Combo amp for metal and instrumental rock, help please!

[shreddersymphony]

Hey folks,

I have a rig that I currently use and LOVE (pod xt + atomic reactor amp), and I was thinking of getting another setup (perhaps going all-tube), since I split my time between college (in a diff state) and my home. My max cost for this is about 1300-1400. I play primarily instrumental rock ala Timmons/Vai/Satriani, and progressive metal (Dream Theater, Symphony X, etc). An important consideration is great tone at low volume levels, because I wanna be able to play it at bedroom volume and still get great tone. I'd love some suggestions! Thanks!

[shogun]

i would say a fender supersonic if it was just for great tone at a low volume, but if you plan to jam or gig then its not for you..

[shreddersymphony]

A fender for progressive metal ala Dream Theater? I've never actually tried the Supersonic so take this with a grain of salt, but I've heard that people were very dissatisfied with the distortion. From youtube clips I've looked up (not the best demo of an amp, of course), I'm not a fan of the distortions.

[shreddersymphony]

I really like what I've seen from the Carvin Legacy combo, and that's doable for like 650-800 on the bay...anyone here own one and wanna chime in?

[shogun]

they can def do dream theater, vai, johnson, etc.. there is plenty of gain if u have humbuckers and a nice middy dirty channel.. if one amp is going to be home, your going to have to make sure it sounds good at a low volume.. might as well say goodbye to most marshalls or mesa's (imo)

[shogun]

Originally Posted by shreddersymphony

I really like what I've seen from the Carvin Legacy combo, and that's doable for like 650-800 on the bay...anyone here own one and wanna chime in?

have you tried one?

[quiksilverdew]

Mark IV combo could work...

[shreddersymphony]

The thing ive heard about most of the nice mesas is that they only really sound good cranked, which wont work for me cuz I live in an apartment...

Shogun, I have indeed tried it. I remember being blown away by it but that was when i was first starting to play and obviously my tone pickiness has progressed significantly since then. I'd love to try one again but theyre not really findable in stores (due to Carvin being mail-order).

[quiksilverdew]

Mark IV Has switchable wattage from like...20 to 85 or something. Also, try the Fender Prosonic.

[shogun]

the mark iv combo is probably a good idea

[shreddersymphony]

I'll do a youtube search and see what i can find, thanks guys. Otherwise, any other suggestions from other jemsite members?

[Bahamut]

Try a Peavey XXX. They make a 1x12 combo and a head that both sound pretty good, and they used to make a 2x12 combo thats not hard to find. You might also try the JSX..

[shreddersymphony]

Hm, mark IV sounds very good from what I can see. The lead channel is incredible! Talk about warmth...I wonder if i can find one to try out in person. Also, this may be a stupid question but I've never played anything but combo amps, what kinda tone difference (if any) is there between a head and a combo of the same thing?

[shreddersymphony]

Originally Posted by Bahamut

Try a Peavey XXX. They make a 1x12 combo and a head that both sound pretty good, and they used to make a 2x12 combo thats not hard to find. You might also try the JSX..

I havent tried a XXX, but I have tried the JSX and it didnt really amaze me. I can't seem to find an amp that has a "metal rhythm" tone that I really love...the metal tone from my current setup is pretty good, but I always feel it can be better.

[vaitamin7v]

crate blue voodoo is my choice for the money. very loud though and only play the bv120 head w/vintage 30s. alot of people don't like crate. give this set up a try and for the money its pretty good.