[zimbloth]

I'm 100% thrilled with my VHT Pittbull UL half-stack as well as my Behringer GMX212 practice amp. Despite all of this, I still wish I had more tube goodness for home/recording uses, even it would be louder than I'd need. I've found two really great deals on a Mesa F-50 and Peavey 5150 combo respectively (~$500). Any thoughts/recommendations? I had a Mesa F-30 and I really loved it, and I had a 5150 head and loved that too.

I'm leaning towards the F-50 because of how absurd the clean sounds are on those (and the C90 speaker), but 5150s record REALLY well and I may want to reamp using it at some point along with the VHT/Dual Rec.

[Jeff]

Originally Posted by zimbloth

I'm 100% thrilled with my VHT Pittbull UL half-stack as well as my Behringer GMX212 practice amp. Despite all of this, I still wish I had more tube goodness for home/recording uses, even it would be louder than I'd need. I've found two really great deals on a Mesa F-50 and Peavey 5150 combo respectively (~$500). Any thoughts/recommendations? I had a Mesa F-30 and I really loved it, and I had a 5150 head and loved that too.

I'm leaning towards the F-50 because of how absurd the clean sounds are on those (and the C90 speaker), but 5150s record REALLY well and I may want to reamp using it at some point along with the VHT/Dual Rec.

I'd say the F-50. Even though I didn't like mine enough to keep it, it still sounded way better (to me) than a 5150.

I understand what you're looking to spend given these deals, but I'd recommend a DC-5 over those two, if you can find one.

[Drew]

Have you played the F-50 in question? I guess a lot of people actually prefer the F-30 - something about the EL-84's, I assume. FWIW, they have two of them down at the GC in South Attleboro and I know they're looking to move them to make room for Express combos, so they can be flexible on the price...

[theunforgiven246]

I vote for the 5150 because I have the combo and love it and its different from the head version too, and because one of my friends had an F series amp and I didn't like it at all so I guess that kind of ruined it for me.

[zimbloth]

Originally Posted by Drew

Have you played the F-50 in question? I guess a lot of people actually prefer the F-30 - something about the EL-84's, I assume. FWIW, they have two of them down at the GC in South Attleboro and I know they're looking to move them to make room for Express combos, so they can be flexible on the price...

I played an F-50 briefly at GC Natick, and I was pleased by it. But I didn't get to crank it in order to I]really[/i] know. No though, I haven't played the exact F-50 in question.

I had an F-30, I liked it a lot and that was BEFORE I knew the glory that is the Tube Screamer. EL84s are indeed awesome, I'm mainly considering the F-50 because it's available at such a good price, no current deals on F-30s around.

Thanks for the tip about South Attleboro

Originally Posted by theunforgiven246

I vote for the 5150 because I have the combo and love it and its different from the head version too, and because one of my friends had an F series amp and I didn't like it at all so I guess that kind of ruined it for me.

How is the combo different than the head in your opinion? I know the 60w, speakers, and combo setup will change things up....but some specifics would be welcome.

[kmanick]

combo is biased hotter than the head, so it cleans up better and the lead channel has less "fizz" to it.
I've seen people that have turned their combos into heads, I'd love to be able to buy one of those shells and do it to mine. I never use the combo speakers, I always plug into a 4 X12 cab.

[theunforgiven246]

Originally Posted by kmanick

combo is biased hotter than the head, so it cleans up better and the lead channel has less "fizz" to it.
I've seen people that have turned their combos into heads, I'd love to be able to buy one of those shells and do it to mine. I never use the combo speakers, I always plug into a 4 X12 cab.

Well that and I've heard that the lead channel is closer to the 5150II and its a little darker or some shit. I don't care all I know is I love my amp.

[zimbloth]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I'm going to get both and let them fight it out and sell the loser. I'll post my thoughts (should be getting them today) later.

[Drew]

Originally Posted by zimbloth

Thanks for the feedback guys. I'm going to get both and let them fight it out and sell the loser. I'll post my thoughts (should be getting them today) later.

I TOTALLY should have expected this.

Yeah, I was sort of tempted too grab an F-30 while I was down there - they're not the most versatile amps I've ever played, but they have an exceptional clean and a, again not very tweakable, but totally useable crunch that handles leads and rhythms equally well. I should have asked for a quote, as they're not that expensive (for a Mesa) to begin with.

[7StringofAblicK]

Wish i had an extra $k sitting around to do that.

After much consideration, I found the PODXt Live the best at home practice piece for me. Headphones - mac - pod - guitar. Millions (exaggerated lol) of tones, most of them useable and very tweakable, and it records very well.

And though I too prefer a tube alternative even at home for practicing, it's just not all that practical anymore (way too loud). If I ever have a place on my own again, I'll get another 212 combo or head/212 cab - because i'll have drums . but for now, the pod will do

With that said, all these threads about new amps is driving me insane. I hate you all. Thank god I get to practice and fall in love with my dual recs tone all over. It's the time apart that I feel like I'm about to cheat on her...but then I resist.