|
Post by Pete aka shouldb on Jan 25, 2011 2:02:21 GMT -7
Hi guys,
Anyone done a head to head? Is the MiniZ really 3-4 times better sounding than the Marshall?? (it's 3-4 times the price!)
Also, on final output volume, how do they compare?
I'm looking for a home practice amp as, having moved house recently, the Z28 and Ghia, even double attenuated, are just too loud (I don't use the BL on click 4 as it kills the tone IMNO)
I'll post over in the Other Amps section too
Cheers
Pete ;D
|
|
|
Post by rickc007 on Jan 25, 2011 5:16:01 GMT -7
"3-4 times the price" Must be the New Math, the old math has it as just over twice the price I like both amps, but the Marshall is known to have rattle problems. Make sure you at least get version 2 with the 3 piece back. The Dr. Z obviously has significant build quality advantage. You also get a built in attenuator and a quality speaker. I like the tone out of the Marshall, but you would want to get an attenuator to crank it at home
|
|
|
Post by scotty on Jan 25, 2011 8:46:49 GMT -7
Never played a Class 5 but the built in attenuator and hand wired goodness of the Mini Z make the price difference to be not so much to me. I'm with Rick that you will probably want an attenuator with even with a 5 watt amp at home. Heck the Ghia and a brake lite works well for me at home but I've had a couple 5 watters, including a Mini and without an attenuator they were still LOUD in the bedroom.
*Edit* Since you've already got a brake lite the Class 5 does seem as though it would save some bucks.
|
|
|
Post by Pete aka shouldb on Jan 25, 2011 12:12:52 GMT -7
Yeah, on the price thing, remember I'm in the UK, so picking up a home grown Marshall costs me GBP 280 or so; whereas an imported Mini Z combo is GBP 815 (and there's a lovely blonde one sitting in English John's place right now, dammit!), so BIG difference in price for me, hence the question. Actually, I think a 1x10 convertible cab for my Ghia head might be the best way forward. I have 2x BLs already, so no issue there; and then use a pedal for the gritty stuff, well wound back. Thank goodness John DOESN'T have one in stock, as I can't afford ANYTHING at the moment!! Hmm, decision decisions!! Pete ;D
|
|
|
Post by rickc007 on Jan 25, 2011 14:09:29 GMT -7
Yeah, on the price thing, remember I'm in the UK, so picking up a home grown Marshall costs me GBP 280 or so; whereas an imported Mini Z combo is GBP 815 (and there's a lovely blonde one sitting in English John's place right now, dammit!), so BIG difference in price for me, hence the question. Hmm, decision decisions!! Pete ;D Ahh, I didn't catch that. Out of curiosity, if you purchased a "used" one direct from the United States, do you get killed on taxes/duties
|
|
|
Post by Pete aka shouldb on Jan 25, 2011 14:18:22 GMT -7
Problem is the Doc doesn't use universal transformers, so transatlantic travel isn't possible (110V vs 220V - not good). This has always been an issue with using American boutique amps for me. UK makes plenty of excellent boutique amps, but for me, however "traitorous" NOTHING compares to the tone of a DrZ amp, so I suffer "special build, special price" amps to get that tone Of course having English John as the UK importer makes the pain considerably less ;D
|
|