VHT Sig:X vs Mark IV?

newfinator · 05-09-2008, 05:17 PM

Does anyone have experience with both? I am just wondering how they compare in tone and flexibility.

zimbloth · 05-09-2008, 05:25 PM

Flexibility wise there's no comparison, the VHT Sig:X is exponentially more flexible. Tonewise? That's definitely up to the individual's taste. I like Mark IVs, but I'm a huge VHT fan. I think they make the best amps in the world.

It really depends on specifically the kind of tone and response you're looking for. The Mark IV sounds great, but in terms of metal it's pretty much a one trick pony. It has 'a sound'. You either love it or you don't. The VHT is capable of many diverse tones, you can sculpt almost anything - in terms of both tone and the playability/response of the amp.

noodles · 05-09-2008, 05:36 PM

I think that anyone remotely interested in the Mark IV should wait until the Mark V comes out, because you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. If you like the Mark V better, then buy that. If not, buy one of the cheap and plentiful Mark IVs, which will drop in price like a rock when the V comes out.

The original Road Kings routinely go for $1600 on E-bay, and Mesa only made a few small changes to that amp. Imagine the difference in price when a completely redesigned amp comes out.

sakeido · 05-09-2008, 06:01 PM

Is there actually some real word on the Mark V? I keep waiting for one of those..

newfinator · 05-09-2008, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sakeido

Is there actually some real word on the Mark V? I keep waiting for one of those..

Nothing official yet but lots of talk and miscellaneous quotes from Dealers and Mesa staff to imply that something new is to be released with in a month or two. I think it's not coincidence though that the Mark IV is, apparently, being discontinued.

I have an order placed for a Mark IV but am now rethinking. Mind you, there's no guarantee that I'd even get what I ordered. I had also initially considered a Road King II but, though I haven't had a chance to try one, I'm under the impression that it doesn't produce a nice warm lead tone like I'm used to from the Legacy. So, basically I'm kind of looking around again. I'd say price wise that the Road King pretty much tops out what I want to spend.

budda · 05-09-2008, 08:35 PM

there's gonna be a mark V?!?!?? lol

no chance of testing out said RKII or anything, eh?

newfinator · 05-09-2008, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zimbloth

Flexibility wise there's no comparison, the VHT Sig:X is exponentially more flexible. Tonewise? That's definitely up to the individual's taste. I like Mark IVs, but I'm a huge VHT fan. I think they make the best amps in the world.

It really depends on specifically the kind of tone and response you're looking for. The Mark IV sounds great, but in terms of metal it's pretty much a one trick pony. It has 'a sound'. You either love it or you don't. The VHT is capable of many diverse tones, you can sculpt almost anything - in terms of both tone and the playability/response of the amp.

So, can the Sig:X, by your estimation, produce nice thick organic leads? I ask because most clips I've heard seem to be closer to a modern mid scooped kinda thing.

I'm not a die hard, hard code medal guy, though I certainly play some. I play reasonably heavy stuff from the 80's to now and want to cover that wide range. Something that would be limited like a 5150, dual recto or similar probably wouldn't do it for me. Which explains why my 5150 sits quietly a lot. Any suggestions?

budda · 05-10-2008, 12:27 AM

the hell makes you think a recto/5150 cant do softer tones?

newfinator · 05-10-2008, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by budda

the hell makes you think a recto/5150 cant do softer tones?

I can't speak to the recto but I've had a 5150 for ten years and have pretty much dialed it every way possible. I've had somewhat better success with tube swaps and cabinet/speaker changes but the basic character, to my ears, doesn't lend itself to thick organic leads. It seems to really want to scoop and have thin hollow sounding pinch harmonics no matter what I do. The Legacy goes a bit far to the opposite side of the spectrum and loves to thicken everything up, but perhaps a bit too much sometimes.

Like everyone else I want the amp that does it all, which perhaps doesn't exist but I figured I could find something in the middle if not.

budda · 05-10-2008, 01:11 PM

an amp that does most things damn well is always good to have handy hehe.

out of curiosity, do you have any guitars handy that arent basswood to see if the 5150 is entirely incapable of thick lead tones?

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05-09-2008, 05:17 PM	#1 (permalink)
newfinator The LORD OF BYRON Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: 42.9° N, 81.3° W Posts: 155 Main Seven: UV777BK Rig: Mark IV/Legacy/5150 Thanked: 0	VHT Sig:X vs Mark IV? Does anyone have experience with both? I am just wondering how they compare in tone and flexibility.

05-09-2008, 05:36 PM	#3 (permalink)
noodles I'm your huckleberry • Super Moderator • Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Woodbridge, VA Posts: 22,035 Real Name: Dave Main Seven: KxK V7 - The Emo Killer Rig: Roadster/GMaj/4x12 Thanked: 306	I think that anyone remotely interested in the Mark IV should wait until the Mark V comes out, because you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. If you like the Mark V better, then buy that. If not, buy one of the cheap and plentiful Mark IVs, which will drop in price like a rock when the V comes out. The original Road Kings routinely go for $1600 on E-bay, and Mesa only made a few small changes to that amp. Imagine the difference in price when a completely redesigned amp comes out. Noodles Division: American Metal without the suck. sales@kxkguitars.com "Somewhere along the way, the Straight Talk Express lost some wheels..." --Barack Obama on John McCain

05-09-2008, 06:01 PM	#4 (permalink)
sakeido Is a Pastafarian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Calgary AB Posts: 3,569 Real Name: Cody Main Seven: COW7 Silverburst Main ERG: 2077XL Rig: Stiletto/Nova/Orange Thanked: 187	Is there actually some real word on the Mark V? I keep waiting for one of those.. _________________________ "Ah, she's built like a steakhouse but she handles like a bistro" - ZB My Soundclick Page

05-09-2008, 08:35 PM	#6 (permalink)
budda Guiterrorizer Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Deep River ONT (summer), London ONT (school) Posts: 7,303 Real Name: Justin Main Seven: Carvin DC727 OFR Rig: JSX->XXX w/ WGS CL80 Thanked: 46	there's gonna be a mark V?!?!?? lol no chance of testing out said RKII or anything, eh? 3 cheers for free gear! "Do you like burned toast with your JAM? cuz we're on FIRE!"

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05-09-2008, 05:25 PM	#2 (permalink)
zimbloth Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Boston Posts: 10,950 Real Name: Nick Main Seven: Rico Jr Customs Rig: VHT Pittbull UL Thanked: 59	Flexibility wise there's no comparison, the VHT Sig:X is exponentially more flexible. Tonewise? That's definitely up to the individual's taste. I like Mark IVs, but I'm a huge VHT fan. I think they make the best amps in the world. It really depends on specifically the kind of tone and response you're looking for. The Mark IV sounds great, but in terms of metal it's pretty much a one trick pony. It has 'a sound'. You either love it or you don't. The VHT is capable of many diverse tones, you can sculpt almost anything - in terms of both tone and the playability/response of the amp.

05-10-2008, 12:27 AM	#8 (permalink)
budda Guiterrorizer Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Deep River ONT (summer), London ONT (school) Posts: 7,303 Real Name: Justin Main Seven: Carvin DC727 OFR Rig: JSX->XXX w/ WGS CL80 Thanked: 46	the hell makes you think a recto/5150 cant do softer tones?

05-10-2008, 01:11 PM	#10 (permalink)
budda Guiterrorizer Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Deep River ONT (summer), London ONT (school) Posts: 7,303 Real Name: Justin Main Seven: Carvin DC727 OFR Rig: JSX->XXX w/ WGS CL80 Thanked: 46	an amp that does most things damn well is always good to have handy hehe. out of curiosity, do you have any guitars handy that arent basswood to see if the 5150 is entirely incapable of thick lead tones?

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VHT Sig:X vs Mark IV?