gain structure is "improved" on series 2.
"Pop" and delay when channel switching is improved in Series 2.

I had a series 2 for several years, and a former bandmate had a series 1. The clean channels sounded nearly identical, but the gain structure didn't seem to be as rich and complex on the series 1. I loved my series 2 and regret getting rid of it. Try to snag a series 2 if you can.

[lefty]

Hey, thanks for the info guys!

[Mordor]

FWIW, I have a Single Recto solo head and enjoy the most out of it since I switched to EL34 and turned the treble control to zero in vintage mode. Use presence to adjust high freq. Sounds killer in my opinion. Beefier with no fizz at all.

[jgcable]

The foot switchable solo boost was there on Series one also.

There are several difference though.

Series one doesn't have the bias switch to allow for EL34 tubes.
Series one doesn't have the "Raw" mode on channel two.
Gain structure is "improved" on series 2.
"Pop" and delay when channel switching is improved in Series 2.

I had a series 2 for several years, and a former bandmate had a series 1. The clean channels sounded nearly identical, but the gain structure didn't seem to be as rich and complex on the series 1. I loved my series 2 and regret getting rid of it. Try to snag a series 2 if you can.

Thanks for the corrections. I didn't know that. I have a Series 2 and its an outstanding amp in every respect. I run 6L6's in mine. I never use the pushed, vintage or raw settings. Its clean on the green channel and modern on the red channel.

[Electric]

Yeah I pretty much ran mine the same way. The Raw mode is pretty cool for lower gain stuff, but certainly not at the expense of losing the ability to foot switch to the vintage or modern modes. It's one of the few pieces of gear I regret selling. I'm pretty happy with my 6505+, but I plan on picking up a Recto again in the near future.