Peavey 6505?

[DCZX]

I want to buy a tube head. I'm thinking about this one. I like to have metal tones, but to have just enough versatility to pull off whatever else I need. Will this do the job or is there something better in this range? ($1000 - $1200) thanks amp experts

[Sinistas]

If you've heard/played a 5150, it's the same thing. If you're looking for versatile, I'd look elsewhere, personally. There's a lot of stuff you could probably snag used for that range, but others would know better than me.

[Cleveland Metal]

I'm thinking the PEavey JSX might be a good unit to examine in the used market.

[TinTin8]

thre 6505/5150
have horride cleans ive heard.
they are only good for dist.

so versititility?? mhm

[DCZX]

so... maybe the JSX or the XXX?

[siggy14]

I guess the question I want to ask before answering is this, what type of metal are you talking about? It will help alot more in guiding you to the right amp.

I want to buy a tube head. I'm thinking about this one. I like to have metal tones, but to have just enough versatility to pull off whatever else I need. Will this do the job or is there something better in this range? ($1000 - $1200) thanks amp experts

[DCZX]

Well, I like to be able to play shred solo's, but I also like a death rhythm tone. Opeth, Unearth, etc. I'm also looking at the Valveking... not sure where to go...

[siggy14]

I would go with either a used mesa Dual or triple 3 channel rec, just remember to get a tube screamer or some kind of boost stomp to tighten it up for soloing.

Another good choice would be a used 5150II or a new or used 6505+. Same amp of course, just different name, you can probaly get a used 5150II for around 700 to 800 on ebay, maybe even cheaper.

[mhenson42]

I'd recommend an ENGL Fireball over a Peavey.

[DSS3]

An ENGL Fireball is a completely different amp than a 5150... there's almost nothing in common. Totally different sound and vibe.

I'd go with a 5150 over any ENGL but a Savage 120, and for that price, I could get a 5150 and JSX, and not have to worry about a Savage.

[siggy14]

I have also heard, like Marshalls the ENGL's suffer from cheap production, meaning they use cheap components, yeah they sound good, but a amp is only as good as it is reliable.

The 5150's and the 6505's are some well built amps for the price and worth every penny.

An ENGL Fireball is a completely different amp than a 5150... there's almost nothing in common. Totally different sound and vibe.

I'd go with a 5150 over any ENGL but a Savage 120, and for that price, I could get a 5150 and JSX, and not have to worry about a Savage.

[mhenson42]

An ENGL Fireball is a completely different amp than a 5150... there's almost nothing in common. Totally different sound and vibe.

I'd go with a 5150 over any ENGL but a Savage 120, and for that price, I could get a 5150 and JSX, and not have to worry about a Savage.

Most people buy the 5150/6505 to play metal. So I should have stated that that was my assumption. I've owned a 5150, a 6505+ and a 6505 with bias/clarity mod from FJA Mods. While I really liked those amps (6505+ the best), I personally think the ENGL is a better choice for metal. It is tighter, has more clarity (no can of bees tone like the Peavey) and not as common in the US - so you won't sound like everyone else. I wouldn't buy a Fireball if I wasn't playing metal.

As for ENGL build quality. I've seen the gut shots and they are not pretty. But I don't read alot bad things about them falling apart either. For its price, I think the tone is pretty damn good. I currently own a Fireball (along with a Diezel Herbert and a Bogner Uberschall) but I also owned the more versatile powerball and hated it.