DC-5 Ideas, tweaks, views, opinions and valves

[wrxmania]

Hi all,

First post!!

I am using a DC-5 1x12 (Celestion) Combo which I have had since new in 1997. I really like it - however I have a few things milling through my mind.

(1) I get a thumping when I tap on one of the power valves (Mesa valves) - should I change these - and does anyone have any really good recommendations for a replacement pair?

(2) It seems to be affected tonally by the quality of mains in certain venues (240 volt U.K. proper voltage of course ). Does anyone else get this? Any solutions? I am using the best of cables, keep mains seperate and use only good gear.

(3) THE BIG ONE - I use a variety of styles and work professionally with the amp - should I chop it in for a Mark IV (my ideal I think but never played one - only lifted it!!!!).

Anyone gone from a DC-5 to something else, who has some useful tips to pass on?

What valves are you all using in your DC-5?

FINALLY -

(4) Is there any electronic trickery which can be carried out on the amp - I use the effect loop (wish it was switcheable) and the reverb on occasion.

Other than that, useful forum here and I am sure I will paying many visits!!

Hello from Scotland in the United Kingdom,

Brian 8)

 

[Ken j]

Hi wrxmania,

Welcome! I am also a newbee here, but not new to Mesa. Sounds like you need some new tubes. I purchased my DC-5 in '97 and I still am using the origanal STR-420 (China) that came in it. I have tried NOS GE 6L6 clear tops and some NOS RCA tubes. Also I have plugged in some Mesa STR-430 (Sovtek). Mesa is currently using STR-440 (China) but they claim the STR-454 (Svetlana) is the best sounding. Others at this site reccommend JJ's. I want to try the 454's and the JJ's at some point. The GE and RCA tubes seemed a little darker than the Stock 420 tubes. The 430 were ok not all that different than the 420. Here is a link to the Mesa chart, less the STR-440: http://homepage.mac.com/mesaboogie/tubes.html

As far as the DC-5 goes it has the largest production numbers of any amp that Mesa has prooduced. This info was given to me per phone conversation with Mesa on 2 separate occasions. I like this amp. I have done A-B comparisons with this amp and a F-50 and with a Rectoverb. Not with a Mark though. I like the DC-5 better than the F-50. The clean channels are almost the same in voicing. The DC-5 does not get as high gain or full shred as the F-50 but has a better blues sound/crunch and a decent high gain, IMO. Also the DC-5 has features that have been de-contented on the F-50, presence, master volume (power section), and equalizer. I think the Recto has a little more versatility. It seems to cover most of what the DC-5 can do and more with the exception of the graphic equalizer. These two amps (F-50 & Rectoverb) belong to a good friend. After our A-B comparisons he also picked up a used DC-5 to add to his arsenal. Buying a Mark may give some sounds you don't have but want or need. The Mark may not cover some things you may like about your DC-5.

Whenever I consider making a transition to something different I usually buy the new item and live with both for a few months before deciding whether to eliminate one of them It is usually easier to sell your old amp later than buy it again later, especially if it is out of production. Well just my 2 cents worth. Good luck with your decision.

 

[wrxmania]

Thanks very much Ken J!

I have been told by the UK distributor that the Mark IV is discontinued here :shock:

If I was going to buy a Mark IV I would most likely end up with both at the same time too.

I have the STR430's in the amp (had the 420's originally). I feel the 430's were slightly louder...

Willing to try something new - speaking to one of the most respected valve distributors/sales and thorough testing facility here in the U.K. - Watford Valves - I am phoning them on Wednesday (when tech guy is available) and they have some good recommendations I believe. Worth a change as they may be on their way out.

Brian.

 

[NoGlassNoClass]

I have a set of the STR-454's in my triple-rec, and they are a vast improvement over the original 430's. You should be able to get them through Watford as SED 6L6GC's. The JJ 6L6GC is also a good choice.

As far as the MarkIV is concerned, in my opinion it is the best amp mesa has ever produced (possible exception being the MarkIIC+). Be prepared to spend some time with it...definately a "tweaker's amp", but the rewards will far outweigh your efforts.

 

[dylan7620]

The DC-5 does not get as high gain or full shred as the F-50

really... when i tried a dc5 i could get a way higher gain than my friends f-50.

 

[wrxmania]

Any more ideas?

I am either going to get it revalved and serviced or I am going to get a Mark IV.

Alternatively I have seen a nice local sale of a Triaxis, with 20:20 power amp and a 2x12 mesa cabinet. What do you think of that?

Brian

 

[wrxmania]

Anymore comments?

Anyone

 

[dylan7620]

if u go with the mark will you be letting ur DC go?

 

[wrxmania]

Yes,

I would be selling the DC5.

Brian

 

[wrxmania]

Well,

I jumped in, traded the DC-5 and bought a new Mark IV with Imbuya Hardwood cabinet and Wicker Cane grille covering - it looks GORGEOUS!!!

Still playing about - straight to a gig with it and set it up breifly as I went along - sounds great so far, but lots of messing about to do I think.

Any tips?

Brian

 

[dylan7620]

pics pics pics!

 

[wrxmania]

Here you go guys - some pictures of my new Mark IV combo - opinions please

Loving it!!

Brian [/img]

 

[wrxmania]

I also got through my new Phillips Military Grade 6l6 WGB's which have been highly rated and reviewed. Bought them from Watford Valves.

I am going to try them out now - they are small bottle - I am going to put them in the outer sockets to see what they sound like. I bought them originally for my (now sold ) DC-5 amp - luckily they fit the Mark IV.

I almost bought a 2x12 Lonestar but decided to go the full hog and get the Mark IV.

I think I will have many good years (and huge muscles) thanks to the Mark IV.

Brian

 

[Nitrobattery]

Congrats man! I can't imagine using anything other than my Mark IV. Many happy years with that thing!

 

[wrxmania]

Glad to hear that Nitro,

Thanks,

Brian

 

[Ken j]

Congratulations! I love the cab also. How about some comments on the IV vs. the DC-5.

 

[dylan7620]

:shock: so classy........... love the wood and cloth, as well as going for the regular combo. :wink:

 

[wrxmania]

Thanks guys,

I will write my "review" when I have had a bit more of a fiddle about but here goes briefly...

Basic summary - has all the tone of the DC-5 but more flexibility and seems to reach higher gain stages. It is a bit like having two channel 1's on the DC5 with a higher gain channel 2, if you get my meaning - one of the DC5 channels clean, the other with the gain knob pulled.

Sounds better than the DC5 at lower volumes, but can be VERY loud!

The Mark IV is very good. I like the power options on it, the fact it has graphic EQ, totally seperate controls (just about) for each channel, good footswitch options and each channel is distinctly different tonally.

I think, weight aside (the amp is flightcased), I will get on very well with the amp. I think I will try 2 EL34's (with 2 x 6L6) in the power section too - as I am in th U.K. for that British sound

As Mc. D's say - I'm loving it!!

Brian