Decision time

I have decided I want a "real" Recto. I already have a Badlander 25 and I LOVE that amp. It's a pure rock and roll machine. But I've been GASsing for one of the mini rectifiers. So, it's down to a Rectoverb 25 or the standard Mini Rectifier. I found one comparison video on YT, but I can't see the settings, so I can't determine how much leeway there is. In that video, the Rectoverb seemed to have more low mids - something I personally enjoy especially after using an Electradyne for a long time. The mini Recto just seemed thinner and a little brighter. Again, if I were able to see how the guy dialed them in, it could sway my opinion on either amp.

Has anyone here compared both in the real world? I totally understand how tone is very subjective, but I am open to hear opinions from those that have actual experience with these little beasts.

And yes, I know the 25 watt versions are not the same as a Dual Rec or Triple Rec. The minis only use diodes instead of rectifier tubes. I'm totally ok with that. It's not the mechanics for me, it's the sound.

I personally am not a fan of the EL84 tubes. However, I did have an opportunity to hear a Mesa TA30 combo and thought that sounded really good. As for the mini recto amps, are they not both the same but one with reverb? Not familiar with the lunch box versions.

Have you seen this video yet? A comparison of the BAD25 to the RECTOV25. Thought it was interesting. I assume this is done with the load box you see in the right side of the screen.

I've never been a big fan of EL84s either. But my BL 25 changed my mind. Of course, only Mesa could accomplish that in my opinion!
That looks like my Captor X on top of the heads.
I never thought my BL 25 sounded anything like a standard Recto. To me, Mesa out-Marshalled Marshall with that amp with a touch of Boogie flavor. If it were 3 channels, it would be **** near perfect.
I was able to find the amp settings in the one video I saw; supposedly, both amps were set the same. Both were recorded with the same cab, etc. After listening again and again, the mini rectifier did have the same girth as the RV, but it was just tighter. When comparing specs on both amps, the RV has one extra preamp tube, obviously for the spring reverb tank.
Thanks for this vid, Bandit. Now I'm thinking I could just put an EQ pedal in the loop and get a little closer to a "true" Recto tone.

Ah, just noticed that any "unclean" words get * out. I need to get out more....

jnoel64 said:

I never thought my BL 25 sounded anything like a standard Recto. To me, Mesa out-Marshalled Marshall with that amp with a touch of Boogie flavor. If it were 3 channels, it would be **** near perfect.

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FWIW I was curious about the el84s as well, so I preserved my bank account and instead ran the Badlander preamp into my LSS power amp. It was most excellent. Much of the character of what I hear from the 50W was present but there was a bit of smoothness in the less gainy settings that I appreciated. I would not hesitate to go for the BL 25, Unlike the V:35, V:25 vs the V:90 where they have compromised on the voicings, this is the same preamp.

BTW, I also agree if there were 3 chans it would be near perfect. Right now I have to make a choice between one of the voicings and that isn't easy. For my live rig currently run Clean Ch 1, Crush Ch 2 and boost Ch 1 for Crunch Rhythm. Just love the BLdr.

Just curious if you made the choice to get the amp. I ran out of GAS after getting the second Mark VII. Having two sort of depleted my hobby funds. Actually I just do not like spending money unless it is worth it. It was, but ouch on the purchase.

I did not have much interest in the EL84 amps, sure, they sound good, just have limited resources for replacements when compared to the big bottle cousins. I may have had a Carvin V3MC. I favored the Mullard EL84 tubes in that one. I gave it away to a friend so not sure how it is working out.

IMO grab a Single Recto ( Series 1 or 2 ) which can be found at a great value. I have a few Singles and RoV 50 heads ( as well as a Dual Rev G). Great cleans that sit right there with my other Boogies, fantastic volume taper and a clean boosted Recto on Vintage or Modern sounds absolutely stellar. There's a hidden 'silkiness' that can be found in these amps when set up right.

Do an easy Series loop mod and you have one of the best upper echelon amps made.

bandit2013 said:

Just curious if you made the choice to get the amp. I ran out of GAS after getting the second Mark VII. Having two sort of depleted my hobby funds. Actually I just do not like spending money unless it is worth it. It was, but ouch on the purchase.

I did not have much interest in the EL84 amps, sure, they sound good, just have limited resources for replacements when compared to the big bottle cousins. I may have had a Carvin V3MC. I favored the Mullard EL84 tubes in that one. I gave it away to a friend so not sure how it is working out.

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At present, I am waiting for the Synergy DRECT modules to come back in stock. I have their Plexi and SLO modules, and my Syn 30 head is absolutely amazing. That has 5881s in the power section which I replaced with Tung-Sols shortly after I acquired the head.

Like you, I was never much of a fan of EL84s. My first experience with them was a late 90s Marshall 2000 DSL 40. Never liked a single tone out of that amp and the factory power tubes blew out in less than a few months. That particular amp will only take certain replacements due to space on the chassis.

Again, like you, I have a Carvin V3M head that I also prefer Mullards in. Once you find the trick for a 12AU7 in the preamp mix, that amp is pretty cool. I am likely giving mine away to a friend. The coincidences here are pretty odd!

When I got my BL25, my opinion definitely changed. If anyone can take an EL84 platform and make it sound that good, it is definitely Mesa. As much as I would love a higher watt amp, I honestly don't have a need for them. Hauling around a 40 - 50 lb head for gigs isn't all that appealing. I have become pretty impressed with the tubes TAD is delivering currently. I would not hesitate to give them a shot. I am using TAD 6V6s in my Soldano Astro 20. That amp is absolutely amazing.

Awesome, I will have to try some TAD 6V6 tubes. Will have to check them out and see who makes them based on the appearance. The JJ 6V6 is not all that great as they tend to get noisy after a few thermal cycles. Noising being the tube sing where they vibrate at the same frequency as the notes you are playing and it gets annoying. The EH version that Mesa has supplied as equivalents to the spec actually perform much better. In both the TC50 and the California Tweed. Thanks for the recommendation on TAD for another resource for the 6V6. They are much like Groove Tubes or Mesa when it comes to tubes, they do not make them but may specify what they want from the companies that do make them. In other words, they will be different than the one's that look to be the same thing with a different brand name on them. That is where the STR or special tube request thing comes into play.

bandit2013 said:

Awesome, I will have to try some TAD 6V6 tubes. Will have to check them out and see who makes them based on the appearance. The JJ 6V6 is not all that great as they tend to get noisy after a few thermal cycles. Noising being the tube sing where they vibrate at the same frequency as the notes you are playing and it gets annoying. The EH version that Mesa has supplied as equivalents to the spec actually perform much better. In both the TC50 and the California Tweed. Thanks for the recommendation on TAD for another resource for the 6V6. They are much like Groove Tubes or Mesa when it comes to tubes, they do not make them but may specify what they want from the companies that do make them. In other words, they will be different than the one's that look to be the same thing with a different brand name on them. That is where the STR or special tube request thing comes into play.

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I used to own a Granger amp that was powered by JJ 6V6s. The thing about the JJ version is their ability to handle higher plate voltages. I have learned since then that there are other brands than can do the same, and IIRC, the TADs will do that as well. But, I found the JJs to get mushy when pushed too hard, so that amp went away. Plus, the "clean" channel didn't get clean enough for me.

When you pointed out the TADs that are now the new Mesa 6L6 tubes, that got my interest. I've had a Mark IIB in the shop for over a year (too hard to get Sprague caps) and that tech was skeptical about the TADs I put in the amp. I spoke with him last week, and he admitted that since my bringing the amp to him, he has learned the same info you passed along about those 6L6 tubes and is no longer questioning my decision to use them in that amp. I was with my father the day he bought that Mark and I am thrilled that I get to use that amp myself....well, just as soon as the tech can get the Spragues anyway. I was stunned to find out we have a certified Mesa tech in our area (NW IN, SW MI). If TAD is as picky as Mesa is with their tube selections, I could care less who makes them, lol. And if TAD is hitting the nail on the head for accurate reproductions of classic tubes....good for them AND us.

It was this forum that educated me on STR labels on tubes. A lot of manufacturers/distributors throw that moniker around a lot, though. One thing I have noticed is that Chinese tubes have come a long way. But still, even Mesa used Chinese tubes not all that long ago, when Chinese tubes were snubbed. Someone is doing something right - or at least in some cases, they DID until they did not.