Peavey Classic 30 vs Marshall 6100 Cranked Comparison Audio

In this video I perform an audio comparison between the Peavey Classic 30 and Marshall 6100. The point of the video is to demonstrate how well or not the Peavey Classic 30 performs at emulating the distorted sound of a Marshall amp. The Marshall 6100 uses EL34 tubes as opposed to the Peavey's EL84 and the amps are different in countless other ways.
The test is highly non-scientific but basic parameters like the guitar used, speakers, mics, and mic placement etc. were kept consistent. To keep the actual sound as true as possible there was no mastering or processing applied to the tracks which were crudely recorded using two large condenser mics in the room.
The Yamaha SG2000 guitar is very similar in sound and quality to a Les Paul. The Celestion speakers were a combination of V30, H30.
Neither the preamp gain nor the power amp level were maxed out on either of the two amps. The Marshall amp was switched to 25 watt output mode. Both amps were probably due for a cap job. Unfortunately the Marshall amp was not equalized optimally and the preamp gain sounds like it was a tad higher on the Marshall. I'm learning to make these tests better as I go along.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Peavey Classic 30
• Marshall amp
• Marshall 6100
• Marshall 6100 30th Anniversary
• tube amp
• Yamaha SG2000
• Marshall cabinet
• Celestion speakers
• crunch
• distortion
• El34 vs EL84
• Peavey Classic 30 cabinet

[ToneTaster]

Hi,

My belief is that changing the transformer on the Peavey Classic 30 is NOT a good idea. I have mixed feelings (pos. & neg.) about the sound quality of the C 30. I feel that the circuit design has too much junk in it and blocks a lot of sound. The C 30 is actually VERY dull sounding compared to a lot of amps. I think its an amp you love for a while and then move onto something better once your ear hears the limitations. I prefer heads for their lighter weight for loud applications.

[ToneTaster]

Yes, bigger transformer equals bigger balls.

[ToneTaster]

There is a big difference that you fully understand after you live with the two amps a while, but I agree this particular recording demonstrates more the degree to which the Peavey is surprisingly good at making Marshall like sound when played through a good cab/speakers.  Actually in this particular recording the Peavey sounds the best to me because the Marshall wasn't quite tweaked right. So the video is also a lesson in setting the knobs right. lol I'm learning as I go like everybody else.

[audiotrax2000]

Very similar tonality wise, but the Marshall has more of that throaty growl. Marshall wins ;)

[pacingBlue]

Hello man, nice vid, esp the conclusion n the end. I myself had fallen in love with Peavey classic 30 (esp clean ch) but I'm disappointed because I think it lacks touch sensitivity. I found a good deal on 6101 EL34 combo and I think I'm gonna give up the Peavey. But 6101 is too damn heavy! Do you think I could improve PC30's dynamics with a mod (swap transformer let's say for a bigger one) and save my back?

[sydfloydpink]

the marshall had that thunder kick the peavey was to thined out

[Marathonmarch]

I couldn't distinguish any difference between the two, so this is a lesson for all of those guys looking for the right gear all the time. Buy a 4x12 lol.

[SouthAmBlues]

Good job!