Is The MT15 A Mini Archon?? (PRS Archon 50 vs MT15)

[@SonicDriveStudio]

So, which one is your favorite in this comparison?

[@gral9440]

@@BloodTributary I have both and they don't sound the same at all. The clean channel on the Archon is deeper and has way more head room than on the MT15 and the sound is still clean with the Volume at 12 even with an EMG 81. The MT15 is incapable of this. The drive channel on the Archon is less compressed and louder as hell. I like my MT15 but the Archon is a beast especially for this price.

[@totaleclipse518]

The MT was more pleasing to my ears. It's a bit less hairy.

[@butcher_0392]

@@totaleclipse518 Totally, much better tone than the archon for less money.

[@keolahutchinson7687]

Archon...more depth and character in the mids too maybe. Another great comparison, Jon.

[@maximumguitarage]

Archon because it's louder, duh 🙄

[@lordgraga]

The clean part had some strong Opeth vibes, I dig it very much.

[@electricmeatpuppet]

I got those vibes right away too!

[@rushbeverytime]

Lotus eater

[@misticformula1485]

I was thinking the same thing. That clean section was relaxing.

[@YootYube]

Is the thing that Jon played a song?

[@ILikePeeps]

Yep, I immediately thought of Opeth lol

[@CraigCrider]

The differences are subtle, but both sound really good. Man, that Lead Channel riff needs to be a full song; it makes my neck hurt it's so good.

[@Gizmo-st1ky]

Awesome job Jon! To my ears they sounded quite similar with the MT-15 being a bit brighter sounding than the archon. If I had to choose one it would be the archon, especially since their price points aren’t so far apart

[@ParanormalMetalMan]

Both great sounding amps! I dug the Archon overall, you're an outstandingly creative guitar player, I can really feel the genuine emotion that you put behind your playing samples, I really appreciate your channel 🙏

[@therileyobrien]

Great comparison! I am really looking forward to the MT100. I am also very impressed with the new Archon, I expected it to not sound nearly as good as the og usa made ones but they really nailed it. My original Archon 50 is an amp I'll never get rid of.

[@SonicDriveStudio]

Thanks! Yeah man, the new ones sound massive!

[@BazonBlades]

From what I understand the MT15 got a slight bump in the upper mids over the Archon. I think it's crazy that the MT15 gets compared contrasted with so many higher wattage amps. It just shows how good the MT15 really is as a small amp.

[@RubyRoks]

This is fascinating. I heard absolutely none of the differences you did. I had this playing in the background while i was looking at something else so that i wasn't "listening with my eyes" so to speak, and i made sure to only listen to the amps and came back for any dialogue i skipped over after doing so. For reference, I'm listening on a pair of Beyerdynamic DT770 headphones plugged into an Audient ID14 interface. I could hear that the clean EQ was focused in a different spot, but it wasn't a massive difference. With the gain tones, the only reason i knew you were changing amps is because of the split-millisecond break in the audio. Any EQ difference i might have heard could just as easily have been pot tolerances on 2 of the same amp. If one were technically minded and trained in high voltage electronics, they could swap the transformer in the MT15 and get an Archon for $150 less

[@spatnaspolecnost]

Ha Audient14 and HD600 here... I also pretty much think they sound the same. You can hear a subtle difference in the isolated dirty tracks, but I feel you could compensate that with presence. The difference in the mix was so subtle I wouldn't know without watching the screen. I like the MT15 more here.

[@peik5569]

I actually prefer the MT15! Just a bit tighter in the low end, a bit brighter in the highs. What a great amp it is! I am planning on getting one

[@iRemainNameless]

Did you ever pick up the MT15? I'm considering it on amazon right now

[@picksalot1]

I preferred the MT15 for its clarity and overall articulate tone. The warmer, fuller sound of the Archon 50 made it sound a bit muffled to me. Both Amps sound very good.

[@icenic_wolf]

They sounded a lot closer than I thought they would, but I guessed right in that the Archon sounded a little warmer and slightly more vintage-y (at least through my home theater speakers; it might be a different story through studio monitors).

[@icenic_wolf]

I guess I'll add that if they made a 15w Archon that sounded like the 50w one that that'd be my choice. Why is it that I always want the option that doesn't quite exist? 😜

[@electricmeatpuppet]

I love these amps, I think I prefer the MT15 both sonically and feature wise. Seriously been considering picking one up as my next amp. I've come to find I use the Archetype model in the HX Stomp as prob my no.1 go-to amp, nearly every day (mostly clean channel as platform amp), it's *great* for baritone stuff, nice and articulate. Lead channel is great too. I use it for everything from super lush ambient stuff to really heavy doom metal type stuff.

[@DC-uk9pg]

I’ve modded my MT-15 with a 50W output transformer and it’s beefy as hell, sounds like an Uberschall, awesome.

[@Bcwilderness]

that sounds a great mod dude, any deets what you used did

[@jroc6166]

About to do this Mod myself. What transformer did you go with?

[@jeffrasmussen7462]

More info pls!

[@cflowers69]

I owned and sold the MT15 and currently own the Archon 50 mkii. They are both awesome, but the Archon is way more versatile and has a massive spread when the volume is up. Love them both though. Considering picking up another Mt15.

[@paulsayed]

Any issues with your FX loop?

[@adekurkur866]

Better head archon 50 or mt15 in bed room?

[@interwebuser]

I literally had this question popped in my head days ago, thank you so much for the comparison.

[@pieve5516]

Tweaking the tone knobs would seem to make them close to identical. I have the MT15 and is still my go to amp for clean tone and as a pedal platform. but my favorite amp is the Mesa Fillmore. Great cleans, crunch, and reverb I don't need pedals. You should review one. Thanks. You have a great channel.

[@brrblack497]

I saw kid playing through a MT15 at a local GC "he was really good, like 13 years old ugh and lol". But it sounded amazing. Plus, I recently saw the Mark Tremonti band open for Sevendust. I never cared for him but when I left the venue, I was def' a fan.

[@yannicklesage4499]

I tested both with a KHE amp switcher and the Archon 50 is really my favorite. The MT15 is one of the best for its size but I prefer the bigger and fuller tone of the Archon. The difference is subtile when you listen the comparaison on a video but when you play both live side by side you clearly hear the difference. You described perfectly the difference between those amps. 🤟

[@maximumguitarage]

Well said and well done

[@fjk1138]

I actually thought they sounded very close, though expectedly the Archon sounded fuller and rounder overall. Both sounded great regardless. Your playing and riffs sounded excellent as always also. Extra points for the Batman shirt.

[@MikeGTR]

I like the extra bit of high end sizzle in the MT-15, it probably cuts through a recording mix better. But I can see how the Archon would crush in a live/rehearsal situation

[@LightCyrus]

I would love to see the Archon 50 compared with the Engl Fireball 25

[@korykoster8532]

I have owned both and this does a great job of comparing them. I still like the mt15 as its not as dark. Depends on use though honestly.

[@SonicDriveStudio]

If you crank the treble and presence on the Archon it really opens it up

[@jwelliott74]

Probably mentioned already, but as the 6CA7 tubes are a type of EL34, so it would stand to reason that it cops a different vibe

[@sergioserramusic]

I kinda prefer the MT15 to be honest, it cuts through the mix very well. Both amazing amps though! Awesome video as always ;)

[@Turbo-D]

what do you think, mt15 vs joyo bantamp amps? the newer 2 channel versions are just amazing not only for that price, not too far away from my beloved evh stealth surprisingly 😲 i was so impressed that i had to buy the jack, mojo and zombie II, would be a very niice pricey vs cheap comparison, cheers 🎸✌

[@dougkaetz_music]

Hey man! I listen to your videos while driving to all my gigs I own the MT 15 and the original Paul Reed Smith Arcon 50 combo USA - I found that for the Archon having JJ tubes gave me the best results (preamp and Power tubes) I have not yet experimented with a different tube set in the MT15 but I’m curious to hear if there will be any difference in tone - but I also know that this is another rabbit hole that will never end with possibilities ha ha Thanks for all the videos

[@Toronado7590]

Hi Jon, I came here for the music, and wow, those clean arpeggios! :) I would love to hear them on amps than have a "dirt-clean" sound? (AC30, even DSL's...) if you review amps like that one day Have a nice day!

[@LightCyrus]

Very Opethy cleans. Love it.

[@randolphcarlisle2976]

Great stuff as always. Sounds awesome. Great job, Jon!

[@PeterMoore350]

Another great video bro !! Looking fwd to the MT100 😎 Greetings from NZ 🎸🤘

[@lookslikemeband]

Hey!! Love your videos (and playing). But what do you use for the drums? I assume they're programmed?

[@kagenotatsumaki]

The MT15 is a literal miracle of an amp for me because I love the sound of Fender Cleans, Marshall Crunch and Rock/Hard Rock and Rectifier Metal and damn if the MT15 doesn't get close to all of those, hell from what I've seen from your videos, it's practically in between a Marshall and Rectifier on the lead channel, not is trebly as a Marshall but not as scooped as a Rectifier. Small and light, loud AF, cheap AND it lights up Blue on clean and Red on lead? YES PLEASE!

[@cmd_f5]

OMG that clean demo!!! Yes!! I kinda like the MT15 more in these examples. Great work as always Jon.

[@moisttowelette5353]

I absolutely hated the archon 100 when I had one. I felt like the voicing was weird and it would have non-stop microphonic squealing whenever I ran a boost in front. I liked the mt15 much more, although I felt it was lacking in low end.

[@armyofmetal69]

Don't know why they didn't put a standby switch nothing worse than changing a pedal and getting your ears blown out with loud pops

[@mjbdough7920]

Sounds like you had a faulty one. Mine is pretty quiet with a boost in front even at extreme settings

[@BazonBlades]

The MT15 lacks in bass? Seriously? My 5881 MT15 has huge bass. Way huge bass. And that's coming from a guy used to playing through a full stack with Boogie 4x12's.

[@borhksalduero9259]

I like the Prs mt15 more, it’s tighter as you say, it sounds more defined. Good review buddy.

[@DaArbiter5177]

you really need to make tabs for the stuff you play, these lead riffs are so sick

[@maximumguitarage]

Archon for me, more headroom, raw, low end omf with fatter tones. Presence and depth, just me owning a SLO -100 with presence and depth really adds a 3d in the room mod forward quality, so smart they did this. If I need to tighten things up, I will throw a boost pedal in front of it.

[@jt5326]

MT-15 seemed to have a low mid bump vs the Archon. It’s very subtle. I imagine the feel is anything but subtle because of the power difference.

[@progpogs]

I watch this video so much, many good tones in here.

[@heavyvibrationstudiopl3256]

First time i have heard about PRS MT 15 was from Vader guitarist.You were the second.And i decided to get it.And i can't get the same sound like your sound at all.Since a long time.

[@SniperSam]

Sounds like there is a slight chorus effect for the Tremonti 15, not to mention a little more clarity on the clean channel in Tremonti.

[@lorencing]

I have the MT15 as it is the best bang for the buck in my opinion, the Archon has that thing in the mids that give it kinda a bit more class and a bit more bass, although is also has a more "boxy" sound to my ears, the definition and pureness of sound are better brought out with the MT15, and the Archon is in a way more creamy - would have to play it to see for my self how it would make me feel.

[@highsocietyskate]

The chugs on big daddy sound amazing!!

[@Christian.Means.]

Awesome video as always, but man those riffs were great!!! 🤟😁

[@nj1255]

IIRC, I read somewhere that they re-used a lot of the pre-amp circuit from the Archon but tailored the channels to better suit Mark's taste (making it sound even more Recto-ish I guess?). The distortion texture of both the Archon and the MT-15 are very reminiscent of a Dual Rectifier. The MT-15 definitely sounds brighter and more scooped while the Archon has a more pronounced mid-range. I would probably still go for the Archon because of the small price difference and the fact that it has more control over the tone. Btw, I would still love to hear you do a comparison between the real Archon and some amp sims that have Archon models like Helix and Waves PRS :)

[@LucasLeCompteMusic]

I liked the PRS Amp

[@SonicDriveStudio]

Me 2

[@florisbackx1744]

A small correction, the MT15 doesn't have a separate volume for the clean and lead channel, just on the clean channel and one master volume

[@LunaRisingBand]

I own this amp. The Master is for the lead channel only (you can see it's labelled right on the amp) and has zero effect on the clean channel. The volume is for the clean channel only. The pull out boost on the treble knob boosts the clean volume only, it has no effect on treble. The gain is only for the lead channel. It's certainly a confusing way to name the knobs.

[@joshuaenyart5570]

Those riffs were sweet

[@cwness4587]

Are you running a noise gate? I had the MT15 and it was the noisiest amp I have bought. I did have to send it back because of issues I had with it. I did like the tone when I my Revv 8 noise gate plugged in the chain. Great price on them. Hey your Orange review was great. I have the Terror and Rocker 15. You were spot on with your review. CW

[@personalfreedom2700]

I have been thinking a lot about how you often can make all your amps sound the same, even solid state and I think if you always use the same cab sim and load box, this is likely the reason why, as in recording traditionally it is really the speaker type and microphone type/placement that alters the output tone way more then just using an engl versus a randall etc

[@lrexoticgaming5636]

the only diffrenbce i hear with amps is gain level and a bit of bass and mids

[@personalfreedom2700]

@@lrexoticgaming5636 yeh if i were to estimate the tone recipe it would be 10% Strings 20% Pickups 20% Amplifier 25% Speaker 20% Cab Mic & mic preamp 5% Capacitance (quality of cables, buffers, power supply) And this doesnt even include pedals or the player… Yet when you look at the cost of what guitarists spend the majority of their cash on its overwhelmingly on big shiny expensive amps… i really think people are better off getting something like a fryette power amp expander and then just buy smaller cheaper lunch box amps to expand or attenuate with the fryette and keep trying different lunchbox amps at a reasonable price more in line with the cost of the rest of your tone recipe

[@butcher_0392]

@@personalfreedom2700 80% cab and mic, really is the mayor impact in guitar tones.

[@personalfreedom2700]

@@butcher_0392 yeh and this is why people buy so many different overdrive pedals to alter their tone, because amps all sound so similar! in professional recording often the signature tone comes from using multiple mic’s on multiple speakers… typically 2 different speaker types each with 2 different microphone’s… as someone who has done a lot of guitar mods, i do think pickups also make a noticeable difference to the tone, going from a low output PAF to a high output pickup definitely comes though strong… but just one example of many is i remember in the 90’s Silverchair moved from Marshall to Soldano after being number 1 in the charts for ages, and all the fan boys ran out to get Soldano amps… but there is no way to tell by listening. Especially when you look at amplifier history, Fender Bassman was designed, then the Marshall JTM45 was made intended as a British clone of it, which layed the ground for every marshall plexi amplifier, and now everyone seems to makes a version of a plexi based on the Bassman design.

[@rbkstudioindia8415]

listening to the comparison in a heavily acoustically treated space, through hi end monitors....the hi gain MT15 seemed to have more lows and low mids than the Archon! Am I missing something here?

[@alegutierrezmusic]

I don't like the clean channel to be honest, but the lead is so good!

[@JonJourdan]

Such a great demo of the amps 👏👏👏

[@shanobi1kanobi]

PRS can you please give us an mt150 please. Them triple rec boogies need some competition. Get at it! I have a blank cheque waiting jk. I'll start saving for it now lol

[@jessesacchetti2518]

I actually like the MT15 more slightly myself. I think it sounds more rounded, but I bet the archon would take pedals better. However, I hear pure Tremonti tone out of the MT15 which is definitely not a bad thing. Have a 6505MH that I would absolutely consider swapping it for an MT15

[@SimonSawal]

I think the archon was very good. I myself am owning the prs mt15 and I love it, but I want to buy the pRS archon in the future because of the headroom. But now I'm hearing that it's a little bit different then the PRS mt15. It's in the seem ballpark but a little darker and different. And it's very nice to have those extra options for adjusting the sound

[@SonicDriveStudio]

Can't go wrong with the Archon!

[@tfontmusic]

Surprised you need a pedal to really push the gain on these amps. Glad you made that comment cause I was sort of toying with the idea of getting one of these.

[@SonicDriveStudio]

I don't think they need a pedal. Only if you want them to sound suppeeerrr tight.

[@DemonKingOFFICIAL]

The rad thing is you can put a transformer that is capable of handling 50 watt on the MT15 to upgrade it to a 50 watt amp. Really great deal of an amp.

[@XciteMike]

They are remarkably similar, but to my hear the Archon keeps a little more definition and texture when distorted - it's just bigger and more layered. The MT15 loses a little of that to background hiss when in high gain. The main advantage the MT15 seems to maintain is that its baseline isn't so dark, which is my biggest gripe about the Archon. It really needs those bright switches.

[@SonicDriveStudio]

Good points! Note that you can easily make the amp even brighter by just turning up the presence and treble more. I just liked how it sounded with these settings.

[@zagrix]

Really digging the archon here. 7:52

[@blackrabbitholes9799]

Very similar through my Mackie 824s, I like the MT15 better, which is nice as it's what i have :)

[@tanketa22]

Great!!!! Which York IR are you using exactly? Thanks!

[@Podcastforthewin]

I’m listening to this video with apple AirPod max headphones and i have to say, those amps sound exactly the same to me haha

[@hawg427]

You must have read my mind, I had just asked another YT channel player this very same question.

[@negromister]

It's like you're reading my mind 😅 I have a Kemper but I'm jonesing for a real amp and I'm torn precisely between these two (the Archon combo, though).

[@tobins6800]

I pick the MT15 since I already have it. I was considering the Archon, but, alls I need to do the my amp is switch out the transformer to a 50 watt one. The stock one in the MT15 is much closer to 30-35. This comparo cements my plan of getting the synergy 2 dock, a iicp and a fryette module, pit bull or the other one. The fryette one since it's so unforgiving, use that as practice, everything else will sound much better. p.s. thank you for this. Wish you would have demonstrated the usability of the tones you can get just with the mid knob alone, the others are just as useful too. Is the Archon similar?

[@Soloist1983]

So now I have to get an Archon? Lol, watching your channel is going to bankrupt me 😁

[@jroc6166]

MT 15 for me..... Seems the new Archon has the same thing going on that the MK1 50 I let go of did..... I just dont jive with its overdrive..... Sounds hollow and a bit harsh in the upper mids and highs.

[@smeemusic]

On my headphones (not optimal for close listening) I almost cannot hear a difference between the two amps. Like really just barely hear anything change between the two on lead channel. Clean channel sounded identical (let's not forget my headphones). So since I can't comment on the difference, what i amp confident to speak on is the mids of these amps. The midrange just sounds pleasant af. Like I just wanna sit down and sip on some fine tea Infront of a warm fireplace with these riffs playing lol.

[@whatskraken3886]

they do sound remarkably similar, and honestly, I preferred the MT15 in some of the tests

[@maximep3440]

First thought: these two amps sound similar. They are really alike. Second thought: there is a difference on the lead channel, the MT15 sounds less open, more boxy, but I like it that way so, MT15 it is, for me.

[@wmxx2000]

It's probably the 15w vs 50w talking, but I like the fullness of the Archon

[@jaywishmaster1984]

Would an amp tech hate to service these? That's now a factor for me when purchasing an amp...

[@CarrotBallSquash]

Its become kind of a thing to mod mt15s into 50 watt amps by changing the output transformer, which means at least some people are working on them. Whether they hate doing so remains an open question though. I wouldn't worry too much about whether amp techs like or don't like an amp. Amp techs hate 6505s for the most part, yet they work on them all day because there are a million 6505s out there and there's a huge market to have them worked on. If you go by what amp techs say, no one should ever play anything other than an old fender or vox amp, and they will suggest to you with a straight face that you should use a clean fender amp with pedals to get a metal tone (which anyone who knows anything about metal guitar knows is a ridiculous suggestion that will never get you anywhere near the tone you're looking for). They're pretty biased against high gain amps in general unless its some unattainable boutique thing like an SLO 100. Amp techs have their uses, but they shouldn't rule your decision making.

[@tgchan]

ahahah great idea with picks~!! I have toilet paper bent several times in a square shape underneath the feet xD

[@paulsayed]

Anyone else have a crazy hiss issue with the FX Loop of their PRS Archon 50 MK2? I had to contact PRS customer service about it and no response

[@TheDwinstead]

I heard the Archon had a constant hum is that true because I really like it a lot does anybody have any answers about that thanks for any answers about that

[@henrybelfiore8488]

For the money I’m going with the 15. As a matter fact, there’s a couple sitting at guitar center and one is going to be mine in about six hours.

[@FISHYFILMPRODUCTIONS]

The archon seems to have more body to its sound. both are excellent, but if you are looking at either, get the archon. its only a bit more

[@MrGibspoon]

I sent my MT15 back after it developed a fault in the effects loop. Decided to take the pl he on an Archon 50 to replace it. At first I wasn’t too sure, but after playing around with it, I like it more than the MT15…JUST. My boost pedal in front of the MT15 was jaw-droppingly good. In front of the Archon….Meh. Might need a different boost pedal. Tonally, the Archon is definitely ahead. All the rich harmonics come through easily on a held onto power chord and single notes. And the clean channel….it’s amazing. I’d say it’s slightly harder to get the sound you from the Archon, but once you get it, it’s the daddy.

[@Coupeguyrick]

Hey! Mind sharing what boost pedal you were using?

[@MrGibspoon]

@@Coupeguyrick it was a Seymour Duncan Killing Floor. Doesn’t seem like many people bother with them, but I think it’s a great pedal. Kicked a lot of life into both the clean and dirty channels👍

[@Coupeguyrick]

@@MrGibspoon thank you!! That's a badass name for a pedal!!!

[@bastianvanstigt6246]

Nice sound!

[@danmetalgod1]

Hi is there any problems with the PRS haeds Cos I was watching your EVH 5150 haed that kind of put me off buying the heads but definitely going to buy the cabinet itself if it's any good

[@SonicDriveStudio]

I haven't had any issues myself. Just make sure you can send it back if anything is wrong

[@barneychamorro]

Sonic Drive Studio, which one is your favorite?

[@lacgugolator]

Love it

[@milosstankovic4807]

So, John. Do you think that "big" sound coming strictly from the power amp section? MT15 has 6 tubes in the preamp, which is not a naive thing.

[@SonicDriveStudio]

Pre-amp voicing definitely plays a part too

[@tiagoramalhais5493]

I think they sound very similar, i prefer the Archon myself but the MT15 is a great value and better for modern metal.

[@fizzervc7264]

How well these do at bedroom volumes? Does anyone here by chance have any idea?

[@stevestevestevesteve6466]

I'm finding myself liking the Archon more overall, but I think if you just want a super grindy metal rhythm tone the MT-15 is a little better. The clean channel on the archon is significantly better, and the lead channel feels a little more fat and flexible. (I have an MT-15)

[@matsiversen7305]

Love it. But it doesnt have any gain controls?

[@SonicDriveStudio]

Yes, each channel has one. I think it's just called volume

[@jeremygallant20]

I would get the Archon

[@shaharbar]

Jon, MT15 has a Resonance (Depth) control in the back.

[@SonicDriveStudio]

Not mine

[@shaharbar]

@@SonicDriveStudio I’m an idiot, I confused it with my EVH 5150 III (EL34, not the “lemon” one, LOL)

[@Z17xMachine]

For the price I would never in a million years buy an MT15. It's not bad don't get me wrong. It's thin and not chunky at all as I have heard in person and across a spectrum of other KZbinrs. If I were to go 15 watts, hook me up with an Orange Dark Terror.

[@mcp20366]

The newer MT-15 are produced with 5881 tubes. Check the vid on that.

[@ImmyT89]

Can you demo the KSR Ceres pedal?

[@208414]

Why did you put those green picks under the feet of the MT15? Is that just to prevent any chance of leaving marks on the finish of the Archon?

[@SonicDriveStudio]

The handle was too big for the amp to be standing on its feet. It was too wobbly :)

[@208414]

@@SonicDriveStudio oh, that makes sense. Thanks for the great content!

[@DS-fi4hf]

Short answer: yes

[@NinecoreNeil]

MT15 sounds darker to me I think I prefer it in this demo Basically two affordable rectifiers 😀😜

[@ekkasmusic]

I like MT 15 I Think it sounds more tight...

[@armyofmetal69]

Barely a difference other than one sounds like a lunchbox and other sounds like a 50w. I wouldn't say they are much different sounding

[@gravelrocks5588]

I hope not I have the mt15 and just got the archon I haven't put them side-by-side though I also put 5881 in my Mt15 and my stealth 50 watt they just sound better

[@ajcjcarvalho]

I don't know exactly why, but MT-15 reminds me a lot Breaking benjamin