Mark V vs Mark V 25

[VonBird]

So I've decided to sell my AxeFx Ultra after some debate. I don't do gigs and Fractal doesn't support the Axe-Edit software for older units. Programming in the little green window is a pain in the... Anyhoo since I'm mainly recording and can use FX in my DAW it's a bit of overkill and it spent a lot of time just sitting on my desk.

I've wanted a Boogie for about 30 years but never got around to buying one. Planning on picking one up after sale of AxeFx. Looking at Mark V 25 which has the built-in Cab Clone. Wondering if anyone has any opinions on whether the reg Mark V would be the better choice. There's also a Mesa Roadster 2x12 at local music store for considerably less than reg retail price. Any opinions appreciated. I'm still sorting through the forum and reading posts on the subject as well.

 

[ryjan]

You may want to wait until more than 3 people own the Mini Mark. Until then nobody's opinion should really matter.

 

[VonBird]

Wasn't sure if there would be a few more out in the States vs here in Cda. Local store should have one in early next week. Opinions on the Roadster and Mark V are welcome as well. Thanks

 

[Agustín Collia]

Yeah, you should wait a bit more. Besides, I think you'll get better responses if you post this question over at the Mark V sub forum.

 

[royslead]

If you are working solely on a DAW, I would think ANY 100 Watt-plus amp is way overkill. That being said, I fully understand the desire for a big amp. I considered a Mark V as my dream amp, but once I read more about it; and then not only discovered but also found a reasonably priced Roadster - I chose it. You're not gigging, so the substantial weight of a Roadster combo should be non-issue, and I suspect it may be more versatile for you than the Mark V or even the Mark V:25. Keep in mind though, it is probably going to be a lot easier on the ears to get the sweet tones out of a lessor powered amp than a fire breathing dragon of an amp; of course, tone is always going to be subjective based on many variables as well.

 

[LesPaul70]

Yes, the jury is still out on the V:25...until someone actually owns one.

But I might play the devil's advocate here, on the amp power vs tone issue. Yes, small amps allow you to crank the master volume more for some nice power tube saturation and crunch...but that's not always the key issue. The lead sounds of such high-gain amps like Rectos and Marks that rely on preamp distortion benefit relatively little from power tube saturation, and in some applications it might even be undesirable, especially if you want a tight or dry sound.

On the other hand, bigger amps tend to also sound, well, bigger. FWIW, I find myself always using the 90W mode on my Mark V, whether I'm playing with a band or alone at home. It simply sounds so much beefier than the 10W and 50W modes. And the amp has a useful main Output (master volume) knob that helps keep the overall volume within very manageable limits.

A 90W or a 100W amp is not necessarily any worse for bedroom playing than a 25W amp. If it has got a master volume control that actually works (the V and the Roadster do), it might actually perform even better at low volumes than a 25W amp that hasn't got one.
What matters more is what you want your amp to sound like.

 

[Addictedtokaos]

I think the 25 would be a great option. I like the fact it has the clone cab built in giving you a DI and headphone jack.

I also agree when people say to wait and see what the pros/cons are from owners of the amp. I got the mini when it first came out and I have yet had any issues. But they have already 2 major revisions. #1 being the toggle switch for the fx loop was removed and #2 the volume oscillation fix. So waiting until they've been in the wild for a bit doesnt hurt being a new design.

 

[VonBird]

I tried out a Roadster a few years back and loved the sounds I was getting out of that amp. I've never had volume issues using larger amps at home. I had a 50 watt (tube) Marshall 1/2 stack way back and alway got good sounds at home without blowing the furr off the cat. If I was to go with the Roadster I'd get a cab clone separate for recording.

They should have a Mark V 25 in the store tomorrow, so I can at least hear it. Won't know how it records unless I take it home

 

[YellowJacket]

I have discovered through years of tone chasing that speaker excursion is the single most limiting factor for low volume tones with high gain heads. Speakers simply don't sound good until they have a bit of power going through them at which point they are already quite loud. The main advantage with smaller amps is a smaller footprint which means they are much easier to transport and they don't put off FOH guys visually the same way.