edward said:I got it straight from a Mesa tech that the non-LED versions are the 2nd iteration DC5, and have slightly more clean headroom. This, however, doesn't help you much since both your shots show channel LEDs on the panel. My guess is that they were going through the transition toward plastic rocker switches (as the later DC5s had the plastic ones; 1st generation had the metal toggles).
tetsubin said:The upper picture with the plastic switches shows the first version (note the old M/B plate). It probably was around in 1994 only.
The amp on the lower picture is like an in-between version. I don't know if there are any changes besides cosmetic ones. (1995 to X)
Then there is the 2nd version which has a different kind of toggle for the channels (3-way) and EQ/Reverb. (don't know when it was introduced)
Take a look at: http://mesa.stores.yahoo.net/dcsers.html
There are two different footswitches for an "old" and "new" version.
"Original DC amplifiers have a two position toggle switch on the front panel that provides manual switching from Rhythm to Lead. These models also feature a five position rotary switch on the rear panel for manual EQ selection. Later model DC's have a three positon toggle switch on the front panel which is labeled(top down): Rhythm - Lead - Lead/EQ. These models feature a two positon toggle switch on the rear panel for EQ channel assignment."
Being a DC-5 user myself (I own the one I called the in-between model) I'd be interested for information from Mesa/Boogie themselves. If anyone in the U.S. would contact the domestic support, let me know your findings
PS: Here's the newer model: http://fr.audiofanzine.com/img/produits/normal/3/3/33590.jpg
shanike said:are we talking only about layout differencies, or is there more to it?
tetsubin said:shanike said:are we talking only about layout differencies, or is there more to it?
At my parent's house I have some documents which show the mod done between the old and new version. If I remember correctly it's a photocopy of a handwritten note by some M/B technician. I will try to get this note, but I remember it was only a minor modification, nothing soundwise. They gave out the note with wiring instructions so you could do it yourself or get it done, I think.
It was something like the reverb getting cut off or a popping sound when switching channels. Nothing which couldn't be easily fixed if you'd get a model with that problem.
PS: In the end, if you really want to know what was changed you have to call the U.S. Support. If you do, let me know.
PS: Here's the newer model: http://fr.audiofanzine.com/img/produits/normal/3/3/33590.jpg
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