I just jammed today with some buddies and i observed the same thing. Like the jp2c lacks power. And is quite bright and shrill. Like something is holding it back whereas the mark iv i sold opens up like a monstereven with slight master movement. I actually thought that maybe something is wring...
i actually ask John Petrucci during our meet n greet at the progressive nation tour in boston if he had tried the mark v proto and his only reply was "i couldn't tell you that info" and smiled...
selling my combo. comes with a footswitch and cover.stayed at my studio only. the handle has a little tear. no issues very clean.
i prefer local pick-up.im in massachusettes. $1300
i modded my studio pre to c+ specs then sold it.i now have another one w/c im planning on modding.this version seems to be tighter, more mark iv ish.
studio pre to effects return of dual rec sounds huge!