All user reviews for the Mesa Boogie 2:20 Dynawatt

CF Notice prcdents

It can not be simpler: power, standby, volume, presence ...

USE

Weight ... nice! 20/20 with JMP1 + BBE Maximizer 482I in a wooden flight, I do not know even if apse 15kg ... a good place for a stro config when lugs around his equipment! Otherwise Technical cot is obviously very simple to use ...

SONORITS

A friend has bought the new 20/20; he wanted to buy my VHT 2/50/2 but was too powerful and has craqu seeing 20/20 in store.
Config tests: JMP1 + 20/20 + Mesa Mesa Rectifier 2x12 cabinet V30 guitar ESP EC1000 Dimarzio pickups ToneZone (bridge) and Airzone (sleeve), Orville By Gibson Custom Les PAul (microphones Gibson Classic 57).
To be played on JMP1 VHT 2/50/2 and for two years I t surprised Performance Mesa 20/20.
Cot volume, no doubt, spit fort, no fear before a drummer, even nerv. The sound is dynamic and color at least more with my VHT. The problem is that the sound is very medium, quite aggressive. Even with the presence of 0, a frisouille ears ... Something I did not report with the VHT. Going up the volume, the potato is still shy but serious, voire..insuffisants (the fault of the EL84?). This is a point to take into considration, according to the jou style. Do not possdant of rglage of "resonnance" or "depth" (yes ... the full VHT was him ...) difficult to overcome this default. When I was playing on my neck pickup Les Paul OBG, serious GNRs not VHT was almost too powerful, making the shadow bassist.
The definition is less accuracy of all as we turn up the volume, was still very okay despite everything, but compare (always) my VHT, it almost seems to have more distortion ... But a dirty distortion, less dfinie that more reasonable volume.

NOTICE GLOBAL

Far from being ridiculous, 20/20 is none the less for the performance it offers. I lower my opinion compared to the poweramp I know best, the VHT 2/50/2 which presents many more possibilities of rglages (voicing, Depth, Presence, Class A / B or Class A) 20/20 and yet costing the same price; more with the pad of attnuation on each channel of VHT, go down the power equivalent of a 2x25watts.
Try it, I did not t conquered by the sound, but one thing is sre, the sound will fall more color with this Mesa with a VHT. We hear a 50/50 and that of the same brand is much prcis his little brother, I have not tried. The choice for this Poweramp will be more a matter of taste than budget, there are more "faithful" and better dfini for the same price.

20 x 20 watts (stereo tube (EL94)
A super simple volume and "Presence" channel
outputs (L and R) 4, 8 and 16ohms

UTILIZATION

Power amplifier (sound trimmings by the preamp)
Sound "Mesa" immediate

SOUNDS

output to a 2x12 cab (with 2 Celestion V30) stereo.
All types of sounds from jazz to hard rock while passing by Santana
but the Preamp Mesa "Studio" (Stereo) there is also a lot.
2x 20 watt Mesa is huge but you can play at home 2x5W
while having SOUND!

OVERALL OPINION

Bought a year ago for my home studio - I record DI output from the "Record" of MB Studio.
Compared to other amps ... this is a must! In addition to the single stereo 20/20 that I know of).

Less is: THE PRICE! .... but when you love! .... (Secondhand between 450 and 700 euros)

Stereo amplifier system for guitar, lamps 2x20 watts.
Each side is equipped with a 1/2 12AX7 pre-amp signal, a 12AX7 as a driver for a pair of EL84 Push-Pull rise sauce Mesa-Boogie.
The connection is simple, by hand, we find an entrance, a slave output allows the recovery of pre-amplified signal to external treatment (super direct box lamp), 1 output 8 Ohms, 4 Ohms output 2.
The front panel always by hand, a volume control and a presence control (sort of light booster - the compressor effect against acute-reactive).
For the management of power, we have a switch and the classic "Stand By" necessary to preheat the lamp filaments.
This unit is 11 kg in the form 1U rackmount, the black finish is the most beautiful effect (there was a series Aluminium finish, but very few copies were imported).
The construction is a rock solid, nothing that the front impresses by its thickness. You will notice that its depth is about 32 centimeters (excluding pots), which can be a problem when it is placed in a rack.
Note also a hidden switch in the receptacle designated for lamps, side V1-V2, to isolate the chassis of the earth. This is very handy for hunting buzz due to closures of various masses. Beware, however, at least one of the devices in a rack system must always be grounded otherwise the risk of electrocution. A thought ...

UTILIZATION

Side configuration, there is nothing easier! it connects the preamp outputs to the inputs of the amplifier (called AB and not left-right), two loudspeakers are connected to the outputs suitable compatible (4, 8 Ohms), switching power 1 minute later and the Stand By .
The sound is powerful, muscular and extremely dynamic. We immediately recognize the leg majestic Randall Smith, Master ES Mesa-Boogie, Boogie all designer since the late '60s.
I readily admit not being objective, few manufacturers have been able to approach the perfection of a tonal Boogie. Connected to speakers of questionable quality, this amp havoc, the sounds are thick, overdriven sounds remarkably accurate.
An interesting test for the most reluctant would connect a guitar directly to the input of the monster. It was the "Sound" instantly.
The manual is available in English (on the manufacturer's website), but the illustrations are numerous and can be coupled quickly and efficiently, all modules of the rack. Spare parts are perfectly nomenclaturées will make it easy to contact the manufacturer on its website.
Personally, I've owned many Boogie without any reliability issues.



SOUNDS

This amplifier is capable of adapting to all styles of music without limitations no.
To my knowledge, there is no equivalent on the market as effective. Also, when making this choice, it must be done in the long term because the amount to pay is not negligible.
Responding to the precept "The quality and efficiency of the system is less than or equal to the worst part of the product," I made a rack around this amp, preamp with the Triaxis brand, a G- strength and TC Electronic M2000, all connections are wired MOGAMI.
In fact, I do not use the reverberations of G-Force, not that they are bad, quite the contrary, but to counteract the latency induced by programs too loaded machine resources when switching the MIDI .
This may seem high, but this is the price to pay for a universal sounds as diverse and varied as the situations require.
I spent hundreds (thousands) of Euros additional equipment purchases other brands thinking to save money, but by dint of buying and selling without stopping, I lost irretrievably money.
I really like this amp, everything is serious, lamp bases are ceramic is hand built (open the top cover of the Two-Twenty to realize the beauty of the wiring) is reliable and, above all, the sound is right there.

OVERALL OPINION

2:20 I use this since September 2002, he took over a Boogie Simul-Class 395, too strong and heavy for the size of the training rooms and with-in which I played.
Before that, I joined the Marshall 2x100 watts, then the smallest 2x50 watts, and finally the even smaller 2x20 watts. I've never been satisfied!
Even today, I am surprised at the tremendous power that this "small amp" can generate. If it is connected, like mine, with baffles "Thiele" brand (equipped with Electro-Voice EVM 12L, now abandoned), the result can be deafening.
Anyway be careful of potentiometers volume, your ears may not recover.
I see only the positive side, this amp will restore your system with loyalty, its relatively small electric power is not a disability, the proof is the resurgence of very low power amps, many on the market.
Finally, you can connect 4x12 (16 Ohms) on the output of this monster without any problem, I think 4 Ohms outputs are more effective than 8 Ohms (question beatings and pain). The amp will work perfectly, it will heat less, but provide less power. The result will sound devastating, since the acoustic pressure is multiplied by the number of HP in motion. A great moment of fear ahead! ...
Hat Netherlands, Mr. Smith!

2x22W stereo Poweramp (EL84).
A volume control and a presence control per channel.
1 input, 1 output 8ohms, 4ohms 2 outputs in parallel.
1 output "slave" to dub the sound onto a more powerful amp.

UTILIZATION

The use could not be easier, turn the volume and it sends the sauce.
The presence allows a fairly fine adjustment of the effect of "front-behind a wall."

The volume delivered is sufficient, and it is easier to push into a corner to get a nice crunch power if you like it.
If you Bercy course will require the transplants in a PA or another amp via the output drawing more "slave" to keep his typical sound. Personally I never needed that, it sends it anyway!

We would have liked a deep mod from the outset

SOUNDS

This amp is much maligned for its lack of bass. This is not true, do not listen to what people usually say. It is often compared to 2:90 and the way it "deep", it has nothing necessarily to do!

Here is an amp that delivers a punchy, the attack that will do well out the shots and picks which not drool on your bass. On or the fact it is often said that lack of bass. But I assure you its there!

This is actually a small capacitor on the input triode plays this role. One can through forgetfulness of the guarantee and a technician to do a little fashion, with a simple switch, allow tracking of the depth and extent of serious detriment of the attack and with a small loss of volume .

OVERALL OPINION

It has been nearly three years that I have, in parallel with a 50/50 and a SimulClass 295 (Mesa home still). He really his character, that's the one I use most because it places the guitar in his band frequency, we get a good sound without drooling on the other, it is rather nice and it makes the sound check!
Another advantage, 1U and only 6kg, it allows for a small portable rack (if you forget the two 4x12 "eh ... I personally use a 12" and 10 "and one can also use only channel as explained in the manual).

Amplification Fully lamp.

Power 2 x 20 watt announcement is more than sufficient for use in rptition, club and small scne.

The connector used to connect the speakers in Stereo impdance of 4 or 8 Ohms. The Stros are rglages rglent indpendamment so on each of two channels with two potentiomtres: volume and contour.

UTILIZATION

The configuration is simple but what more?

You will not need the manual about nanmoins in English on the website of the brand ...

The sounds produced by this amp will be magnified by the beans and heat lamps.

SOUNDS

This is a great amp, having this power is a standard used to advantage as full power sounds possdent an unguarded expressiveness. (A transistor combo 100w "Marsh-evil" cot would be wrong, wrong ... trs)

I use it with a Formula Pramp Mesa / Boogie and Engl cabinet 4 x 12 60 W and is a rgal, nay a killing! With a Start and a SG, sounds clear, crunches, saturated trs SATURNS see more (feedback etc ...), give a wonderful record, certainly typs Mesa / Boogie but what class, what pr presence, sounds reassuring and make you want to play, have fun in many styles!

The amp, tried with a V-twin brand, trs trs also sounds good: whether the rack is a prampli vritablement ncessaire ...

OVERALL OPINION

Quality report for the price, it's actually rated weight in peanuts, even with a falling dollar but the quality is and nothing to do with other brands but often less Chres rendering complete ment diffrent.
This is an excellent hardware that I highly recommend it!

Power amp 2x20 watts lamps (http://www.mesaboogie.com/Product_Info/Stereo_Power/20_20_Stereo/20_20_stereo.html) Four EL84 (amplification) and December 3 AX7 (prsence and dphasage)
Designed Trs well: deep enough to accommodate the seven lamps which are visible the rear (http://www.mesaboogie.com/Product_Info/Stereo_Power/20_20_Stereo/20-20StereoRearCloseup.html), grid arati of the front fan, all this because it is very well ventilated. (But it causes the breath)
There could have been a switch to switch to Class A as the VHT (more Chres course) but we will not quibble ...
Go - 1 because even when finally I quibble a bit to the price

UTILIZATION

Trs easy to use!
The manual is just useful if you want to use it in mono (you must set the channel volume and zero-idle prsence thoroughly and especially do not connect a speaker cable into the HP port if no baffle n 'branch is!)
I prcise nanmoins this product (as Brand dailleurs) did not forcment a large reputable trs of reliability and I would advise consquence DViT Careers News mono (single channel)!
And as seen prcdemment design makes it very practical when changing lamps: there is nothing disassemble!

SOUNDS

Honntement ago trs fast way to be deaf, I have not Exceeds 25% of the power in mono!
The power comes quickly (progressiv the knob), it just so far in most cases!
I hsit time with a 2x50 and frankly when I see it get out I tell myself that I do 2x50W have not exploited ...

Test with a POD 2.0 (https://fr.audiofanzine.com/produits/avis/index% 2Cidproduit 2C18312.html%), a Voodoo (https://fr.audiofanzine.com/produits/avis/index% 2Cidproduit 2C29002.html%) Lab (http://www.voodoolab.com/preamp.html), an ADA MP-1 (% https://fr.audiofanzine.com/produits/avis/index 2Cidproduit 2C15420.html%) and a VHT GP3 (https://fr.audiofanzine.com/produits/avis/index% 2Cidproduit 2C19968.html%)
The Pod is transformed from the sound of the power amp Marshall VS8080 (https://fr.audiofanzine.com/produits/avis/index%% 2Cidproduit 2C10390.html )!!!! (Thankfully!): You can feel the dynamics even with the lights modlisation
The VHT GP3 from the Marshall VS8008 (https://fr.audiofanzine.com/produits/avis/index% 2Cidproduit 2C10635.html%) of Universal is not the same: more especially on Carrment distos (relative to 8008 compared to no 2/50/2).
The Ada diffrent sounds from the Mesa 50/50 (https://fr.audiofanzine.com/produits/index% 2Cidproduit 2C12139.html%) in which I test at the time of my purchase, or better less I do not know, but it is on diffrent: More mtal of memory!

The prsence fulfills its rle by adding more or less acute (wholesale) but is moderately progressive, as the volume knob so
The fan is audible! So when you do not play hard we hear it! But I think the one can not help it, that is the case with all amps lamp and that's the price to pay to ensure proper ventilation of the lamps.

It lacks a little something for the metal.
Excellent in a register Blues, Jazz

OVERALL OPINION

I do not have much basis for comparison, therefore, my opinion is worth what it is ...

Frankly it's not the kind of product that is easy to try with his personal config
I wanted a power amp too powerful lamp (less than 50Watts) ... There are only 2!
The one and Marshall EL84 20/20 (http://www.marshallamps.com/images/products/rack/el842020.html) that does not rglages spars for each channel! It can not operate with a single exception hack Resistors ... So I opt for the Mesa
(Please Kinder Guano for his precision on this point)

Finally, the Mesa 20/20 with EL84 is top for the cleans and crunch, all with the personality Mesa (quite dark in lensemble) but average distortion in a particular registry mtal! Jai then opt for a VHT 2/50/2 (https://fr.audiofanzine.com/produits/avis/index% 2Cidproduit 2C18657.html%)

His only major weakness is the price for us the European!
7 / 10 in the end because of price, switch to switch to Class A (quibble inside), the breath of the fan, the progressiv of knobs and the lack of distortion in groumph.

A word about bias when you change the power tubes dun amp must be in some way give Lampl lamps = SETTING THE bias. Mesa Boogie sells lamps that are select to match the bias of his amps.
Obviously Boogie lamps are more expensive but faster a spell with the technician. I'm not either sr trs as economic solution (Boogie does not sort the lamps free of charge) but hey

PM

Preamp: 3 * 12AX7
power: 4 * EL84 (the poor ... but good when there's no place to put something else ... there's no way!)
Lamps at the rear. Ventilation.
Components and manufacturing quality.
Remains on the site of mesa or other opinion ...

We would have liked a standy by channel!
No deep as the Marshall ...

UTILIZATION

Very simple.
The action of the knobs is fairly well distributed ...

SOUNDS

On this point, it's just the worst power amp tube that I have or I had (Marshall EL84 20/20, 50/50 Mesa, Mesa and VHT 2/90/2 2:90 ).

Saturation sound dire need of accuracy and over a niaque 50/50...bon must also be said that with the EL84, it is not helping ... : 0 (

The clean sound is nice but it lacks dynamic shine.

OVERALL OPINION

Most:
- 1 unit
- A power more than enough to play on stage.
- Weight: 6.1kg on my bathroom scales
- Look cool
- Cheap lamps

The -:
- Its not very accurate (drool here)
- No deep
- Frequency of attendance poorly chosen (too high)

Very good features, a very attractive ... What a pity that the sound is not live up !!!!!!!!!!!!!

His point of view, we much prefer, regardless of use data, a Mesa 50/50 which is approximately the same price (around 100 or 200euros ...)

I is still a 7 / 10, because in this price range, it has some advantage over others in order to build quality and practical use (weight, 1 unit, lamps cheap. ..)

All Tube Power Amp (3x12AX7 & 4xEL84).
Volume 1 and -1 per channel presence (not the case with Marshall's competitor)
-2 4 out of 8 ohms 4 ohms and 2 "slave" to supply a higher power section.

The overall design is better than the Marshall EL/84:
-Controls are available for each channel
Ventilation is better-designed and the fan quieter (the Marshall has big reliability problems in this regard, the fan is winded and some users are going to pierce the upper sheet above the lamp to avoid overheating)
-Changing the lamps is not unscrew the top of the amp

However no "deep" as the Marshall is the only point where it takes over on the Mesa

UTILIZATION

Very easy to use, you turn the amp, it does heat up a little and it starts the minute standby.
However, notice two things:
-Not to gourrer in impedances
Molo-gotta go with the volume (even if the power is only "only" 2x20W), the sound "happens" relatively quickly, the knobs are progressive.

SOUNDS

I play a Mesa Studio preamp and a first speaker 1x12 Thiele Design with Electro Voice, still in Boogie, a config 'Mesa 100%, which I plug a Lag The Beast.
And there it beats up severe. Compared to Marshall, Boogie sounds a bit less accurate but where Marshall brings more british staining that tends to distort the Studio Pre, the perfectly preserved grain Boogie Mesa, raucous, raw and dark. The sound has more size, low in the palm mute are better encaissées.En clear sound dynamics is also very good, I find the sound more rotund and less right from the fifty / fifty that I had before.

OVERALL OPINION

It's great stuff, recommend course primarily to amplify a Mesa Boogie preamp without betraying the clean grain to the brand.
Power for a 2x20W is simply impertinent, to ask what use a 2x90 or even 2x50, especially given the weight, only 6 kgs!
A € 600 to OCCAZ average is more expensive than rival Marshall but its design and grain I do prefer the latter.

/ Lamp (EL 84) and 7 12ax

2 x20 W Mesa

inputs, Slavic 8Hms 2x, 4x 4Hms

presence, volume fFor each channel.

I was not too hot to take eun 2x20 which seemed "theoretically" low.
thank you a slap in the home test!

ca up quickly, very quickly and it sends with a rare dynamic ..

I wonder what it's going to give pubs ... a priori, it's going to send hard to follow ...

UTILIZATION

- The configuration is it simple? Yeaa, it is a power amp
- Gets it easy to sound good? yes, ca decal as well!
I ais same test with a boss GT8 branch directly to the inputs, the sound is superb, the effects of clarity .. very much!

- The manual is clear and sufficient? ... why make a manual?

SOUNDS

- Is it your style of music? Yeaa
- With what (s) guitar (s) / low (s) or effect (s) do you play? ?

- What kind of sound you get and with what rglages ("crystalline", "bold ",....)?

any rule is known the presence of the panel

- What are the sounds you prfrez, you dtest?

I do not hate none!

OVERALL OPINION

How long have you use it? qq weeks

- What is the particular feature you like best and least?
everything is, is that happiness

- Have you tried many other models before acqurir?

yes, Mesa 2x90.
... happy that I would resume a config pubs, small scenes with the 2x20 and send strong chocolate, 2x90 ..

- How do you report qualitprix?

impeccable, it sends sec, the sound is rounder than the 2X90.
This involved qq regulation of patches on my Triax, nothing nasty ..

with Triax, volume 3, patch master of his masters was 4.5 and the power amp at 12 o'clock, I absorb, j'hannihille a colleague with a 2x50 Marshall JMP 1 and a background ... one of Mount 4x12 Rolling back alone ... is the Mesa!
the price yes, dear .. also the quality is like everything ..

- With the exprience, you do again this choice? ...

of course! and I even take two!

Power amp rack, 100% lamps.

2 * 20 Watts posted, well, damn! décoiffe severe it! My old JCM 900 50 watt at full power was far from that!

It should be noted that I plugged into a cab fitted with two Celestion Vintage 30 (output per speaker: 100dB! Which means that the volume will be perceived as twice as loud as HP with yield of 97 dB, yes yes : TWICE!)

Connectors: 8 Ohm (on which you can plug in cabs of 16 ohms, the reverse is strictly prohibited) and 4 ohm.


UTILIZATION



We can not be simpler: Power / Standby / Volume (* 2) / Presence (* 2)

The manual is useless, keep it under the elbow for connecting the speakers: it would be a shame to toast the output transformer impedance due to miscalculated.

Note that you can use it to Mono (I do not know why, but I really do not recommend this option there ...). You just have to put the volume of unused channel to 0 and to the presence of the same channel to 100%.

SOUNDS



I did that for several days notice so hot: too many medium, which does not make it optimal for the Metal or Prog (my domain ...)

However, by managing the EQ preamp (the Mesa Rectifier Recording) it goes nickel. I will work within a few days to make the Deep Mod "to remove her sound a bit too" British "probably the EL84.

So I'll post an edit once the update is done.

EDIT AFTER THE DEEP MOD ":
I confirm, this change gives him a sound much less Medium, which makes it much better for * BIG * sounds of hardcore / metal (I play mostly Metallica and Dream Theater). Downside, the medium is much less present, clean sounds are a little less "round", but a small modification of the preamp and EQ you get a great result!

Review of the modif: nickel, the amp is now 100% suited to my style (the sound is less typical British blues)

OVERALL OPINION



Eben is the heavy, Mesa does not fail its reputation.

What I like most:
* Phenomenal power in a rack 1 U!

What I like least:
* Too many mids (the "deep mod" should fix it, I'll keep you posted)
EDIT: I confirm the deep mod fixes it completely, so I spend my note of 7 / 10 to 9 / 10
* Nine course is overpriced ... Welcome to Mesa!