Welp. Maybe I should buy my buddies 6505+ for $500 and return the Iconic.
Wish I was great at youtube and had the desire to use video editing software and learn how to mic a cab. Cell phone recordings are for poors. Imo the best way to judge is to let the video play then auto repeat, that way you'll hear the 6505 then the 5150 without interruption.
I dialed them to get them each sounding the best to my ears separately. Did not try to match them.
I guess I have to say there is a slight difference in feel and in the room and the Iconic definitely has better taper, is newer and a couple more features etc.
From the little time I've had I would guess the rhythm channel is better on the iconic but ill rarely be using that.
Need more time comparing these two. Was definitely a good experience.
Yeah, there's something in the Iconic that I do not like. I've played them a handful of times and every time, it's just not quite there for a 5150. The 6505+ is a much better amp, IMO.
ninjaraf wrote: ↑Mon May 26, 2025 3:06 pm
Yeah, there's something in the Iconic that I do not like. I've played them a handful of times and every time, it's just not quite there for a 5150. The 6505+ is a much better amp, IMO.
They sound damn near identical to me. Very slight difference, need more time with them. Maybe it's the 6505 is more in your face vs the Iconic sits back a little idk.
It's hard to compare without db meter to get exact volumes matching for me.
ninjaraf wrote: ↑Mon May 26, 2025 3:06 pm
Yeah, there's something in the Iconic that I do not like. I've played them a handful of times and every time, it's just not quite there for a 5150. The 6505+ is a much better amp, IMO.
They sound damn near identical to me. Very slight difference, need more time with them. Maybe it's the 6505 is more in your face vs the Iconic sits back a little idk.
It's hard to compare without db meter to get exact volumes matching for me.
the gain structures sound similar, but the 6505 does sound slightly more "forward" in the vid.
Audio is inconclusive, they do sound pretty similar though. I have compared the Iconic EL34 to a 6505 (non plus) at volume a few times at practice. I would describe the 6505 as more brash and raw. The regular 6505 is a little looser as well, both the iconic and 6505 I prefer green crunch. What you said about tapers and features is definitely true, the iconic has a great master volume and feature setup to where you could do anything with it.
ninjaraf wrote: ↑Mon May 26, 2025 3:06 pm
Yeah, there's something in the Iconic that I do not like. I've played them a handful of times and every time, it's just not quite there for a 5150. The 6505+ is a much better amp, IMO.
They sound damn near identical to me. Very slight difference, need more time with them. Maybe it's the 6505 is more in your face vs the Iconic sits back a little idk.
It's hard to compare without db meter to get exact volumes matching for me.
the gain structures sound similar, but the 6505 does sound slightly more "forward" in the vid.
Thats how it seemed to me, only had like 5 minutes to dial. Gonna mess with it more later and wondering if I bring the presence up a little.
I definitely don't need another amp but I'm trying to sell the 6505+ for him for $600. He said he'd sell to me for $500 so it's tempting.
