So the amp itself is of good quality. The features they provide here are actually lacking the quite basic and main things: resonance, for example. Looking at the Mark series, this amp certainly desperately needs a EQ from the Mark series, as it lacks in all the areas where it is almost impossible to bring back: low mids and bass. The sound is too sterile and might be good for some really down-tuned sound, but often might be just thin and absolutely not full and live. I modded it with the Mr. Scary Mod and it has become much better. However, I wanted even more still, especially in the resonance area and it is still impossible to achieve even with the mod, though it adds some bass, it just not as full and alive as 5150 and even orange, it is too damn thin. But again, modding is like 100% required for this amp, the Legendary Tones mod is a must-have if you want this amp.
The amp provides a unique sound, not usual to Mesa and not comparable to any other amplifier out there. At least, I cannot compare it with anything else, it is completely unique. The mids sit almost right where they should be, but treble and presence can't get higher than 1 o'clock as with V30s it is just way too bright, at least from my ENGL cab, and I tried both, UK and Chinese V30s, same outcome.
I am still using the amp, but only with the Mr. Scary mod and the deep switch turned on. I am not planning to sell it as the sound is quite unique and actually sits good in a mix, but it may be not what someone else wants from it, especially, without the mod.
Thank you, Mesa, for at least giving us the "variac" option. But I would have preferred the amp to sound full and be able to remove some tonal things from it, rather than looking for an EQ pedal or a mod to make it what it should have been. And I certainly should have cost not more than 2000 for what it provides.
