2nd amp

[fatoni]

my mark iv rig is a little too big for me to keep moving around in order to jam with a couple friends. so now im looking for something, preferably a combo. i want something dirt cheap but playable (under $500 unless i find a steal). what can you guys recommend? it doesnt need to sound markish. in fact a new sound would probably be good but please compare so i know what im getting into.

 

[fatoni]

looking at the peavey xxx and seeing alot of mixed reviews. i know you guys are people i can trust when it comes to tone so what do you guys think? (tell me aslo if you are coming from mark or recto territory)

 

[disassembled]

IMO peavey drive on the ultra series ( XXX probably the JSX too) have very grainy distortion. The drive is very loose and a bit shrill at times. The Ultra series has WAY too much gain on tap but I would probably recommend the Ultra plus or the 60/120 watt combo over the XXX. I ran a good tube compliment in my XXX head but was completely floored when I bought my first triaxis. Now I have a Mark IV, a triaxis, and a line 6 spider valve combo.

The line 6 isn't bad for the money and you can't beat the features but I sure do prefer the TA or Mark IV to the line 6 when it comes to sounding like I want it to sound.

If you want to stick with peavey then check out the Bravo for a small but toneful amp. This amp is based off of the Ultra series as well and has a 25 watt EL84 power section. The subway rocket is cool , DC3, F30, etc etc. You have tons of options it just depends what you're looking for.

Maybe even going with a good solid state amp would be a viable option for you.

Greg

 

[Geiri]

Spider valve combo is a good choice if it's just jam sessions with your friends but then again if you wanna go peavey the bandit sounds very nice and is a very well built amp.

 

[Kazak]

I just picked up a 5:25 from Craigslist (under 700) and it is a great little amp, very portable can really crank if you need it to. It's not a Mark IV, but I really like its own distinctive sound. Much better value than Line 6. Good luck with your hunt.