Mesa 20/20 feedback

[catzodellamarina]

I'm the proud owner of a VHT 2902 that is killing my aging back. Great tone but it's becoming a health risk. I never utilize the power of the VHT in the small clubs I play. I'm considering downgrading to a Mesa 20/20. I know I'd be sacrificing power and there would be a change in tone. Can anyone give me some useful feedback on the differences - pros vs cons.

You know.. if could afford a roadie I wouldn't need to be asking this.

[Boxcar Willie 84]

Re: Mesa 20/20 feedback

Do you have all your stuff in one rack? If so, you might wanna split it up into two smaller racks...one for your power amp, one for everything else.

[Dreamland_Rebel]

Re: Mesa 20/20 feedback

depends on if your cab's and pre's are stereo.

what i wish mesa would do with the 20/20 is make it bridgeable. you can only run 20 watts mono.

i use the .50 (el84 ver.) and love it. its loud enough for the clubs and bars. i don't know if 20 would cut it.

i have just started using the pod xt live and running it into the fx return. with the XTL's volume goosed and only using the volume knob on the .50 it is considerably quieter when bypassing the boogie's pre's. and again that's 50 watts of el84. don't get me wrong, i think it sounds F-ing great! and i can crank it as loud as i want and get that power tube saturation. but if it was any less powerful, i wouldn't be able to use it.

now the 20/20 does have 3 12ax7's this might give it some extra boost. i personally have never used the 20/20, but i do love the sound of el84's.

i just don't know if 20 watts a speaker cab is going to do it for you. it very well might. i suggest you try it out. marshall makes a 20/20 as well. i would try both. the marshall has a countour switch for each side that changes the tone. (kinda like a vintage/modern switch.)

but hell, i'd be pleased as pie with your VHT. if your happy with it i'd take boxcar's advice and split rack. that way its less to carry at one time.

don't get me wrong. i think you'd love the sound of el84's but i just don't know if its gonna be enough power for you.

[catzodellamarina]

Re: Mesa 20/20 feedback

I had an el84 amp prior to this - Peavey 50/50. It was good but I parted with it in favor of the VHT. I'm not too hot on splitting things up. The other rack components probably weigh in at 15 lbs total. It's the 2902 that's so damn heavy. If I get a 20/20 I'll be running it in a stereo cab, not 2 cabs. I'm still thinking what to do.

[Dreamland_Rebel]

Re: Mesa 20/20 feedback

go for it! el84's sound killer and you can juice 'em without blowing your ear drums.

[slo100]

Re: Mesa 20/20 feedback

I have a 20/20 and it is plenty loud. It is good tone and will probably do what you are looking for.

The used ones seem to hold their value quite well so it is a safe purchase in case you change your mind. I am pretty sure they make appearances on ebay regularly.

Bret

[jgcable]

Re: Mesa 20/20 feedback

I think the 20/20 will work fine for you. I have a Peavey 50/50 and its a great power amp but way to frikkin heavy. My preamp, effects processor, power strip and power amp in my roadcase weigh a ton.