Mesa 20/20 vs 2:90

Lonely Raven · #1 09-18-2002, 09:30 AM

Ok, I'm considering a rackmount tube poweramp. I'm pretty sure I want
to go with Mesa Boogie, unless people can show me something of equal
or better quality without the high cost of the Mesa Boogie name.

I really dont' need the 90 watts of the simul-class, but haveing two
different amp types in one chassy is nice.

The 20/20 is plenty of volume for what I need it for, but I've not heard
anyone say anything good or bad about it. Plus I can get it for HALF
what the 2:90 goes for!

Anyone tried both? Anyone care to comment?

Kremlin · #2 09-18-2002, 01:06 PM

I personally like the tone of the 20/20 better myself... Just seems more.. "me" if that makes any sense.

bduersch · #3 09-18-2002, 01:35 PM

I've played both the 20/20 and 2:90 and like the sound of both. I think the 20/20 is a little warmer--could be that it's easier to get power tube overdrive because of the lower wattages.

That said, I use a 2:90 in my rig. I have a Triaxis and really wanted to get the most benefit out of the switching. The 2:90 with deep and modern modes enabled is a MONSTER! As much as I cringe to think about needing to retube it someday, I can't imagine living without it.

Too bad Mesa doesn't make a 2:50 with the different modes!

--B

DLHelfand · #4 09-18-2002, 03:07 PM

Those two amps are for different things and aren't really comparable. The 20/20 was designed specifically to be able to get and over driven power amp section at more managable volumes. That is why it is lower wattage. It is a great amp. The 2/90 has way more features and way more power. It really depends what you are going to use the amps for. If you don't use a Triaxis and don't need a lot of power or volume, get the 20/20. It is lighter, sounds great, and is one rack space. It should also be plenty loud for most gigs, unless you play really large venues, and even then I think it has a direct out to the board.

Gresh · #5 09-18-2002, 03:28 PM

I use a 20/20 in my rack with my POD Pro, G-Major, and BBE 482.

I find that it complements this setup perfectly. I use a reto 2x12 with V30s that I wired in stereo so I could use both sides of the Mesa. The tone is very warm to my ears, and fairly mid-rangey but not obnoxiously so...it just cuts through nicely.

It is simply a fabulous little amp. I recommend you go with it, save some cash in the process. If you find out later that you need more power, you can slave the 20/20 and use it as a tone generater for the bigger power section (but you have to create a dummy load for outputs or you'll fry the transformer).

If you can find one to test out, go for it, you won't believe how loud it is.

jem777az · #6 09-18-2002, 05:40 PM

I have a Mesa 20/20 and like it a lot. Its much louder than one would think. If you really want a great poweramp though, I'd go for a VHT 2-50-2 or 2-90-2. They both smoke ANY of the Mesa's. The 2-50-2 comes with EL-34's but has a bias for 6L6's. The 2-90-2 comes with KT-88's. I would consider them much tighter, with better bottom end, no flab whatsoever. The 2-50-2 can be had for less than a Mesa 2:90 and the VHT 2-90-2 for about the same as the Mesa 2:90. Check them out if you have a chance, you won't be dissapointed.

Lonely Raven · #7 09-18-2002, 06:32 PM

I've always liked the sound of the VHTs over the Mesa stuff, but that
also depends on the preamp I'm using. I honestly think the VHTs are
WAY out of my volume level before I get decent tone.

It sounds like the 20/20 might do well for me. I understand it's different
from the 2:90 WHICH IS WHY I was asking peoples opinions about it!
Telling me it's different doesn't help any.

Question for you 20/20 owners...does it have a pretty tight bottom end?
What I'm hoping to do it run my Rocktron Chameleon which so far has
surpassed all the other preamps for the tone I'm looking for (at least
without having to buy a TriAxis, JMP-1, AND ADA-MP1 each!). I need to
tighten up the bottom end and warm it up a bit. From your descriptions it
sounds like I should drag my Chameleon over to Guitar Center and
see if I can spend some time with the 20/20.

Thanx!

LennyNero · #8 09-19-2002, 04:16 AM

Hi,

well, for other products: I am playing the Marshall 20/20 which is quite similiar in sound (both units use EL84, I think). It is cheaper than Mesa, it has two sound modes (there is a button called "depth"... comparable too loudness on a hifi).

What I do not like about the device is that you can't control each channel's volume seperatly. Another bad point about it is that the unit is getting quite hot (you should spare one unit above it for airflow). On the other hand I bought mine used and it never failed (having it for 5 years now).

Although have a look at the 50/50 by Marshall. Even though they are both not frm Mesa they do their job.

Gresh · #9 09-19-2002, 10:06 AM

The EL84s create a very tight controlled sound that really warms up my POD Pro. The sound is not nearly as "bouncy" and "spongy" as a 6L6 amp if that means anything to you. I play all seven string guitars through my rig and the low end is very very nice.

As you stated, best course of action is to drag your preamp and spend some time with it...I'd bring my own cabinet too if it was feasible. Or just buy it and return it within the time frame if you don't like it.

Lonely Raven · #10 09-19-2002, 10:17 AM

Thanx Lenny and Gresh, that's EXACTLY the kind of info I'm lookin for!

I get paid on Friday, and I'm seriously thinking about buying the 20/20
and giving it a romp here at home.

I was supposed to get my Legacy 2X12 cabs yesterday, but my girlfriend
slept through the UPS dude knocking on the door and ringing the bell.
I sure hope the poor bastard didn't drag a boxed up Legacy 2X12 cab all
through the apartment complex only to have to take it back!

Thanx again for all your tips. I'm leaning more towards the 20/20 right
now. I'm hoping it will get me the cut and still have warmth to be able
to use my (current) favorite digital preamp!

gkelm · #11 09-19-2002, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gresh

The EL84s create a very tight controlled sound that really warms up my POD Pro. The sound is not nearly as "bouncy" and "spongy" as a 6L6 amp if that means anything to you.

I always though of 6L6 as being a tighter sound, with EL34 the spongier, and EL84 closer to the 34 family with less bass response? Eeither way, I think any tube power amp does wonders in a rack.
Greg

Gresh · #12 09-19-2002, 11:31 AM

Greg that's just how I perceive the sound I suppose. My buddy has a Mesa 50/50 with 6L6s in it. We both run the same cabinet...but use different preamps. At volume, his sounds boomier and loose on the low end than mine. It still sounds great, just slightly different. I find the 20/20 to be a little warmer....but as we all know, tube amps are susceptible to so many variables that effect their tone.

As you said, at the end of the day, they all sound damn good. I'd go with the one that fit my budget and need for reliability and space considerations.

gkelm · #13 09-19-2002, 11:46 AM

I hear you on tube amp variables...sometimes I think my rig sounds different to my ears everyday.

jem777az · #14 09-19-2002, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lonely Raven

I've always liked the sound of the VHTs over the Mesa stuff, but that
also depends on the preamp I'm using. I honestly think the VHTs are
WAY out of my volume level before I get decent tone.

It sounds like the 20/20 might do well for me. I understand it's different
from the 2:90 WHICH IS WHY I was asking peoples opinions about it!
Telling me it's different doesn't help any.

If you feel that the VHT's are out of your volume level before you get decent tone, then I wouldn't even look at the 2:90. I really don't care for it, kinda dry and flat sounding. I would imagine you'd have to crank it way up before it started to breakup and warm the sound a little.

I like the 20/20 because of its warmth at lower volumes, but keep in mind its a very bright amp because of the EL-84's. I had to "mod" my 20/20 in order to give it more bass response and less brightness.

Mr Orange · #15 09-20-2002, 04:42 AM

A friend's got a 20/20 with a Mesa Studio preamp. I like the power amp a lot, lots of volume through a 4x12 and very nice tone, works with clean sounds as well. EL84 is my favorite tube at the moment, not too powerful, versatile, warm, and CHEAP.

I don't get the idea of 100 or so watts, on the last gig I played I had my master vol between 2 and 3 on my 50 watt Boogie, running a 1x12 cab...