Got to Try the RA-100 against a Mark V

[theroan]

So I took a trip to my local shop and got to spend some time with the new RA-100. I have to say that it is a fantastic amp, even compared to the Mark V it's extremely versatile. I tried both amps through a Mesa Recto 4x12 with a Les Paul Standard. I did not use the power soak feature as I couldn't really do justice to how it supposed to be used.

Clean - The RA was definitely surprising with it's clean channel, specifically the reverb is very nice. It's only amp I think really competes with the reverb on the Orange Rockerverb and is easily one of the best cleans on a EL-34 based amp I've ever heard. That said, it didn't really compete with the Mark V, which I had going on Fat Mode (no eq). I found the RA to be a little stiff and little more aggressive than I'd like in a clean channel. The bass wasn't as rich, the highs not that sparkly and the mids just seemed untameable. Again, it's still a very good clean and I would be very curious to see what it sounds like with 6L6's as I'm wondering how much of my reservations were due to the natural character of EL-34's.

Crunch/Lo - The LO gain channel is really where this amp shines, it is fantastic! For rhythm gain sounds look no further. It was aggressive, but no harsh a perfect balance between chunk and clarity. Compared to the Mark V crunch mode on channel 2, it was no contest for the RA. I was able to get the Mark V very close with the graphic eq, which made me very happy.

High Gain - I don't anyone would expect this aspect to be much of a contest, for ultra high gain the Mark V takes it. I think the RA can be tweaked to get there, but that's not really it's intended use in my opinion. When engaged from the setting used in the LO mode that extra gain stage becomes very apparent as does the bass. This makes the HI mode ideal for leads, which I found it did very well.

All in all, the RA is an amazing amp, I would get one if I had the cash as it would be a good compliment to the Mark V since the both cover different ground. If you want a less modern tone, a more simple lay out or one of the best Fender meets Marshall amps, the RA is a fantastic choice. If you need something with a top tier cleans and lots of versatility the Mark V still alone.

I hope this helps anyone looking into either of these amps.

 

[JAZZGEAR]

So I took a trip to my local shop and got to spend some time with the new RA-100. I have to say that it is a fantastic amp, even compared to the Mark V it's extremely versatile. I tried both amps through a Mesa Recto 4x12 with a Les Paul Standard. I did not use the power soak feature as I couldn't really do justice to how it supposed to be used.

Clean - The RA was definitely surprising with it's clean channel, specifically the reverb is very nice. It's only amp I think really competes with the reverb on the Orange Rockerverb and is easily one of the best cleans on a EL-34 based amp I've ever heard. That said, it didn't really compete with the Mark V, which I had going on Fat Mode (no eq). I found the RA to be a little stiff and little more aggressive than I'd like in a clean channel. The bass wasn't as rich, the highs not that sparkly and the mids just seemed untameable. Again, it's still a very good clean and I would be very curious to see what it sounds like with 6L6's as I'm wondering how much of my reservations were due to the natural character of EL-34's.

Crunch/Lo - The LO gain channel is really where this amp shines, it is fantastic! For rhythm gain sounds look no further. It was aggressive, but no harsh a perfect balance between chunk and clarity. Compared to the Mark V crunch mode on channel 2, it was no contest for the RA. I was able to get the Mark V very close with the graphic eq, which made me very happy.

High Gain - I don't anyone would expect this aspect to be much of a contest, for ultra high gain the Mark V takes it. I think the RA can be tweaked to get there, but that's not really it's intended use in my opinion. When engaged from the setting used in the LO mode that extra gain stage becomes very apparent as does the bass. This makes the HI mode ideal for leads, which I found it did very well.

All in all, the RA is an amazing amp, I would get one if I had the cash as it would be a good compliment to the Mark V since the both cover different ground. If you want a less modern tone, a more simple lay out or one of the best Fender meets Marshall amps, the RA is a fantastic choice. If you need something with a top tier cleans and lots of versatility the Mark V still alone.

I hope this helps anyone looking into either of these amps.

I got my RA-100 combo with 6L6s, and I have to say I totally hated both clean and distorted tones with the 6L6s, kinda like trying to fit the square peg into the round hole. It was very apparent to me that this amp was designed for EL34s not 6L6. I put a set of EL34s and immediately put a smile on my face. I had several Mark Vs, and IMHO I much prefer the clean tone of the RA w/ EL34s. I always had a hard time getting the cleans in the V to punch through in a live mix. When it did, it wasn't as clean as I wanted it. I actually prefer the clean of the Mark IV, so take my opinion with a grain of salt. Now the Lonestar clean is a different story. By far, Mesa's best clean tone.

 

[theroan]

I was able to replicate the Lonestar with a Mark V, so I've always thought of the Mark V as being on the same level. But I get what you're saying, the RA is definitely really punchy and remains very clean. Like I said, I think the RA will fit the needs of a lot of players, it just wasn't for me.

 

[JAZZGEAR]

I was able to replicate the Lonestar with a Mark V, so I've always thought of the Mark V as being on the same level. But I get what you're saying, the RA is definitely really punchy and remains very clean. Like I said, I think the RA will fit the needs of a lot of players, it just wasn't for me.

I think it depends on the cab how close to the LSC it gets. I had both a Mark V Head and the combo...and I agree that I could get the V head to sound in the neighborhood of the LSC, never really replicate, using a 2x12 open back cab. However the Mark V combo never ever sounded to me like the LSC. It just didn't have the lushness and depth of the LSC.

 

[screamingdaisy]

I was able to replicate the Lonestar with a Mark V, so I've always thought of the Mark V as being on the same level. But I get what you're saying, the RA is definitely really punchy and remains very clean. Like I said, I think the RA will fit the needs of a lot of players, it just wasn't for me.

I think it depends on the cab how close to the LSC it gets. I had both a Mark V Head and the combo...and I agree that I could get the V head to sound in the neighborhood of the LSC, never really replicate, using a 2x12 open back cab. However the Mark V combo never ever sounded to me like the LSC. It just didn't have the lushness and depth of the LSC.

I have to agree.

Personally, I feel it has to do with the Mark V's Simul-Class power section. IMO, it's purpose is to make overdrive sound a little sweeter at the expense of raw headroom. I think it's why my Roadster Fat mode sounds fuller and deeper than my Mark V Fat mode.

 

[Matt616]

I also did the same comparison but through a 2x12 recto cab. I was looking at getting a Mark V head or RA-100 head. I fell in love with the RA-100. It does the 80's marshall type metal sound so good and the lead tones were awesome. The Mark V took a while to dial in and I could see if being a PITA for me while playing with bandmates as there is just too much going on. I was able to get them to sound really close to each other but the Mark can be a little overwelming with the available options. I love the versatility but I like to be able to dial in my tones quick and easy. I do wish the RA-100 had a footswitchable bypass for the loop and a solo boost like the mark but it just did everything else so well. I ending up ordering a RA-100 with a black grill to match my 2x12 recto cabs. The amps do feel different as the Mark had the typical boogie floating lead sensation which I like. The RA-100 was just much more marshall like.

I also tried a dual rect but quickly realized that one was not for me....great metal rhythm amp and decent cleans but I could not get a really great lead tone out of it.