MESA BOOGIE 525 VS 550 ! Which one & why? (Any input?)

[elkabong]

Can't decide bewteen these two.
I just play at home.
Mostly Clapton, SRV, ZZ TOP, blues standards, etc...
Any personal experiences with either amp by any forum members on these two amps would be appreciated.

Thanks !

KABONNNNNNNG !!!!!

 

[wilerty]

If you are coming from a Fender amp and play more 6L6 and especially clean sounds, then go toward the 5:50. If you are coming from a Marshall amp, prefer the EL84s and distortion, then go toward the 5:25. Both are great for the home player (like me).

 

[disassembled]

What about the Lonestar series? I know they are more expensive but they might fit your tonal needs more.


Greg

 

[elkabong]

Yes, maybe. but they are more $$$, heavier, & probably more than what I need.
The quandry though is that I can probably buy a near mint Lonestar Special for about the same price as a new Express 525.
This makes things even more confusing ! ( or does it ?...)

 

[edward]

New, used, don't worry about it. Do you "really" want to save a couple of hundred bucks when the amp you *didn't* choose has your tone??

The FAR more important decision is which amp fits your needs and idea of great tone better. The only way to answer that is to go and try them yourself. Find a Boogie dealer, take your own axe, and sit down and play them ...you have the luxury of asking about current-production models. Take advantage of that!

Edward

 

[Newysurfer]

A few things to consider -
The Express series has significantly higher gain than the Lonestars and gives similar cleans IMHO. If versatility is important to you go for the Express. The 5:50 is only a few hundred dollars more than the 5:25 so you get more amp for your money. But you'll only ever use the 5w setting. Both 25w and 50w will be way too loud to get anywhere near the amps sweet spots unless you live on a farm or something. If you can't use the Lonestar on 5w it's not a good home use option IMHO for most people (depending on your home situation). The 5:25 has more background hiss than the 5:50. The 5:50 definitely sounds better but the 5:25 is so small and lightweight. For it's size it's truly incredible.

All great amps for their intended purpose which is not primarily for home use. All Mesa's are made for gigging.

 

[elkabong]

I jus went & tried a Boogie Express 525 & 550 side by side.
Is it just me, or does the 550 have WAY MORE Bottom end?
If so, is this all due to the 12" speaker ?
The difference is actually QUITE noticeable; it's not subtle at all...

Anyone else experience this with these two amps ?
Thx !

 

[wilerty]

It is less prominent in the 5 watts mode, but still there. It is a combination of things, but the speaker certainly is a part of it. Try the 2X12 5:50 :lol:

My 5:50 replaced a Twin.

 

[elkabong]

I did. Nice, but too big...