Heavy Metal Amp decisions

[PowerTube]

I can't believe no one has suggested a Gorilla. I mean, don't touch that knob unless you want to hear the most searing, brutal, and scorching tone ever heard by human ears.

[jgcable]

Single, dual or triple rectifier. The 5150 will give you everything you want but it does hiss like a mutha.

[roodyrocker]

The stacks are killer and the rack stuff is right there to. I'm sure a few will be around to tell the same thing, but then again, all this info is ina couple other threads as well. I know Rudy's got an RM100 head and loves it.

The current amps I own are the Bogner Uberschall, Bogner Ecstasy 101B, Mesa Dual Rectifier, Marshall 1959RR, and Randall RM100. Plus I have the Fractal Audio Axe-Fx which I guess can qualify as an amp But all those amps are expensive while the Randall RM100 is more reasonably priced and if you buy used you can find some killer deals on it. Pat is right, try the Randall RM100 and keep in mind it has many preamp modules available so you can make that amp sound Fendery clean to pretty damn heavy. Also, if you want even more you can send the modules off to Pete and get them modded. There are endless possibilities with this amp. I wouldn't be so quick to disregard it.

[Trem]

If i had planned on getting a head before i got my mp-1, i would have gotten the Randall fo sho.

[pagemalicious]

Mesa Mark III or an old Marshall JCM800 combo

[JediHalen]

Mesa Mark III or an old Marshall JCM800 combo

I get a great mixture of these two sounds with my Mesa Stilleto 100 watt head, I believe you can get it in combo form, if your lucky you might be able to get one 2nd hand for around 1500.

Its got a great hotrodded Marshall sound that`s perfect for Priest and Maiden stuff, and if your worried about gain.. the fluid drive mode has masses of gain if you want to go heavier

Check out any youtube clip of this amp and you will see what I mean

[maluco]

HIWATT higain series 50W if youre brave, 100W if you need the whole UK to hear you

[Partial @ Marshall]

If you can find one a silver jubilee combo...great as far as combos go, quality tone, more gain on tap than standard JCM800s. It will also hold it's value much better than most (if not all) amps

[ozzuk1]

I found the screamer to be very very fizzy when I played it, and imo there are much nicer sounding amps around especially combos and especially for the price you pay for the screamer...

The MTS route is possibly the most versatile as you can always buy new, or used modules and change around...

I have a Valveking 212 which is possibly too loud to open up at home you can get a decent tone at non ear bleeding volumes cleans are nice some dont like them but i've gotten some really lush cleans from mine, the od is nice a lot of people need to boost the od for more drive with a tubescreamer or whatever.

Whilst I do think it adds a nice touch to the tone it isnt necesarry for the gain (allready plenty in the amp), the od is pretty versatile too allthough it sounds better when doing the classic/hard rock stuff to metal.. jmo though...

Allthough if you can afford to get something more expensive then the Riveara's always get a great rep for their tone...

JSX is also another option...

[horns666]

Great suggestions..as always.

After trying 90% of the above amps. I discovered the Bogner Uberschall is still the ultimate "METAL" amp champion..

[roodyrocker]

Great suggestions..as always.

After trying 90% of the above amps. I discovered the Bogner Uberschall is still the ultimate "METAL" amp champion..

Yes indeed. Basically the distortion channel on the Uber just plain kicks the crap out of the other amps

[sl2lover]

Rivera K tre'

[Larz]

Anyways, I had my heart set on an ENGL screamer 50 combo, but I keep coming accross articles or threads where people say they are amazing amps, but lack the amount of gain needed for hi-gain heavy metal...

I continue to find contradictions between whether the ENGL screamer is suitable for heavy metal, or whether it isnt.

I just played through a used Engle Screamer 50W head, with an Engl cab, today at GC. It was very nice, very solid cleans and very nice distortion and a decent reverb. I was impressed with it.

Definitely can play metal on it. I used an older model Charvel pointy and was able to crank it up pretty good in the high end amp room they had.

I have a Mesa Roadster 2x12 combo that I love too, but you have to eat your wheaties if you're gonna haul that thing around a lot. But you should give that a look too if you're still undecided.