M/B Roadster -vs- Engl Powerball

[Heavy Ed]

Personally I'd try out the Powerball, I'm just not into Mesa's.

 

[LordOVchaoS]

I just got rid of a Racktifier which is considered by most to be the epitome of rectos and bought a Powerball. I don't know how similar the Racktifier will sound to the roadster but I can tell you that for low volume the Powerball is better. I haven't had enough time with it to decide which amp I like better overall but there is no contest in the low volume tones.

 

[eaeolian]

if you do go that route, would you trade me your triple for my 2ch dual, and sell that instead, if the used price for both are the same?

Man, you *really* want my Triple, don't you?

 

[SGB]

Lordovchaos,

Can the Powerball get some lower gain rock or 80's metal out of the 3rd channel? I'm curious to how much versatility and range the gain on the 3rd channel has. Make any sense?

 

[Matt Crooks]

if you do go that route, would you trade me your triple for my 2ch dual, and sell that instead, if the used price for both are the same?

...and if you sell the two chanel dual, let me know...

 

[noodles]

...and if you sell the two chanel dual, let me know...

It sounds really, really good.

 

[Matt Crooks]

It sounds really, really good.

Yeah, the early ones do something the new ones can't. Of course I need more amp like a hole in the head.

 

[Jerich]

i'd like to add if i may?
I love ENGL the power ball kicks so much ass it is not funny,But and there is a But as an Amp repair guy as Ed Droz from this here board will tell you, ENGL's are hard as hell to repair if any problems arise the way they have the boards and tube bases are tough. On the other hand if you like the tone "and i do" nothing should deter you from the amp you want.
Mesa's are easier to work on and have been tested on the US market alot longer.
so in conclusion go with the amp that SOUNDS the best to you but beware!

I have modded afew Road Kings and I must say as a Hughes & Kettner and brunetti lover Mesa Road Kings cannot be beat they sound so good,with the right tubes an "effects loop Mod" they are killer....hands down.....

good luck with your choice.

 

[Matt Crooks]

I have modded af ew Road Kings and I must say as a Hughes & Kettner and brunetti lover Mesa Road Kings cannot be beat they sound so good,with the right tubes an "effects loop Mod" they are killer....hands down.....

Can you describe this Road King Mod?

 

[noodles]

Can you describe this Road King Mod?

+1

 

[Jerich]

simpley put remove the effects loops diagram from the amp all of them..... the difference is Huges but if you are a effects loop guy it is not for you. The wires/tube/caps these all degrade a signal. and you would be surprised to hear it without. The overall amp sounds better. I have done this mod three times and everyone seems to like it,I just did one of mine and A/B/Y between it and my brunetti ...

 

[noodles]

Does this really make that much of a difference? The Road King already has loop on/off switches for every channel.

 

[Jerich]

you have heard of "True Bypass" switches in effects pedals right? same here!!! you have to resoder the connects between the effect loop post's. so a good conductor wire is install as the bypass making a HUGE!! sound difference, even with the effects loop out there still is a Loop wire in the amp making the connection. i remove this wire and I install a better wire. you can even add a better wire a Hirer Grade silver wire it too will add to tone if you still want the effects loop. The mod was made by myself and another amp GURU i know....

 

[Leon]

sounds pretty cool. Jerich, i'm sure you've done (or at least heard of) parallel->series conversions on FX loops too? i've been thinking about getting this done to my Nomad.