Marshall half stack VS. Crate half stack

[plecostoman]

If I were to buy a new rig specifically for a downtuned 7 string, which of these would be a better choice? I'm also using a Metal Zone pedal for distortion so I'm not concerned about what the built-in distortions are like.

Crate GT1200H/G412SL

Marshall MG100HDFX/MG412

Crate GLX1200H

 

[Shannon]

Ditch the Metal Zone.

Between those 3, I'd go for the Marshall. However, I would search out a used MG100RCD or an even older Valvestate. They blow away the new Marshall HDFX & the Crates. And avoid those cheap 4x12 cabs at all costs. For all 3 of those 1/2 stacks, they spent most the cash on the heads & then coupled them with seriously shitty 4x12 cabs.

Take this advice from a well-known gear whore.

 

[Kagami]

I haven't played the crate ones but I can tell you the Marshalls are terrible.

I'm not a huge fan of them, but the B-52 stuff is way better than those.

 

[DSS3]

Save up and get something better.

 

[plecostoman]

I've heard these stack combos aren't the greatest.

My experience with stacks is novice. I've been using a standard Peavy 150 amp for years now and it's falling apart and I figured I might as well move onto the world of half stacks once I upgrade. It's just that I'm also looking to spend about $700 on a new guitar shortly and I'm on a tight budget.

Any suggestions for building an affordable stack?

 

[playstopause]

Hum... Vox?

http://www.voxamps.co.uk/products/valvetronix/ad100vth_v412bk.htm

Between those 3, I'd go for the Marshall.

 

[Dylan7620]

find yourself an old marshall VS8100 and a full size 4x12 and you'll be in heaven

 

[Nipples]

Save up and get something better.

Ill second this.

 

[plecostoman]

About the Vox Valvetronix AD100VTH...is this tube powered?

And in the link you provided, it also featured the V412BK cab. Would you recommend the cab as well?

 

[playstopause]

There's a single tube pre-amp.
Check the website :

http://www.voxamps.co.uk/

There's not many reviews on the cabs tough, 'cause they're pretty "new".
I don't have a clue if they're really good.
For sure there is better cabs out there. But hey, it's also a question of $
http://www.sevenstring.org/forum/showthread.php?t=17875

 

[plecostoman]

I've never used tube amps. How often do you have to replace the tube and how much do they usually cost?

 

[playstopause]

Gotta ask the tube experts!

Once a year or so... Depends on your playing.
They can last for way longer too.

 

[WarriorOfMetal]

if you must get something like that, get the Crate GT series, but the 3500 is better than the 1200....they have a pretty sick sounding distortion channel though, way better than a metal zone.


and btw, this is coming from someone who typically hates crate shit, especially their solid state amps.

 

[Drew]

Honestly, I'd take a MG (pure solid state) over a VS or AVT (hybrid solid state). You're paying near-pure-tube-amp prices for what's basically a solid state amp with a single tube in the poweramp, which isn't nearly enough to produce the sort of gain they're producing so you know most of it is diode-based solid state distortion anyway.

I'm not saying the MG is necessarily the better amp - it's just, an AVT isn't really THAT much cheaper than the DSL50. For the price, the MG is a much better buy - it sounds nearly as good as a AVT, while it's a hell of a lot cheaper.

If you go for an AVT, then just toss in the extra few hundred and buy a DSL. the performance difference between a DSL and an AVT is much bigger than the price difference, whereas the performance difference between an MG and an AVT is not.

 

[EdgeCrusher]

There's a single tube pre-amp.

Actually the tube is in the power amp section on the Vox, even though its a 12ax7 which is normally a pre amp tube. Tubes make more of a difference in the power section because thats what gives it that tube feel and push, its harder to notice a difference if the tube is in the preamp section (on a hybrid)

I'll second the Vox vote, those amps are great for the price, and will have much more a tube feel. But definatly do not get a Crate, the Marshall will be alot better.

 

[Jeff]

I wouldn't get any of them. Get a Peavey ValveKing head with an Avatar cab (I know I am biased) for $750, or get a Carvin MTS tube combo.

 

[Kagami]

Actually if you're going to be using the Metal Zone...just get the Crate Powerblock, it's 100 bucks, for that price you can get a good cab to go with it, might not necessarily be "as powerful" as those other amps but it works well and if you need more power I think you can link another one to the "main."

 

[playstopause]

Actually the tube is in the power amp section on the Vox, even though its a 12ax7 which is normally a pre amp tube.

Damn right! My mistake. That makes it even better!
I went out and tried the Vox again. So nice and versatile...

The thing is ...
I don't know.
I been playin' Marshall forever and it's like my ear is used to it.
When i try something different, its always weird at first.
I plugged in the mg100dfx head right beside... and liked it more at that very moment
On my side, i'm still not decided on what the f*ck i want (and its taking me forever to decide. Fuck it, i'll just buy that mini-stack and buy other stuff with the rest of the $$$)!

 

[noodles]

Actually if you're going to be using the Metal Zone...just get the Crate Powerblock, it's 100 bucks, for that price you can get a good cab to go with it, might not necessarily be "as powerful" as those other amps but it works well and if you need more power I think you can link another one to the "main."

Steve (Imagika) brought a Powerblock, a Line6 distortion modeler, a delay pedal, and a guitar with him to Minneapolis Metal Mayhem. He sounded better than the guys with the PODxt Lives. I'm seriously considering something like this for future road trips.

 

[Jason]

or better yet get a powerblock and a boss gt-6 or gt-8