XXX vs. 5150II Differences?

[revsharp777]

What are they big differences between the Peavey XXX & the 5150II heads? The only thing I've noticed so far is...

1. The XXX has 3 12AX7 tubes, but the 5150II has 6 12AX7s.
2. The XXX has 3 footswitchable channels, but the 5150II only has 2.

Is there anything I'm missing? Which one is better and why?

[trouble311]

Good grief, XXX hands down. Three useful channels that sound good.

5150 has no real clean channel. Enough said.

[revsharp777]

But how does the XXX gain compare to the 5150II? 3 vs. 6 preamp tubes tells me the 5150II would stomp the XXX for searing metal gain. Your thoughts?

I like having 3 channels though.

[Carlo]

I was chatting with Ricky Garcia online a few weeks ago and he told me just got the XXX. He said it's awesome.....tons of gain......he loves the sound

[shader]

I talked to Joe Satriani at G3 and he said the XXX had way too much gain - Of course, Satriani's style isn't exactly searing metal... but i played one in a shop and i agreed - it's rediculus... The 5150II i tried really sucked though. The XXX should definatly have enough gain for anything....

[BucketBot]

The XXX has plenty of gain. I would say it has almost as much as the 5150II(I've had both). I always thought the 5150s got a little to noisy when you take the gain past 5. The XXX seemed pretty quiet. Maybe because it has 3 less preamp tubes. Both are great amps though.
Also, the XXX has the adjustable levels on the effects loop the 5150II does not. But the 5150s has the resonance control knob on the front which is cool too and the XXX has the 3 way resonance switch on the back.
Tough choice.

[revsharp777]

Originally Posted by BucketBot

The XXX has plenty of gain. I would say it has almost as much as the 5150II(I've had both). I always thought the 5150s got a little to noisy when you take the gain past 5. The XXX seemed pretty quiet. Maybe because it has 3 less preamp tubes. Both are great amps though.
Also, the XXX has the adjustable levels on the effects loop the 5150II does not. But the 5150s has the resonance control knob on the front which is cool too and the XXX has the 3 way resonance switch on the back.
Tough choice.

Now THAT's the kind of info I was looking for! Thanks man.

[BucketBot]

No problem.

[BCShredder]

All the "METAL" bands are using Rectifiers and 5150's or 5150 II's in their rigs. A lot of the shows I've seen the bands with 2 guitarists one uses a 5150 the other has mesa or they both have the same. A lot more guys have the 5150 II though. Bands such as In Flames, Chimaira, 40 below Summer, Arch Enemy, Sworn Enemy etc.