PEAVEY VALVEKING 100 head I/II SHOOTOUT

[@StuartKReilly]

Vid starts at a whopping 9:46 y'all

[@icomedia1]

Stuart K Reilly I’m sure the 25k ppl who have seen the video noticed but thanks for the time stamp for you and the other 8 who need it. Haha

[@capturedbyjupiter]

I prefer the warmth of the VK mki which is why I purchased it. The mkii comes off as a bit brighter and raspy, not unlike other Peavey's. Though I love them all.

[@SOAD525]

*heavy breathing* so here where *heavy breathing* this head is *gaspppp* is is is *passes out*

[@christofflinde]

Travis Hunt maybe he is a smoker...

[@ericellis2729]

Travis Hunt - Could be sick...a cold or something.

[@icomedia1]

Travis Hunt Haha. Lapel mic was too close to my face, just put my kid to bed, tired, I was crouched down, and I'm out of shape.

[@SOAD525]

Vincent Inciong hey I am borderline underweight and I can barely move my amp head down some stairs without gasping. I just comment as I see it lol. Most of the time I look like a dick because it is KZbin and not an open mic stage.

[@icomedia1]

Travis Hunt I thought it was funny because after I posted it I thought, "damn I breathe heavy!" Haha. Hopefully it's informative too 👍🏻

[@Rael0505]

Fun fact about the valveking II - the 4 tubes are engaged in 100w mode, but in 25w or 5w, only t1 and t4 are engaged. So if you’re wondering why t2 and t3 are red, it doesn’t mean your amp has a problem.

[@icomedia1]

Oh, one more thing. I noticed the VK1's clean started to break up earlier than VK2. Even at about 6-7 (which is killer loud with this amp), it already started to break. VK2 could do the same with attenuation switch, for sure. However, if you plan to play clean at loud volumes, be aware that VK1 can break up if you don't want it to.

[@TeadsTV]

For anyone wanting to know, to get these amps to work in a quiter setting; use a volume pedal through the FX loop. You can crank the head's distortion but put it at a low volume. That's why you can only turn it to 1 before it blasts you. These amps are made to be loud.

[@icomedia1]

I kept the VK2 because of the connectivity options and because I got a GREAT deal on it. Retail for the VK1 is about $489 and VK2 is at $599 so if you're looking around, just know that the real main differences (besides the look) are the XLR out and USB out in the VK2 which is great if you record or go direct into a PA. Otherwise they are pretty similar in tone. VK1 is overall warmer but a little dialing in will definitely get you a lot of different tones. The distortion in VK2 sounds more crunchy and punchy but distortions all depend on context. I play in a classic rock/90's cover band and when I write, it's usually to accompany acoustic rock/pop so my needs for distortion are totally different than a metal or punk guitarist. I rarely use high gain and if I do, I have pedals to cover that. My gain settings are usually at 3-4 and that's plenty for me. Both amps come with Ruby tubes which, I have heard, are cheap kinda generic tubes. I don't have a need to replace them yet but if I do, I'd definitely upgrade them,

[@leonthompson8988]

ICO MEDIA electro harmonix tubes, jj,will make it sound better. Tung sol tubes are great in v1,very musical with cleans

[@rubykaufman5361]

Sweet demo, glad I have the 2 even if 1 does look cool with the all metal grill.

[@icomedia1]

Yeah VK1 def looks more badass! The almost 40 year old in me likes the more classic look but the young in me LOVES the metal grill for sure!! Haha

[@crunchchannel9391]

Heavy breathing because he had to carry both of those lead tanks into the studio to do this demo

[@lionchamp29]

Eq pedal at 7 5 3 2 3 5 7 sounds very mesa like

[@RmDIrSudoSu]

Personaly I've two Valveking (one 100 head mk I and one 212 (the combo 100W with 2 12" speaker (I changed the Valveking speaker by two celestion V30). I realy like this amp sound, I recorded a lot with those amps and I've always get great tone.

[@frmcf]

Thanks for this video! I've just bought a VK1 online because it was going at an irresistible price! I don't really need it, but who knows, I might just fall in love with it.

[@icomedia1]

Fraser McFadyen haha. Buying things we don't need? Who would ever?! 🤣

[@frmcf]

I know right!? :D

[@zakkhat9864]

I just made an unboxing vid for the ValveKing MKII, Personally I love it. I think it'll suit all my needs really well

[@alejandroblanco2071]

Awesome comparison 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@icomedia1]

Alejandro Blanco thanks dude. I appreciate it

[@joshua3113]

Thanks for the video. I was more interested in the VK1 cause there's one in a pawn shop near me I was thinking about it. Still don't need anything that damn big though. Lol. My neighbors probably already hate me with the little amp I have.

[@icomedia1]

Haha. Neighbors who hate are a bad thing for sure. VK1 is a totally decent amp. I kept the 2 because of the connectivity options (that I haven't tested yet) but VK1 definitely sounded good. A little more bottom heavy with distortion until you get to about 5 or 6 then it changes timbre pretty quick.

[@joshua3113]

Nice, thanks. I've never owned a valve amp so I don't know much about them but I do love the sound.

[@ExtremeBogom]

+joshua3113 Live the dream man, get yourself a tube amp. You'll not regret it!

[@joshua3113]

***** Thanks, I will.

[@MatrixRZ5]

The valvking ii also has a built in power attenuator, so you can crank your distortion at lower volume without disturbing your neighbours and that's another plus IMHO.

[@CamRebires]

I love the head to head joke :D

[@adamlentz6708]

I do honestly enjoy the VK1 because I do have the luxury of owning both and when I use it to record, I 9 times out of 10 use the VK1 because the tone does come out a little more full with more enunciated mids. Don't get me wrong, the VK2 is a solid amp, but it sounds a little like a solid state preamp. Plus, I got my VK1 for 200 on Craigslist and my VK2 for 500 on Craigslist (isn't Craigslist just great!?) If you have plenty of cash, however, go get an Orange Dark Terror.

[@dankley9969]

Both sound very similar, the vk2 seemed like it was made more for recording witch is awesome but not like a must have if you own a good sure sm57 mic

[@nokomisnichols]

great video. i gotta say i like the valveking 2 better but i cant say there is a big difference in sound but i know in my eyes it looks better to me. i like the tone of these amps and i think i will buy one for myself.

[@SwedishMeattball]

original looks better

[@anthonymarez7188]

on my vk-1 the Boost button is very subtle, it's not a tremendous boost I like it, that way

[@icomedia1]

Yeah, it's based on your master volume according to Peavey. I can't hear a difference at bedroom levels, but it is there when your volume is jacked. I thought mine was broken for a while. Haha. It is subtle tho.

[@robbievalentine8239]

i think the valveking amps are pretty decent with quality speakers. i dont think thyere great but they arent bad. it def helps to keep the gain lower, and push with an OD to tighten it up. i prefer the boss sd-1.

[@terrylafauci791]

can either of these amps get a good modern metal tone at bedroom volumes? not necessarily whisper volumes but Normal TV volumes

[@icomedia1]

Hmmm...not sure for a few reasons. Neither amp really gets "good metal" tones with the built in distortion. It gets fizzy when gain is turned up. Tho for higher gain, the VK1 is a little better. However, the VK2 would be better because it has wattage switch to go down to 5 watts so if you use a TS808 to overdrive the amp it would be a decent volume and tone...however, even at 5 watts it can get pretty loud.

[@terrylafauci791]

Vincent Inciong ok, thanks for the feedback, man

[@leotrevino00]

terry lafauci I've heard some pretty kick ass metal tones from other reviews. but you probably should keep the gain at a 7 or 6 because it will start to get a bit fuzzy (besides to much gain saturates sound). if want a little boost you can get a Maxon od808 or an ibanez ts9

[@shugo541]

my VK1 does

[@AuntAlnico4]

shugo541 * mine does too ! But mine has a REALLY old Eminence legends out of a crate vintage club 50 combo that just sounds killer.

[@Viking_guitarist]

I got 2 vk heads 1 for playing on stage and the other as a backup both the same setup of tubes

[@icomedia1]

the-viking-guitarist what tunes do you use?

[@Viking_guitarist]

@@icomedia1 well I have a charvel jackson model 1a custom with custom wound humbuckers that I call spitfires Bridge 14k+-03 and neck at 7k+-03 with large pickup screws like the invader, with ceramic magnet in bridge pickup and a alnico 2 in the neck pickup. I use a boss gt6 process pedal. And for tubes I use 4x mesa 440s 6L6 and 2x 12ax7 mesa and 1x 12ax7 TAD by tube doctor.

[@Viking_guitarist]

With the amp settings it depends on the room or being outside. Sometimes it needs a bit of tweeting.

[@icomedia1]

the-viking-guitarist damn thumbs. I meant “tubes”. Haha. Your setup sounds good tho 👍🏻

[@icomedia1]

the-viking-guitarist damn thumbs. I meant “tubes”. Haha. Your setup sounds good tho 👍🏻

[@fireball676]

i wish i had never gotten rid of my VK100..had a bad cab and never got to hear what it actually sounded like.

[@adamkomusic]

fireball676 i used to use 4x12 v30 Harley Benton and it was big fart for me... I almost sold the amp but got DIY 1x12 classic lead 80 cabinet and man,,, it blows my mind, great at any settings, very huge sound and beautiful fender cleans. Guys get a great cabinet, not necessary v30

[@fireball676]

thats crazy. I have a harley benton.. but im running it on a different amp. I havent noticed anything bad with it. But maybe i should build up a cab on my own and move the V30's over.

[@adamkomusic]

fireball676 i used to struggle to get decent tone, I was never satisfied. Now it sounds great at any settings literally! My cab is open (bass reflex under the speaker) so probably that's why sound is even more full and open, it makes a difference too for shure. V30 are fizzy comparing to classic leads 80

[@russwilson2305]

I never heard mine either -w/ those 30 dollar speakers and home made plywood cab I built. I still wonder, 10 years later, if the amp was good.

[@MatrixRZ5]

Valveking ii sounds better has more options like self tube bias and a built in attenuator , but original valveking has a cool look got to admit.

[@icomedia1]

I may need to change the tubes on mine. The led lights are starting to act up and the sound is changing. The manual says you MUST bias. How do you know about the self-bias? I have no idea how to do any of this. Thanks

[@Metallion-ol8bc]

Vincent Inciong. On the original valveking version you must bias your tubes but frankly I don't know how to bias it, and I heard it's dangerous to do so if you don't know what you're doing, and must take the amp to a technician better. In version ii, you just pull out and put in the tubes or valves. Peavy valveking version ii it is self bias, you don't need to do anything, just pull out, and put in tubes, that's it.

[@azrael666ethereal]

VK1 is fixed bias..

[@capturedbyjupiter]

Did the VK mki have the reverb tank removed? I removed mine as well and use my pedalboards reverb. The vk100's are a bit noisy but its ambient noise and gets drowned as soon as playing begins. Only complaints are the horrible reverb (to be expected from a budget amp) and anything I put in the loop makes a slightly audible pop/click when engaged. Doesn't happen with my other amps. This of course is also to be expected from a budget amp. Most budget amps are packed with features but they are certainly not the greatest. More of a selling point for the beginner. Other than that I love My vk100. It really slays above 3 on the vol.

[@icomedia1]

Yeah I don't use reverb in general and you're right, the reverb is pretty bad on both. I think vk2 is digital reverb too which is a little yucky.

[@capturedbyjupiter]

Vincent Inciong Right on. Hey, thanks for the prompt reply and the comparison video that I have been waiting for!

[@yhoffreyrojas4102]

Hello Friend ! I have a VK100H version 1 and I want to replace the 4 6l6GCMSTR RUBY that comes from factory for some new ones for wear and tear! Does this amp say it's bias fixed? What steps should I follow to replace them? Come in Quartets "MATCHEADOS" in case of buying the quartet only put them without having to adjust the bias? Greetings, I hope you can help me!

[@icomedia1]

yhoffrey rojas i took my vk2 to a shop but it needs to be biased.

[@mitchwrench239]

VK2 baby!!!

[@JRP3music]

Version II has the reactive load?

[@lionchamp29]

Finally happy with vk1. Eq pedal to add mids makes brown sound. 5 5 10 10 4 5 5....

[@icomedia1]

lionchamp29 nice dude. I’ll try it. EQ pedal in the loop or in front?

[@lionchamp29]

@@icomedia1 front...

[@deadzid]

Hi.. thanx for posting this.. i was wondering, how much does the ValveKing 1 weight? Thanx

[@icomedia1]

Deadzid Fardus 41lbs 👍🏻

[@timlaine6268]

Does the newer valveking have an adjustable bias for the power tubes?

[@icomedia1]

Tim Laine hey man. Yes there is a little thumb dial inside that biases. I never used it but apparently you can turn it until the tube lights shine green in the front.

[@acexxxoasis]

Yes yes it does.

[@carlojanik8308]

Considering the vKI how are the cleans? I need versatility. I have de 5150 so the gain is somewhat important but not that much.

[@icomedia1]

Carlo Hiken火剣 I like the cleans enough. Good amount of headroom and takes pedals well. My VK1 is older so a newer one with better tunes may have more headroom.

[@FulcrumsEdge]

yeahhh, no offense, and this is really late to the ball, but that gain on the VK 1 at 6 isn't muddy at all, its pretty dang tight and very well articulated, that's your palm muting not being up to snuff that is causing any sort of inconsistency in that gain tone. With that much gain... haha. the more gain, the tighter your playing style has to be, especially palm muting. i think it's all fine and dandy to be opposed to that much gain or not being a fan of it, but that definitely doesn't make it muddy because it's not a players taste. That drive quality is exactly where it needs to be for high output gain and more aggressive music.

[@johnnydollar8784]

how many 12ax7 tubes does each amp.have ?

[@icomedia1]

Johnny Dollar 3

[@johnnydollar8784]

Vincent Inciong . thank you

[@marleybengson3758]

both amps seem muddy when the gains are at 100%. but the cleans are great.

[@icomedia1]

They really are. I find that 3-5 in gain is the sweet spot. Anything above starts to loose articulation. Thanks for watching, man!!

[@Metallion-ol8bc]

Vincent Inciong. Keep the gain in the middle or noon, it sounds perfect this way. I have the valveking version ii and love it.

[@metallion0738]

Most amps sound muddy with gain at 100%

[@joschelei262]

Great video man! I own the VK I and have been trying to catch a comparison vid of the two for the longest while. It' seems as though VK II has a little more gain added to it, and a bit more modern in voicing, while VK I sounds better for trash/ punk. Do you think the VK II sound difference is worth it, as I was considering the DSL100H Marshall as my next purchase?

[@icomedia1]

Agreed. Definitely more of a modern distortion for the VK2. I like the 2 better overall but there is a little more amp noise that VK1. No actual explanation for it that I have found. All amps make some noise, I guess some more than others. I have since gotten a Rocktron Micro Hush pedal and put it through the loop and it's been fine. Glad you found the video helpful :)

[@joschelei262]

+Vincent Inciong I forgot to ask. When you jump the Effects Loop of the VK II do you get and increase in gain, as was the case of the VK I ? It's a shame nobody has done a comparison vid between the Marshall DSL100 & the VK II because they are more or less in similar price ranges and feature packed.

[@MatrixRZ5]

+Josche Lei Also he forgot to tell you that the valvekin ii is self bias and you don't have to pay a technician to swap your tubes or valves. Peavy valveking ii you just swap your new tubes and put them in, and they'll self bias automatically.

[@icomedia1]

+Metalgears1968 nice I didn't know that. I may swap tubes soon so no need to bias? That's a pretty cool feature.

[@choplass]

+Vincent Inciong I have found the JJ 6L6's to be a richer more articulate sounding tube than the stock Ruby tubes mine came with.

[@FEAROWNAGE]

Peavey Lrn 2 Master Volume

[@guitarwhores753]

Great video. I like the feature set of the VKII, just not the sound. No offence... just not for me, but the features ar excellent.

[@icomedia1]

Guitar Whores Guitar Whores no offense taken at all. We all have different ears and tastes. The features are great. I did re-tube with Sovtek and the amp sounds a bit more alive than with the stock Ruby tubes. Otherwise, it takes pedals great! The clean and loop are real accommodating for sure.

[@yhoffreyrojas4102]

Greetings friend when you change the power tubes RUBY did a bias adjustment? Or just rid the 4 6L6CMSRT but mark sovtek Matteados and do not need to adjust the bias ???

[@icomedia1]

yhoffrey rojas i had the vk2 re-tubed and yes, it has to be biased. Older peaveys did not need it so most ppl think that but this one does need it.

[@cam_regress34]

What cab are you running through the amps?

[@icomedia1]

Cameron Webb an old ADA split stack loaded with Carvin GT12 speakers.

[@cam_regress34]

Okay thanks man

[@BLMeredith87]

8:01 I have a feeling the Speaker Defeat switch isn't a dummy load and just a muter, I hope I'm wrong or viewers are going to blow their output transformers if the amp isn't still connected to a speaker!

[@icomedia1]

Lee Meredith The literature says it is along with other reviews. I appreciate your concern. People should definitely check it out for themselves before using it. Thanks 👍🏻🤘🏻✌🏻

[@BLMeredith87]

Vincent Inciong So there really is a dummy load in the amp head... ok I'm suddenly more interested in this amp lol, thanks for the reply :)

[@icomedia1]

Lee Meredith that's what I read and heard but double check. Haha. Now I'm paranoid 🤣

[@icomedia1]

Lee Meredith it was designed to shut off the load going to speakers so you can direct record safely or use stage monitors via DI into front of house and not need a cab. That's what I got out of my research.

[@BLMeredith87]

Vincent Inciong thank you for clearing that up! Hmm, yeah that does sound great. :)

[@AuntAlnico4]

The actual sound (shootout) Starts at 9:50🤔

[@icomedia1]

aunt jenifer haha. good job! Only one other of the 30k viewers cares and has already noticed! Make a video and show everyone how it’s done or 🤫

[@DemonKingOFFICIAL]

2:03 oh no oh no! Gotta “relearn” the controls! They are just inverted lol. Not exactly a brain buster.

[@WessStewart]

No pun intended my butt. lol.

[@icomedia1]

For VK2. Anyone know why my TSI lights (T2 and T3) are green while on standby? Also, is the BOOST button (without GAIN pushed in) supposed to be a volume boost? My boost button seems to be a dead button. Doesn't do jack either on or off. Can someone explain this to me? Thanks PS - if some douche named Mr.I had very similar questions, that's because that's my other account. Haha. Didn't feel like deleting them after using that account by mistake. Maybe I will delete it...but probs not. Thanks

[@blipcat3382]

unless you gig seriously .....you don't need a 100 watt anything.

[@icomedia1]

blip cat Agreed. Tho the VK2 is awesome with the XLR out for FOH. I set it to 25w and it’s enough for stage volume and I run about 40% of that volume thru FOH and it’s just right for bars and small clubs. We play fairly often so to save my back, I use Tremonti MT15 and Line 6 Helix LT

[@marleybengson3758]

can u pls do a demo of these amps with distortion pedals through the clean channels?

[@LifeOnceLived]

why would you ever want to do that? lol

[@metallion0738]

@@LifeOnceLived To see which amp sound better with effects on clean channel I guess

[@jimmyjazz7901]

I like the creed

[@deasename5839]

Boo u like American music? I like American music baby.

[@john411ize]

Lip smacker

[@kylekevin7339]

Actual shoot out starts at 9:46 ppl. Annoying ass voice and weird cringy breathing. Out of tune shitty lame basic ass guitar playing. And he actually measured the amp heads? 😂 demo fail

[@Danielsfield]

Sounds cool