I won't use the 'M' word, but what about the 'R' word?

keithus77 · Aug 19, 2006

Hey guys,

Anyone here own or used a Rivera R series? How does the sound compare to a Mesa Mark series amp?

I'm thinking of getting one to contrast the harder gain of my MkIII with the Marshally sound a R-55.

Any info on how the R series sound and your opinions?

Cheers

Pundix · Sep 7, 2006

I've had a few of the Rivera R series amps; two R30's one R55 and a duo100. You really can't compare them to a Boogie. The best way I can drscribe the R series is the Clean channel is pure Fender, and the Crunch channel is **** close to pure Marshall. A very neat trick in one amp. The boost on each channel is like a built in tube screamer. That being said, they always feel underpowered. That is the 30 watter sounds more like a 5 watt Mesa. They are very nice sounding amps though.

keithus77 · Sep 7, 2006

Interesting you should say that. I knew a guy who ha an R55 and it was a lovely amp (I love its styling) and sounded great too. But I felt that it was very underpowered, and a regular jam with it would entail close to max power.

If it was as loud as my supposedly 60 watt MkIII (which I believe is must be closer to 1000 watts in reality!) it would be fine.

Great amp though.

Russ · Sep 18, 2006

Pundix said:
I've had a few of the Rivera R series amps; two R30's one R55 and a duo100. You really can't compare them to a Boogie. The best way I can drscribe the R series is the Clean channel is pure Fender, and the Crunch channel is **** close to pure Marshall. A very neat trick in one amp. The boost on each channel is like a built in tube screamer. That being said, they always feel underpowered. That is the 30 watter sounds more like a 5 watt Mesa. They are very nice sounding amps though.

Years ago this would have been my ultimate amp even with the feeling of being underpowered.

I think at this point in my years of tone searching I am happy with my Mark IV for Fenderish cleans without buying a Fender (which I still intend to do someday) and my assorted Marshall/Marshall type amps providing all the Marshall I need.