Louis Torres vs. EVH 5150 Iconic - A Legit HONEST Review!
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- Опубликовано: 26 авг 2024
- An honest look into the EVH 5150 Iconic. The guy who said this was better than the Peavey 6505+ HAS to be out of their mind!! Hahaha! The Peavey 6505+ and EVH Stealth 50W crush the Iconic so hard that there's no reason to ever compare them.
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► ► Huge Shout OUT to everyone who's helped me push forward with my RUclips channel throughout the years. My channel would NOT be where it is without my fam!! That's all of you!! Thank you so much for watching my channel and giant hugs!!! : )
About Louis:
_____________________________________________
Louis Torres is a New York based Hardcore/ Metal guitarist who formed DARKWRENCH. He's played with Sob from Merauder, was in Rampage with Mike of Candiria, founded Karma, was in Blindside with Jerry Ex, had a short stint in Confusion!, formed Out of Line (Brooklyn) and is one of the founding guitarists of Brooklyn Hardcore Band, Indecision.
NYHC for Life!!
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I’ve literally owned mine since the beginning of the year and I don’t understand how anyone is saying this has zero low end. I have my low on 3 and the resonance on 4 and it’s earth shattering. Highs and mids at 6. This is seriously a good head.
I'm wondering if some amps are better than others. I know so many guys who have shipped theirs back after using it for two weeks and not liking it for the same things I experienced.
@@louistorres now that would be interesting because I honestly believe that l lol.
I actually thought it sounded pretty good through a cell phone camera I’m assuming with the boosts you had there . Dime probably would’ve loved those odd harsh high frequencies. I think the 50 watt stealth dollar for dollar is the best sounding and priced full sized head hands down . That said I play in standardish tuning so the iconic world probably work fine for me . Everyone’s tastes are different I love James rhythm tone on And Justice for All and I know a lot of people hate that tone . It’s a great time to be a guitar player because we have so many different options out there and the quality of affordable gear is getting better all the time . It’s cool you found an iconic to try out . Anyone that has been paying attention knows you’ll eat a little crow ( synergy customer service call back months ago ) now you got a case of synergy stuff lol
THANK YOU for you honesty. I tried the Iconic 40W combo and it sounded thin, no mid range. The Randall Diablo is a great affordable amp.
Dont think I have ever see so much controversy over an amp. Its called an "EVH 5150 Iconic", when I first heard that name I figured it would be more like the old classic tone of Eddie Van Halen, thats who "EVH" is, he was NOT a "chugger", so it doesn't surprise me that modern metal guys would not dig this amp. The EVH 5150 iii series amps were basically hijacked by modern metal players, I dont think Eddie had "chug" in mind when working on these amps. I personally dont like any of those EVH amps (including the Stealth) and have tried them all, get an ENGL and there is no turning back imo. I personally have not tried the EVH iconic yet but I will because if its nothing like the EVH 5150 iii series I will probably like it.
You may like it then, it does early VH really well and I think the Peavey 5150 having the ability to be heavy was just a fluke. Like you said, that was never Eddie's style. That being said, the Iconic is lacking that heaviness, which is fine. The issue are all these RUclipsrs saying it's the best heavy metal, brutal beast! Hahaha! Another RUclipsr literally made one amp sound bad on purpose, just to make the Iconic sound good. But in previous videos, makes the Invective sound great! Hahaha! I just think it's funny when guys feel the need to be THAT deceptive.
@@louistorres I liked what you said about the PV 5150 possibly being a "fluke", so true lol, I think the same could be said about the 5150 iii series. I would have loved to ask Eddie what he thought about those amps being used the way they are for modern metal. I think the "iconic" is just that, the iconic Eddie sound, so be it.
It's absolutely great for the price. And for me it's the closest to the brown sound without attenuating a marshall super lead. Which is quadruple the price
“Unchained” The original drop tune chug!
I’m here in Brazil watching the best metal guy on you tube!! What a funnn and true real channel mannnnn
como vai primo, obrigado por assistir meu canal. Estou feliz por poder te fazer rir de todo jeito no brasil
@@louistorres helll yeah!!! Thank youuuuu!!!! Watching every video! Your Chanel it’s 1000 times better than the Ola! Englund freak haha
So let me get this right, you made 3-4 (cant remember maybe more) videos on this amp without playing it?
i want to add that for the people saying about how it sounds in this video keep in mind its recorded on a phone. Also i want to mention i havent decided if i like it or not but this video doesnt change my opinion at all.
It's not meant to change you're mind. Play it and see if you like it.
OH SHIT! You nailed it!
@@louistorres unfortunately in Canada we dont seem to have them around in many stores yet, but if i see one ill definitely give it a try. 👍
I think this is a very good amp. But the issue are people saying it’s good for heavy music. It just doesn’t have the balls and clarity like the other 5150 amps have. It’s thin and fizzy cause it’s not designed for heavy riffs and modern style metal. Its not EVH fault they designed a great amp but it’s the RUclipsrs acting like it’s Gods gift to heavy metal.
Great amp but not for heavy tones, which is fine, it's that some RUclipsrs were saying it was and how it's better than the Peavey 6505+ they are crazy!
Hey Louis,I’m loving these videos and your honesty means a lot.I didn’t think it sounded that bad but if I did go the EVH route it would be the EVH stealth all day long but as you know I’m in the Synergy game now 😄.
The EVH Stealth is a monster and Synergy is next level, bro! You know that already. :)
@@louistorres can’t wait for it arrive pal.Good times!!😃
To be honest, the Iconic series was exactly what I was looking for! I started with the blues and worked my way up to classic/southern rock with a few hard rock spells every now and then. I grew up listening to Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Ozzy Osbourn, and Van Halen and every time I heard EVH's overdrive sound, I knew that's exactly what I wanted to obtain someday. When the EVH brand first came out by Fender, I was a little disappointed because it was a bit heavier than I wanted. Don't get me wrong, I could still get close to the sound I wanted but then the amps got the reputation with the metal players. Some of my friends who play metal looked at my setup one day (I'll never forget this) and they told me "Why did you get an EVH bro? You don't chug with the chugs." and I stared at them for a second and I said "What are you, stupid?! Do you even know who made these amps?" Lmao! I finally heard the Iconic series and its got that brighter, but still nasty, sound that I was looking for and I was like, "Thats it!" I'm messing around with the EVH iconic 40w combo at the moment and if I decide I still like it overtime then I'm gonna exchange it for the 80w head and a 4x12 cab.
For what you play, it literally is perfect! There should be tons of videos with guys playing all those genres of music with the Iconic. The issue I have is how these heavy guitarists look silly trying to make it sound good for metal. Hahaha! It's not designed for metal, in my honest opinion, it's not voiced for it. It's not like any previous 5150 they've ever made. They should have made a new line called Iconic. Adding 5150 is kind of the scandalous. Especially when it doesn't sound like any 5150 variant made by Peavey or EVH/ Fender the last thirty years. Of course, for marketing purposes, calling it a 5150 is great! It's like Mesa calling the Badlander a Rectifier when it sounds nothing like any Rectifier made the last thirty years. Hahaha. Of course, it sells better if it's a "Rectifier." It's good business spinning it that way. I get it but some of these dudes try and fail miserably and at the end, are saying it's great! You can see it in their faces that they're lying!! Lol! No one is going to like you or think you're being a good corporate citizen if you're negative, so everything is positive! If I don't like something, I'm gonna say so and if I see a bunch of guys lying to everyone, I'm going to call them out too. :)
This is basically a modern version of a valve king 100 with a 5150 badge and control layout. It just has this voicing that cannot be EQ out, and the headroom is limited at 80 watts so this might cause a disturbance in the used Peavey market that's about it
It's a quick money grab for EVH. Now they have a little more money from selling this $499 amp for double.
@@louistorres The iconic has been in development for quite a few years, even Eddie himself had played a role in it's creation. It was created more or less to celebrate his 30 years of amp designing. I think saying it's a cash grab is a little much.
All subjective.. I purchased a 50 watt stealth head, plugged it into my Soldano 212 with Eminence Legends.. sounded HORRIBLE (imo).. sent it back and purchased a Fryette Deliverance which is plugged into a KRANK Krankenstein (love it).. wasn’t using the Soldano 212.. tried an Iconic combo with the Soldano 212.. one of the best metal sounds I’ve yet to hear. So many factors, cabinet construction and speakers being one of them.
Ok, hello Louis👊👊👊...
Haven't spoke to you in a long time, I see yr still looking ammo to amp.
Love it!!!
Reading all the comments, and watching the video... you know I gotta comment...
Dude, there are some things you notice without seeing the obvious.
It sounds great thre yr phone, but that being said it's an amp... 1 of many of the same you have.
But yr playing in the video sounded better than other amps, so you need to look at that. Sometimes the feel it's more important, and you were chuggin in the vid.
But as far as owning it, I have told you that Salandro is yr amp Bro hands down...
But referring to the comments, ppl... it's an amp.
It rep EVH, I'm sure if you have an EVH of any kind, I wouldn't run out and get this specific amp unless it did something for yr playing.
Achieving a similar sound im sure is possible out of pretty much any amp designed in the EVH Family ect...
But most important here, is Bro... you went prepared. Lol...
Yr nuts, 2 guitars a boost...
The passion, always there...
I hope you don't buy this amp for yrself having what you have, and I hope you get yrself a Mark 4 or 5 or something in that family soon...
Bit, I know toy won't listen...
Be good Bro👊👊👊
I'm pretty excited to get mine hopefully soon. I'm also excited for Mark Tremonti 100 Watt amp to come out. Going to get ready to pre-order the MT 100 as soon as it's available for pre-order
That MT100!!!!!
Thank you man. I super appreciate you actually going and taking video of you trying it out. It's a put your money where your mouth is moment and I think that's great. That being said, I think you're crazy because even with just the phone you were recording it with, I thought it sounded great but like you said, everyone is gonna be different and thats what matters. It's ok that you don't like it and I do. Again, thank you
I can confirm that the parts that sounded good didn't in person and the parts where I thought it sounded the best in person, the audio didn't make it sound great. :) It was weird hearing that! Lol
@@louistorres right on man. Thanks for the video
I've been saying this whole time the Stealth sounds a lot better than the Iconic. I can still hear that fizz that I don't like whenever I hear the Iconic. It's nice to see someone not jump on the bandwagon because it's the newest thing on the block.
Yes bro! Three guys told me today alone that they canceled their order earlier.
Oh good lord the fizz. I have the combo and once ran it with the line out. Its legit the worst sounding amp distortion ever
Cool review Louis, the best out there. Stay true. I hope when you hit 100000 subscribers that you'll still be as honest and can't be bought like others on YT. Playing a 100W Stealth myself and and totally agree with you.
I'm jealous! Everyone raves about how much they love their 100W Stealth! That thing is a beast! And thank you for the well wishes, brother! You are the man and I hope you're having a fun Saturday, bro!
Louis, awesome review. I admire your takes. Most of my other interests ( tools, cars) have RUclipsrs who can be negative about products without so much sensitivity. We don’t have to share options to value each other’s views.
Thanks for a great channel.
RJ
Hell yeah bro!
What is a better chugging amp for the same money that you say there is?
The price on that used THD Univalve says it all lol. That's where this amp needs to be.
The Iconic literally sounds like a $300 craigslist special amp.
If we ALL liked the same amps we wouldn't need "ALL" the amps!!!! Nice vid!
That's a true honest RAW review! No bullshit.. I salute you
Bro, the EVH Stealth 50 and Peavey 6505+ CRUUUUUUUSH the Iconic so bad that I don't know why dudes are comparing them THEN saying the Iconic is better! Bunch of liars who are selling their soul to the devil.
@@louistorres yes I agree on you.. more power and chugging to your channel.
The iconic sounds pretty good but the 50 watt 5153 I have just sounds better. Idk how to explain it. There's things I like about the iconic and things I like about the 50 watt. I like the built in noise gate, reverb, and cheaper price but I like my 3 channel 5153 w/ matching 2x12 cab a lot. It has more growl and balls imo. Maybe a tube screamer in front of the iconic would make it more ballsy.
I ran three different pedals with the Iconic and couldn't find a tone I liked. The Stealth is one of my all-time favorite amps, so it was tough using the Iconic and making a comparison to it.
@@louistorres I know. Once you're used to a really good amp like the stealth everything else sounds like shit. Especially solid state which I always used to use cause dimebag used it...lol. I remember back in the day trying a Mesa boogie at guitar center and I thought that sounded like crap and didn't have enough gain. I think it was called the heartbreaker or something like that. But now that I finally forked out the cash for a good tube amp and cabinet it's like wow I been missing out...lol. I don't even need a boost pedal with the EVH cause it has so much gain already.
Good thing the review came AFTER the amp was played this time and not before. ;)
Like I said, if RUclipsrs want people to gauge their opinion based on their video, then my opinion was that it sucks for heavy tones. After using it, I can confirm that I was right all along. Dudes are pushing shit because they're getting paid to promote it
@@louistorres could be that. Could also be that your opinion is an opinion and everyone is entitled to one. I didn't think the amp was all that bad myself. Personally not my flavor anymore, though. Amps in this vein are great, just not for me anymore. Wouldn't say it SUCKS though.
Funnily enough I came back to this demo after trying one for myself. I actually agree about the head: It doesn't sound bad, but for that full absolutely brutal thick tone you'd expect from an EVH or an old Peavey it doesn't quite hit the mark.
BUT...biggest surprise was the combo. It was so fun to play through I ended up buying one for myself (I'm mostly a shredder more than a downtuned riffer anyway) and I just find it a great little high-gain combo. Sounds pretty huge for its size and while it isn't as optimal for modern tones like the head, for some reason it's more enjoyable than its big brother for my purposes. Absolutely kicks ass more than any other apartment combo amp I've owned too. Sold a Katana practice amp and DSL20 combo for it and super happy.
The Iconic is great amp for shredding and the cleans are beautiful. Although it's lacks on the Heavy front, funny enough, some dudes have hit the effects loop with an EQ and the front with an overdrive and it sounds better. :) Thanks for watching and commenting, bro! I appreciate you taking the time to do that. Happy Monday!!!
@@louistorres Happy Monday, my man! And that’s for that tidbit, now I gotta try that and see if it can handle a 7 string! Cheers
Good to see a honest answer
Hi Louis ! I agree with You. In my opinion Iconic is Lifeless and fizzy . In preamp is only two tubes, so I think in preamp circuit must be used some silicon diodes for gain/drive....But sound is about personal taste of course...Peace ! ..Regards from Europe.
I love my iconic 40 combo a year later. Just changed the speaker to a Neo Creamback. Got rid of all my other amps. Cheers.
Lots of guys love theirs
Had a chance to snag a Mr.Hector for $900 about a year ago and dude sold it before I got out of work 🤦
What!!!! Bro, I'm pissed for you for having that happen. I hate when dudes do that. Was it Craigslist?
You just earned a sub! I went back and listened again. Not for me. The highs just sound artificial or something. It is like a metallic noise that is NOT musical. Thank you so much for being true to yourself and for just being real.
If you ever get the chance to try one, you must!! I didn't like the tone from any video posted and liked it even less after I played it! Almost bought it, just to take home but it was pretty meh, and not worth it. Just ordered a Peavey 6534+ yesterday, a unicorn in Peavey amps that I know I'll love! :) Gotta watch out for some dudes pushing gear that just isn't great. :) Have a great Friday, Stephen and thanks for subscribing, my bro bro! :)
My personal opinion is that I agree with you that I don’t like that strange harshness in the high end frequencies. It definitely has to do with the amp design. I hear that weird fizzy harsh sound in all the videos too.
But the weird thing is that it sounded good in Tone Wars video. Jarrod managed to make it sound good. But maybe that’s just because he’s an awesome player, and he’s playing a music man majesty and using a Mesa 2x12. That altogether makes it sound better maybe.
For the price, I think a Blackstar HT Club 50 boosted by a Maxon OD808 wold be better. That’s for a cheap but decent metal tone. Even 80s…. Blackstar would do it better if a Marshall DSL 100 is too expensive. I only mentioned that wattage amount because that’s what the iconic generally is. I would say the 20 W amplifier would be perfect in my Blackstar examples.
Played a iconic combo at a music store recently just couldn't get a good sound out of it
It does great if you want early 80s classic rock but it's definitely not good for modern metal tones. That's why I was so angry when RUclipsrs like Ola were saying it was great!! Meanwhile, you can see it in his face that even HE didn't believe what he was saying.
EVH Stealth 100 watt head owners: Tame your tone on the Red channel with the Blue channel gain knob. If you use the Red channel you can in fact use the Blue channel gain like a “tone” knob for the third channel gain. If you own one, try it!
Does it work on the 50 watt stealth ?
I don’t have a 50 watt stealth so I don’t know but you can try. Good luck 👍🏽
@4142Wilb I'm going to try it.
Now that you mention it, I think I noticed what you are describing on my 50 stealth and it confused me but I had just changed channel and forgot about it until reading this.
I only heard the iconic sound good in one video, and the guy wasn’t playing chugs. He was legit playing 80s EVH lol. I agree with you this does not do the chug thing. For 1k Il just buy a 6505 or the stealth like you were stating.
It's a good amp for some and for others, it'll be the Stealth before this one.
That was Shred ain’t Dead. He did an 80’s montage and he did a great job with it. But it seems that where the Iconics strengths are
For a grand, I'd save $250 and find a mint 5153 50W 6L6 on the used market. The 5153 50W 6L6 can do all genres, and do them well. Or get the EVH 5153 LBX Stealth.
As for the "packed with features" marketing stuff...the noise gate is a very nice feature, but it is only on the red channel. It'd be great if were on both channels. The reverb does not sound that great IMO. I would use a reverb pedal over the onboard reverb. It has an effects loop...so does the 50W and LBX. The speaker emulated XLR is nice as well as the 1/4 power feature. Features like the effects loop and are found on the 50W version.
It seems that they wanted this amp's price point to fill the gap in the product line between the LBX and 5153 50W versions. There are just so many better options out there IMO.
Well when you were naming your amps that were much better you should have put in that 6505 plus the 5150 big block in that selection cuz they are badass you the man glad you're back on here
Given what you said, do 50w stealths really go around for around 1k? Coz I still find this amp cool but that price hike after releasing just doesn't sit right with me. I could get a 6505+ or another EVH used
Wow, I just looked and I forgot that they increased the price twice! They're at $1,550 but were $1,250.
I'll take my MT15, cheaper and sounds better.
I’ve never been a fan of the 6505 or the original 5150 I’ve literally owned 5 5150 amps and I could never get the tone I wanted it was always saggy or soggy and not tight until I got the 5150 III 50 watt head from fender and it sounded amazing. The Bugera 6262 is probably the cheapest and most amazing sounding amp I’ve ever bought and still own it runs circles around the original 5150s…my two cents
I totally agree with you. The 6505 needs a good overdrive to tighten its tone. 100% agree with you.
@@louistorres for me pickups really help the 6505. Try a dimebucker and you'll hear a fucking onslaught that's still tight
What you're describing in the sound...it's the solid state circuitry. A lot of modeling/SS amps have that. My Blackstar Silverline head has the same thing and I swear it sounds exactly like the 5150 Iconic. No joke. Check out the video I made and you'll hear that same thing you described.
Let me find it now! Thanks bro!
Saw this vid and thought "It's not the worssss,..... Ohhh there's the SD1" 🤣
I had a totally different experience at my local GC who had an EVH iconic in stock.
Bro, lots of guys love this amp and unless you're using an EQ through the effects loop and hitting it with a distortion through the front, I just didn't care for it but that's just me. Guys are having heart attacks bc I don't like it! Hahaha! Some won't and others will and that's okay. :)
@@louistorres "Guys are having heart attacks bc I don't like it!"....LOL
I would have liked to hear the presence knob rolled back below noon. I think that the presence is what makes that awkward high end. I am just wondering if we are so used to cranking the presence on 5150s that maybe this amp just needs to be dialed much differently than other 5150s.
Although that's what's it was at that time, I had it at zero, at noon, maxed, same with the resonance and literally every knob it has. I think guys need to try it and see how they find it. Most GCs have them now.
Thanks for the response. I don't really have a dog in this fight, to me it's just another amp that some people like and some don't. When my GC gets them in I will definitely try it myself though, I want to see what happens when going for a Dimebag style tone or a super hot rodded Marshall style tone. Seems like the mid focused 5150 style tone isn't this amp's bread and butter, which I will admit is pretty ironic.
That guy who said it was better than the 6505 went back and forth with me for hours last night on one of your posts. I should know better than to argue with somebody stupid. They drag you down to their level and beat you with experience 😂
Hahahaha! That dude is CRAZY! After playing the Iconic! Hahaha! The 6505 CRUUUUUUSHES the Iconic so bad that I don't know why anyone would try to compare them.
The controversy over this amp is a little annoying and also hilarious in a way. I never see people get as butt hurt over negative reviews of any other kind of products.
I remember you posted a video about how you hated the Mesa Badlander. I bought that amp and I love it and it’s my favorite amp! Much prefer that to the dual rectifier. And it chugs like a choo choo train. And guess what, I don’t care if you hated it and it doesn’t bother me because I know that I love it. People have different ears and different opinions.
I've since used three other Badlanders and for me, I still don't like it but I know lots of guys who love theirs. Try the Iconic when you get the chance, it's really weird, like a high pitched chimey pedal.
@@louistorres have you ever tried any of the Mark series amps? Like the Mark IV, Mark V or the JP2C? I think the Badlander is really more similar to those maps than a rectifier, and I like those amps too. If you don’t like the Marks, that could explain why the Badlander didn’t do it for you.
I haven’t tried the iconic yet, but there is this weird high end like a pedal in all the videos.
Typical guitar center fashion, the employees have no idea what the fuck any of their products are. Highlight of the video😂
Right? I was thinking, how does he NOT know about the Iconic? It's literally the talk of the town right now!
What a knowledgeable employee! He may as well been slanging rock! You should of Asked to speak to a mgr when he didn't know who you were and asked for him to be fired due to ignorance
Hahahahahaha!!!!!
I’ll just keep playing my EvH lbx 2. 😝 great review!!
Hahaha! I feel like I should have tried that lbx! I was so disappointed in the Iconic that I just packed my things and left. Hahaha!
How does the EVH EL 34 compare to the iconic 5150I want that deep marshalll tone I already have an EVH stealth 100 but need something smaller and sounds like Overdriven martial like Eric Rutan of Morbid Angel , Hate eternal, now Cannibal corpse
Thanks for the honest review Louis 🙏🏽 Question for you, how does the 5153 stealth compare your 6505s? I keep hearing there’re over compressed compared to the 6505 and i’m having a hard time deciding between the two.
I love the Stealth and 6505+, they are slightly different animals but similar. Like a mountain lion vs panther... If you want more compression, then get the Stealth bc to me, it has a little more compression but that's with the red channel. The blue channel boosted is amazing with less compression. The 6505+ has a great gain stage, not as compressed, even on the red but once you boost it, you'll be getting more compression when tightening the signal.
Sounded like my 1991 peavey 5150 block letter. That was a huge reason I sold it. No low end. I have heard a rumor, idk if its true, but it seems like the iconic is more based on EVHs later 80s sound. I heard they are going to make a 5150 "1992" which I think is more in line with the 5150 we know today. I also have heard the 6505, has a little warmer, fatter midrange and possibly more low mids. No clue. I want to get another 5150/6505 one day. But I want to play it first.
I literally have the 5150 and 6505 and they're the same, so you're not missing much but I am looking forward to that 5150 "1992" let's see how that goes.
@@louistorres ok sick!! You can get 6505 for like 600 bucks used. And idk if I had a wicked early 5150 before they made tweaks but it never sounded like any demo, or other 5150s that I have heard
Your block letter amp had “no low end???” What????????
@@snapascrew that was my thought too. Something must have been wrong.
@@snapascrew it really didn't have alot at all. It may have not been 100% working. It did crackle at low volumes. But every 5150 really is different. And being a 91 I don't know if I got a really early one where maybe they made some minor tweaks? Maybe the transformers were getting weak? 30 year old amps can run into some issues. Very likely it had some issues.
Great job again bud, agreed 100%, the Stealth is the way to go.
It's a much better amp overall between the two. Guys are going to buy the Iconic anyway, so let them. :)
I personally love my iconic and I think it chugs, but then again I have mine plugged to my Mesa Oversized 4x12 and put the presence at 10 and resonance at 8-9. Then I play in dropped tunings like B and C so that helps. I think it's better for people who play leads who don't need a lot of low end. Probably ok with rhythm. I think it has enough low end for me, but then again I play in dropped tunings. I do agree that the 50/100 watt stealth is much better. I love my 50 watt stealth. But not a lot of amps are better than the Stealth lol, I'll argue that it's the best. Hell, The stealth kills any Peavey (5150 or 6505) amp too. My only issue with the Iconic is the noise gate (it sucks) and the overdrive on the green channel screeches super loud even if you're using passive pickups. You need a really good noise gate to stop that. I have a cheaper noise gate (rowin) that works well with my stealth but when I use it with my iconic, I'm always moving it back and forth. I'm upgrading my noise gate anyways but that's my issue with the Iconic.
Yes, I totally agree with you
I noticed if I'm close to the amp the noise gate is useless but if I move a couple feet away, it kicks in. Hope that helps.
@@prometherion3089 yeah I noticed that too, I remember seeing Ola Englund talk about being further away. It's actually true. But for some odd reason, on the green channel when I plugin my ts-9 it makes a gigantic screech sound when I palm mute my guitar. I never got that with my stealth, or at least not screeching the way that it was. But that's my only complaint about the iconic
Good thing Im able to buy gear once a year and didn't rush out for it 😂
these iconic videos are iconic
I agree Bro!!....Iconic is built to a budget point, and many new guitar players DON'T have a Good quality amp to compare it to, so they think it's the greatest thing in the world, LOL....There's a video of a guy testing the Iconic next to the DSL40, and the Iconic sounds like shit, sorry but it's just facts.....I'm Not fooled by the solid state modelling shit. I also think the construction is cheap and flimsy, that's why I didn't buy it....build quality says it All, I don't even need to play it!
It was the biggest marketing nonsense ever thrown at guitarists in decades!
I bought it and I love it. It’s going to get done what I need it to but as of right now it’s still missing something so Im going to keep messing with it but it does not beat out my 100w or 50w 6l6
It just doesn’t but I feel like I’m getting it close to what I’m looking for.
The next amps on my list to get are one of the stealth’s (probably the 50w) and the Marshall JCM 2000 DSL100.
You know what it reminded me of? The Amptweaker Tight Metal Pro II pedal that I couldn't seem to dial in after almost two hours. A pedal! Nothing worked and guess who designed both! Lol
Thanks for the attempt. But the phone audio and limitations of being rushed in the GC room don’t lead to best test environment or comparison. Should have brought it home to demo under their return policy and compared at your leisure to your other amps and captured better audio. But do appreciate the hands on first reaction fwiw.
You think I'm going to spend $1,100 for something I'm going to bring back? After all these years and actually playing it, it's not good for heavy tones. Try one when you get the chance, you'll see what I mean.
yo Louis, you got the LBX Stealth from GC then? What happens if you hooked it up to your 50watt KSR power amp fx return ?
It's not bad and not good, but I'm sure there are people who loved it. But I couldn't get by the price though. I'm sticking to my old Peavey 5150 combo and Son of Yeti
Ceriatones are great and so is your 5150. You don't need this thing when you've got those. :)
That joyo with a boost blows that out of the water
It does!! Honesty it does! Yes bro
Dude, the high pitch frequencies you heard were all the cry baby haters!! Waa...waa.. haha. Love you man!!!
Hahahaha! Mike, you are the man! Lol
There’s some harmonic issues in the high end that I just don’t like. It’s probably good for super detuned players
I'm tuned to C# Standard and that high pitch frequency is all I could hear
Quite the opposite. It lacks the low end and tightness that can truly let the lower tuned stuff stand out, but sure, a very low tuned guitar wouldn’t sound outright thick and muddy either because it’s entirely trapped in that fizzy high end territory, but that’s why it’s preferable to have that thick and dominant low end (even if it gets overwhelmingly muddy) and then use the option of tightening it up with a clear boost.
@@louistorres it’s muddy you got the bass way too far up that and you pinged the resonance. Sigh I’ll go tomorrow and see if I can dial in a decent tone. I only tune down to d standard at the lowest tho most times I’m in eflat.
Hey! What year DSL do you have? I'm thinking if grabbing one and you say you really like yours.
Rich, I love mine! It's what Gary Holt uses and he's the reason why I looked into it. I don't remember the exact year but it was a year or two after the heat issue was fixed by Marshall. My 2000 TSL had the heating problem but was fixed.
@@louistorres OK cool. I hear the 90s DSL heads are great. I'll have to research the best years.
I also love the Marshall tones Slayer gets on Relentless and God Hates us All. I want that Marshall tone too. Haha.
I get some crazy good Marshall meets Mesa tones with my Archon 100 however. Thanks bro!
Yes Louis you’re dam right, If I was going to spend $999.99 for a new amp head I would get the Marshall DSL100HR before I would get an EVH iconic.
Hey Louis, great video. Which ENGL would you recommend for heavy playing? Looking around the 50 watt area. ( Cant find a new Stealth anywhere) Thanks Louis!
Everyone loves the Powerball II but it's 100w and about $2,300 after taxes new. Try to find one used if you can.
The mistake EVH made was naming it a 5150. That makes players assume it' a chugg machine - like the other 5150's. They should haved called it something else. EVH Iconic, no 5150? EVH Vintage?
It is absolutely a shred machine. If you want that heavy chug, go with the Stealth. When the Iconic is dialed in, it is an 80s shredding beast.
@@prometherion3089 I agree - I meant it’s not a chugg machine!
Omg, yes! I agree calling it a 5150 is like Mesa calling the Badlander a Rectifier when it's more of a Mesa Stiletto.
Yes! It's a great 80s shred amp, without question.
Yes, I think the "5150" presumes it can chug, like all previous models.
Thank you Lou! Hopefully this will quiet some of the butthurt. But I have a feeling the opposite is going to happen and they will double down.
Hahahaha! You know they will!
Kudo's for going out there and just trying it, well done. I liked what I've heard so far, even through your camera mic, but I guess it isn't everyones cup of tea. Saying it's better than a 6505+ is stupid though. You have a Marshall VS8100 like me right? How does it compare given the hybrid preamp thing?
Agree! It's not an amp everyone will like and that's okay. :)
well lets be honest if you run the head thru there cab it is very bright and not responsive but I run thru my cabs of Vintage 30 and Celestion Greenbacks and it chugs just fine. But to each there own is the phrase I am seeking...
The 212 cabinet I used had Celestion V30s, which is literally the speaker most of my cabinets have. Different strokes for different folks. Maybe having all my gear butchered how I feel about amps these days. I can't expect a $1,000 amp to sound like a $4,000 beast.
@@louistorres I have played Carvin VL100 for years and people thought I was not going to cut it I played Mesa Boogie Mark 4 and they said the same because it wasn't a Rectifier but in the end My Vintage 30 and Celestion Greenback cabs have been true to me whether its a Friedman 50 a Vox 120 or the Iconic it chugs hard and gives a Pretty damn good tone . I am not expecting everyone to find it but it seems to happen for a few others than just myself bit something is going on because the price point is about a grand now and they don't stay in stores now this I the head only not the whole half stack. So maybe it's not for everyone but I think as good of a Tone that can be gotten out of it with very little tweaks I think if people can find them and they have a nice oversize cab or something they are familiar with they should have one if nothing else than to practice or record direct from the pre out and get an amazing sound while adding the new Petrucci software effects and they will have something wonderful again . Hit or miss like with everything ..
The one thing I have to say that I have learned from these comments is that everyone is one up on the next person or knows more than the next and when it comes down to it people bought what a friend shared or someone else said was the shit if they even bought it at all.. I did see a comment that made sense ad I believe TONE SNOBS was used but the part of social media that everyone seems to miss is the objective OPINION of others and none of this is worth arguing about in the end because another comment said Holt played Junk amps true or false I never paid attention to what he played just that in the studio and LIVE he rocked. Megadeth used Crate Blue Voodoo and people said they were Junk (yes there was a circuit that needed removed for loud volumes) but it rocked .. Made in America, Made In Malaysia, Made in Japan its to cut overhead not to make Junk is the point people miss every time. I am sure in the end The owner of this channel is giving his opinion but that would be like me trying something new after playing thru a wall of Modded Marshall heads like Steve Vai and Eddie have and giving my thought on a SLO that Eric Clapton uses it would be my thought but would it right for everyone here ? NO its very simple some of us found a way to get more than what you heard from it on his Cell phone and didn't mind paying for it .. But for me personally I never liked EVH , I was very Happy with current setups but times change needs change and I bought it , I am also getting another amp modded at the moment so will this be all that I use maybe , or maybe I will use it as my monitor but to Sit here and claim the same thing because someone else feels this way is the way the internet works anymore and normally I read what people write and don't say much but this time I was there in a store looking at amps and played thru a oversized Mesa cab and I was sold , High volume low volume and when i brought it home to my Cabs it didn't disappoint ME.. It is a shame most will never see one for real or have the great cabs to take it home to play thru but its a lot like playing an open back and expecting to sound like a closed back ,As a musician or as a person who enjoys playing period I would never of dealt with the back and forth I knew this would bring especially when so many people take the word of the shows host.. I found like many other player found a way to make it chug and it does but I am honestly glad i didn't find this channel until after I got to play it myself because in the end opinions are like assholes , we all have one and dogging people because you think they are trying to drag you down for their thoughts is wrong on a hundred levels because until you play it and get to make up your mind. And to be honest I am probably wasting my time saying what i have because right or wrong nothing will change and everyone will know more than this person or that one and never play one themselves because you watched all the videos and know all of the scams or tricks they used to make it sound good ..
Thanks for the pleasant conversations on this channel..
You don’t hear much about peavey anymore, but if you want an actual 5150 120 watt head for 1000 bucks, a 6505 head is the only way to go! It IS a 5150.
Yes bro, I totally agree with you
I thought they were trying to market the Iconic as an 80's type amp. I would not ever buy one for the type of stuff you are talking about here. Now the Stealth, I think can do both. I agree with you, but I think it might be great for a Hair Metal player.
Yes, the Stealth is so much better. The issue is that some RUclipsrs are saying it's great for heavy chugging and it's not that great for it. It sounds like something is missing so I needed to let guys know, so they don't get duped into buying one. Get the EVH Stealth instead.
Bro be honest you literally had your mind made up before you even got there. What was the point in this?
I spent 40 minutes trying to dial this thing in, you're dumb. If I'm in the wrong, unlike YOU I fucking own it, as I have in the past. I was ready to eat crow and in the end, it sounds like a cheap pedal. Go buy one, then apologize when you return it so I can say, told you so!
Way to back up your argument bro!!!
Kyle Bull was doing a live stream with the Iconic today. He kept changing guitars, cabs, boosters, etc. Everyone was saying how awesome it sounded.
I said to him a few times, there’s just this upper mid range scratchiness that is present no matter what. No matter how he dialed it in, the scratchiness was obvious and unpleasant!!!
That's exactly what it sounds like! There's a weird frequency that I constantly hear in RUclips videos and what I played out of today! Hahaha! Some dudes have sold their soul to the devil and now they have to do what they're told! EVH Stealth crushes that thing and so does the 6505+!!!!!
@@louistorres that's what I'm talkin about give that 6505 some respect you're the man I love your fucking Channel
@@louistorres cocked wah sound..? 6505+ has the same.. i own one, maybe its because of my chinese vintage speakers? if anything, do you know what speakers have les upper mids? because everything sounds shit through my cabinet atm, including DSL TSL JVM TRIREC 6505 and so on.
@@bibiranger Yeah the 6505+ combo I have has the same cocked wah toilet paper tube sound going on. I keep everything at around 5, and put presence at almost max. You either love it or hate it. Boosts sound like shit, funnily enough the metalzone was the only boost I tried that sounded good and matched the amp, especially that you can dial out that mid frequency with the built in parametric eq. Sounded pretty brootal for Crowbar stuff if you ask me. I'm definitely sending it back to my dad though it's just not my thing. The way to fix the cocked wah is to change eq BEFORE preamp
I am no expert just started back playing guitar, but that tone doesnt even sound like 80s metal, its so saturated and fizzy sounds like my boss metal zone i had when i was a teenager.
I would definitely not buy that, if i tested in person and sounds better maybe. But nah lol. I have tried the stealth lunch box which is fine didnt really blow me away, great sounding amp, but the gain on the lead channel is not workable i had it at 1/10, also i really didnt like how the on off switch is at the back.
Yes man, I bet they'll do better next run.
For around a grand you can find a variety of cheaper amps…Jet City, Peavey Windsor, etc modded by Dave Friedman. That is where I’m going to spend my money.
Those are all better, in my opinion
The amp was designed for the young guitarist or beginner, someone on a budget. A first real tube amp. The folks at EVH realized that they would have to do very little in the way of marketing the amp because the RUclips community would directly and, or indirectly do all the leg work for them. We’re all just suckers.
@Biggerino 😂
There's definitely lack of attack with the actives. And no low carrying through like you mentioned.
It's not bad, it's just not great for the heavy, that's all.
@@louistorres definitely it's more in the mix lead fizz
Sum out how i felt about blackstar too. But you don't see people out there defending blackstar tho
Why would you use a distortion pedal on it. 5150s have far better distortion on its own.
Did you try the pedal through the loop?
Who used a distortion pedal?
@@louistorres thought there was something said bout a BOSS distortion hooked up? If not. I apologize.
I haven't gotten the chance to try an Iconic in person yet but from the videos I've heard it sounds, for lack of a better word, "generic" to my ears. It's not bad sounding but at the same time it makes me go "eh". I can't really explain it or put my finger on it because it's definitely in the 5150/6505 tone camp but all I can say is "eh". I like and would recommend the Bugera 6262 over the Iconic at this point because it actually sounds better, at least to my ears.
It sounds like a fizzy distortion pedal it literally sounds to me like a cross between a metal zone and a Wampler pinnacle
Yes bro, it sounds like a cheap pedal
You are complaining about the lack of low end, but you have the resonance at what appears to be 7 out of 10?
You realize that adding resonance adds bass right. I was using the amp before I started filming and after I stopped. Buy it then, tell me how much you love it. Do it!!!
@@louistorres Yes, precisely the reason for my question. You read off your settings noting resonance as "higher"? Then you turn the camera to the amplifier with resonance on 7. To reiterate, why not set it on 10 if you truly want to demonstrate the full low end response?
$699 is a better price point for this amp. Has that thin sound. Def not a chug beast
Yes! Or $599!
Tone is subjective. To each there own. Rock on my brother!!🤘🤘🤘 love my 50w stealth.
i want to try one. i don't think it sounded bad. i just bought a 100w stealth though. i think james brown could make a sick hybrid amp. like a vh140c mixed with a 5150. or an amptweaker like amp. was hoping that's what this was but gonna wait to try it myself.
Your stealth crushes the Iconic, glad you got that monster!
You know Louis , I still have that black spirit 200 if you wanna try it out I'm sure you could make a case this totally solid state head is a better buy than the iconic I believe there are places where this is still 899 but you can get it as a pedal(amp) or as an actual head or as a combo For about the same price as the iconic and you'd be hard pressed to find a better sounding totally solid state amp imo but this has every bell and whistle you could want in an amp for that price , built in noise gate , on board fx clean crunch lead and ultra channels Bluetooth (with an app to control the panel) red box di 2 20 and 200 power setting....etc let me know if you're still interested in borrowing it to try out
Joe! Where have you been! I was actually thinking about you the other day while making mashed potatoes! I swear! Hahaha!
@@louistorres remember lumps are the key !
After listening to a lot of demos I think that it doesn't sound as bad as early demos but it doesn't have as much balls as a 6505 and it's fizzy.
Yes James Brown has said the presence knob is different, this does something before 12 o' clock but that's not the only reason.
It's tighter, it's fizzier than a 6505. When I hear it alone, it's not that bad. It doesn't cost that much, it's new and it's tempting. As soon as I hear a back to back comparison with a 5153 or a 6505, sounds the real deal. It sounds like going from 720p to 4K, you know what I mean?
At this price point and with this design decisions, to me, it sounds like an amp for beginners that want to switch from a modeler to the real deal but it falls short in that area too because I believe that there's better stuff around these days.
TL;DR: You can find a lot of 5150's used at the same price point. If you are the target demographic of this amp you might not need a new amp. Just buy an used amp, or stay with modelers.
You have to remember that a 50 watt Stealth is going for almost $1600 and a 100 watt is going for like $2300. The Peaveys you might be able to get for around a $1000 for the 120 watt 6505.
@@prometherion3089 Not in the used marked you missed that point
@@prometherion3089 Besides the Iconic got a price increase meaning that it's 999.99 USD from SweetWater and at that point just get a 6505 new.
@@svart42 True, but a lot of people want something new.
I know you said you used several boosts but personally I don’t care for boosts because I hear a high end clank that drives me nuts. Did you happen to play it much without the boost, if so did it help the low end you said was missing. Was starting to get the impression this amp didn’t need a boost.
Yeah, I definitely didn't sound good with any boost pedal, so I cut them out and running direct was better.
How did it compare to the stealth lunch box that was sitting on top of it?
I didn't use it
Hey Lou did you try different cabinets?
I have an iconic, and I runnit with a dirty tree, and marshall vintage mired a cab.
It fucking thumps!
Some people don't like the Iconic just like i don't like Mesa's.
Yes, I've told folks that as well.
Sounds pretty good to me. But ppl need to keep in mind, this amp is not marketed as a metal chug amp. In fact none of the evh stuff really is
C'mon dude, this is the 4th video of you complaining about this amp and you are calling everyone else cry babies? This is the only place I ever heard anyone talking about this amp, no where else seems to be involved with the "ICONIC Drama". Not to mention this is the first you have actually shown the amp in your video and it was in a guitar center?! lol, maybe thats why people keep "whining", because they expect people reviewing amps to... you know, review the amp. I dont think I have unsubbed so fast after subscribing to a "youtuber" before. That is remarkable considering you were a founding member of one of my favorite hardcore bands. Peace out dude! Hope you get the subs you want with this style of video.
You must not be watching the nonsense everyone else is saying but thanks for watching this episode. Cha-ching!
I actually love the crap out of this amp. It does eddie better than the III does and it's alot cheaper. I play it everyday and love it. However I guess I just haven't played many harder amps. The hardest I've played are the 6505 which I hate and the mesa dual rectifier. Not my style at all.
Yeah bro, I totally understand you. And the opposite holds true as well, if you love the Rectifier and 6505, you wouldn't like the Iconic. Totally agree, it does early Eddie tones much better than any EVH III or Peavey would. :)
@@louistorres yeah it has all I need but my buddy uses the 3 and for metal amd chugging. They do sound so much more modern and almost compressed the right way
Sounds pretty good,even in mono.
I got it to sound okay but it was still missing that beefy monster tone that I'm used to hearing, even on cheap amps like the MT15
I have recently found out through ToneKing channel that this amp was allegedly approved by Eddie himself, so a lot of people feel that trashing this amp is almost like disrespecting the memory of late Eddie Van Halen himself
I think Eddie approved it and thought it was the sound Eddie always wanted for his style of playing. If guys play rock, early metal, hair metal, etc it'll be more than fine. The issue I've always had are RUclipsrs who are being used for their followers and advised to make it sound as brutal and heavy as possible and this amp isn't meant for that. It just makes me think it's nothing more than a money grab for these RUclipsrs who literally make $50 to $150 from RUclips a month. So their only way to get "paid" is to say it's great, get the amp for free then sell it with a 100% profit margin. Since it was used as payment, it's okay but they did the same with other gear. It could be a terrible product, like a pedal, and they won't care, they just want it as a quick same to get paid. It's one big scandal and I've been the only guy calling everyone out on this. Know why I can open my mouth? Because I don't make a living with RUclips, I'm not trying to make a living with RUclips, I'm not in a band promoting it or do anything with music other than this channel that I don't take seriously. It's me telling it like it is. :)
Sometimes it's not about the CHUGS. Sometimes you just want to perm your long hair, wear some snake skin boots and roll out in the Corvette cruising for fast women. This is when you NEED a 5150 ICONIC #SEXYMETAL
Hahahaha! Snake skin boots!!!!!!
Guitar Center Employees: Uh…. This Eddie Guy made an amp?? Well, ok…. I’m going back under my rock, let me know if I can Help!?!
Hahahahahaha!
There is this sizzling scraping sound to it - reminds me of the Marshall Valvestate. Probably would work if you blend it with another ampsound, but then you might as well just get a valvestate and go for that Death-type of sound. But then, I wouldn't get an EVH amp anyway.
Yes, totally agree
Love that red ESP guitar. 😍
It's one of my favorites, my boy Nick sold it to me.
@@louistorres you have a good friend.