A Dilemma: Mark V or K-tre...

[TheKid420]

So here's my dilemma...I love both of these amps. I have played and researched them for a couple of months now and can't decide on which one to get. I mostly play modern, progressive metal, but, for where I live, I like to dabble in all sorts of different styles from jazz to spacey, psych rock (even country, if the price is right). I really enjoy all the different styles and things you can do with the Mark and I love it's tone. So many tone possibilities, it's quite nice. On the other hand, I like the simpler approach on the Rivera, unique lead tone, and gorgeous cleans. I've owned a knucklehead before but I got rid of it because of hard times, but I loved that one and I know I could love another.

I already have an offer on a brand new Mark combo for $1800....but I can't decide! Any suggestions?

(P.S. If I could afford a VH4, this thread wouldn't have happened http://img.thegearpage.net/board/images/icons/icon10.gif)

Cheers!

[Improbable Joe]

I can't help you, but I've got to say that we should all have your "problems". :)

[X - Road 28]

I received my Mark V Head yesterday and payed it my Mesa 1X12 Cab into the wee hours of the morning. I'll tell you this much, tone to satisfy my needs, it's a tweaker for sure= more tonal options, not a one trick pony.

I have not played a Rivera, so I can't speak of them. Go with your gut and your ear's..

[sparkman]

I've owned a K-Tre, and I currently own a Mark V. I don't think you can go wrong with either amp; it just depends on your individual needs/tastes. The Mark V is extremely versatile with its three channels, multiple modes, power settings, etc. If you're after versatility, I'd recommend the Mark V. On the other side, the Rivera is two channels with a boost, EL-34 powered. The Rivera K-Tre has one of the best clean channels I've heard on a high gainer. It's just beautiful. It's also probably the highest gain amp I've ever played. I tend to think of the Mark V as being "tighter" and the K-Tre as being more saturated (not that the Mark V can't get saturated). Both built like tanks, and both extremely loud amps.

[Deaj]

I'm a Rivera fan and the Knucklehead series are great amps. That said I very much like my MkV more than the Rivera's I've owned. As Sparkman posted you really can't go wrong with either.

[DGTCrazy]

I love Rivera amps (I won one), but the Mark V is killer.

[evilsaint]

One vote for Mark V here. Great picking response for progressive metal.

Demo by Ola Englund
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-HXfoexXsU

[iambloomsurf]

Sounds like you want metal tones+diversity, so I'm voting mark v as well... riveras are GREAT, but I think there's more packed into the mark, and it does metal for sure.

[TheKid420]

Well I appreciate all the advice, guys. Looks like I am pickin' up a Mark on Friday!

[kramerxxx]

I've owned a lot of amps, including Mesa, Marshall, Splawn, VHT, Ampeg, Bad Cat, Cornford, Fender, Carvin, Peavey, and probably a bunch I've forgotten. I have not played an amp that is more versatile than the Mark V.

[Bikedude]

Well I appreciate all the advice, guys. Looks like I am pickin' up a Mark on Friday!

You won't be dissappointed one bit. Love my MV Combo. And @ $400 off retail, it's a deal you can't beat.

[Rockyrollercat]

Personally I wouldn't own any amp with sliders.