Marshall AVT150 vs. Line6 Spider II HD

[revsharp777]

I've been running a rack system for a while now, but I have been pondering the idea of going back to a head. However, I want the best of both worlds. The AVT150H & the Spider II HD heads look appealing because they both have 4 channels, 150W, & a solid stage power section (which I prefer). Besides these, are there any other heads that fit the description above?

For those who've tried these amps, what do you think is the better choice? The Spider II is $399 & the AVT150H is $699. Is the AVT150H that much better to warrant the higher price? I know the AVT150H has an effects loop, but does the Spider II have one? I would still like to run a BBE & an effects processor through the effects loop.

I basically want the following sounds...
1. Super Clean / Acoustic sound
2. Bluesy Overdrive
3. Rock Distortion / Solo Channel
4. Full-on Metal Gain with tons of clarity

HELP!

[revsharp777]

Bueller?

[Two hands31]

You seem to be looking for the same kind of thing I am.

If you can find a Flextone II HD used for a decent price, it'll probably do what you're looking for.

I haven't tried the Spider II yet, but I've heard good things on the metal end of the spectrum. It seems to cover clean and metal distortion/solo distortion, but I'm not sure about the bluesy kinda sound you're looking for.

[mike777]

I'd go with the AVT, I think it's a ballsier amp. It's not programmable and it it doesn't have modeling but I just think it's more toneful. I'm a Marshall enthusiast anyway but even if I wasn't, I'd still say the same here.

Mike 777 Haug

[Drew]

Are you 100% sold on four channels? If not, Give a Marshall MG100 head a go. It's not hugely worse than an AVT, tonally, and it's a hell of a lot cheaper. I've always had issues with the whole hybrid amp thing- since you're looking at a solid state power section and a significant transistor assist to the preamp anyway, why not go all solid state?

-D

[Two hands31]

Oh, and if you go for the larger pedalboard for the Spider II you get more than 4 channels anyways (assuming it's like all the other Line6 amps).

[revsharp777]

Originally Posted by Drew

Are you 100% sold on four channels? If not, Give a Marshall MG100 head a go. It's not hugely worse than an AVT, tonally, and it's a hell of a lot cheaper. I've always had issues with the whole hybrid amp thing- since you're looking at a solid state power section and a significant transistor assist to the preamp anyway, why not go all solid state?

-D

Actually, I had an MG100 about 3-4 years ago & it sounded great! It's a 2-channel amp though. If the Clean/Crunch & OD1/OD2 buttons were footswitchable, I'd be all over it. It's a shame that you essentially have 4 channels to play with, but only 2 are footswitchable. Does it have an effects loop? I've always been a fan of the Valvestate sound. Add a BBE & you have a crushing tone for metal.

Most of you will hate me for this, but I am a solid state guy. The only tube amps I really like are all in the $3000+ range. So, since I don't crap gold nuggets, I guess I'll have to wait.

Originally Posted by Two Hands31

You seem to be looking for the same kind of thing I am.

If you can find a Flextone II HD used for a decent price, it'll probably do what you're looking for.

I haven't tried the Spider II yet, but I've heard good things on the metal end of the spectrum. It seems to cover clean and metal distortion/solo distortion, but I'm not sure about the bluesy kinda sound you're looking for.

Too be honest with you, I've never been fond of Line 6. If the past, I've tried the Flextone, POD Pro, & the Vetta. All of them seem to be lacking in tight, focused low end. Plus, I couldn't get enough high end. To me, they all sounded like midrange monsters. Has this changed? Judging from the sounds/videos on Line6's website, the Spider II seems like it has a very lush clean tone, plus a crushing metal tone. Those are my 2 primary sounds. I want 2 additional channels for a moderate overdrive & a solo channel.

Overall, it looks appealing, especially with the addition of the FBV Shortboard. However, I hear the Spider II has no effects loop, & that sucks.

SO, ANY OTHER SUGGESTIONS for a solid state (or modeling), 4-channel head with an effects loop? I'd even consider a 3-channel head with a solo boost.

[revsharp777]

Ok, I got to play both of them & they suck. End of discussion.

[toshiro]

See if you can find a Tech 21 Trademark 300 to try out..

3 completely independant channels with a 9db variable boost, all foot switchable. 300 watts, etc, etc...

www.tech21nyc.com/Trademark300.htm

And if you ever feel the need to go rack with it, there's a kit that'll turn it into a 2 rackspace unit.

Sounds freaking great too..

[Drew]

haha, well said, rev.

re: the Tech21, that occured to me too, but it's in a slightly different price range... may be a deterrant...

-D

[revsharp777]

Originally Posted by Drew

haha, well said, rev.

-D

Haha. I hear ya. I was more impressed with the Marshall MG100 than with the AVT150H or the Spider II HD.

The AVT150H claims to be 150w. That's bull! I had to turn it up to 6 before it would be considered loud enough for live use. By that time, it was muddy. It doesn't like extreme low tunings.

The Spider II HD sounded great, but it's unreliable as hell. It will only take 8 ohm loads for mono & stereo, that's it. Not very useful, considering most cabs run mono at 16 ohms. So, I had to hook up a Marshall cab in stereo to get the correct 8 ohm load. Well, the amp was constantly losing power on both sides. One minute, only the left side worked, a few minutes later, only the right side worked. After doing some research, I found out that this is a consistent problem with these amps. I've heard stories of a couple of these amps completely crapping out.

I'll just hold out for something better.

[toshiro]

Originally Posted by Drew

haha, well said, rev.

re: the Tech21, that occured to me too, but it's in a slightly different price range... may be a deterrant...

-D

Yeah, it's a bit pricy I guess, @ $750, but it sounds so good.. Especially the 'British' setting...

Sorry, I like my amp just a little too much, I think.. :P

[BCShredder]

I think it all comes down to the user. If you know what you are doing the Line 6 souns incredible, and I would take it any day over the Marshall. So many artists are using the line 6's now for the very reason that they need less gear, and it's more reliable then a tube amp. If you tweak it right the sound is unreal.

[Two hands31]

I'd say look into a Line6 HD-147 if you can get the cash for one, or an old Flextone II.

Didn't know about the reliability issues with the Spider II, I think I'll avoid those

[BCShredder]

Originally Posted by Two hands31

I'd say look into a Line6 HD-147 if you can get the cash for one, or an old Flextone II.

Didn't know about the reliability issues with the Spider II, I think I'll avoid those

I was also going to say HD147 for high gain and great clean, but since you're looking lower budget I'd say Flextone II or Spider... I found a few Flextone II's this week on blow outs for 450+