[Codyyy]

I'm always on the prowl for newer and better gear, and sometimes my Carvin V3 disappoints me. It's nice for that "pushed clean" application, but not really higher gain stuff. So I want a head that does it better. And if possible, I'd want it to have great cleans too. The price range would probably be up to $2k, but around 1500 would be ideal.

My first thought was the ENGL Fireball/Powerball. I've heard great things (although I've yet to try one), but I'm curious as to justification of their price in USD. Are the prices jacked up, and could I get something "better" for the money?

I like the idea of the Fireball, but not if I can't go from high gain to totally clean with the same guitar volume settings. Not sure how it is exactly.

Things I want for the high gain tone:
Crushing low end, clear but by no means thin (as some here would say, "djent" - I don't dig it at all.)
I like my mids growly, but not "British" sounding
bubbly, singing highs. Pretty standard I guess.

Suggestions?
I shall +rep

[Leon]

what have you tried in the past that you liked more of in comparison to your V3? like... "i've tried the Dual Recto, and liked this aspect, but didn't like this. my V3's higher gain is ok, but is lacking this..."

[loktide]

Well, the Fireball and Powerball are really 'djenty'. I wouldn't say this makes hem thin. They're just tight!

As for using clean and higain on the fireball: no problem, unless you're talking about a huge fuckton of gain as 'higain'. The powerball/fireball have ridiculous amounts of gain.

With the gain knob at 3-4, the fireball will stay clean in the clean channel and still have a shitload of gain in the hi-gain channel.


Beware that Fireball and Powerball sound different! I like fireball better, because it sounds less 'processed' and with more character. They're not miles appart, though.

[Codyyy]

Originally Posted by Leon

what have you tried in the past that you liked more of in comparison to your V3? like... "i've tried the Dual Recto, and liked this aspect, but didn't like this. my V3's higher gain is ok, but is lacking this..."

Alright. Well, as for my V3's gain channels, there is no real good setting for the bass. It goes from thin sounding to muddy with very little gray area. So I'm usually stuck with it sounding thin.

I've tried a single recto - the cleans had no balls, and sounded dead. The gain channel was very run-of-the-mill and just didn't strike me as special.

I briefly tried a used VHT CL/50, there might have been an issue with it or something, but I thought it sounded like a 500 pound bumble bee. Great clarity and stuff, but the gain has a sort of buzzy character to it. It was odd.

I played a Framus Cobra - It was great but pretty much out of my price range. It was heaaaavy.

[Apophis]

Originally Posted by Codyyy

I like the idea of the Fireball, but not if I can't go from high gain to totally clean with the same guitar volume settings. Not sure how it is exactly.

it's possible, it's great amp

[Alpo]

Originally Posted by Codyyy

Things I want for the high gain tone:
Crushing low end, clear but by no means thin (as some here would say, "djent" - I don't dig it at all.)
I like my mids growly, but not "British" sounding
bubbly, singing highs. Pretty standard I guess.

If you want a more open and middy amp, I'd recommend the Blackmore over the Fireball. The Fireball sounds great, but it sounds kinda compressed, which works fine for really, really tight tones. I couldn't get a really good "traditional" metal tone out of it, though. The cleans are really good, like on all Engls I've tried. The Blackmore can also be pretty damn tight, but it sounds less compressed, and it was easier for me to hear myself with a full band. I could also get far nicer lead tones out of it than the Fireball. And it can get pretty damn close to the Fireball tone.

[ChrisPcritter]

The Powerball is a great amp. I haven't been fortunate enough to try a Fireball yet but I definately want a Powerball at some point. I had one lined up to get on here but every time I came close to having enough cash, something happened...
As far as there being a better amp for the money, I'd say that's a personal preferance kind of thing. I don't really think so..
I also like the V3 though, I think it's one of the best in the $1000 range

[ChrisPcritter]

Do you have the pedal to control the boost in the power section of the V3. That makes a hugh difference...

[Codyyy]

I forgot to add, that I often play the 6505/6505+, and I hope the Fireball is different. Because IMO, they sound completely dead. Characterless. Can't put my finger on it, but they just seem to have no voice.

Originally Posted by ChrisPcritter

Do you have the pedal to control the boost in the power section of the V3. That makes a hugh difference...

The FS44 with "Boost" switch? Yes, I do. Doesn't seem to do so much IMO.

[Evilfrenchy]

got ears???