Ultra Plus Review

The guitar amp head was designed for maximum tonal flexibility and power. This three channel amp has features and tone rivaling amps twice its price range.

Features:	10
Sound:	10
Reliability:	10
Impression:	10
Overall rating:	10
Users rating:	8.2
Comments:	5

overall: 10

Reviewed by: punk0mi, on june 11, 2004

Price paid: $ 700

Purchased from: eBay

Features: - Series: Peavey Ultra Series
- Circuitry: 4 12AX7's and 4 6L6GC's
- Power: 120W @ 4, 8 or 16 ohms.(Selectable)
- Channels: 3 - Ultra, Crunch, Clean
- Dimensions: 26"L X 10"H X 10 3/4"W
- Weight: 57 lbs
- Features: Footswitchable reverb, Effects loop, Resonance selections (Loose, Medium, Tight), Output Switch (Half / Full Power operation)
Clean channel: volume, brightness switch, low, mid and high tone controls - uses passive EQ.
- Crunch and Ultra channels: pre and post gain controls; gain boost switch; bottom, body, edge EQ controls, clean channel features , Crunch and Ultra channels feature active EQ for increased tonal response. // 10

Sound: I use my Gibson Les Paul with Zakk Wyle 81/85 from EMG. I play a wide range of stuff from Green Day to Skynyrd. Its quite a versitle amp. Most people have a love hate relationship with Peavey amps - this amp is balanced. The Ultra channel has the ability to produce screeching bone crunching tones, while the Crunch channel produces a modest crunch distortion which is more suited for modern rock, classic rock. The Clean channel is by far one of the best I've ever heard - I've played thru alot of amps, this one by far has the best clean channel I've ever heard, and if the normal clean tone isnt enough hit the bright switch and really hear it, doesn't distort or break up at higher volumes. // 10

Reliability & Durability: This amp has never died on me. Mine came with ruby tubes, I've never used ruby tubes but they seem to do ok. I've taken it apart to check out the wiring and its very clean. The shell of them amp could be a little stronger in my opinion but I'm rough on my equipment, so for most of you it would be great. // 10

Impression: This amp is a steal. I think the better than the highly praised Peavey 5150, 5150II, and new XXX series; and id certainly put this amp up to a Mesa, Crate, Fender, Line 6, what ever - not to mention cheaper. The only complaint I have about the amp is the coil pack is noisy when tansporting. This amp is great for any genre of music, and is quite versatile. Peavey no longer makes these amps, but you can readily find them on eBay or your local music pawn shop most likley for a decent price. I'd check one out before you feel your sold on any other amp out there. // 10

Comments

[epi-g-400-goth]

HOW MUCH DID THIS AMP COST!!!

I MUST KNOW!!

[impeller]

I just bought one off eBay and Im waiting for the guy to ship it. Is the ultra channel as violent as a mesa? is the crunch as warm as a marshall? those are the other 2 amps I have to compete with in my band. sounds like you really like it though so im hoping for the best.

[johnstamos]

I paid $430 on an ebay auction. It is hooked up to a Crate GT412 with celestions. The clean is good. The crunch is good. The ultra is very good if you play metal. I like the color changing logo because I am amused by lights and colors. Try a valveking too and then choose your personal preference.

[VoodooGuitar13]

I own this head and i would put it up against any amp out there. I bought it brand new and compaired it to the 5150 when I did. I have used it for 12 years and have only had to retube it twice. This thing gets moved and beat up alot. Yet is performs every time. I recently had a friend that stopped by with a Hughs & Kettner MKII and he was a little pissed that I could dial in his sound. Especially after he paid over $3,000.oo for his rig. I run it through a Crate 4x12 cab with CTS Sqare back speakers in it. This amp rocks with killer tone. 3 chanels called clean, crunch and Ultra. I think in sounds better than Peaveys XXX series. A little warmer and fuller. It is a 120 watt amp with a half power toggle switch on the front that comes in very handy for smaller venus. I wouldn't part with this amp. I am looking for a second one for back up or to run stereo. Anyone have one for sale?

[Destrokhan]

I just bought htis amp a few days ago and it was re-tubed with Mesa tubes. WOW! It's ****ing legit, even my manager who is a 5150 snob thinks this amp is ****ing legit. I haven't played a show with it yet, but it dominates in practice with the main on 2. Hands down the most under-rated amp ever.