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GMC Forum _ GEAR & PRODUCTION _ Err Deciding Between 2 Amps Never Was So Hard!
Posted by: Marc_Maiden Jul 8 2009, 06:25 AM
AHHHH!
ok so i had to sell my Peavey Triple X for some cash, and i managed to get enough from it to where i can land on a $400 amp.
so i went to guitar center, and i looked around, tried amps ive already tried...lalalala...well i decided to order the blackstar ht-5 (same as the one emir demoed)
but tonight...the more i got to thinking...i started leaning toward the peavey vypyr 60 (the tube one)
now i know blackstar has its own legit tube sound, and peavey is a modeler, but im not using it to try to emulate other amps since i always thought that was pointless...but the reason why id get it is versatility.
here is a list of pros and cons i came up with but i still have some trouble...oh and i have tried out both amps many a time
Blackstar
Pros
------
Small + Portable
Great Great tube tone
Can get cranked and not make my ears bleed
I can carry it with out breaking my back
Effects Loop
Beautiful Looking
ISF feature (switches from US to UK tone)
good for recording with a good mic
Cons
-----
only 5 watts,
cant play with a band
very simple, would need to buy more effects later
would have to get a mic pre amp to record and new audio interface since my toneport is have issues..
Peavey Vypyper
Pros
----
All in one package
60 tube watts with built in power squeez (1 - 12ax pre amp tube 100% tube power amp)
400 + presets (with footswitch which i would get)
Built in Looper
Built in Audio interface Via USB out (gets detected as an ASIO)
Built in Effects loop
Built in Midi in/out
No need for extra effects or equipment
Can play in band/Gig
Cons
--------
Original (non tube) ones said to have problems, but have been fixed...so im not sure if im safe or not
Big
Not as heavey as my triple X, but its still not as easy to carry around as the blackstar
Not 100% tube tone
Made in China
not as nice looking
-------------------------------------------------
i guess now im leaning over towards the peavey for the package...more or less for the value and the money ill save...but what do you guys think?
Posted by: Santiago Diaz Garces Jul 8 2009, 06:49 AM
I'd choose the Peavy. You have a lot of options to use and you can play with your band with it. Also, I think you can record with it. And you don't have to get some extra effects (Not for now).
Posted by: JVM Jul 8 2009, 07:30 AM
Another option you might want to look into is Carvin. They make a nice combo amp called the https://www.carvinguitars.com/products/single.php?product=VINTAGE16 that is superbly toned and pretty loud. You would probably be just fine using it in a practice/jamming situation, especially so if you wanted to get a cab for it to expand the 112.
Anyway, read the specs on it and listen to it. They have clips on the website ("jam room") and there are some good ones on Youtube. It is called the "vintage" 16, but it is a vintage I think you would like Marc 
I believe Carvin has a store in Sacramento, if they don't stock them in a shop closer to you.
Posted by: jdriver Jul 8 2009, 07:36 AM
Stop drooling over the long list of specs and think about how you will actually use it. Out of 400 presets, how many do you think you will actually use...2? 3? 10?
Do you really want to crank up a 60 watt tube amp when you want to record via USB? Are you going to fiddle with MIDI settings while you're trying to gig?
Consider a Peavey Classic, still made in Mississippi. They've got soul. They can be gotten on Ebay "like new" for $400.
I'm just sayin'... 
Posted by: JVM Jul 8 2009, 07:41 AM
Agreeing with JD, maybe you're really set on these two amps I don't know, but I think you can do better one way or another The carvin allows for you to switch from 16 to 5 watts, so that gives you the Blackstar's nice tube crankability but still enough volume to jam. Also IMHO the Carvin probably sounds better than either, though I haven't played a Blackstar, but it's definitely much better than the vypyr. It also appears to cost less, leaving you the option of buying another cab, or pedals or somesuch things
Posted by: ZakkWylde Jul 8 2009, 12:26 PM
The Blackstar!
I just got the combo and it's just great!
Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jul 8 2009, 12:30 PM
After watching Emir's demo of blackstar I would vote for that option! On gigs you anyway Mic the guitar amps etc so you don't actually need a powerful amp for that.You just need a good sounding amp for gigs. Peavey is cool with its versatility but my guess is that blackstar will sound better.Have you tried both of the amps in store? Which tone you like better ?
Posted by: MickeM Jul 8 2009, 02:11 PM
You can line the Blackstar, no need to mike it to record into your computer.
I think what it all falls back on is what you need it for.
Homestudio and recording. The Blackstar. (Effects are added afterwards in the DAW anyway)
Gigs and rehearsal. The 60W Peavey.
All of the above, the Peavey.
The better sounding of the two, Blackstar. I'm saying that without having heard the Peavey, I'm still positive.
This 5 Watter is a LOT louder than the new 4W Vox AC4TV but still on the limit in regards to band practise. Guess it depends on the band also.
Posted by: Marc_Maiden Jul 8 2009, 03:22 PM
i see your points...im afraid im limited to guitar center products (i think) because i dont know if they will allow me to return my amp for cash or store credit...
but anyways sounds like for tone....blackstar is a winner, but for versatility peavey is a winnner....
well ive got more thinking to do haha
Posted by: JVM Jul 8 2009, 05:10 PM
but anyways sounds like for tone....blackstar is a winner, but for versatility peavey is a winnner....
well ive got more thinking to do haha
You're right, I believe you get store credit. In that case, I would go for the Blackstar if you think it'll hold down when jamming/band practicing. Depends on who you do that with. It should be fine for gigging, sounds great, so go for it says I.
[edit] unless I read you wrong, I just want to point out that Carvin has a pretty good return policy and they give you a full refund.
Posted by: Fran Jul 8 2009, 05:23 PM
They are quite different really. Of those two I'd get the blackstar. Still might be too loud to crank at home. I can barely crank my AC4 at 0.25 Watts in my apartment... 
Posted by: Marc_Maiden Jul 9 2009, 12:39 AM
Im still leaning a little towards the peavey just for the over all package i get...remember guys, i sold my amp because i need to save money in the first place, and if i need to start doing band practices, im not going to get far with the blackstar
there is no doubt that the blackstar sounds better which is why its hard for me to make up my mind...im just worried about the practice issue...
hmmm....
you know what...forget it...ill just go with the blackstar
Posted by: tonymiro Jul 9 2009, 12:51 AM
Before you do Marc I'd consider going back to Carvin and adding an attenuator to the Belle Air (spelling?).
5W and below is good for home but I'm not sure it will cut it in a band practice unless you mic and run to the PA. IF you can't mic/PA and don't want to use an attenuator at home a solid state may be better as the gain is linear - so something like a Roland Jazz Chorus etc with a good distortion pedal could be an option.
Edit - spelling
Posted by: UncleSkillet Jul 9 2009, 12:54 AM
there is no doubt that the blackstar sounds better which is why its hard for me to make up my mind...im just worried about the practice issue...
hmmm....
you know what...forget it...ill just go with the blackstar
You can also MIC the amp through the bands PA system if you feel it needs a little more. You'll probably want to have a monitor in front of you anyway.
EDIT: Haha Tony beat me to it with the PA thing.
Posted by: Marc_Maiden Jul 9 2009, 01:14 AM
i know i can probably will using the line out which im glad it has
the roland jazz chorus has always been a dream amp of mine, but sadly $800 is out of my budget, and when ever i see em used for $400 its when im NOT in the market for one...just my luck
anyways...we will see, ill keep my mind open, ive got 5 days to decide
Posted by: tonymiro Jul 9 2009, 01:25 AM
Just on the Jazz Chorus Marc - there were three types a 55, a 70 and the 120. Most people go for the 120 but all are good imo. I have a 55 (sorry not for sale though) and I think these come up used for a lot less than 400USD - just not very often 
.
Best of luck anyway.
Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Jul 10 2009, 12:41 AM
- If you play often in a band and want all-in-one package as you don't have enough money to get more gear later get Peavey. Often on a gig the quality of effects is not that important really, rarely people hear the real quality.
- If you don't gig that often and don't rehearse with the band that often, just want to play amp at home, possibly Blackstar would be better. Would need some multiFX or reverb with it tho..
Posted by: MickeM Jul 10 2009, 09:30 AM
oh yes that's right, forgot to bring it up myself but the Blackstar HT5 doesn't have a reverb. I have a separate effects pedal for that.
And I think reverb is a must have unless you're grinding thrash metal (or whatever) all day long where you'd want a more "dry" tone.
Posted by: fkalich Jul 10 2009, 09:53 AM
5W and below is good for home but I'm not sure it will cut it in a band practice unless you mic and run to the PA. IF you can't mic/PA and don't want to use an attenuator at home a solid state may be better as the gain is linear - so something like a Roland Jazz Chorus etc with a good distortion pedal could be an option.
Edit - spelling
I have a Belair. I like it, sounds good. You can get one for $519 and $39 shipping from their Ebay store. I am thinking of getting a second one, so I have 4 speakers and back up, and maybe mod one of the heads.
I think any decent tube amp is fine, 99% of what matters is your play, not the amp. So big deal on the type, it don't mean a rat's tush really, if you can play, you will sound great on anything. If not, it will be the reverse.
Posted by: Ivan Zecic Jul 10 2009, 10:56 AM
I agree 100% with Ivan Milenkovic!
Just try both amps and see which suits you best. I've tried some horrible sounding tube amps and some great sounding solid states, it's not really a strict rule.
Posted by: Buddha Long Jul 14 2009, 11:41 PM
Anyway, read the specs on it and listen to it. They have clips on the website ("jam room") and there are some good ones on Youtube. It is called the "vintage" 16, but it is a vintage I think you would like Marc
I believe Carvin has a store in Sacramento, if they don't stock them in a shop closer to you.
I've always had problems with Carvin - both the heads and the speakers. I've owned a big Carvin Bass amp and cabinet and an amp for keyboards but started having problems pretty quickly. A roommate in college also had a Carvin guitar amp that he was always fixing. They give you a lot for your money but if it breaks down in the middle of a gig your screwed. With that said, I've had trouble with Peavey as well - just not as often.
Posted by: Emir Hot Jul 15 2009, 01:59 AM
I tried that Blackstar and it works amazing. Don't know about the other one. I am quite sure if you go for HT-5 you won't be dissapointed. I agree that you should try both
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