Head Or Combo? (Again)

[paulg2uk]

Hi all,

Just wanted to get some more feedback and experience of what to buy when I eventually buy the Mark V? I'm heading towards the combo as I need a good practice amp at home and also something small and compact but loud to take to gigs.

I'm coming from using a RK 2 Head and 2x12 Cab, which I do like but sometimes wish it could be more compact when taking to rehearsals and gigs.

I'm keen to hear what you guys think and recommend?

Thanks

Paul

 

[SteveO]

I was going to get the combo until I picked one up, they're not exactly light. I find it easier to carry a head in one hand and a 1x12 (or 2x12) in the other.

 

[paulg2uk]

The combo has casters though doesn't it?

I was going to get the combo until I picked one up, they're not exactly light. I find it easier to carry a head in one hand and a 1x12 (or 2x12) in the other.

 

[golfnguitarz]

Check all of the other Head vs Combo threads - there is a freakin' ton of them. Everything you want to know is there. Spoiler: head always wins.
8)

 

[borisson]

get a head, its more flexible

 

[SteveO]

The combo has casters though doesn't it?

I was going to get the combo until I picked one up, they're not exactly light. I find it easier to carry a head in one hand and a 1x12 (or 2x12) in the other.

It's easier to carry the head and a single cab walking upright than it is to bend over and push a combo on wheels, especially through an uneven parking lot in the dark.

 

[ifailedshapes]

The combo has casters though doesn't it?

I was going to get the combo until I picked one up, they're not exactly light. I find it easier to carry a head in one hand and a 1x12 (or 2x12) in the other.

You can also put casters on a cabinet. Not to mention that the larger ones automatically come with them.

 

[jmontgomery]

Do what I did. Get two dumbbells, one weighting 45# and one 65# and take turns carrying them around a good while. Then decide.
Head always wins.

 

[MusicManJP6]

Do what I did. Get two dumbbells, one weighting 45# and one 65# and take turns carrying them around a good while. Then decide.
Head always wins.

Good point.

 

[polaris20]

Don't do a combo. Mesa combos are beasts. Head is always easier, and gives you more tonal options in the long run.

 

[eudaimonia02912]

When I was searching for a Mark V, I had the choice of getting a combo immediately or wait for up to 2 months for a head. So, that's the reason I have a combo. I'd have taken a head otherwise.

 

[ifailedshapes]

Well, since we all have opinions, here's mine: the only factors you should take into consideration are weight and space. The combo is larger and, consequently, weighs more. The combo is more convenient (built-in speaker), and the head, well... weighs less and is smaller.

I think I'm talking in circles now.

Seriously though, don't buy into the argument that a head is more versatile. Both the combo and the head use the same amp chassis, and both have the same speaker outputs making them just as versatile. Just because the combo has a speaker doesn't necessarily mean you have to use it.

Oh, one last thought. Cumulatively, the combo would take up less space than a head and cab. Okay, enough circular logic for one night.

 

[SteveO]

Oh, one last thought. Cumulatively, the combo would take up less space than a head and cab. Okay, enough circular logic for one night.

It depends on the cab(s). My head on top of two 1x12s takes up the same floor space as the combo, it's just taller.

 

[LesPaul70]

get a head, its more flexible

There's that argument again.

The combo can be connected to any cab the head can, and it also gives you the option of using the internal speaker (instead of/in addition to the external cab). Please refresh my memory again, what makes the head "more flexible"?

(I would consider all other head vs combo arguments in this thread - roadability, weight etc. - valid, though.)

 

[MBJunkie]

I don't consider the combo weight issues to be a big deal IMO. Sure the MkV head is lighter than the combo, but how much does that cab weigh, and how much extra space is needed in your van, SUV, etc....to hall the head and cab around??

Back to the original post.......buy a head if you feel like you will need to play through a separate cab to obtain your sound (especially if you already own some that you feel would be a good match with the MkV).

Buy a combo, if you feel that you will be able to achieve your sound with a compact package.....heavy yes, but no more so than the cab you will need, and it doesn't take up much space to transport.

I have owned the combo version for nearly 2 years, and am completely delighted by the sounds that I achieve using this great amp in a small package. However, if I already owned a 2x12 or 4x12 cab.....I may have opted for the head option, but it wouldn't have been a no brainer for me. My .02

OP....only you can decide which will work best for you.

 

[ifailedshapes]

Oh, one last thought. Cumulatively, the combo would take up less space than a head and cab. Okay, enough circular logic for one night.

It depends on the cab(s). My head on top of two 1x12s takes up the same floor space as the combo, it's just taller.

When I said space I was referring to volume (LxWxH). In that regard, the combo will almost always be a smaller package.

 

[MesaGod666]

I play loud melodic death thrash in venues that range from grungy basements to first class clubs. The head works well for that kind of versatility. I tried playing my music with the combo, but I kept on blowing tubes because of the extreme volume settings (1 o'clock = massive saturation) I was running. If I was playing blues or jazz (or something at a more reasonable volume level), then I would go with the combo. I love the combo. I am actually thinking about buying a combo just to have in my room (I actually have a Marshall Full Stack in my room for "practicing").

 

[boogie178]

I compared both and then decided for the MarkV head for two reasons: flexibility and weight. I running the amp with a 3/4 2x12 cabinet and love the sound. Really versatile and perfect for all gigs I play.

 

[MarekRosinski]

I play loud melodic death thrash in venues that range from grungy basements to first class clubs. The head works well for that kind of versatility. I tried playing my music with the combo, but I kept on blowing tubes because of the extreme volume settings (1 o'clock = massive saturation) I was running. If I was playing blues or jazz (or something at a more reasonable volume level), then I would go with the combo. I love the combo. I am actually thinking about buying a combo just to have in my room (I actually have a Marshall Full Stack in my room for "practicing").

How does having the combo effect blowing tubes? Due to the vibration? It seems Mesa would test something like that to ensure you can use your combo at the wattage and volume it is rated at. Anyone else have this problem? Thanks in advance,

 

[MBJunkie]

I haven't experienced any blown tubes from my MkV combo (or my MkIV widebody combo purchased in the mid nineties for that matter), but have also not pushed either of them like MesaGod666 based on his description! :lol: Nice!!

Don't get me wrong....I have played both of my combos at extremely high volumes. In fact, so much so that I have often been TOLD to turn down by bandmates!! :wink:

However, that being said......in general, combo amps are more prone to tube issues at very high volume because they have to take the vibration punishment of the speaker that is inherent within the combo amp (unless the combo amp speaker is disengaged while connecting to separate cabs). Heads are always isolated from the cab speakers....so do not "see" the same level of vibrations at any volume.

The Head/Cab option also allows for a very wide variety of cab/speaker combinations which are not the case with the combo. The MkV combo comes stock with a C90 speaker and is a 3/4 back cab. Alternately, the MkV 112 combo can be purchased with a V30 speaker, but it is still a 3/4 back cab design.

One other note.....I am not trying to "push the combo" at all in my posts. I fully understand the appreciation for the head and almost limitless cab options that are available. In fact, I am seriously considering the purchase of a MkV head/cab in addition to my MkV combo FWIW!

IMO, the features/sounds offered with the MkV (head or combo) are exceptional and the choice between these two really comes down to the needs of each individual!!

In closing, IMO the MkV 112 combo offers a tremendous amount of flexibility and exceptional tone in a very small and compact package! Personally, I love it for my needs, but I can also totally understand how others may prefer the head/cab option!! :mrgreen: