HEAD TO HEAD - EVH 5150 Iconic VS Peavey 6505II - Which New Amp Reigns SUPREME?!

[@metalgear74]

That tone of the boosted II at 19:27 just nails it.

[@trumancarter1299]

Owned every generation 5150/6505 and agree the 5150 iconic most definitely belongs in the family..James Brown did a fantastic job with this amp..really excited about the 112..evil ass sounding combo and I absolutely love the layout...thanks for the videos! Both amps win here imo

[@rosskrause3926]

Yep same here..I love my Iconic 80 watt head..its just so easy to dial in whatever I need..of course thats 99.9999999% of the time on the Red channel but also even the stock reverb sounds really good..I don't even need to bring out any pedals now unless I just want to add my eq pedal(s) or or boost pedal(s) which the Iconic and my original 5150 head I had both take well. Excellent video demos here..

[@jriff79guitar]

Iconic sounds better to me, seems a little more balanced and slightly tighter. I think you are right, the 6505 has a more mid base voicing.

[@jimmyjames7946]

👍 thank you for helping me make my mind up 🤘🤘I think so too 🎵

[@ontologicaldiarrhea6582]

After returning back to this video after two years. I have to admit, that the Iconic sounds really great

[@tbird1138]

Dude, that "Life of Agony - Bad Seed" riff!!! Another great demo. The iconic sounds great and 6505/5150's will always sound amazing no matter the iteration. I just love those amps. When I first joined the Facebook group I got trolled majorly by someone because I love my 6505+. That person was kicked I believe. I've been playing a version of that amp for the last 20 years. Love it. It's the only amp I need and will probably ever use. I missed your show in Albany! Northeast hardcore needs a bands like yours!! Thanks for being awesome and not because it's NYE and I've been drinking. Stay awesome Duder!!!

[@MarcusW87]

I really like them both, the Iconic is a bit too scooped for me but I like the way you make it sound with the mids all the way up. The 6505II has almost a bit of a Marshall snarl to it which I really like, might look into getting one when they actually release the 2022 version.Thanks for your comparison and the in depth video of them both, it really put the new 6505 on my radar.

[@kreepthedestroyer]

for me the iconic sounds like what I would have wanted in my early playing days as a bedroom player. When I then joined a band with a hard hitting drummer and mean bassist this sort of tone was drowned out instantly. This is how I learned the importance of mids and cutting through the mix. 6505 for me but iconic still sounds mean

[@harrisonrg777]

could just turn mids up in the 5150 iconic. add a ten band eq and you can completely change what frequency the amp would be pushing

[@jackkramer1553]

Iconic sounds better solo, but I bet the 6505 sound better in a mix, those mids add a special something. I have the 5150, the 5150ii, the 5150iii Steatlh, I think I need to grab the iconic.

[@antoineleedolliole7549]

I like the first reply here, if you turn down bass treble and mids go up. You litterally have to close your semester when turning the knows and listen. I couldn't use my "normal" eq settings, and can't use the same eq between my 80s shredder axe and my modern emg metal monster.

[@emartinezr]

Les Paul and turning the mids knob up on the Iconic, OR a boost or EQ pedal will get you any mids-presence you may need.

[@NickLeonard]

they're both good. the iconic sounds like it'll fit in a modern mix with less work, but the 6505 sounds great too

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

While both can sound very similar, I think where the mids happen on the 6505 would work better and be more versatile for what I tend to play. I think it would sit better in a mix for me as well. Good comparison Kyle!

[@nickharper8145]

Solid video Kyle! They both are awesome amps with stand out points to the tones they bring. How about a 6505+ vs 6505 II video? Even if it is a short one I am definitely curious to hear any differences between the two. \m/

[@BaldTorment]

That's such a sick and unique guitar, I've never seen that shape before

[@rollercity]

Gibson RD is the OG.

[@ilovegreenock]

There's definitely more clarity in the Iconic but I can see why people would prefer using the 6505 purely for that mids tone.It is a matter of trying both amps and find the one that suits your tone.I would not mind owning both of them! Last but not least thanks for all the explanations when tweaking the EQ it really helps understand the slightest different tones on both amps.

[@ghostx697]

5150II owner here, that 6505II is fantastic and a welcome addition to the family. The Iconic is fine, especially on the green channel. Has a good hardcore or post hardcore tone. P.S. welcome to the Dunable Kvlt.

[@jrosales2663]

I’m so glad I found this video. I’ve been debating between the iconic and the stealth but I’m having a hard time deciding. I played through an iconic this past weekend at a guitar center and really enjoyed the sound of it. Hearing your take on it helps a lot too. Awesome video.

[@devinwilliams4038]

They are both really good but, I just don’t dig how scooped the Iconic sounds. I need those MIDS.

[@michaeldejesus1049]

This is why these vids exist. I’m the opposite, I don’t like scooped but def don’t bump the mids. For rhythm playing I want the bass of the 5150.

[@toneconsultant]

I REALLY like how you didn’t run a noise gate because it helps us understand the true tone much better

[@belligerentamateur]

I did run a noise gate and it didn't affect the tone.

[@MatthiasBuesing]

6505 II for me all the way! Great comparison, Kyle - as usual :-) The Iconic sounds too scooped to me and indeed, like someone wrote here, more like a modeler or plugin.

[@streetside1183]

Have you actually played through it? I own multiple amps and have been playing for 23 years. Have had the original 5150 and got rid of it 21 years ago, it was alright. When I plugged in to the iconic I was blown away with the amp because you can dial in so much more into the frequency’s. I love my mesa’s and Friedman but I have to say this new iconic is the bomb dot com. Especially with the 1/4 power level. Try to go past 5 on full power. You don’t have to with the older version. There is also more clarity with this amp.

[@alvarg]

@@streetside1183 i know right, I was shocked how much better it sounded

[@OTTOAUDIO]

@@streetside1183 My thoughts were very similar to yours

[@derrickharmon7980]

Came from you 6505 vs old 5150 and was hoping you did a shootout between these two because that other vid showcased and compared them excellently. Sure enough you did great content. 👍

[@derrickharmon7980]

Also Dunable fuck yeah 🤘 got a sub m8

[@rick4855]

Definitely gonna get a 6505ii when it comes out 🤘 thanks for the video!

[@chaddiusthewise527]

I think if you keep making videos of this quality you’re bound to have a massive inflow of subs. Keep it up man.

[@cornfilledscreamer614]

This is why I'm a huge fan of the Invective. Ch. 2 is based on the 5150 block letter, and Ch. 3 is a little more scooped like the Iconic (more like EVH's rhythm sound on VH I). And then - the clean channel just absolutely kills all the other EVH/Peavey amps!

[@kevinp_25]

Close! I think I prefer the mid content of the 6505II but I’m sure I could be happy with either.

[@adriancrabtree2486]

Great video and thanks for taking the time and putting in the work to compare the two. Still can’t figure why there was so much initial hate for the 5150 Iconic, it’s a great piece and for the price, it’s really fantastic. Keep up the good work and nice riffs!

[@CreamCityHate]

Couldn’t agree more, Kyle. Absolutely depends on how you choose to use these and what flavor you like. Undeniable mids on the 6505II so that’s my personal pick, better in a band mix for sure. Killer videos, man. Keep up the great work.

[@metalgear74]

The OG does much more for me. Thanks for the shootout!

[@supkek]

Hey Kyle, new to the channel since about a month. Loving the approach you have to these videos. Its just as if im sitting there trying it out myself. Keep it up

[@jonesyfromtheblock9635]

I am just loving the iconic, also having the watt drop knob and the gate is great

[@gjerokrsteski9888]

awesome video man! Question: what about the tubes in the 5150, how often do you have to change the tubes?

[@belligerentamateur]

I've never changed tubes in an amp where they weren't failed. I've run them for years with no issues.

[@grehdoom]

I heard that the tubes can last about 3-4 years with regular, normal use (10 hours / week). cheers and stay metal!!!

[@cesarvelasquez3186]

That iconic sounding so fine 🤘😈🤘

[@Ironwarpigg]

nice comparison video. 15:18 6505ii sounds better to me right here. both sound great but overall i liked the 6505ii better. do you know when it will be released/available for preorder?

[@monkeyshredder.musicismyso3626]

luv your demos

[@belligerentamateur]

Thansk my man!

[@zacinnc78]

Love the thorough tweaking comparisons, youre the best at reviews.Alot of reviewers will set the amps knobs at the same setting and they will sound wildly different and you will think"that settles it ,i like amp A better"when in actuality you could make each amp sound almost exactly the same .So the bigger question is what extremes can u reach with either amp and you did that well.To my ears both amps sound fantastic i usually prefered the sound of the 6505 ii (if im thinking of a mix like you said).But standing there by myself just purely riffing ,not worrying about cutting through a mix just glorified selfish frequencies ...the Icon seemed to cover a wider bandwidth(almost sub-like lows -scoopier mids (which i prefer when bedroom jamming).And still it could all change if i was playing them in person and feeling the air move.Long story short it would be nice to have both lmao.

[@5150show]

Iconic is on my list

[@colebengston3963]

I’m a fan of the mid boosted growl that the 6505 2 has, it sounds nice and aggressive.

[@LoreAccurateHusky]

When I first heard the iconic I hated it, when I tried I loved it. I now think it's THE BEST 5150 ever, I like it more than any of the 5150iii's including the stealth. Honestly, if peavey doesn't address the 6505 issue at namm, I'm selling my 6505 and getting an Iconic. The iconic just fixes all the issues of the Peavey amps for a lower cost while sounding amazing, and unlike the 6505 amps, you can buy one.

[@AuntAlnico4]

No shit !? What happened with all that !? Did you get an iconic or what !??

[@machine-madedog5059]

"Eddie hated mids.." - Dave Friedman

[@thekevinator149]

Thanks for this man! I'm liking that 5150!

[@LoreAccurateHusky]

18:32 Life of Agony play in D standard, not Drop D. You got the right idea but just a few wrong notes.

[@band7339]

Are you going to do a comparison to the other evh 5150 heads?

[@TheManglerPolishDeathMetal]

you making very good stuff !!! keep up doing good stuff !

[@spylingual8573]

The low mids on the Peavy are smoother and it feels more chunky and full-toned. I'd like to hear an ep booster in front of the iconic. Would fill it out

[@rosskrause3926]

I have the EP booster and it does sound amazing when I plug it into my Iconic head..makes the whole room shake !

[@rottingcorpse6002]

Been through several variations of these amps including a try at the iconic. The keeper for me is my FJA 6505 with the "Mailman" mod(named after mailman Dan from rigtalk). Will never let that amp go.

[@kaish8184]

Can you compare 5150 block letter with 6505 II please

[@RtroyD]

Anyone know when the 6505ii is coming out?

[@ChiAeNima]

I've just heard one minute of the video and yet I can tell Peavey for the win !! Knock out.

[@michaelgallegos8811]

Hey Kyle iam watching this again to get some more sound bites ,since I have pre ordered the 6505II just wanted to see this shoot out again,Thanks Man🤘🎶😈💥

[@belligerentamateur]

U da man, Michael!

[@Manik530]

I feel like the 6505II with a boost for down tuned riffs in a band context is where it’s at. The midrange shines when applied like this. Thanks so much for the comparison!

[@belligerentamateur]

My pleasure!

[@moxythepirate1281]

Where are they made? China for both? Or Mexico for the Iconic? Also they both sound great. Not really surprised. Also what is the riff at 9:15? Makes me think of a Bane song but I'm not sure.

[@Dimillio7]

Both China

[@newamerikangospel]

I like the 6505II mids more than the Iconic. I would use either, but I feel like the 6505II is what I would buy first (depending on price tag)

[@azzazelo]

Great video. In the room I think I'd prefer the iconic but in a mix the peavey mids are really gonna cut better imo

[@davidpuglia8045]

The iconic sounds awesome i ordered one, i like the brighter sound of the iconic and it sounds like it has more gain to.

[@sethgross3904]

Ayyye a decent comparison! The other comparison I saw they were both eq’d differently. Which is ya know, dumb. Thanks!

[@timperry2375]

Sounds great thanks for the demo, so you know what your your mesa 4x12 is from?

[@jeremydeats9406]

Mids are better to cut through a mix in a full band setting. Unless you're planning to take the stage solo... That said with the tweaking by 15:09 you have them sounding almost identical. I like the 6505 better, there's something less muddy about it's tone and more in your face.

[@juddrizzo]

Iconic! No question for me. I can’t wait to get the 40 W combo and use it as a centerpiece of my wet, dry, wet rig.

[@coldragoon]

Love your vids, just subbed the other day. One thing I would recommend is use 2 more guitars that would have pickups most of us have. Perhaps a JB one and an EMG one. Just my thoughts. Keep up the awesome vids!

[@coldragoon]

Because in my region theres at least 30 metal guys and none of us have hot PAF pickups lol, cant relate

[@jamesjohanson5675]

haha that 9:18 riff reminds me of old Offspring :)

[@belligerentamateur]

Like, Jennifer Lost The War old, or Self Esteem old?

[@oris81]

Great video...as always.

[@phantomflame0658]

To me the 5150 didn't necessarily have less mids, just it had less of the that classic peavey boxyness esp on the red channel when boosted (yknow what I mean, kind of like the sound is coming out of a PVC pipe lol "cocked wah"), while retaining everything needed for clarity. The bass was much nicer and fitting for this style of music and it sounds like the gain can higher while still being tight and not over-saturated. It's nice and bright but not everyone likes that so I get the complaints. The green channel unboosted is sick though, and I say that as the type of person to boost almost all my amps just listen to 9:10 damn dude. That 6505 almost sounds like you're on the middle/neck pickup. But with enough EQ they can sound similar you're right One thing though about the video itself, I think the noise suppressor / auto-level or whatever it is kind of detracts from the audio, because the mic gets confused if it should have more or less gain when talking and in demos you can hear the playing gets more or less compressed. But otherwise this was a really great vid and shows $$$ doesn't mean anything for an amp! I have an Egnater Renegade for example and it sounds like a Plexi for 1/4 the cost, and boosted you can literally play some early Metallica or Crowbar on it lol

[@bradschimke5865]

I agree they would blend well together. I actually like them both and I play through Peavey 5150 II’s modded with Mercury Magnetics transformers and chokes. Great demo my dude 🤘🏻

[@BB-ft6nd]

Both of them are excellent options. You can't go wrong either way. I'd take the 6505 MKII. Havin' the extra power on tap can come in handy...

[@kieronjones7971]

Even that ground loop is metal af

[@clutch4141]

Where do they make these now?

[@mikeopeka9900]

love the 6505 II, i cant find anything online about it tho. are you messin with us?

[@joebodynobody764]

If I had to choose🤔 I'd pick that one.

[@lordgraga]

On the green channel, the 6505II sounds more musical to me. It sounds like it has better transformers and/or tubes. It's a little darker, yes, but choice of cab/mic technique would alleviate that. The Iconic is brighter, but also slightly more brittle sounding. On the red channel it was more of a toss-up. Woud've be happy to hear more of the burn mode on the Iconic, as it should be closer to the 6505II like that.

[@tjclarke4604]

I love both. If I had to pick, it would be the 6505II strictly because I like the faceplate better. I took the faceplate off my old 5150 and put it into my 6505+, and it's fun when someone who knows their gear sees it and notices that something isn't quite right, lol!

[@jeremyfickas5137]

Iconic is cool but the 6505 is still just super metal. As always truly appreciate and enjoy your demos

[@tonehammer7276]

Kyle Bull is the new 6505 as light in weight as the Invective? The Invective was very light for how much stuff was put in there. I always had the feeling of - "these are cheap light transformers" ^^ especially because i didnt like my Invective much. I could be wrong though

[@chadmorral1326]

Both sound fun too me lol different strokes for different folks, both are good. Edit: I will say something about the iconic reminds me of the modern metallica sound.

[@cmd_f5]

Honestly man, I like both quite a lot. And I'm not a huge 5150 nut either. But these both sound great. Guess my tastes are changing a bit. The Iconic has this nice snarl in the dist character that I like, esp on that red ch. Plus the Iconic is tighter without a boost by default. That said, I also can appreciate the mid character that the 6505II has. It's huge and chug friendly and not perfect. Loads of thick rounded heaviness. The Iconic and other EVH stuff is more cleaned up. If I had the dough I'd buy both and be set hahaha. Cheers

[@wctownsend]

Had the 112 combo of the Iconic, wish I hadn't gotten rid of it. Great amp!! I have owned both though and waaaaaaay preferred the Iconic over the 6505II

[@jcollell]

I prefer the Iconic. It has more gain and I prefer the way it is voiced. I like brighter amps and the Iconic sounds fuller. The 6505 just doesn't have that punchy snarl that the Iconic has. The 6505 sounds great but like you said they are both different flavors of the same thing. It really is a preference thing.

[@vannpark]

Iconic sounds awesome!!! but they only sell one cab at 16 ohms. What we need to make a full stack? Two cabs at 4 ohms?

[@ShaneRitualHV]

Nice! Soaked In Torment don't sound bad in Drop C.

[@grunge113]

I think 5150 iconic sounds better. Thanks for the comparative. Regards!!!

[@jamesjohanson5675]

Thank you, this video has made me decide on the iconic :)

[@asherplatts6253]

They both sound great! And different!

[@d3et1roi3t]

I think string to string the 2 has more noticeable clarity and fast playing note to note (unmuted) playing and when muting. I think the Iconic dont sound as full when both amps were "tuned in". (at the beginning the Iconic sounded tighter at the same setting)

[@dirty7840]

18:34...Life Of Agony 💪🏻🤘🏻

[@RodVonLongrod]

The 5150 Iconic just sounds better in every area.

[@Horcruxxx-xn1ej]

As a HUGE 6505 fan (and older 5150’s) I have to say the 6505ii wins without a doubt. It has better mids and sounds way more versatile. The iconic’s red channel just sounds too digital. You definitely can’t beat a USA 6505+ with a Mesa 412 🤘🏼

[@christopherdunn317]

Digital ?

[@chriswoods1234]

Ikr? Its a tube amp lol.

[@harshtruth9148]

theres absolutely no solid state circuit in the Iconic....all tube

[@musicboise208]

@@harshtruth9148 there absolutely is. The input stage is solid state 👍🏻 and that's a big part of an amps sound😉

[@JaimeNoro]

@@musicboise208 solid state isn't the same thing as digital, buddy. It's probably analog, like most overdrive pedals you put into your tube amp.

[@ChiAeNima]

Kill me if I'm wrong, but in my humble opinion the 6505II sounds exactly as the real thing, as it has to sound, meanwhile the 5150 Iconic sounds to me as a very good plugin or modeler of the real thing. I wouldn't have no doubt.

[@NINERS8able]

Was the buzzing from having them stacked on top of each other? Just bought the iconic. Its unreal

[@SapperRJMorgan]

Yours and the others. That Iconic is wicked. Especially for the price.

[@ELGATOLANCASTER]

Well i don't think you can really go wrong with either one. Both are in the 5150 lineage so it's a win win. 🤘🏻. Excellent content as usual.

[@resistorstudios]

The lack of mids and overbearing high end of the iconic…. It is tighter though. Exactly what I have always said. The mids are what make the OG what it is, and why they sound so aggressive in the mix. There seems to be less sag and quicker attack on the iconic, or something. I much prefer complex mids, and the softer treble of the 6505 … it makes it much more bearable to listen to. I will still hold my reservations until I actually play the Iconic in person…. But so far there is no comparison. As far as it sounding like a OG 5150 . Maybe, in that its a high gain amp they are similar, but they are still not an OG 5150. It sounds very different, when you have to roll the mids DIMED on the Iconic and it still doesn’t sound similar…. Same flavor? Idk about that. They are voiced VERY differently. I feel that way about the 6505+/5150II and the regular 6505/5150 …. Those are different flavors of the same thing but IMO the Iconic doesn’t remind me of an OG. It is closer to the 5150 III, but not saying much. The 5150 III is quite different to the OG 5150 also. I never subscribed to the idea that the Peavey 5150 and EVH 5150 iii are that similar. It seems we have three different sounding amp families, the OG 5150/6505, 5150 III, and the Iconic. They are all very different in their own regard.

[@TheLeadG]

To me the mid control was controlling a very strange upper mid range. And it just isn’t pleasing to the ear. You can tell part of the mids are dimed. It sounds like if someone didn’t change bass strings for the studio so they added a bunch of highs in post. Why he and others are saying it’s “tighter” is beyond me. Maybe in the upper midrange but the low end is so saggy on the iconic. It just doesn’t chug. The 6505 II just overall sounded so much better. Tighter lower end which to me matters most in metal. Not piercing fizzy highs. The iconic to my ears is not “more clear” it just has a super high end fizz that might make it sound “more clear” but it’s really not. It’s a bit of a mess.

[@BradRocker]

The 5150 reminds me more of my Engl, but that 6505II would seriously cut in the mix

[@JaimeNoro]

Having owned a Engl Blackmore and now owning a 6505, I know exactly what you mean.

[@JRs-guitars]

Man, I just got a PRS Archon MK2 that literally went up in smoke at a rehersal. Sending it back for something else. But now I can't decide. How's the low end push on the Iconic?

[@clintn6677]

So they are replacing the current 6505 line. I hope they announce the release date soon

[@retrocny5625]

Blending these two amps together in a mix would probably sound fucking mint.

[@dalejacksonmo]

Man...fire..both great $500 more for Peavey difference i see is 6 preamp tubes vs 2 preamp tubed

[@jerryvc86]

That riff in minute 8 sounds like the BGM for ACV Unity 🤔

[@MarciRayn]

I would rather own the Peavey 6505II. It has alot more mids (which I like), and better looks than not only the Iconic but also the 6505+. I would much rather own this 6505 over the previous just by looks alone. It has the Van Halen era logo (which is leaps and bounds better than the current one), and the old block letters. Good on you for doing a comparison video, and I'm glad I subscribed. 🤘

[@quittingyoutube45753]

I can't tell witch amp your useing because the icon in the bottom couner always said 6505II

[@OfficialSNMvids]

I was leaning toward the 6505II more than the 5150 Icon mainly due to the 5150 had a hi-fi kinda sound to it? Had to describe, but both amps are great! Great vid like always \m/

[@Ottophil]

Whats a hi fi sound like?

[@OfficialSNMvids]

@@Ottophil has more pronounced high end sizzle.

[@Will.r6]

Always wanted a mesa boogie mark 5 till i listened to trivium so evh all the way with an eq through the fx loop will be crushing

[@FEAROWNAGE]

The Iconic’s gain channel is incredible.

[@metalsnake3557]

The iconic sounds awesome but i choose the 6505 II by a hair. I was listening to it on my commute home and 6505 just had this warmth dare i say. I dont know.🤔 and probably sounds better the higher you turn it up.

[@MrCalicious]

TBH it's wild how much better the Iconic sounded, since it's the budget version.