HEAD TO HEAD - PRS MT15 vs Archon 50 - Bigger = Chuggier?

[@bradenbaker3633]

I don’t think there’s a better sounding amp for the price than the MT15. Keeps up with my more expensive heads just fine!

[@kasakka]

It's good sounding but flawed. Bad master volume taper, way too much gain on the lead channel so the gain control range goes to "adds more noise" territory pretty quickly.

[@belligerentamateur]

I like the tone on the EVH LBX amps a little more, BUT, the MT15 full size tubes are what really puts it ahead for me

[@wolfhorsky]

@@kasakka Just add eq pedal in the loop and set level low, so that volume jump will not be the problem. Also I like to cut 800 Hz a bit to get the sound more of MB Mark.

[@kraken8159]

MT-15 all the way! For the price and darkness to the sound and depth the amp has. Can’t beat it. Can’t wait to hear the MT-100!!!!🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@lordgraga]

Great demo. The Archon has a slightly Marshall-y character and raspyness that I really like. It's a much richer amp in terms of overtones, but that can also give it slightly less cut. The MT15 has this 5150 saturated "focus" no matter where you set it, but it also feels a little flatter, and to (to my ears) a little less musical. For anything but ultra modern metal, I'd go with the Archon.

[@DontWorryImAPilot]

I hear the MT15 and want to EQ out some low mids and lows and push a little more mids...and then you switch to the Archon and it's what I want in my clients' mixes. I hope you get a chance to compare a new Archon with your older one! Thanks for rippin' these videos!

[@wolfhorsky]

Fun fact: MT15 in reality is putting out about 25-30W. There's a vid on YT about it. Cheers.

[@SyzygyEmbrace]

Funnier fact: the amp original design was meant to be 50w

[@barrygomez5968]

Wow 40k! 🎉 Didn't even notice that dude! Congratulations

[@justinfredericks2786]

Nice job!! Thx for the apples to apples comparison. I was on the fence between the two but thx to your demonstration I feel like for price and that chucky metal sound the MT15 is the best option

[@Alfgunnarp]

I actually adore the clean channel on the MT15, Strat neck pickup heaven!

[@kevindavid37]

I really love your videos man. You‘re always trying to compare things as scientifically correct as it gets, but with the heart and real life setup of a guitarist. And you‘re always honest and fair towards the product itself.

[@belligerentamateur]

Thank you, man! Appreciate that feedback and glad you're enjoying my take on things!

[@kevindavid37]

The MT15 just sounds so much better. Considering the price tag it really is a no brainer. Coming from a guy who likes the Archon. ✌️

[@bobwalters9151]

The archon to me, has more clarity and mid-range punch! In a mix that's what you want. You don't want your guitar to have too much low end thump to it..

[@nafis6668]

I concur, that mid punch is what makes the guitar sounds beefier in the mix. The guitar won't "dissappear" when the snare hits. More note definition , as its easier to recognise what note is played.

[@billyeisner4998]

I was surprised more people preferred the MT15 (at least based on the video). I’m not sure if you’ve ever used a sonic maximizer, but it is accurately described as “lifting a blanket off your speakers”. To me the MT15 sounds like the archon with a blanket over the speakers. 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@mjbdough7920]

You almost have to scoop the mids and push the treble a bit on the Archon to hear the upper mids. I swear scooping the mids boosts the lows and pushes the upper mids on the Archon. Weird but I love it!

[@BruceKnouseMusic]

Both are honestly brighter than I expected

[@derekperry2142]

Hey Kyle thank you you were right about my mt 15 ,tube wasn’t seated Im really digging it now thanks for your help 🤘it’s sounds knarley now

[@belligerentamateur]

Nice! Glad to hear it!

[@くそ漫画ポプ子]

Hey kyle, I just want to thank you,because this video I finally bought mt15, it’s really good amp,thank you make this video help me make right choice suit for me,really thanks

[@belligerentamateur]

Awesome! Hope you love it!

[@DJ33]

Thrash did you just play the intro after the intro!! F’n love it!!!

[@belligerentamateur]

Hahaha, riffception

[@bigmike9527]

Killer video and killer playing 🤘.you really dug in on this one 🤘🤘.god damned that 15 watt little bastard sounded amazing 🔥

[@daryldesjardins]

Great Video ... Up here in Canada .... we say the Mt15 HAS MORE BALLS !!!!!!!

[@davel_ggw]

Archon, all day (and I would say get that master up a bit, and the gain too). But, the MT15 sounds good too, and very similar for sure.

[@dyonight]

at 11m27, it was pretty cool to hear the room sound! Could be nice to have more of those!

[@langy8525]

I love the MT15. My favourite amp however I can’t wait for the MT100 to come out!

[@gbrielf.9195]

If it does

[@langy8525]

@@gbrielf.9195 it will. Mark has got it at his place at the moment. Will be a 3 channel amp. He’s dialled in the clean and hi gain channels. He is currently trying to dial in the crunch channel. They aim to release it for this years NAMM

[@belligerentamateur]

I hope it drops like....this century! Lol

[@michaelbarber590]

The MT15 took almost 20 prototypes to get it just right and it was obviously worth the wait. The reason the MT100 is taking so long is because they're actually trying to voice the clean channel to sound as close as possible to Mark Tremonti's 3 favorite Dumble amplifiers, which as you may know are among the rarest, most sought after and most expensive boutique amps ever made, so I personally have no problem waiting for them to get it right, because if they can pull that off, it will be legendary.

[@jroc6166]

​@@gbrielf.9195It finally is

[@MrGibspoon]

I bought an MT15 a few weeks back. It sounded incredible. Definitely the best amp I’ve had as far as sound goes. Unfortunately, the effects loop tube failed after a week. I’ve just returned it and waiting on an Archon 50 Mk2 arriving on my doorstep. It will be interesting to see how it stacks up against the MT15. It sounded sooooo good, especially running my Seymour Duncan Killing Floor into the front of it. After listening to the times you got I was almost regretting ordering the Archon….right until the last riff you played. The MT15 sounds too harsh in the trebles compared to the Archon. But as always, hard to judge after KZbin has had its wicked way.

[@mitchdeathblossom]

Archon all day, better to have those mids there in a mixing situation. MT15 is killer for its size but it still doesnt trump the EVH LBX for tone. Good vid my dude!

[@paisteplayer1040]

I had an archon 50 head sold it, still have my mt15, got mine used for $560 with a mt15 cabinet so about $360 for the head, a damn steal.

[@danielanderson8502]

The MT15 is one of the amps I’m looking at. I like how you compared the two. I have two Mesa cabs (one custom ordered by me) but have been amp less for awhile. Thanks for the comparison! Mark the MT15 on the “Made it to the finals” list!

[@belligerentamateur]

Dude, it punches way above it's weight, IMO! I wish it had more string clarity, but otherwise, tonally brilliant!

[@danielanderson8502]

Besides the PRS, I like the EVH LBX, and the mini Mesa Recto. I did try a Mesa F30, and I have to say, I was FLOORED on the gain! There was really good string definition (I will use weird chords to accent parts and that Mesa handles it!) I come from the Old school Thrash/Death Metal as influences (I started playing in 1989) And a full size head is completely overkill (especially at 2am when you wake up with a riff in your head and want to track it before you forget it 🤣)

[@chrissullivan7234]

In the beginning, you said you left the bright switch on the Archon on. Could that explain the bigger mids?

[@MrDISTORT6]

2 guitar band, MT15. Single guitar band, Archon. To my ears. Both sound great.

[@belligerentamateur]

I agree

[@cristguit]

o canal é legal, detalhado e com muito boa captação do audio. Na minha critica construtiva so faltou SOLOS para ter maior dimensão do som das notas sozinhas e não somente nos acordes

[@chaoschaoforever]

I really like the Archon, I've always wanted to play another one since I first tried one but GOD DAMN that MT15 is just absolutely nasty. It almost kinda reminds me of a Rectifier with that low end which kinda makes sense considering Tremonti's history with Rectifiers (and Ubershalls which he used to combine).

[@belligerentamateur]

Yep, I heard both amps were modeled around the combination of those two!

[@chaoschaoforever]

@@belligerentamateur I don't know about the Archon as being modeled after the Recto and Ubershall (since I only played it once) but I can definitely hear it in the MT15, at least for the Rectifier half. Admittedly I kinda don't know too much about Ubershalls as I've never had the chance to play one.

[@Vegenks]

Ya this was I was looking for 😎

[@iwannarockon2010]

They both sound great! 🤘

[@belligerentamateur]

Agreed!

[@JoelCSabo]

I'm watching this video for the...fourth time maybe and a thought happened. I own an MT15 and like it quite a bit these days. I play it through the matched V30-loaded Tremonti 1x12 cab all the time. A dew days ago I gave it another shot with my DV-77 1x12. My MT15 through my DV-77 sounds more than a little like the Archon does through your Mesa cab in terms of being darker, smoother, and more round. I'm wondering if my perception would hold true in a comparison of MT15 + DV-77 and Archon + V30. I don't expect I'll ever find out but it is a thought and I needed to get it "out there." Keep doing what ya do, pard.

[@belligerentamateur]

Perd? Perd Hapley?

[@JoelCSabo]

@@belligerentamateur I am grateful that I get the joke here. My elliptical pause was me being uncertain about how many times I've seen this now, but I rep a Parks and Rec poster on my wall.

[@forrestperkins6237]

Nice vids man, subbed.

[@belligerentamateur]

Appreciate you!

[@くそ漫画ポプ子]

Very useful compare video to help me choose which one amp fit for me Very Thanks man

[@AngryTonesRiffClips]

Excellent video Kyle

[@belligerentamateur]

Thanks Greg! Appreciated!

[@jaredkemp1379]

MT15 is an awesome amp. With this comparison I too lean more towards the MT15 over the Archon50. 🤘🏽🤘🏽

[@lowqualityguitarvideos]

Very similiar. I think in a loud mix the headroom and mids on the Archon would be useful, but in a mic'd or recording situation that MT15 brings the beef.

[@jimlucero2267]

What pickups do you have in that amazing Silverburst? Great channel man

[@belligerentamateur]

Thanks man! Duncan Full Shred in the bridge!

[@jimlucero2267]

@@belligerentamateur Awesome! Thanks for the reply!

[@Dudesbrewsguitarreviews]

I put a bigger transformer in mine and made it a 50 watt. It’s massive.

[@NVZBrasil]

Awesoman. how much did you spend on this project?

[@Dudesbrewsguitarreviews]

@@NVZBrasil it was 250 to convert it. It was WORTH IT

[@progrocker84]

@@Dudesbrewsguitarreviews would love to hear samples of the mod.

[@JC-nu5io]

How complex was the operation?

[@Dudesbrewsguitarreviews]

@@JC-nu5io I had a friend do it. Seemed to take him about 30 min. He switched out the transformer and re biased it and that was it

[@ericsmith6633]

Hey man, that amp switcher, how much are one of those? Is it easy to use?

[@belligerentamateur]

Hey dude! They're $270, and incredibly easy to use! I love it!

[@mattloughran9445]

Just tried the Archon 50. Interesting that an amp designed for metal is so midrange heavy. I got some great old metal tones by scooping the mids and the clean channel was nice and Fender clean...

[@pedrolourenco2707]

dont get me wrong, but you dont know how to EQ a tube amp! @ 7 minutes, bring the treble up a bit, and cut presence on the MT15. it will bring those mid treble frequencies you're looking for. Guitar Tone stack are interactive knobs, bringing up treble always brings more mid treble. The presence focus on the highs/hiss! Nice video though!

[@belligerentamateur]

I think I got you wrong, whoops!

[@gregmccandlessmusic]

Yeah it’s like Tremonti went to Paul and said “I like what you’re doing but mix in like 30% dual rectifier” and voila- MT15.

[@buckybond2468]

I just bought one of the new Archon 50 combos so I have something I can just grab and go. This is a good shootout but from the audio I hear on the recording the Archon seems more articulate and detailed because of the mid focus, the mt15 is definitely more of a metal tone. Bother seem like viable amps.

[@TONEWARSgearshow]

Is this the American made Archon?

[@belligerentamateur]

It is, my man! The new ones haven't hit the streets yet.

[@noctisnoctua48]

My earballs prefer what I'm hearing from the Archon. The Archon sounds fuller, like it will have a few more concubines in the afterlife than the MT15. Like six or seven.

[@belligerentamateur]

At Least 5

[@fullmetalsal]

Can you recommend a product that allows two amps in to one cab simultaneously cheers!

[@traceyoungs1637]

The archon sounds a little solid state-ish in comparison to the MT15

[@derekperry2142]

I currently use podgo archon model and I love it

[@belligerentamateur]

Is that a Plugin?

[@derekperry2142]

@@belligerentamateur no it’s like the helix same software in a smaller simpler device

[@freezingCode]

Did they change the Archon 50? Everything I see on the internet shows the controls and the mesh grill flipped compared to yours. Both sound great, but agree the Mt15 seems to be more aggressive.

[@andrewpiercy4949]

Yes they changed it. Tubes are different and made overseas now.

[@formedoutofchaosambientgui5382]

does the archon sound better at lower volumes sometimes the MT gets to loud and plays horrible at lower levels talking dirty channel

[@MetalheadOv666]

Get an attenuator or volume pedal in the fx loop

[@charbonneauguitars2124]

Have you tested the Marshall DSL 20 watts head?

[@belligerentamateur]

I have! I currently own one, actually! Great amp, and it will be making an appearance on the channel very soon

[@butcher_0392]

Very good comparison I much prefer MT15 over Archon 50 Kyle please Head To Head EVH 5150 lll Stealth 50W and PRS MT15.

[@TheCyberMantis]

The EVH smokes the MT15.

[@butcher_0392]

@@TheCyberMantis Well, nothing can be assured, I really like the Stealth from what I have heard, but that rabid little monster MT15 kills most of the heads, which is placed in front of it. Let's hope that Kyle gives us that gift soon, so we can get rid of doubts.

[@TheCyberMantis]

@@butcher_0392 Okay, watch and see. The Stealth will win.

[@belligerentamateur]

If the people want it, it shall be done!

[@butcher_0392]

@@belligerentamateur Thanks Kyle you are the best

[@beanapalooza6614]

DUDE KYLE DUDEEE I GOTS ME Q OF DEM MT 15!!! IT IS the LOUDESTT 15 EVER ITS EXTREMELY EXTREME!! I LIKE IT I LOVE IT ..... umm I want some more...of it 😕😜😁

[@belligerentamateur]

What the fuck just happened?

[@beanapalooza6614]

@@belligerentamateur lol sorry brother I get carried away sometimes!! Especially when. Mark Tremonti is Involved 🤣 love your channel!! Thank you for 6 to 45 mins of happiness !!! You ROCk!! Fan from Alabama!!

[@AazDev]

👏👏👏

[@davidbucket]

I love my prs mt15

[@metalsnake3557]

Archon is a beast. I want to preorder the new Archon but I cant knowing the 50 watt stealth is out there. Heres an idea get both lol. I need to get over my fear of buying a different style amp

[@belligerentamateur]

ALWAYS get both!

[@mbeckwith7514]

@@belligerentamateur would you say the stealth and Archon are in the same territory? Or would the Archon still be a bit darker than the stealth?

[@jerryshott9736]

Great video. Is anyone having noise issue from the loop in either of the amps

[@chrismenza7023]

I think the Archon always sounds flatter

[@Nick-Cain]

mt15 all day

[@mikeflanders1292]

I do NOT need an mt15. I have way better amps. But.... I feel the irresistible urge to buy one. Ugh. Talk me out of it!! Lol

[@belligerentamateur]

Here's me talking you out of it......get one.

[@metalfather8139]

Mt 15 amazing for the $ archon 2 shines in recording metal guitar

[@chrismenza7023]

Honestly I think the mt15 sounds more crispy. With better highs

[@psyopus1981]

mt15 ftw

[@steveweilhart2359]

I gotta say the archon -

[@massttrshrdrharmonicminor2002]

Not gonna lie. Mt15

[@vincelupone]

Are you wearing a romper?

[@belligerentamateur]

Are you not?

[@rmg222]

I always hear some Iced Earth/Jon Schaffer vibes, is he an influence in you?

[@belligerentamateur]

I'm not gonna lie, I've honestly never listened to them

[@joecharpentier6636]

The archon absolutely killed the mt15. Night and day. Archon is refined and tight.

[@kow294]

Prefer the archon, but with the price the mt 15 is hard to beat really..

[@belligerentamateur]

Agreed on the pricing!

[@tommilitello198]

The archon 50 is only a grand now,it’s being imported lol

[@toneconsultant]

There is no way the signals are pure. I know the mt-15 is the noisiest amp created. I don’t hear any noise so there’s something going on.

[@belligerentamateur]

They fixed that issue last year, I believe. I have a noise gate on in front of the amp in every video I do. Otherwise, there is not post processing to remove noise.

[@michaelbarber590]

The newer MT15''s are much quieter, and PRS have also refined the power section by switching from the more American sounding 6L6GC tubes to more British sounding 5881's. I have one of the last batches of the 6L6 versions and I've never had any noise issues, even with my telecaster.

[@BazonBlades]

Just received my MT15 about two weeks ago. It exhibits no extraneous noise other than typical stacked gain stage hum. And that hum isn't bad considering how much gain there is. My effects loop is dead quiet so apparently that issue has also been addressed. I have owned three different Rectifier heads, an original XXX head, an original JSX head, and a few different 5150 series heads. My particular MT15 is no noisier than any other high gain amp I have ever owned. And it is definitely quieter than some.

[@jamieferguson3338]

Mine is dead quiet. Got it last year used so not sure when it was made.

[@shanepierce7485]

Archon 50 sounds like an amp. MT15 sounds like a toy

[@paulvaden6990]

Had the Archon for a while and wasn’t impressed at all.

[@nomadronin7361]

Honestly, I had the MT 15 and wasn’t impressed. The one I had didn’t sound like this, it was very dark and got muddy easily. And that’s coming from a guy that likes his amps a little dark.