295 vs 395

[Rob227]

I've been thinking of which will be the ultimate power amp to match up with my Quad preamp so I thought I'd throw this out there since I've seen a few 295's and a 395 sell on ebay recently for fairly reasonable prices ($500- $700). From what I can tell the 395 has a few more features but I like the EL34 option on the 295. The 395 is a bit smaller which is has it's advantage but not by much.

So far I've tried the Mesa 50/50 which was good for ryhthm and clean but seemed too harsh for lead and the Peavey 50/50 was good for clean and lead but lacked low end for ryhthm.

What can anyone tell me about the sound difference between the 295 and the 395? Which is the ultimate match for the Quad?


Current gear:

Quad Preamp
TC GMajor 2
Peavey Classic 50/50 (stock sovtek tubes)
Mesa Recto Straight 4x12 Cab V30's

Previous gear:
Peavey Rockmaster
Peavey Classic 50/50 (groove tubes, sounded better than sovtek's)
Mesa 50/50 Power amp

 

[Darth Bacelar]

I hope you'll find this topic usefull!

http://forum.grailtone.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=45059

Especially markwayne's contribution.

 

[dbone]

I'm sure either would serve you well. I have the 295 and it sounds awesome I reallly like the EL34/6L6 thing.
If you can use the 395 switch track options then that's nice also.

 

[Rob227]

I think I've made up my mind after reading the link and your responses. 295 it is! Maybe I'll have to get a rack case on wheels or something.... :idea:

 

[crane]

Every 295 should be sold with a free roadie :mrgreen:

 

[ando]

I think I've made up my mind after reading the link and your responses. 295 it is! Maybe I'll have to get a rack case on wheels or something.... :idea:

Or one of these.

Oh, and you should get a 295 and a 395 and make a 690 rig... 8)

 

[dbone]

Well they don't call it heavy metal for nothing : )

 

[Rob227]

Hey has anyone had a chance to compare the earlier 295's with the presence switch on the back vs the newer 295's with presence dials on the front of the amp? :?:

If I had a choice I would go with dials on the front but is there any other difference? Build quality or parts used. Sound differences?