Caliber vs Studio .22

[khudsonjr]

I'm new to the Mesa board, but trying to find one that will best fit my needs? What is the difference between the Caliber & .22's series combo amps? Do they have the same distortion gain? How are the cleans in each amp? I like the Studio .22 PLUS, but am contemplating a Caliber 50 that's for sale? Thanks...

 

[LHanson]

Well....

The studio .22 is a 20 or so watt amp, with 2 EL84 output tubes. It has the same preamp section as the .50 cal. , but the .50 cal has either 4 EL84s or 2 6L6 output tubes. The "+" part of it indicates the inclusion of a "lead master" volume, to balance the clean with the distorted.

I have a .50cal + head. Cleans are wonderful, but I also use a 12au7 in the V1 of the preamp, so it has a little less gain than a 12ax7. It is still PLENTY of gain, very Santana-ish, dark and lots of midrange.