Mesa Boogie 50 Cal+ vs DC-3 Dual

Dave666 · Post by **Dave666** » Thu Mar 17, 2011 3:28 pm

Anyone has some experiences with those amps?
There is one of each for sale around here, 50 Cal+ for 500euros and a DC-3 for 650euros. The 50 Cal+ has 2 6l6 tubes, rated at 50W and the DC-3 has 4 EL84 tubes and is rated at 35W.

I play doom/metal and I prefer a vintage guitarsound over a modern compressed hi-gain sound!!!

baytamusic · Post by **baytamusic** » Thu Mar 17, 2011 3:32 pm

I don't have experience with those amps, but Mesa's aren't typically known for having a "vintage" overdrive sound. I'd say just try them out and see if you like them.

Dave666 · Post by **Dave666** » Thu Mar 17, 2011 3:37 pm

baytamusic wrote:I don't have experience with those amps, but Mesa's aren't typically known for having a "vintage" overdrive sound. I'd say just try them out and see if you like them.

thx already, I don't like the rectifiers at all, but knowing those Caliber amps are made mid 80's, I assumed they sound more vintage than the rectifiers...

Randy Bass · Post by **Randy Bass** » Thu Mar 17, 2011 4:14 pm

If you play doom, I would probably suggest not getting a 35-watter with EL84s in it. The 6L6s should deliver better low-end response for that style. However, I haven't played either one, sorry.

misterMagoo · Post by **misterMagoo** » Thu Mar 17, 2011 4:43 pm

Best bet, go try them out! I believe the Dual Cal 50 is a very well revered amp in the mesa community, even though it is not hugely popular outside it. I tried a combo before but it was at very low volumes so I can't really give you a review.

Foef · Post by **Foef** » Thu Mar 17, 2011 6:10 pm

I used to own a Caliber 50+ from '89 until '93. God knows why i sold it. Still love it. And i love the tone of those smaller entry class boogies. The amp has enough gain and with the five band eq will give you enough versatility. Got to admit a dual caliber is even more versatile, because of the seperate controls for each channel. And they're loud!
The most fun was whenever i plugged my caliber 50+ into a 4x12 marshall cab. Nice and fat speedmetal tone!

If you need maximum versatility, get the DC3. If you need a little more punch and no seperate tone controls, get the Caliber 50+.

Grtz, Bert.

jason41224 · Post by **jason41224** » Thu Mar 17, 2011 9:30 pm

the only mesa i've played that's really capable of vintage tones would be the Transatlantic, but i don't think that one would really give you much for doom. honestly, if you don't have one already, Orange or Matamp would be your best bet for a vintage doomy sound. Guys around here use the TV50/200, and the OR120/80 for doom all the time, and all those amps have a nice vintage sound. not as many use it, but some guys use the AD30 to get that sound too, though the wattage might not be enough for lower tunings.

Le Chat Noir · Post by **Le Chat Noir** » Fri Mar 18, 2011 1:59 pm

Mesa don't do vintage? What about the Lonestar or Maverick? Both definitely amps aimed at delivering more classic vintage tones rather than just high gain stuff.

not_again · Post by **not_again** » Fri Mar 18, 2011 3:12 pm

I think you need to play them as well!

I used to own a DC-3 head and thought is was awesome...did a very nice vintage tone IMHO.
Not a good as my Twin, but better than most Boogies.

ButaneProphet · Post by **ButaneProphet** » Sat Mar 19, 2011 1:05 am

I have a 50 cal and it does not sound boogie-ish to me, it's more like a marshall.

brianr0131 · Post by **brianr0131** » Sat Mar 19, 2011 1:59 am

I prefer the DC-3 they sound really nice. But I don't know about for Doom Metal though.

Mesa Boogie 50 Cal+ vs DC-3 Dual

Mesa Boogie 50 Cal+ vs DC-3 Dual

Re: Mesa Boogie 50 Cal+ vs DC-3 Dual

Re: Mesa Boogie 50 Cal+ vs DC-3 Dual

Re: Mesa Boogie 50 Cal+ vs DC-3 Dual

Re: Mesa Boogie 50 Cal+ vs DC-3 Dual

Re: Mesa Boogie 50 Cal+ vs DC-3 Dual

Re: Mesa Boogie 50 Cal+ vs DC-3 Dual

Re: Mesa Boogie 50 Cal+ vs DC-3 Dual

Re: Mesa Boogie 50 Cal+ vs DC-3 Dual

Re: Mesa Boogie 50 Cal+ vs DC-3 Dual

Re: Mesa Boogie 50 Cal+ vs DC-3 Dual

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