Carvin MTS3200, Peavey VK100, or Crate BV120?

[warlok]

Little bored with my Crate GX900H/RP-12 and want to try out some tubes... I'm looking to get a "decent" tube head. I don't gig so I'm not spending a ton on one. I don't have much money anyway, looking to stay around $300-$400 area and I've seen all of those listed in that range or cheaper. What do you guys think is the better of the bunch? I play everything from classic rock to tons of high gain stuff so want something semi-versatile. I don't mind using pedals to enhance the gain so I mainly want a great loud clean but one with some good distortion would be a plus.

[lerxstcat]

The Carvin MTS3200 has an outstanding clean and a great drive channel as well. You might need a pedal to get the distortion channel into full modern metal but it's a very versatile and reliable amp. You can use 6L6, 5881 or EL34 tubes in it with the flick of a switch. I think 6L6s are the way to go with that amp but it's down to preference.

It is also American-made, unlike the Chinese-made VK100 Peavey. It would also probably be cheaper than the Crate BV120 which would be my second choice.

[horns666]

These amps sound amazing..and I can buy a new half stack for under a grand out the door.

I wanna buy it for my son..and maybe me too.

Peavey 3120..http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58frVUCJmbM

Not many cool clips, but take my word..I kill thru it!!! ..http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4Gh0...eature=related

..http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJkWbkBW4p8

I personally like it better than 5150 (owned five), XXX, VK and JSX..

[Monni]

VK100 is good sounding head, but it's made with plastic and high hopes. It will not last long if you're touring or carrying it. I have one and had to solder all tube holders once and also the plastic input jacks are soldered direclty to PCB etc.

Its really good bang for buck, with poplar RR + livewires it sounds killer without any OD infront. But do realise that with that price, it is far from "built like tank". Also it has kick beyond any reason (it's loud) and sounds really good IMO also when not cranked up.

[warlok]

That 3120 sounds pretty amazing.. Look at the Chris Brown reviews.. But, it's $999 for just the head at GC and MF... That'd be way more than stretching my budget..

[toejam]

The BV120 heads are cool, and so are the old BV60s.

[T@rgetDrone]

All 3 are bang for the buck type amps. I like all of them. Given the 3 choices you mentioned, Carvin gets the nod from this house.

BTW, I have been demoing and cyber shopping a lot of amps lately (separate thread to follow). The 3120 does seem to have major ass kicking potential. Lot of interesting amp releases lately.

[Dreamland_Rebel]

check out the carvin x100b.

[guitarsjb]

The BV120 heads are cool, and so are the old BV60s.

+1

[jgcable]

Carvin X100B
Crate Blue Voodoo BV60 or 120
Carvin MTS3200 or MTS3212
Carvin X212 oe X112
Peavey Ultra

[warlok]

X100B's are going a bit higher than I'm looking for. I missed a MTS on ebay, went for $325+shipping. Kinda scared of the china VK100 now. Also looking at Bugera 333xl now.... Got more I'm looking at too... What's the going rate for a BV60H? $350+ship too much? Was looking to get a 120 for about the same but don't necessarily need it. Just cool to have the 120 watt.

[warlok]

Well shit!! This guys playing may not be the most inspiring but the sound is a pretty impressive review to me. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZCgd...eature=related The 333xl is looking better everytime I look. I saw one that compeared a SLO 50 and a Bugera 1960 and before I looked I like "B". It was the Bugera... save up another $200?? starting to look good to me...

[zeegler]

I'd say if you're considering the VK, then why not add the Bugeras to your list too. They apparently sound really good.

Actually, check out the B-52 AT-100 if you can. Great sounding amp, and cheap.

Out of your list, I'd probably go with the Carvin first, and then the BV120.

[Racerx2k]

I tried a Carvin MTs, once, and was VERY impressed. Only thing I didn't like was the slight pop I was getting as I switched between channels. Don't know if that was inherent to ALL MTSes, or just that ONE.

[Sinistas]

I use a MTS3200 and we play some decently heavy stuff (www.myspace.com/dreadedsilence). Both channels are great. They're awesome for mid-gain stuff too.