OK, I have pretty much had it with my current setup and would like to buy a new head. Here's some of the things I am looking for in the price range of say, $200-500, more if needed.

-Good distortion, somewhat remniscient of the Blue Voodoo heads, but maybe a couple of different tones. In terms of what I like the sound of, the Arch Enemy song Dead Eyes See No Future has a tone I somewhat like, and I really like the distortion on say, Bodom's "Downfall". Other than a Blue Voodoo or a Shockwave, what are some of the other suggestions for heads (no combos) that would fit what I'm looking for.
-Does not have to be tube, just has to have good distortion and decent cleans.

Some Amps I Have In Mind
Hartke GT100 100 Watt 2-Channel Guitar Head (Tube)

Peavey XXL 100 Watt Guitar Amp Head

Peavey Supreme XL Guitar Amp Head

Randall RH100G2 Guitar Amp Head

Also, hows the distortion on the GT8 or GTPro? I have seriously considered running one of these. And can I use it through a cabinet without buying a poweramp?

Thanks

__________________

If you buy the GT8/Pro, you will need a poweramp.


If you can garner $200 more you will be able to get a peavey 5150 on ebay easily. You will be satisfied, trust me, especially if you like Arch Enemy's tone (Bodom has been known to use 5150s from time to time...then again alexi has a wierdo rig, it's like lee jackson preamps + VHT poweramps)

__________________

A used 5150 or a Peavey XXL or XXX if you want more versatility(and better cleans), that's what I know about Peavey amps.

I've played a Tech 21 head... it was 300W, solid state, but sounded very very nice, close sound to a tube amp. Maybe it's something you should try out if you can find it in the area, if you don't mind solid state. xdislexic approves of Tech 21's awesomeness.

__________________

and what does that mean?

they do make good s.s. amps imo. i even had a psa-1 preamp for a while. it was really hifi sounding on the high gain with not enough tubey sag(i like a little). though the tubey sag was there on the lower gain settings. it was just a really hard unit to dail in since it didnt have your standard knobs.

__________________

How close is the distortion on the 5150 compared to the XXL or Triple X?

__________________

5150:Heaps of gain,while articulate and great for leads.Lacks a dedicated clean channel
XXX:Awesome tight death metal tone.
XXL:Not in the same league as the other 2.

Well, I also thought I may just be able to get some cash to boost my budget to the area of around $700 bucks or so, if I were to look for a used ENGL, what is my best option? I listened to some sound clips and they weren't enough for me to base my decision on model-wise. The Savage seems pretty decent for Arch Enemy, Arsis, Bodom stuff I believe.

__________________

or if you had the money you could go for framus

__________________

Made up my mind I think, I just tried out a Peavey Triple X at a local dealer and its pretty killer. Now I just need to search for a bargain on ebay or sell some stuff to buy it new. $1000 smackeroos is quite a lot I daresay.

__________________

if you hurry up REALLY REALLY FAST there's a guy on the harmony central amps forum selling a complete XXX stack for $750

__________________

Damn, too bad I already have a cabinet. And I need 2 weeks to get the money. Thanks for the heads up though.

__________________

What do you guys think about Peavey Valveking combos?

__________________

The valvekings are cool, but a little buzzy stock. Put new tubes in it and if you can, replace the speaker. It'll turn into a very cool amp for under 500 then. It could totally stand up to most other amps I've heard, but I dont think the distortion QUITE reaches "br00tal metal", but buy a boost and you're set.

__________________

I just noticed the price drop of 6505's,you might want to look at them.

so what? ask him about it now and then just stall a little for the money.. then get it... then you'll have two cabs and the chance to sell one and make some of your money back.

__________________

So if i change the speaker of the Valveking to lets say a Celestion vintage 30 speaker would the tubes still make it sound less metal?

__________________

Yea, but I like to tone of the Triple XXX better than what I've heard from the 5150 models.

__________________

Fair enough,they are definately in the same league as each other,but with different tone.Meh,what ever floats your boat.

The Triple XXX Seemed to have more balls.

__________________

Im going to go witha 5150 combo when i get the money. they are getting cheaper

__________________