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I know the real answer is both but in a doom rig what would be better if you had to choose.

If the Mesa is available where you are and cheap do it.
Sovteks can be a headache but if you can get one that's already broken someone else's heart at the right price, they're pretty cool.

Speaking as a heartbroken Sovtek owner.

I use a .50 cal+ head and love it...very versatile with the EQ. I run it semi-clean with a Pharaoh for my main dirt but it loves any fuzz/OD I put in front of it. I use it to push a mesa 2x12 and then I run a line out of the direct out and into a Sunn Concert Slave to push an old Marshall 4x12 with C Rex's and Legends. Volume and tone!

I've also used it without any pedals and just cranked it for some cool bluzey tones.

And hello from Youngstown!!!

Hazmat33 wrote:I use a .50 cal+ head and love it...very versatile with the EQ. I run it semi-clean with a Pharaoh for my main dirt but it loves any fuzz/OD I put in front of it. I use it to push a mesa 2x12 and then I run a line out of the direct out and into a Sunn Concert Slave to push an old Marshall 4x12 with C Rex's and Legends. Volume and tone!

This is likely an awesome sounding rig.
I'd take the Mesa over the Sovtek since it's built with quality components here in 'Murica. Sovteks have lots of cheap plastic parts that often need replacing.

Iommic Pope wrote:If the Mesa is available where you are and cheap do it.
Sovteks can be a headache but if you can get one that's already broken someone else's heart at the right price, they're pretty cool.

Speaking as a heartbroken Sovtek owner.

Cosigned -- even though mine never actually caused me any headaches (aside from rogue fuse blowing)

Thanks for all the input usually I see them both going for around the same price so the mesa it is. Also cool idea with the Sunn Concert for a slave I kind have an idea that I need a wet/dry rig so this will further fuel my GAS. My Kustom double cross doesnt take pedals all that well and unfortunately is to tight of gain for the DOOMZ.

Did you end up grabbing the .50? I came to comment my opinion, but realized this is fairly old at this point and you probably already have your pick. Just curious what you thought.

I had a Sovtek Mig 50. I wouldn't choose it over most Mesas, but it was a nice amp. Lots of 3d highs with a slightly tubby Fender ass. I noticed that Electro Harmonix just reissued them under the Electro-Harmonix name (supposedly with better components, which would be nice) and is selling them for $575 new.

Playing a green Russian Muff into that thing was peak 90s scuzz!

That's pertty. I didn't realize they were doing a reissue.

There's a local dude that's selling a fresh EHX Mig50 for $475.
I'm really tempted to either get that or a Mig100u that's up in Cleveland.

If the 100 is cheaper, get that.
But be prepared for headaches.

That new one would be great if you're after that sound, though.