Best tube amp for the bedroom rocker?

sevenstringgod · 11-20-2009, 03:17 PM

I'm looking for a new amp, looking for great quality at bedroom levels, and will be played through different Ibanez guitars with different dimarzio humbuckers to play technical metal, dream theater, etc mostly metal. Please chime in with your suggestions.

JJ Rodriguez · 11-20-2009, 03:28 PM

How many channels you need? Are you adverse to running pedals? There are lots of 5-10W tube amps out, which can still be pretty damn loud, but I don't think there's too many really high gain ones.

Also, if you're bedroom rocking, why tubes? It might be better to get a Pod or something for bedroom practice, and get a decent tube head/combo for jamming.

Leon · 11-20-2009, 03:36 PM

My old Mesa Nomad 45 2x12 was perfect for bedroom jamming. The high gain sounded fairly good at low levels, and if you need to gig with it, the 45w is plenty loud enough to hear yourself over a drummer.

Arsis · 11-20-2009, 03:37 PM

An idea sort of out of the box would be an ENGL 530 preamp, it actually has 1.5 watts of power for headphone use and you might be able to play it through some sort of speaker.

sevenstringgod · 11-20-2009, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leon

My old Mesa Nomad 45 2x12 was perfect for bedroom jamming. The high gain sounded fairly good at low levels, and if you need to gig with it, the 45w is plenty loud enough to hear yourself over a drummer.

This is exactly what I have in mind, but my phrasing kinda sucked. That is essentially what I am looking for, great for bedroom playing, and that it holds itself in a gig.

darren · 11-20-2009, 03:44 PM

For exclusive bedroom jamming, you probably can't do much better than a Blackstar HT-5 combo.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVZFeZrjPyA

sevenstringgod · 11-20-2009, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arsis

An idea sort of out of the box would be an ENGL 530 preamp, it actually has 1.5 watts of power for headphone use and you might be able to play it through some sort of speaker.

This is interesting as well, didn't think of this.

how well does the mesa nomad do metal?

thesimo · 11-20-2009, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arsis

An idea sort of out of the box would be an ENGL 530 preamp, it actually has 1.5 watts of power for headphone use and you might be able to play it through some sort of speaker.

this is what i was gonna say

JJ Rodriguez · 11-20-2009, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darren

For exclusive bedroom jamming, you probably can't do much better than a Blackstar HT-5 combo.

I'd hardly play tech metal through one of those though. Maybe use it to run something into, like a Pod.

EDIT: I didn't see the video when I replied, but I think most of what you're hearing is the backing track in that. When I tried one out, I don't think even boosted it could get into tech metal territory.

sevenstringgod · 11-20-2009, 04:45 PM

Any other ideas? Keep in mind, I use ibanez guitars with humbuckers only.

Xiphos68 · 11-20-2009, 04:47 PM

I just use a pod xt live and a peavey valveking 1x12. Works greats and is loud when you want it!

JJ Rodriguez · 11-20-2009, 04:48 PM

The E530 idea is cool. You could build a cheap rack setup, use just the E530 for practice at home, use a power amp like a Carvin TS100 or Mesa 50/50 for jamming.

sevenstringgod · 11-20-2009, 05:08 PM

I'm not really sure about the engl e530. It seems like a great idea but I'm really looking for a combo, or a head and a small cabinet? Anyways, which speakers would you guys use with the engl e530?

matty2fatty · 11-20-2009, 05:46 PM

not sure what your price range is, but my jsx is actually pretty usable in a bedroom. I live in an apt building and haven't gotten any complaints, and it sounds pretty good when you're just under the noise complaint limit.

Leon · 11-20-2009, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sevenstringgod

Any other ideas? Keep in mind, I use ibanez guitars with humbuckers only.

That's mostly what I was using at the time. A RG7621 with a Blaze Custom and Air Norton 7 neck.

poopyalligator · 11-20-2009, 11:11 PM

Have you considered getting a nice combo amp like a peavey 6505 and using an attenuator? That way you could get the huge sound at a lower volume , and then you can bring it to a show and be loud enough also. Just a thought.

CYBERSYN · 11-20-2009, 11:22 PM

MESA DC series, MESA Express 5:25, Mesa V-twin preamp pedal.

troyguitar · 11-20-2009, 11:35 PM

Peavey VYPR tube 1x12 or the new 6505+ 112 combo for new amps.

Used probably something like a Mesa Mark III.

Arsis · 11-21-2009, 12:02 AM

I would get like a Mesa 1x12 or avatar, pretty cheap but very effective.

mattofvengeance · 11-21-2009, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Rodriguez

The E530 idea is cool. You could build a cheap rack setup, use just the E530 for practice at home, use a power amp like a Carvin TS100 or Mesa 50/50 for jamming.

Yeah, I'm gonna do that sometime soon with either the 530 or 570 with a VHT power amp.

snuif09 · 11-21-2009, 08:52 AM

my mesa DC-5 is really good at bedroom levels and has a great tight distortion and it also can get loud enough for gigs and you can hook up a cabinet if you want.

yamahasoldier · 11-21-2009, 12:37 PM

Id recomend the blackstar ht-5 combo. I played one in a guitar center a few weeks ago and was able to get tons of great tones, including metal. I accually ordered one a few days ago and should have it anyday now. Great at low volumes.

budda · 11-21-2009, 05:39 PM

The best tube amp for the bedroom rocker isn't a tube amp at all.

Harry · 11-22-2009, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by budda

The best tube amp for the bedroom rocker isn't a tube amp at all.

Yep.
Even 5 watt tube amps are just too loud.
amp modeling is the way to go

cardinal · 11-22-2009, 11:02 AM

For heavy rhythm, I would say go with a modeler for bedroom volumes. But I really prefer tube amps, even at really low volumes for lead guitar. I haven't played the AxeFx, but I find the sustain and decay of all of the modelers have played to be somewhat "artificial" sounding. I think the Mesa combos are a good choice.

11-20-2009, 03:17 PM	#1
sevenstringgod ss.org Regular Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Mexico Posts: 135 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Best tube amp for the bedroom rocker? I'm looking for a new amp, looking for great quality at bedroom levels, and will be played through different Ibanez guitars with different dimarzio humbuckers to play technical metal, dream theater, etc mostly metal. Please chime in with your suggestions.

11-20-2009, 03:36 PM	#3
Leon {##[====:::. • Super Moderator • Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Nebula, Ohio Posts: 12,262 Thanked: 81	My old Mesa Nomad 45 2x12 was perfect for bedroom jamming. The high gain sounded fairly good at low levels, and if you need to gig with it, the 45w is plenty loud enough to hear yourself over a drummer. __________________

11-20-2009, 03:44 PM	#6
darren Decibel Guitars Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Greater Toronto Area, Canada Posts: 10,180 Thanked: 57	For exclusive bedroom jamming, you probably can't do much better than a Blackstar HT-5 combo. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVZFeZrjPyA __________________ http://decibelguitars.com http://twitter.com/decibelguitars

11-20-2009, 04:47 PM	#11
Xiphos68 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Asheboro, NC Posts: 2,894 Thanked: 113 $Xiphos68 is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Xiphos68 is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Xiphos68 is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Xiphos68 is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Xiphos68 is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Xiphos68 is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Xiphos68 is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$	I just use a pod xt live and a peavey valveking 1x12. Works greats and is loud when you want it! __________________ Have a question about The Gospel or prayer request message me up. Glad to help! God Bless!

11-20-2009, 11:22 PM	#17
CYBERSYN Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Sunny Coast, Australia Posts: 1,520 Thanked: 13	MESA DC series, MESA Express 5:25, Mesa V-twin preamp pedal. __________________ Any Aussies wanna swap a 6505+ (mine) for a 6505 (yours)? Pm me.

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11-20-2009, 03:28 PM	#2
JJ Rodriguez Pantysniffing zombie Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada Posts: 10,322 Thanked: 71	How many channels you need? Are you adverse to running pedals? There are lots of 5-10W tube amps out, which can still be pretty damn loud, but I don't think there's too many really high gain ones. Also, if you're bedroom rocking, why tubes? It might be better to get a Pod or something for bedroom practice, and get a decent tube head/combo for jamming.

11-20-2009, 03:37 PM	#4
Arsis Serious cuntage Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Monett Missouri Posts: 289 Thanked: 2	An idea sort of out of the box would be an ENGL 530 preamp, it actually has 1.5 watts of power for headphone use and you might be able to play it through some sort of speaker.

11-20-2009, 04:45 PM	#10
sevenstringgod ss.org Regular Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Mexico Posts: 135 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Any other ideas? Keep in mind, I use ibanez guitars with humbuckers only.

11-20-2009, 04:48 PM	#12
JJ Rodriguez Pantysniffing zombie Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada Posts: 10,322 Thanked: 71	The E530 idea is cool. You could build a cheap rack setup, use just the E530 for practice at home, use a power amp like a Carvin TS100 or Mesa 50/50 for jamming.

11-20-2009, 05:08 PM	#13
sevenstringgod ss.org Regular Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Mexico Posts: 135 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	I'm not really sure about the engl e530. It seems like a great idea but I'm really looking for a combo, or a head and a small cabinet? Anyways, which speakers would you guys use with the engl e530?

11-20-2009, 05:46 PM	#14
matty2fatty ss.org Regular Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Halifax Posts: 279 Thanked: 6	not sure what your price range is, but my jsx is actually pretty usable in a bedroom. I live in an apt building and haven't gotten any complaints, and it sounds pretty good when you're just under the noise complaint limit.

11-20-2009, 11:11 PM	#16
poopyalligator ss.orgs story teller Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: "Albuquerque, NM" Posts: 1,951 Thanked: 24	Have you considered getting a nice combo amp like a peavey 6505 and using an attenuator? That way you could get the huge sound at a lower volume , and then you can bring it to a show and be loud enough also. Just a thought.

11-20-2009, 11:35 PM	#18
troyguitar ss.org Regular Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Detroit Posts: 2,726 Thanked: 33	Peavey VYPR tube 1x12 or the new 6505+ 112 combo for new amps. Used probably something like a Mesa Mark III.

11-21-2009, 12:02 AM	#19
Arsis Serious cuntage Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Monett Missouri Posts: 289 Thanked: 2	I would get like a Mesa 1x12 or avatar, pretty cheap but very effective.

11-21-2009, 08:52 AM	#21
snuif09 ss.org Regular Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Hoorn,The Netherlands Posts: 388 Thanked: 7	my mesa DC-5 is really good at bedroom levels and has a great tight distortion and it also can get loud enough for gigs and you can hook up a cabinet if you want.

11-21-2009, 12:37 PM	#22
yamahasoldier ss.org Regular Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Louisiana Posts: 52 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Id recomend the blackstar ht-5 combo. I played one in a guitar center a few weeks ago and was able to get tons of great tones, including metal. I accually ordered one a few days ago and should have it anyday now. Great at low volumes. __________________

11-21-2009, 05:39 PM	#23
budda Guiterrorizer Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: London ONT Posts: 15,484 Thanked: 132	The best tube amp for the bedroom rocker isn't a tube amp at all. __________________ Resident counsellor-in-training, awesome dude, and all around nice guy

11-22-2009, 11:02 AM	#25
cardinal ss.org Regular Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: CA Posts: 56 Thanked: 2	For heavy rhythm, I would say go with a modeler for bedroom volumes. But I really prefer tube amps, even at really low volumes for lead guitar. I haven't played the AxeFx, but I find the sustain and decay of all of the modelers have played to be somewhat "artificial" sounding. I think the Mesa combos are a good choice.

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Best tube amp for the bedroom rocker?