I prefer the EVH, I have that exact model with matching cab, and also a 6505 + in the rehearsal room with Marshall 1960 A and B Cabs (both great amps for sure). The sound pressure is satisfying as hell, I sometimes crank it and leave the room just to feel the walls shaking heheh. Let me tell you a trick if you don´t know already: the gain knob on the blue channel acts as a boost when you have channel 3 engaged, try it to see what you think. I have pretty much the same settings except for the gain and low which are lower (cleans up the sound to my taste). EMGs here as well!
I've always preferred the EL34 variants of the 6505/5150 amps. My favorite was always the 6534+ or the EVH 5150 III EL34. Some of my favorite guitar tones were achieved with those, from Bring Me The Horizon to Gojira.
I'm a confessed 6505 junkie. I had the 6505mh to start, but, like you said, it lacked the grunt and grind. I bought the big brother 6505+ and that had what I was looking for. Ended up buying a 5150III and it seems like a completely different amp to me. My fave is still the 6505+. In your video, my fave was the 1992. \,,/
Yes, the 6505 and 5150III are different amps. The 6505 is closer to a 5150 or 5150II, the 5150III on other hand has been redesigned, the stealth is from what I understand the same circuit but revoiced.
@@KahruSuomiPerkele yes, I agree. I think Kohle hit the nail on the head when he said the 5150 III sounded more hi fi. I like it a lot, but drawn back to the 6505+ more often.
The Synergy 6505 module is incredible. It takes the original Peavey and EVH version and blends them to an amazing middle ground. I use it live with your DV77 IR direct into PA and its incredible.
I think they all nail the tone down, especially for music that isn't at the dark metal end of things, believe it or not. All three lack articulation, though. The EVH EL34 gives you more of the sound from the strings than all of these do, but that's the cool thing about EVH and Peavey: You can buy one and mod the hell out of it for transparency or other things for less the price of an amp like REVV, MezzaBarba, or Soldano.
As good as it sounds here, it would be even better and more accurate with a designated power amp such as the Fryette Power Station or even the Synergy power amp then it would be almost indistinguishable
Ranking: 1.Brunetti 2. 3. 4a. EVH 4b. Synergy-6505 (razor-close - might take the 4th place on its own with another poweramp) 5. 6. 6505 1992 7. Mini-Head It's worth noting that with another cabinet/IR/whatsoever this might turn out very differently. But in this combination I'm totally unimpressed by the "original". 😐 I don't want those mids in my house. 😤
Synergy module for the win in my book. Plus once you are in the ecosystem you open yourself up to pretty much and endless supply of amazing metal tones.
A lot of awesome things happening in this video. Happy to see you do this shootout as you’ve always been consistent on your feelings of these amps. And that’s awesome! It’s good to have a perspective like yours on a shootout. Love your content and love learning something from all of your videos! You’re the man! Now tell us your thoughts on 50 watt amplifiers vs 100! You seem to have a good mixture of the different sizes.
@@KohleAudioKult that would be great. I ve try an evh 50 watt vs an 100 watt once and it wasn't a big difference but the 100 watt have a fuller and bigger low end response.
Great video. You demonstrated and explained perfectly the gripes you have so often expressed regarding the 5150/6505. Especially that direct comparison to the Brunetti in the end was an eye opener - massively underrated amp.
I am glad you mentioned the preference v. good/bad thing. In reality, outside of specific technical specs (ie - noise), there really isn’t “good” or “bad” gear. It is just preference. It is do you like the sound/workflow/etc or don’t you?
@17:49 The difference should become less noticeable in the mix when using IRs with the mini head. The output (post gain) needs to stay below the point it adds fuzz into the distortion so it hits the loadbox with the right amount of headroom and doesn't clamp on the transient. Unless you're after the fuzzy tone of course. Try it with your DV-77 IR. 🤘
I love the fact that you showed these amps WITHOUT a boost. If I had a nickel for every demo that forced a TS9 in front of any of these amps, I could afford all of them for myself. I've loved discovering your content lately! Excited to see where you go. And to answer your comparison question, 1992 > Synergy/DSL > EVH > Mini Head. The "GONKGONKGONK" just gets me every time.
EVH III was my favourite. Seemed more noisey and had more gain which may have contributed to the noise floor but overall that’s the one that speaks to my soul. What I would like to see is a video of the same amps, with the preamps going straight to DAW with a DV77(?) IR on them - to remove the power amp differences. Would be interesting to hear how different the pres are? 🤘
Could you use something like a Precision Drive in front of the amp and put a noise gate like the Zuul or ISP Decimator in the loop?! It’s like a night and day difference and is kind of how it’s meant to be used with modern metal tones.
Awesome video. But what really would have been an interesting comparison, is a shootout from the peavey 6505 1992 against a peavey 5150 blockletter. Since that is the reference amp for the 6505 1992. Also it would be interesting to play the Synergy 6505 Modul over the real 6505 power amp, to see how close the Synergy Modul compares to the real preamp.
Had multiple Peavey amps and multiple 6505 amps over the years. The only Peavey I've kept long term is the JSX. I believe the 5150 has it's place and can sound great within a song. But it doesn't do it for me by itself. Whenever I record one, I tend to combine it with something. Loved the shootout. Fantastic work.
Great job on the shootout video. Straight ahead presentation really showed off the character of each amp. Great job with the channel as a whole. Very informative, I enjoy watching your videos. Keep up the good work.
Yeah it's fantastic for home use. Another nice thing is the clean and reverb. I've recently also been using it in smaller clubs mic'd, when I don't want to haul around the heavy head. Not perfect but it gets the job done for me. Another nice thing is the clean and reverb.
The 5150 stealth sounded best for Deathmetal in my opinion even better than the last amp in the video. It has that perfect scooped dark sound and still cuts through.
The Peavey 6505 module features a three-position switch on the PCB, which allows you to configure the input tube bass response to match the original circuit of the selected module. This will affect the feel and tightness. Each amp designer has a specific combination of components that make up their input tube circuit. We have selected the three most popular combinations which you can access with this switch. The USA voiced modules typically use setting 1 (1.5K resistor and 22uf capacitor). British-style modules use position 2 (2.7K resistor and .68uf capacitor). The Peavey 6505, just like the Soldano and Vai modules use position 3 (1.8K resistor and 1uf capacitor)
I see/hear what you're talking about the mids of the 5150/6505. It definitely has its place in the metal world, especially for those who want a real raw tone. Peavey Triple xxx is one of the more clear peavey amps and doesn't have a wonk in the mids that you don't like. That might be a decent amp for you if you haven't already. Great content as usual! Keep it metal, dude!
Cranked poweramp doesn't sound too impressive itself but I think it has some potential. Try crank small poweramp(tonestack and other tone controlls - use for shaping drive)=>loadbox=>some EQ=>bigger poweramp=>cab. There's potential for a lot of fun when it comes to creating dirty, nasty sounds.
Once I started getting into different high gain amplifiers, I almost fell completely out of love with 5150 style amps, more specifically my Bugera 6262 Infinium. That was until I started playing Metal rhythms through the crunch channel with the gain cranked all the way up. It was an instant game changer for me. The rhythm channel on these amps I feel are the absolute pinnacle of American high gain distortion. After I started using the rhythm channel on my Bugera I wound up using the lead channel as an actual lead channel and I haven’t looked back to using the lead channel for rhythm playing ever since. Seriously good amps and it’s no wonder why bands across the world gigged with these.
I have the 6505 Mini Head, it is very cool to record at home, but I modded sightly the tubes, put a midgain tube and a balanced tube, so it sounds less fizzy, with more headroom, the clean is awesome now, and you can put the gain up to 4/5 without sounding muddy
@@romanshredz I don't remember the exact model but I put a Tung-Sol or Sovtek 5751 on V1 to have less gain on all chanels, the cleans are so much better after that, and the Crunch and Lead are less fizzy and compressed. I changed the other preamp tubes, I put a 12AX7 Gold Pin (Electro-Harmonix or JJ tube, don't remember) on V2 and a balanced tube on V3 (which is better to send the preamp signal tu power section askip). I tried many combinasions with different brands but I think it is not very significant change to worry about this. I also tried 12AY7 tubes (low gain tubes) but the amp is weak, sounds very clean but I don't think it is good for the amp. So : - V1 : 5751 tube (70% gain) - V2 : 12AX7 tube, JJ is supposed to be "warm sounding brand", EH "Gold Pin" model is more expensive but seems to have high output and low noise - V3 : 12AX7 balanced tube I found most of the tubes on Tube Town's website. So i'm very happy with this amp, I can do bluesy stuff, post-rock, and metal. For the cab I have a 2*12 with Eminence Swamp Thang 16ohms and Celestion Creamback G12H-75 16ohms on parallel. Hope it helped. =)
@@alexandrebozier4703 that’s awesome and thanks so much for taking the time to write back with all info 👍 gonna look into getting those tubes. I really like the 6505 MH but find on higher gain settings just a bit too fizzy and muddied. This sounds exactly what I’m looking for … thanks again ! Cheers 🍻
@@alexandrebozier4703 Hey dude ! No I haven’t had a chance to get around to the 6505 yet. Will look for the those tubes today ! Been busy with so much other things and a lot of my gear is in storage so can’t access it at the moment. Was busy with a used MESA mini rectifier that I picked up recently. Damn there is a lot of gain in this beast and it’s on the nosier side for the amp floor noise on the OD channel. I swapped out the V1 with a MESA SPAX7 in V1 and lower output JJ 12AT7CZ in V3 to tame the gain. Sounds much better ! Will get around to the 6505 MH soon !!!
So what do I do if I live in an apartment and play 7 strings? Head straight into interface? I know the mini has less preamp gain stages and power. I need the chord clarity thru the gain. Black metal lets me scoop the bottom end, but i’ve been trying to bring bottom end back up
I`d love to see you do a follow up video loading some of the current 5150/6505 guitar plugins and share your thoughts after doing this video... I am aware that the IRs will make a huge deal but I'd find it interesting to hear some of your impressions and thoughts
I own a Made in USA 6505+ and sold it when I discovered boosting the rythm channel. I bought 100 watt stealth and also own the 50 watt 6l6. Stealth is king. How can you top that.
My dude. Do you have an ohmage pref? My JMP absolutely sounds best when allowed to be at 4 ohms. My dual rec does 4,8 & 16 great but I still prefer 4 & 8 over 16. This distinction to me seems to also hold with whatever speaker I’m going into. Trouble is, I can’t tell if that part is a psychoacoustic effect. Im curious, is this an area you have thoughts on? I imagine you do.
Great presentation of the differences between the amps. I have a 6505mh and compared to the 5150 model in my helix it does lack low end. I just thought the helix was bassy but it makes sense as they are modelling the big amps.
I like the 1992. It has a crispness and a slightly unhinged feeling to it. I'm curious if the V4 Kraken pedal amp suffers from the same small amp low end loss as it has a 200w class D power amp.
I think I liked the Synergy module through the Marshall power amp the most. Still not my personal favorite type of tone for metal (I prefer Boogie or Bogner), but, they would all work (except for maybe that Mini) if well recorded and mixed. Great stuff Kohle!
I find your IRs (both Eminence and Rainbows/Chainsaws) ones of the most robust and fantastic sounding of all IRs I have used and heard. I love them and use them on all my productions (blended in many configurations). Cheers 😊
I think the difference in low end between the mini and the 1992 is due to the fact that 25W isn't enough to get the cab to resonate fully. This is also one of the main differences I hear between amp sim tones and live cab tones, some live cab recordings just have a super subby rumble that I don't think amp sims quite replicate.
I have an idea. I know you make videos more form a recording/studio side but what's your opinion about making a video about your favorite live gear(s)? Guitars, amps, cabs, pedals, different combinations.
Great review, how about maxing out the master volumes on tube amps with the channel volumes low? i think it will be a great video between preamp and power amp volumes
Have you heard/played a 6534+ in the past? In the mids it seems a bit more rounded and vocal, compared to a normal 5150. In Waves by Trivium features a 6534+, though the tone is kind of cold on it.
Wow the big amps really move some air, so much more extended low end. Its interesting that Marshall use 2 el34's in the power section of a lot of their 20 watt models, I wonder if this improves the lack of low end that is present in every 15-25 watt el84 based amplifier?
I mirror your thoughts exactly. I could never get along with 5150's but alot of bands I love use them. I actually am thinking about getting 6505 Synergy and love my Uberschall module but I am afraid I may not like the 6505 module due to my past experience with the amp? lol. Cannot decide between a 6505 module or the SLO one, which the SLO amp sings in the mids to me way more than anything which I agree and like. Do you like the SLO module btw? Loved your video though so excellent \m/
You always gotta find the sweetspot between preamp and power amp. How hard you hit a power amp has a big effect on the tone. The output of the preamp itself does NOT really make a real difference. But yeah, of course I took care of this!
@@KohleAudioKult Agreed on the power amp interaction, I was not criticizing your comparison, I just own a large collection of modules and have felt they had a sweet spot on the volume out that I would balance with the Preamp host shroud volume into the power amp. Some modules can also be way hotter than others.
TBH I found that the Peaveys just need mods, the circuit is really dialed for early 90s Ed. It's got some dropping resistors pre-tonestack that really make it sag and make the tonestack not do much, on top of the power amp using a dropping resistor instead of a choke between the plate and screen nodes of the power supply. It's loose and spongy because that's how Ed wanted it. Side note: He was playing Soldanos at the time.
EVH 100w stealth has a secret function. If you are in the red channel, the gain pot of blue channel is in function. If you turn blue gain all the way up it will cuts the bass before distortion and it adds more distortion (something like treble pots on marks from mesa) if you turn it down it has opossite effect. So with the blue gain pot you can change the red channel gain character. Same character as original 5150 III (or 50w versions) I got when blue gain pot was on 3.5.
@@KohleAudioKult when is blue gain on 10 it's tight almost same as boosted 6505 with tube screamer. And if you use a tube screamer with stealth where is blue gain pot on 10. It's not usable and it's too much and sound "slides" instead of cutting.
I remember commenting on a video of yours a few years back or more about the 5150. And how you weren’t a huge fan of it. I personally have the 5150 block letter and the iconic. But I would have to say from this video the synergy was my favorite.
To my ears (with headphones) the EVH rules the roost here. I've never been a big fan of the 5150 amps overall, but I'm learning how well they can sit in a mix. I recently picked up the Bogren Ampknob plug-in 3pk out of sheer curiosity and I'm really digging it paired with a Dual Rec. 🤘
A cheap transistor amp with a 10 inch speaker, a Metal Zone and a EQ-7 will get you *any* metal tone you could possibly want. Or you could use the DS-1 instead of the metal zone, any type of dirt really, EQ is where tones are made.
Was using rack stuff in the late 90s and tried a 5150 then but didn´t like it...and it still has that tone I don´t love. I hate the need to dial out the mids for a tight tone... it lacks pressure then. I think I want my mids around 250Hz and not over 300Hz maybe...just estimated. The EVH sounded slightly better for me and Synergy maybe best although rack preamps etc. mostly feel a little less dynamic etc. but maybe good controlled and tighter. It is funny that the taste mostly doesn´t change so much over the years and I never loved the standard stuff everyone was using. Today I have a fully tuned H410 for Hardrock and a Revv Generator 120 for metal...but maybe more to come! Thanks for great comparison!!!
I have a US Peavey 6505+ and a EVH5150III 50 Stealth, each has its particularities and I find them in this video. I use both for my records, the 6505+ for crunch tones and some leads, the EVH for high-gain rhythm guitars and some lead too. I like the mids from the 6505+ to give some warm to the sound, and the modern tightness of the EVH to bring aggressivity and depth to extreme riffs. Also, I like a lot mix these amps (particularly the EVH) with a Dual Rectifier. For punchy & detailed quad guitars records, it's unbeatable !
2 things from my extensive use of 5150s since before they were cool! The PV really doesn’t like EMGs. Of course plenty have used it but maybe it’s why you have the treble jacked up so high. It seems to not have the highs come thru. Also, the DV77 with the 5150 and 5153 which I still have both, just exacerbated those mids that you don’t like. We like what we like, but that speaker with the 5150 was a 100% “No go” for me
EVH 5150 Stealth all day for me! Such a killer, modern sound. The Synergy preamp also sounds great! But the Brunetti XL sounded fantastic! (too bad its emulation in TH-U isn't as good)
Yes!!! That's the best I've ever heard the 5150 explained. They don't sing at all. Love that Brunetti, sell a capture of that amp for ToneX!!! Also yes, everyone buy the DV77 IR pack, it really is worth the money!!!
The 5150 III is an amp I bought on a whim because I wanted something heavier than my orange or15. It has somehow become top 3 favorite Amps to use. However, I’m a rhythm player so I totally get your logic of the mids could sing a little more. Still love it
low end takes more energy per perceived doubling in volume than mids or highs. This is why amps with a big power section tend to have a more solid low end
@KohleAudioKult honestly can get some ridiculous cleans and dirty cleans from pitbull, and my favorite high gain with a boost in front. Uberschall is an absolute animal especially with the cathode switch in the middle position
Why did you not pump up the bass and/or resonace in the "mini" to compensate? same with other amps to match them better. At least to show how it still wouldn't sound right. Thanks for these videos anyway!
I wonder how could Eddie (R.I.P.) fell in love with that lower midrange scoop and upper midrange boost, but then again his more classic tones do sound like that.
Damn, this is awesome! I am curious as to why you ran the synergy into another amp when you might have been able to run it into the power amp of the 5150 you were comparing it too? If that was possible, wouldn't that provide a better comparison? I know you mentioned that different power amps help shape the tone, but I'm still curious. Thanks!
That would have been the other option. But since this is the exact same Peavey 6505 preamp I thought it was more interesting to hear it through another power amp (which is also why people buy Synergy in the end).
@@KohleAudioKult I run the Synergy ENGL Savage module through a Fryette PS100 then through a 412 with 2 DV77s/2V30s. It sounds rather amazing. After seeing this shootout, I'll be adding the 6505 module to the arsenal.
Which one is your favorite? I'm curious! 😇
#3 Synergy Preamp into the Marshall
Anything 6506
They all sound great! But I think for this riff I prefer the EVH.
I prefer the EVH, I have that exact model with matching cab, and also a 6505 + in the rehearsal room with Marshall 1960 A and B Cabs (both great amps for sure). The sound pressure is satisfying as hell, I sometimes crank it and leave the room just to feel the walls shaking heheh. Let me tell you a trick if you don´t know already: the gain knob on the blue channel acts as a boost when you have channel 3 engaged, try it to see what you think. I have pretty much the same settings except for the gain and low which are lower (cleans up the sound to my taste). EMGs here as well!
Synergy preamp into Marshall
YES!! This is EXACTLY what I wanted see and hear!
Marvelous. 😃
@@charlesrocksindeed. Marvellous
Crazy lunacy.
You haven't even got the evh to start working yet.
You're not fooling the world audience.
Evh is 3rd generation product.
I saw you had a Engl Artist Edition. My fav Engl. Do you use it for metal or rock?
Would love to see it in a future video.
Awesome! I'm quite impressed with the Synergy preamp and how well it works with the Marshall power amp.
The whole system is great, Marc!
I've always preferred the EL34 variants of the 6505/5150 amps. My favorite was always the 6534+ or the EVH 5150 III EL34. Some of my favorite guitar tones were achieved with those, from Bring Me The Horizon to Gojira.
I preferred the EVH because it was less "cloudy" than the Peavey. Also, happy to see you doing this type of content again! More of this, please.
Me too it sounded more focused and articulated
what type of content, amp heads?
@@sqlb3rn Basically, the type of content he was doing before he launched the Kult.
Yea sounds a bit more open in the high end, I prefer it too. But i'd rather play some kind of modded Marshall. The Brunetti sounds really good btw.
@@hannibalbarkas1350 Like a Friedman or Splawn?
I'm a confessed 6505 junkie. I had the 6505mh to start, but, like you said, it lacked the grunt and grind. I bought the big brother 6505+ and that had what I was looking for. Ended up buying a 5150III and it seems like a completely different amp to me. My fave is still the 6505+. In your video, my fave was the 1992. \,,/
Did you try an eq in the mh loop?
@@lovecraftmusic8717 no, I was not far enough along in my amp knowledge to try that yet. It just didn't have the balls I was hoping it had.
Yes, the 6505 and 5150III are different amps.
The 6505 is closer to a 5150 or 5150II, the 5150III on other hand has been redesigned, the stealth is from what I understand the same circuit but revoiced.
@@KahruSuomiPerkele yes, I agree. I think Kohle hit the nail on the head when he said the 5150 III sounded more hi fi. I like it a lot, but drawn back to the 6505+ more often.
@@KahruSuomiPerkele 6505 is not "closer to 5150", it literally is 5150
The Synergy 6505 module is incredible. It takes the original Peavey and EVH version and blends them to an amazing middle ground. I use it live with your DV77 IR direct into PA and its incredible.
I think they all nail the tone down, especially for music that isn't at the dark metal end of things, believe it or not. All three lack articulation, though. The EVH EL34 gives you more of the sound from the strings than all of these do, but that's the cool thing about EVH and Peavey: You can buy one and mod the hell out of it for transparency or other things for less the price of an amp like REVV, MezzaBarba, or Soldano.
As good as it sounds here, it would be even better and more accurate with a designated power amp such as the Fryette Power Station or even the Synergy power amp then it would be almost indistinguishable
Das war wirklich cool zu hören! Dass die Unterschiede so krass ausfallen, hätte ich nicht gedacht. Tolles Video, vielen Dank!
Funny, the Synergy sounded exactly as what a 5150 should sound like in my head.
Ranking:
1.Brunetti
2.
3.
4a. EVH
4b. Synergy-6505 (razor-close - might take the 4th place on its own with another poweramp)
5.
6. 6505 1992
7. Mini-Head
It's worth noting that with another cabinet/IR/whatsoever this might turn out very differently.
But in this combination I'm totally unimpressed by the "original". 😐
I don't want those mids in my house. 😤
Synergy module for the win in my book. Plus once you are in the ecosystem you open yourself up to pretty much and endless supply of amazing metal tones.
It's a great concept and a great way of switching between all kinds of flavours fast!
A lot of awesome things happening in this video. Happy to see you do this shootout as you’ve always been consistent on your feelings of these amps. And that’s awesome! It’s good to have a perspective like yours on a shootout. Love your content and love learning something from all of your videos! You’re the man! Now tell us your thoughts on 50 watt amplifiers vs 100! You seem to have a good mixture of the different sizes.
50 vs 100w is a great idea for a video! Thanks!
@@KohleAudioKult yes! I'll be on the lookout for that one!
@@KohleAudioKult that would be great. I ve try an evh 50 watt vs an 100 watt once and it wasn't a big difference but the 100 watt have a fuller and bigger low end response.
Great video. You demonstrated and explained perfectly the gripes you have so often expressed regarding the 5150/6505. Especially that direct comparison to the Brunetti in the end was an eye opener - massively underrated amp.
I am glad you mentioned the preference v. good/bad thing. In reality, outside of specific technical specs (ie - noise), there really isn’t “good” or “bad” gear. It is just preference. It is do you like the sound/workflow/etc or don’t you?
I enjoyed this man! I didn't hear a bad tone to be honest. Thanks for doing this, I know these aren't your favourite amps.
@17:49 The difference should become less noticeable in the mix when using IRs with the mini head. The output (post gain) needs to stay below the point it adds fuzz into the distortion so it hits the loadbox with the right amount of headroom and doesn't clamp on the transient. Unless you're after the fuzzy tone of course. Try it with your DV-77 IR. 🤘
Yes with IR comparaison
I love the fact that you showed these amps WITHOUT a boost. If I had a nickel for every demo that forced a TS9 in front of any of these amps, I could afford all of them for myself. I've loved discovering your content lately! Excited to see where you go. And to answer your comparison question, 1992 > Synergy/DSL > EVH > Mini Head. The "GONKGONKGONK" just gets me every time.
EVH III was my favourite.
Seemed more noisey and had more gain which may have contributed to the noise floor but overall that’s the one that speaks to my soul.
What I would like to see is a video of the same amps, with the preamps going straight to DAW with a DV77(?) IR on them - to remove the power amp differences. Would be interesting to hear how different the pres are?
🤘
Could you use something like a Precision Drive in front of the amp and put a noise gate like the Zuul or ISP Decimator in the loop?! It’s like a night and day difference and is kind of how it’s meant to be used with modern metal tones.
I just got the new 6505 II. Been recording with it and my Triple Rectifier, and they sound fucking brutal together!
That can be a good combo. Mids + Scoop
Post a vid man! I wanna get a 6505 so bad
@@KohleAudioKult yes the perfect mix on some KSE album, THE sound of the beginning of Metalcore (dual/5150)
@@TOTO-nr8vu KSE fucking slays!
Awesome video. But what really would have been an interesting comparison, is a shootout from the peavey 6505 1992 against a peavey 5150 blockletter. Since that is the reference amp for the 6505 1992.
Also it would be interesting to play the Synergy 6505 Modul over the real 6505 power amp, to see how close the Synergy Modul compares to the real preamp.
Had multiple Peavey amps and multiple 6505 amps over the years. The only Peavey I've kept long term is the JSX. I believe the 5150 has it's place and can sound great within a song. But it doesn't do it for me by itself. Whenever I record one, I tend to combine it with something. Loved the shootout. Fantastic work.
JSX is the best Peavey I’ve played hands down
Great job on the shootout video. Straight ahead presentation really showed off the character of each amp. Great job with the channel as a whole. Very informative, I enjoy watching your videos. Keep up the good work.
I don't feel the same poweramp distortion problem with my 6505MH, but it really lacks low end on high volumes. Still great for home use
Yeah it's fantastic for home use. Another nice thing is the clean and reverb. I've recently also been using it in smaller clubs mic'd, when I don't want to haul around the heavy head. Not perfect but it gets the job done for me. Another nice thing is the clean and reverb.
The 5150 stealth sounded best for Deathmetal in my opinion even better than the last amp in the video. It has that perfect scooped dark sound and still cuts through.
This is my favorite amp comparison video to date, love this format. Keep it up!!
The Peavey 6505 module features a three-position switch on the PCB, which allows you to configure the input tube bass response to match the original circuit of the selected module. This will affect the feel and tightness. Each amp designer has a specific combination of components that make up their input tube circuit. We have selected the three most popular combinations which you can access with this switch. The USA voiced modules typically use setting 1 (1.5K resistor and 22uf capacitor). British-style modules use position 2 (2.7K resistor and .68uf capacitor). The Peavey 6505, just like the Soldano and Vai modules use position 3 (1.8K resistor and 1uf capacitor)
Position 3 used in the video
I see/hear what you're talking about the mids of the 5150/6505. It definitely has its place in the metal world, especially for those who want a real raw tone. Peavey Triple xxx is one of the more clear peavey amps and doesn't have a wonk in the mids that you don't like. That might be a decent amp for you if you haven't already. Great content as usual! Keep it metal, dude!
Cranked poweramp doesn't sound too impressive itself but I think it has some potential. Try crank small poweramp(tonestack and other tone controlls - use for shaping drive)=>loadbox=>some EQ=>bigger poweramp=>cab. There's potential for a lot of fun when it comes to creating dirty, nasty sounds.
Im just happy you used the Softube Amp Collection song you wrote for this intro!
The 5150/6505 shootout I've been needing. Well done. I actually appreciate the "referee" approach as well. Unbiased but fair. Subbed. Great channel.
Thanks! Welcome!
Do you have profiles of that Brunetti on Kemper or ToneX?
Of course ;)
Once I started getting into different high gain amplifiers, I almost fell completely out of love with 5150 style amps, more specifically my Bugera 6262 Infinium. That was until I started playing Metal rhythms through the crunch channel with the gain cranked all the way up. It was an instant game changer for me.
The rhythm channel on these amps I feel are the absolute pinnacle of American high gain distortion. After I started using the rhythm channel on my Bugera I wound up using the lead channel as an actual lead channel and I haven’t looked back to using the lead channel for rhythm playing ever since. Seriously good amps and it’s no wonder why bands across the world gigged with these.
The Marshall has EL-34s correct? Bc that’s where you are getting that killer tone from! Adding the power section from the Marshall! ❤
I have the 6505 Mini Head, it is very cool to record at home, but I modded sightly the tubes, put a midgain tube and a balanced tube, so it sounds less fizzy, with more headroom, the clean is awesome now, and you can put the gain up to 4/5 without sounding muddy
Oh interesting 👍 I’ve been looking to do something similar with my 6505 MH…. Which pre amp tubes did you use ?
@@romanshredz I don't remember the exact model but I put a Tung-Sol or Sovtek 5751 on V1 to have less gain on all chanels, the cleans are so much better after that, and the Crunch and Lead are less fizzy and compressed. I changed the other preamp tubes, I put a 12AX7 Gold Pin (Electro-Harmonix or JJ tube, don't remember) on V2 and a balanced tube on V3 (which is better to send the preamp signal tu power section askip). I tried many combinasions with different brands but I think it is not very significant change to worry about this. I also tried 12AY7 tubes (low gain tubes) but the amp is weak, sounds very clean but I don't think it is good for the amp.
So :
- V1 : 5751 tube (70% gain)
- V2 : 12AX7 tube, JJ is supposed to be "warm sounding brand", EH "Gold Pin" model is more expensive but seems to have high output and low noise
- V3 : 12AX7 balanced tube
I found most of the tubes on Tube Town's website.
So i'm very happy with this amp, I can do bluesy stuff, post-rock, and metal.
For the cab I have a 2*12 with Eminence Swamp Thang 16ohms and Celestion Creamback G12H-75 16ohms on parallel.
Hope it helped. =)
@@alexandrebozier4703 that’s awesome and thanks so much for taking the time to write back with all info 👍 gonna look into getting those tubes. I really like the 6505 MH but find on higher gain settings just a bit too fizzy and muddied. This sounds exactly what I’m looking for … thanks again ! Cheers 🍻
@@romanshredz you're welcome, have you tried new tubes since my last comment ? x)
@@alexandrebozier4703 Hey dude ! No I haven’t had a chance to get around to the 6505 yet. Will look for the those tubes today ! Been busy with so much other things and a lot of my gear is in storage so can’t access it at the moment.
Was busy with a used MESA mini rectifier that I picked up recently. Damn there is a lot of gain in this beast and it’s on the nosier side for the amp floor noise on the OD channel. I swapped out the V1 with a MESA SPAX7 in V1 and lower output JJ 12AT7CZ in V3 to tame the gain. Sounds much better !
Will get around to the 6505 MH soon !!!
I like the 1992. Does have that death metal sound. Thanks!
So what do I do if I live in an apartment and play 7 strings? Head straight into interface? I know the mini has less preamp gain stages and power. I need the chord clarity thru the gain. Black metal lets me scoop the bottom end, but i’ve been trying to bring bottom end back up
You should do a follow-up to this adding in the 6505+, 6534, mesa, etc mixing and matching to isolate power amp differences
Do you notice a low end drop off with the mini? Ive noticed the smaller unbox heads always lack in that department.
Sure you have watched the video? 😇
My clear favorite is the Synergy preamp into the Marshall power amp. That sounds big, tight, clean and super crunchy. Love it.
I`d love to see you do a follow up video loading some of the current 5150/6505 guitar plugins and share your thoughts after doing this video... I am aware that the IRs will make a huge deal but I'd find it interesting to hear some of your impressions and thoughts
I own a Made in USA 6505+ and sold it when I discovered boosting the rythm channel. I bought 100 watt stealth and also own the 50 watt 6l6. Stealth is king. How can you top that.
My dude. Do you have an ohmage pref? My JMP absolutely sounds best when allowed to be at 4 ohms. My dual rec does 4,8 & 16 great but I still prefer 4 & 8 over 16. This distinction to me seems to also hold with whatever speaker I’m going into. Trouble is, I can’t tell if that part is a psychoacoustic effect. Im curious, is this an area you have thoughts on? I imagine you do.
Huge respect for the disclaimer and honesty.
Loved the content 😊. Subbed !
Great video, as always, Kohle. Would have liked to hear the Invective in the mix.
Yeah, me too! But too many amps already 🤯
How much of that big low end from the 100W amps ends up getting high passed out of a mix in the end?
Great presentation of the differences between the amps. I have a 6505mh and compared to the 5150 model in my helix it does lack low end. I just thought the helix was bassy but it makes sense as they are modelling the big amps.
Just curious, was the resonance on the Stealth opened up or closed? I put mine at 12 o'clock for a little more "chug" in the bottom end...
It was pretty wide open. Maybe 2 o'clock. Don't remember the exact setting though.
Hi Kohle, could you talk about tha bass and his signal path of your intro and your riffing of the inicial part of the video?
The riffing is the do called Grindstein don’t that I wrote when we released the Grindstein pedal.
Bass tone:
ua-cam.com/video/4oBfYbQLBPc/v-deo.html
what do you mean by 4 cable method of running preamps into the fx loop? its just 1 more cable running from preamp into the amp return and thats it
Guitar - Synergy Pre - Amp Input - Synergy Return - Amp Return
I like the 1992. It has a crispness and a slightly unhinged feeling to it. I'm curious if the V4 Kraken pedal amp suffers from the same small amp low end loss as it has a 200w class D power amp.
What tuning are you using
Nice demo, dose amp size matter when using a reactive load box and an IR? Can you get a similar sound from a small amp to a big amp?
have you tried to crank the resonance in peavey 6505MH? imo, resonance has the most control for tone's sub to low end frequency.
Yes, of course I tried everything.
I used to have a 6505+ and it was an absolute beast. I regret selling it.
I think I liked the Synergy module through the Marshall power amp the most. Still not my personal favorite type of tone for metal (I prefer Boogie or Bogner), but, they would all work (except for maybe that Mini) if well recorded and mixed. Great stuff Kohle!
Your description was spot on I agree totally 👍
I find your IRs (both Eminence and Rainbows/Chainsaws) ones of the most robust and fantastic sounding of all IRs I have used and heard. I love them and use them on all my productions (blended in many configurations). Cheers 😊
I just made a new rig, Peavey 6505, EVH 2x12 6L6, Boss HM-2 ( for chainsaw), tuned down to A, ESP non-active pick ups. 13-56 strings. Sounds insane.
I think the difference in low end between the mini and the 1992 is due to the fact that 25W isn't enough to get the cab to resonate fully. This is also one of the main differences I hear between amp sim tones and live cab tones, some live cab recordings just have a super subby rumble that I don't think amp sims quite replicate.
haha that transition from the 6505 MINI to the EVH is so awesome. @19:35
What an awesome video! Loved the EVH the most. Hopefully one day I'll be able to actually afford one 😭
I have an idea. I know you make videos more form a recording/studio side but what's your opinion about making a video about your favorite live gear(s)? Guitars, amps, cabs, pedals, different combinations.
Good idea, but I’ll leave that to the real live experts. I have spent my entire life in the studio 🤧
Great review, how about maxing out the master volumes on tube amps with the channel volumes low? i think it will be a great video between preamp and power amp volumes
Have you tried out the PRS MT15 yet Kohle?
I have tried any of the PRS amps unfortunately!
Have you heard/played a 6534+ in the past? In the mids it seems a bit more rounded and vocal, compared to a normal 5150. In Waves by Trivium features a 6534+, though the tone is kind of cold on it.
Wow the big amps really move some air, so much more extended low end. Its interesting that Marshall use 2 el34's in the power section of a lot of their 20 watt models, I wonder if this improves the lack of low end that is present in every 15-25 watt el84 based amplifier?
I mirror your thoughts exactly. I could never get along with 5150's but alot of bands I love use them. I actually am thinking about getting 6505 Synergy and love my Uberschall module but I am afraid I may not like the 6505 module due to my past experience with the amp? lol. Cannot decide between a 6505 module or the SLO one, which the SLO amp sings in the mids to me way more than anything which I agree and like. Do you like the SLO module btw? Loved your video though so excellent \m/
I’d go for the SLO but that might be just me.
Nice comparison! For me, the winner is the EVH 5150III. And here is a quick one, What do you think of the Egnater Vengeance?
Egnater? Are they still around?
@@KohleAudioKult Well, I tried one in a store near my home, so I guess they are. I just look on there site and the only Dealer in Europe is Thomann.
You should try what dimebag did with an eq before the amp
I always find I had to take out 700HZ due to the upper midrange honk, that is paired with a MESA 4x12/57 combo
If you want a more open amp just do an EQ into the loop, especially for the 6505 MH. Lot of the 1992 Charakter comes from the 6L6 power tubes.
Nice. Mich haben die Unterschiede zwischen den beiden Amps schon immer interessiert, aber keine Möglichkeit gehabt sie gegeneinander anzuspielen.
Viel Spaß!
I see you run the output volume on the Synergy module quite low. I have always felt that the modules really open more up with the volume over midway.
You always gotta find the sweetspot between preamp and power amp.
How hard you hit a power amp has a big effect on the tone.
The output of the preamp itself does NOT really make a real difference.
But yeah, of course I took care of this!
@@KohleAudioKult Agreed on the power amp interaction, I was not criticizing your comparison, I just own a large collection of modules and have felt they had a sweet spot on the volume out that I would balance with the Preamp host shroud volume into the power amp. Some modules can also be way hotter than others.
TBH I found that the Peaveys just need mods, the circuit is really dialed for early 90s Ed. It's got some dropping resistors pre-tonestack that really make it sag and make the tonestack not do much, on top of the power amp using a dropping resistor instead of a choke between the plate and screen nodes of the power supply. It's loose and spongy because that's how Ed wanted it. Side note: He was playing Soldanos at the time.
Thanks for explaining the nutty gritty. Gotta say, I like how the 6505s sag a bit. If I want uber tight with no chew, I'd go solid state.
@@WholeLottaBulldog the mods don't make it behave like a solid state at all, just better.
EVH 100w stealth has a secret function. If you are in the red channel, the gain pot of blue channel is in function. If you turn blue gain all the way up it will cuts the bass before distortion and it adds more distortion (something like treble pots on marks from mesa) if you turn it down it has opossite effect. So with the blue gain pot you can change the red channel gain character. Same character as original 5150 III (or 50w versions) I got when blue gain pot was on 3.5.
Really? I gotta try that!
@@KohleAudioKult when is blue gain on 10 it's tight almost same as boosted 6505 with tube screamer. And if you use a tube screamer with stealth where is blue gain pot on 10. It's not usable and it's too much and sound "slides" instead of cutting.
I remember commenting on a video of yours a few years back or more about the 5150. And how you weren’t a huge fan of it.
I personally have the 5150 block letter and the iconic. But I would have to say from this video the synergy was my favorite.
To my ears (with headphones) the EVH rules the roost here. I've never been a big fan of the 5150 amps overall, but I'm learning how well they can sit in a mix. I recently picked up the Bogren Ampknob plug-in 3pk out of sheer curiosity and I'm really digging it paired with a Dual Rec. 🤘
A cheap transistor amp with a 10 inch speaker, a Metal Zone and a EQ-7 will get you *any* metal tone you could possibly want. Or you could use the DS-1 instead of the metal zone, any type of dirt really, EQ is where tones are made.
Was using rack stuff in the late 90s and tried a 5150 then but didn´t like it...and it still has that tone I don´t love. I hate the need to dial out the mids for a tight tone... it lacks pressure then. I think I want my mids around 250Hz and not over 300Hz maybe...just estimated. The EVH sounded slightly better for me and Synergy maybe best although rack preamps etc. mostly feel a little less dynamic etc. but maybe good controlled and tighter. It is funny that the taste mostly doesn´t change so much over the years and I never loved the standard stuff everyone was using. Today I have a fully tuned H410 for Hardrock and a Revv Generator 120 for metal...but maybe more to come! Thanks for great comparison!!!
I have a US Peavey 6505+ and a EVH5150III 50 Stealth, each has its particularities and I find them in this video. I use both for my records, the 6505+ for crunch tones and some leads, the EVH for high-gain rhythm guitars and some lead too. I like the mids from the 6505+ to give some warm to the sound, and the modern tightness of the EVH to bring aggressivity and depth to extreme riffs. Also, I like a lot mix these amps (particularly the EVH) with a Dual Rectifier. For punchy & detailed quad guitars records, it's unbeatable !
The Synergy/Marshall combo sounds like it has more presence. Is that control on the Marshall still available?
Yes. It's a very different presence from the 5150s though.
Marshall sits somehow deeper and has less rattle. Difficult to "match" this.
2 things from my extensive use of 5150s since before they were cool! The PV really doesn’t like EMGs. Of course plenty have used it but maybe it’s why you have the treble jacked up so high. It seems to not have the highs come thru.
Also, the DV77 with the 5150 and 5153 which I still have both, just exacerbated those mids that you don’t like. We like what we like, but that speaker with the 5150 was a 100% “No go” for me
Best 5150/6505?... It's between the Victory super kraken and Peavey invective 120.
EVH 5150 Stealth all day for me! Such a killer, modern sound. The Synergy preamp also sounds great! But the Brunetti XL sounded fantastic! (too bad its emulation in TH-U isn't as good)
Yes!!! That's the best I've ever heard the 5150 explained. They don't sing at all. Love that Brunetti, sell a capture of that amp for ToneX!!!
Also yes, everyone buy the DV77 IR pack, it really is worth the money!!!
The 5150 III is an amp I bought on a whim because I wanted something heavier than my orange or15. It has somehow become top 3 favorite Amps to use. However, I’m a rhythm player so I totally get your logic of the mids could sing a little more. Still love it
low end takes more energy per perceived doubling in volume than mids or highs. This is why amps with a big power section tend to have a more solid low end
That 6505 Synergy module is just SICK! (in a good way, LOL).
Loved the Brunetti!
That's why i love the synergy 6505 module... need to get it, but like you said.... that uberschall and pitbull are so freaking good
Indeed! Very versatile combo.
@KohleAudioKult honestly can get some ridiculous cleans and dirty cleans from pitbull, and my favorite high gain with a boost in front. Uberschall is an absolute animal especially with the cathode switch in the middle position
Would’ve loved to have heard the Synergy going through several different power amps
Why did you not pump up the bass and/or resonace in the "mini" to compensate? same with other amps to match them better. At least to show how it still wouldn't sound right. Thanks for these videos anyway!
Because it don't work. It just sounded farty to add more bass.
Maybe more presence on the Marshall power amp might get it closer.
What about a full video on the Brunetti ?! :D
I’m gonna do a video about both my Brunettis hopefully soon! Stay tuned!
interesting ! Thank you
I wonder how could Eddie (R.I.P.) fell in love with that lower midrange scoop and upper midrange boost, but then again his more classic tones do sound like that.
Interesting how much better that 5150 preamp sounds thru the Marshall power amp.
Damn, this is awesome! I am curious as to why you ran the synergy into another amp when you might have been able to run it into the power amp of the 5150 you were comparing it too? If that was possible, wouldn't that provide a better comparison? I know you mentioned that different power amps help shape the tone, but I'm still curious. Thanks!
That would have been the other option. But since this is the exact same Peavey 6505 preamp I thought it was more interesting to hear it through another power amp (which is also why people buy Synergy in the end).
@@KohleAudioKult I run the Synergy ENGL Savage module through a Fryette PS100 then through a 412 with 2 DV77s/2V30s. It sounds rather amazing. After seeing this shootout, I'll be adding the 6505 module to the arsenal.
What is missing here is the blue/rythm channel of each amp. Especially in stealth it's the best sounding channel.
I liked the synergy preamp with the Marshall amp out of the Peavys.