Advice on DC3 or Studio 22+

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ks2847

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Hi all

Noob here, previous Boogie owner looking to join the club again!

Recently missed out on a Mark III green stripe combo, so want to look at other options as they don't appear that often here in the UK.

Been looking at some clips of the DC3 and Studio 22+ on YouTube, both sound great and are similarly priced.

What is the general feeling/opinion on these two amps? I've read lots of positive reviews on both, I'm looking for a combo so does anyone have their two cents they'd like to share, things I need to look out for/avoid?

Cheers
 
Personally, I think you get more for your money with a DC3.
 
Thanks bendo

I read that the DC3 is more like a dual rectifier and the studio 22+ is in line with the mark series

Does that chime with you guys?
 
I would dispute that heavily. The DC Lead channel is more of a mix of a mark and a Rectifier. With a far more fluid and less fizzy tone than a Rectifier.

The Studio 22+ and the DC basically have the same pre-amp for the most part. The DC is an evolution of the Studio series to be more of a true dual channel amplifier. But, both amps are basically using the same Studio line pre-amp.

The DC has dedicated tone controls for both channels. The Studio shares tone controls. The EQ is assignable. You don't need to push/pull anything to set gain on either channel.

Mesa's advertisement for the Dual Caliber mentioned the Dual Caliber being like a rectifier. Maybe a little. But I think the DC does a fantastic job of meeting the middle of what a Mark and a Rectifier can do.

C95C18CA-9462-4C88-B66E-B743E5C8277C_zpsjlc3kalb.jpg
 
I must admit, I am leaning towards the DC3 for that very reason, having dedicated tone controls for both channels is just what I would want

Are there any versions of the DC3 I should avoid?
 
Revision A has a little more grit on the clean channel. So look for a Rev. B.

Also, there are some mods you will want to have done. Mainly the Bias mod.

http://forum.grailtone.com/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=51785

And, replace the Power Tubes as soon as you get it. Contact EuroTubes and ask for the coldest set of JJ EL84s they have.
 
Bendo - Is the EL844 the tube to go for? Does this require a re-bias?

https://www.eurotubes.com/store/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=57
 
No, standard EL84 https://www.eurotubes.com/store/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=56

No, the bias is fixed on all Mesa's. The thread I linked earlier has instructions for changing out the bias resistor to lower the bias a bit.

http://forum.grailtone.com/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=51785
 

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