50W Vs 100W Pros and Cons

[ozzycriss]

Im at a stage that i guess many have gone thru , what to get a 50watt or 100 watt plexi .

So i thought i would ask those here for there views , any and all input will be a huge help .

I personaly like 70s hard rock ect so want a fair amount of gain

Cheers to all

[neikeel]

Buy the 100watt MV kit with an effects loop kit, but put a PPIMV on the back too

Sorted

[Cabbagebreeze]

Build a 50W kit, but use a 100W PT. You'll be amazed.

[Danhalen]

The 50w compresses more and earlier. Personally, compared to the 100w I think it sounds a bit better for semi-clean on the edge of break-up type sounds (my favourite). It's still really punchy but gets that nice tiny bit of "bouncy" compression before getting really distorted. The 100w compresses later and gets that bit of "bouncyness" when it is quite dirty, which is a fantastic sound. A cranked 50 is pretty compressed sounding and not as punchy or clear as a cranked 100. It sounds great for leads though and sustains like crazy and can be coaxed into beautiful feedback very easily. Basically if you want a really tight loud clean sound or really defined and very dirty sound go for the 100 and don't look back. If you want a semi clean/distorted sound with lots of character with your guitar volume back a bit that gives way to sustain/feedback when you crank up your guitar than go for the 50. In my not so humble opinion of course.

[6burgh]

I'll offer my 2 cents from a 'long-time player, but only recently-hooked amp guy' perspective. If you're looked for the 70's tone with the gnarly, angry punch like Zeppelin, The Who, etc., then definitely go with the 100W. It has more headroom and roars a bit more. That said, the 50s that I've hear sound a bit more fat (if that's the right word) with a little more 'singing' to its voice.

One sings, one screams. It's all about what you're after.

Oh and I'll offer my amp perspective: SDM has an awesome 1959-2203 switchable diagram on his site that gives you both the plexi classic tone as well as the 2203 'gain-heaven' that comes from cascading V1a and V1b. Not a difficult mod. And definitely get the Lar/Mar PPIMV, you'll want that. Good luck!

[ozzycriss]

Can you direct me to SDMs site

The 1959-2203 switchable diagram sounds like i want , then i can have the best of both worlds . Is it usable on the 50watt and 100 watter .

Im still debating what i should get 50 or 100 watts of metro goodness

Thanx so much

[jbzoso2002]

I recomend....................................



BOTH!

Get the 50Watt 1st there a little more practical,
but the 100watters have there own sound too.

So get both.

Jimmy

[Roe]

Danhalen gives an excellent description

[jbzoso2002]

Danhalen gives an excellent description

Yes I agree, very well put.................BUT GET BOTH!!



Jimmy

[Danhalen]

Or if you want the BEST semi-clean sound and still pretty decent lead sound, get a JTM 45/100. I know Roe will support me on that one (and eventually I will take my own advice here!)

[toner]

Danhalen gives an excellent description

+1
but keep in mind that most of the differences between 50's and 100's only happen when they're cranked.

SDM site: http://home.comcast.net/~mamp17/index.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The cascade mod works on both. It's just in the preamp.

What are some recordings or players that you like? That will help people advise you.

[Roe]

Or if you want the BEST semi-clean sound and still pretty decent lead sound, get a JTM 45/100. I know Roe will support me on that one (and eventually I will take my own advice here!)

the semi-clean is absolutely great. it also gives great lead tones if you like EC/Cream, Free/kossoff ac/dc/angus/high voltage record