PEAVEY 5150 vs 5150 II | Which One Is Better?

[@MadDrummer100000]

This is the best channel in existence for 80’s and 90’s guitar gear fanatics.

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Oh wow thanks! Glad to hear!

[@Charlie_Alpha_Echo]

I love the “woofie” lower guy-punching character of the original amp. The 5150 II is a tighter amp. I use the original 5150 for recording and the 5150 II for live gigs (the separate eq is more useful in a live setting). 💡

[@countzero5150]

I always liked the original 5150 more than the 5150-2. I found it to just be a little meaner, a little more wild. Made it a lot of fun to play. The rumor I heard is that when they made the 5150 2x12 combo they made some changes to it and Ed liked it more, so his personal 5150s were modded after the fact to reflect the combo and the 5150-2 was based on his modded 5150s. Of course that might all be nonsense, James Brown would be the one to ask though.

[@eliTebouncer89]

James Brown actually discussed precisely that under at least one of the EVH 5150 Iconic Combo reviews. He's quite active in terms of explaining the thoughts/knowledge and the history of the 5150 variants in general that he poured into those amps.

[@dennis_the_menace583]

Wow. I didn’t know that. I always thought the 1 was wilder with gain/low end and the 2 was tighter all around. I also questioned myself thinking it’s in my head because they are the same except for the added eq and we all know each amp sounds a tiny bit different too. This includes the new amp 1992 vs 2 to my ears anyways. Thanks for the information. 😊

[@Charlie_Alpha_Echo]

I’m still waiting for a video of you playing a Bill Lawrence pickup through a Peavey 5150!!! 🤘🏼

[@cutoffguitar]

Your tone always sounds br00tal, thank you for the video! I have a 6505 and I know I have made the right choice. The original sounds chunkier than the II.

[@kimseniorb]

its the other way around actually. the OG is looser but thicker and more aggressive and raw. the II is essentially same thing but with a low cut pre eq, so you get a tighter quacky quality but no low end weight and thickness, less gain since there’s less energy hitting the tubes. there’s an easy 2 point mod to make them the same actually. I’ve got the II and always get tired of its “boosted” cocked wah sound tbh.

[@robertritzenthaler3775]

Negligible difference that could be adjusted for by the amp’s dials.

[@EugeValovirta230V]

👌

[@kimseniorb]

nope, it absolutely cannot be adjusted. its actually a mod to the original. different components filter out a lot of low end to get that fast and tight attack, essentially a pre eq. you can’t bring it back with the tonestack (post eq). its the same amp so they sound similar, but its a permanent mod, I wish they’d just did a switch from the factory because I kinda want mine to have both options but can’t be assed to mod it

[@fsharp6857]

@EugeValovirta230V Did you ever play a Peavey Triple XXX? If yes, how does that compare to a 5150 or a JCM800 in your opinion? The tone stack is active and therefore a little tricky to dial in. Would be awesome if you could do a video on the XXX in comparison to other amps and your thoughts how to dial it in properly. Cheers mate! BTW: in my opinion your vids and you sharing your professional knowhow is benchmark!! Thank you for this! 🙏

[@EugeValovirta230V]

I haven’t. Thanks!

[@Kathayne636]

Just want to add that something as simple as how you point to which amp (every single time) is getting signal is so helpful.

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Thanks!

[@MetalKillsRap2]

I had both and sold the 5150. 5150 II owns the original. Just better overall.

[@runxzze123]

sounds epic, i love both.

[@jhonpasquez6145]

Hey euge, just bought a used 5150ii. I hope it sounds as killer as you make them sound.🤟

[@greg24hoareau]

Great vid! The main problem with the 5150 2 for me is the input of the footswitch...The 1st one had a jack and twas easier to control the channels with a tc electronics gmajor...

[@brandonbryson3317]

Gotta have both! I like the plus for lower tunings and more aggressive styles and the regular for like C# or D standard and up.

[@EugeValovirta230V]

😎🤟

[@Deichwerkstatt]

Awesome! Would you make a video with a MXR 5150 Overdrive Pedal into the 1987X Plexi? That would be cool! I could borrow you a OD for a video

[@lesterksi4521]

All 5150s are awesome, good value for money. The people's champion. Great video!

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Indeed. Thanks!

[@shane_tan]

hi，the riff start at 1:06 would u please tell me the name of the song？ very very thanks

[@EugeValovirta230V]

It’s the chorus riff of the song I wrote for this video 👌.

[@TheOtherJohnBrowne]

Great video. Really, really hard to pick a favourite when strictly speaking tone. I think I slightly prefer the 5150 II. Obviosly the additional EQ controls make it more practical too. The real take away is, I need a VR1 mic 😂

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Thanks man! Indeed. Yeah it’s awesome paired with a 57 and it actually works well by itself. It’s like a Royer 121 but more ”open” top. To me it has the best qualities of condenser & ribbon mics; the fattness & smoothness of a ribbon and the silky top of a condenser.

[@riffmondo9733]

I love my ‘98 OG block letter combo.

[@LucasLeCompteMusic]

BLock letter combos are like the 5150 1.5. IT has its own sound that is different than the block and the II.

[@greg24hoareau]

Only signature combo dudes, no Block lettrr combo...The combo is the reason why the 5150 2 was created..Eddie loved its tightness and asked j.Brown to mod the 1st version of the head.

[@scottbarnez]

im a peavey 5150ii owner, thanks for the 5150i v 5150ii comparison!

[@valeruganua9407]

Hi! Check up two identical amps. I guess they sounds lil bit diferent.

[@kalebaldwin5398]

One could really have the ultimate setup with these four Peavey amps: 1. Classic 50 for bluesy clean/broken up tones. 2. 5150 II (rhythm channel with crunch mode) for Marshall-ish crunch. 3. Ultra series or Triple XXX for both pristine clean and super tight high gain. 4. Standard 5150 for super chunky high gain and lead tones.

[@donsmith5385]

Yup! I will take both! They really compliment each other, to me it’s a tie.

[@cmd_f5]

I like the OG for its huge mids. It's not always the right tool for the job, but no denying when those chugs kick in or some beast leads happen. The II is good for tighter stuff, but I don't like it as much. If I'm picking one, it's the blockletter. Can always tweak with pedals though I know some peeps like a cleaner rig/all the distortion is amp distortion in other words. Cheers Euge

[@specialman1471]

Great video! It's a pity that the comparison does not include a third 5150 amp with a signature

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Thanks! I used to have also two of those in the 90s and it’s the exact same amp. The only difference is the signature instead of the EVH letters.

[@K707OR30]

Same circuit between block letter and signature, James Brown has said as much. They had to stop using the block letter EVH logo because electro-voice sent peavey a cease and desist. No changes actually occurred in the circuit. Purely cosmetic change.

[@kalebaldwin5398]

I can’t imagine needing more gain than what the rhythm channel/crunch mode on these with a boost in front can do. That’s for my style, though. I don’t play super heavy stuff.

[@MardeXa]

It's hard to tell the difference with KZbin video & audio compression but I can hear 5150 II sounds a bit darker which I do prefer more.

[@philippeackermann9600]

Really cool amp. Love your videos. Would like some more information what kind of speakers you are using. Real miked ones or are you using IRs?

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Glad to hear thanks! The info is on every video but real miked cabs.

[@philippeackermann9600]

Thank you. My fault. KZbin glitch. I was on the wrong Video ;). But that is why your Channel is so good. That you mention exactly what gear and Signal Chain you use.

[@bjstein4242]

EV.. nice vid as usual.. do you think the mods to your OG are making a difference?.do you know if the 5150 ii is cold biased like the OG or is it set proper.. I believe you have your OG biased mod?..and can you place the Freyette in the loop of the amp switcher so that all amps are attenuated?..I have a PS2 and should get the KHE for it so I don't have to go nuts switching cables all day on my amps..cheers!!

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Thanks! Both are 100% stock so no mods at all. My OG had a choke and bias mod when I bought but I like it much more bone stock: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqiTeZivhNJmoc0si=cEWQ2Mnp3zpmQ5Wt. You just put the PS2 between your cab and KHE.

[@milsamilsa-is8uv]

I wonder how new 6505 behaves vs OG 5150. Can you get new Peavey?

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Me too. On it.

[@Kathayne636]

I can't get used to amps with shared EQ for all channels. It seems to cause me to endlessly fiddle and add pedals to get it right.

[@jesterraj]

Can the same tube screamer and 5150 setup be used in a modeler ?

[@SadLonelyEmo161]

the loudspeaker make the biggest tonal difference than the amp at last the pickup ( if humbucker) at singel coil ist speaker pickup and than amp is these correct?

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Yes the cab/speaker and microphones to capture the whole shebang makes the biggest difference.

[@John_Doe657]

To me the Peavey sound tighter and more focused. I like the other one better, sounds a bit warmer.

[@Waywardelements]

How on earth is the post set so high without blowing your house down?

[@brandonbryson3317]

Euge, you ever play a Splawn Quickrod?

[@EugeValovirta230V]

I haven’t.

[@attetanskanen7001]

I like 5150 more. 🤘 But still my absolute favourite for heavier metal is Peavey 6505+ Nice video and good playing!

[@EugeValovirta230V]

That’s funny ’cos 6505+ is 5150 II. Just named differently after EVH left Peavey. Just like 6505 is 5150. Thanks!

[@attetanskanen7001]

@@EugeValovirta230V Oh, I didn't know that nor checked it out. Yeah 5150 II is my favourite for heavier metal 🙂🤘 My bad you're right, I was wrong. I could argue with this but it doesn't lead anywhere because we got facts. It's also funny that 5150 II appeared after I commented to your Machine Head video. Anyways, thanks for information and as always, keep rockin you're awesome man!

[@acbenitez3614]

They won't sound identical, not even two of the same, necessarily exactly, but to the average ear they sure rock out great sizzle drive. It's in your hands' nuances too.

[@kimseniorb]

they have different circuitry. 5152 has low end filtered out considerably

[@ArtForm77]

Randall century 💪💀🤘

[@riangarianga]

Subtle differences, but probably not negligible. It can't be argued the 5150II is a more flexible tool. According to my taste, I preferred the original 5150's lead channel, I felt it had a richer sound. No wonder why it's a legendary amp. But when you landed in crunch territory the 5150II won for me. My personal preference when approaching high gain is crunch + boost, I feel it's more dynamic and controllable than a lead channel (because I'm just a sloppy player), and the 5150II seemed to do that better. Before watching the video I was ready to prefer the original 5150, but facts are facts. 😂

[@dalejacksonmo]

Really cant go wrong with any Peavey Tube Amp...there the original usa heavy metal amp and of course then soldano and mesa

[@AleCab2]

I love these videos but getting a 5150 is really hard

[@kimseniorb]

it’s probably modded it sounds very close. should be noticeably more chuggy than the OG. almost cocked wah kind of chuggy edit yeah I kinda hear that mid roar though. definitely not modded.

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Both are stock 👌.

[@gilbertostefan]

The 5150 4 me, please👍☠️

[@JohnWiku]

5150 4 is the iconic 😂😂

[@gilbertostefan]

@@JohnWiku so... the one at the top 😅

[@sinkingzero08]

The differences are so miniscule and negligable that it dont even matter. Even less so in the context of a full mix.

[@conrauxyann5398]

More mids with 5150II, more bite with 5150...

[@EugeValovirta230V]

👌

[@matttaylor1449]

5150 sound = more fun 5150II sound = more professional

[@snowandcoal]

kakkonen on ykkönen

[@michaelbrodsky]

Too many knobs

[@AlexandreCriado]

95% same, no real difference you would hear on stage or in a mix.

[@EugeValovirta230V]

👌