Which is better for getting good tone at moderate volumes?

[Gordman]

I'm trying to decide between a Mark III and Mark IV. I know both will sound best when opened up, but as a non-gigging musician, most of my playing is done at home. I don't want to use an attenuator, and I was wondering whether the Mark III in Class A mode or the Mark IV with 6V6's in Tweed mode would get into the sweeter distorted tone ranges at moderate volumes. What about Simul-Class/Full Power modes with 6L6/EL34's? I'm not talking bedroom levels, but more of a basement "home-alone without bothering the neighbors" level. Loud enough to feel the satisfying punch, but less than what would keep up with drums or require hearing protection. Can either or both of these models deliver enough of their tone potential at those levels to be worthwhile?

 

[908ssp]

Hi Mesa's are Master volume amps always have been. They don't suffer the same as a Marshall which were originally designed as none master volume amps. The sound you expect from a Mesa is much more easily achieved at less then ear splitting volume. If you are trying to get Marshall type Power tube distortion from a Mesa then you have the same problem as a Marshall and weaker tubes will give up the goods at lower volumes then more powerful tubes. So an amp with 6v6 can get power tube distortion at lower volume then a 6l6 amp. But that really isn't the forte of a Boogie they are known more for their pre-amp distortion which can be achieved at much more reasonable volume levels. All that said the human ear just doesn't hear frequencies flat in relation to volume. As the volume goes down both bass and treble pitches get quieter faster then the mid range. And getting good bass just takes a bit of power to get the air moving. I don't think you would disappointed with either amp.

 

[dandan]

I believe both will probably be around the same. Im not an expert on boogies, but i used to have a Single Recto and now i use a MK III C+.

I think both sound good at that specific volume you are talking about.

I really think either the MK III or IV will sound good at the volumes you speak of.

I've playe the MK IV at the hollywood store and it sounded great. I usually don't crank the volume up insane when trying out ANY amp unless im at my house. It sounded good though

 

[Monsta-Tone]

I have a Mark IV with JJ 6V6's in it. I can get some really great tones at bedroom volume.

 

[AMG1]

1+ on the 6V6's.

I did'nt have my MkIII long enough to explore all its possiblities. Cant wait to get it back.

One thing I do with my MkIV is run the output on 3 - 4 then I run the channel masters lower . This makes the MkIV sound so much better at the volumes you describe. Real nice cleans and clarity thru preamp distortion. The amp sounds much bigger this way IMO.