Peavey Classic 30 vs Fender Hot Rod Deluxe...2010 shootout

[semi-hollowbody]

Yes I know this has probably been done, but I wanted to start a recent "as of today, what is the consensus" discussion...

so which one do you prefer?
They are both tube amps, pc30 is 30 watts, HRD is 40 watts
both have 2 channels (clean and drive) with 3 band eq (HRD has presence and bright switches)
both have 1-12" speaker
both have effects loop
both have external speaker jacks
both are open back

the peavey is more directional (boxy) but a beam blocker fixed this, the hrd sounds pretty good from all angles without a beam blocker...

I have both, both are stock (except new better tubes in classic 30 and the beam blocker, and tube tamer)
The classic 30 has had recent reliability issues...it has been described as "the best sounding piece of garbage" because of the bad cab design and tube rattle

ive had the hrd for only 3 days so not a fair reliability contest
they both sound great, hrd has better cleans, pc30 has a better drive channel...pc30 is lighter

As of today I prefer my HRD...sounds better to me

[germs]

when it comes down to these two, Peavey is edging out Fender in the value department.

at over $100 cheaper, the Classic 30 is "the working man's amp" for a reason.

[jlagrassa]

I will take the Hot Rod Deluxe over the C30, I just prefer the HRDLx big 6L6 clean tone with dirt pedals, The C30 is a bit boxy plus the OD channel is a bit too raspy sounding ...I've had a couple of C30's & a C50 over the years.

I dont like the Hot Rods od channel either but over all IMO the HRDlx is a better amp with a great sounding clean channel!

[dsmc80]

I think the Hot Rod series are pieces of junk. The Classic 30 is a much better sounding amp out of the box. However, the Hot Rod series with the Omega mods are pretty nice. Still not anything special, but it makes both channels usable. Both amps I'd be weary about their builds though.

[blues junkie]

Kinda like Macdonalds VS Burger King.

[Austinrocks]

Originally Posted by dsmc80

I think the Hot Rod series are pieces of junk. The Classic 30 is a much better sounding amp out of the box. However, the Hot Rod series with the Omega mods are pretty nice. Still not anything special, but it makes both channels usable. Both amps I'd be weary about their builds though.

very nice actually, still loving mine fender clean and marshall drive my dream come true amp.

http://www.omegaamps.com/mods2.html

running JJs 6v6s in my hot rod is something I could not do in C30,

mine did come with the Vintage 30, Cannibus Rex is nice as well, stock speaker in the hot rod deluxe really kept me from buying the amp.

[spoonie g]

Put a greenback in the classic 30 and you'll never look back.

[cap47]

The HRDx circuit board is crap and the Master volume is not the right pot for the job. I could never get consistant tone out of mine. I don't care for any of tha amps where the chassis is mounted vertical. Only plus there is the access to the bias pot!
Classic 30 seems set to go right out of the box. A couple tube changes and a 112 ext. cab and wow!
I have a SuperSonic now, but That is a step up pricewise! No comparison, I went the extra bucks and it was worth it! You get what you pay for! Changed out the Ruby GT6L6s for WXT+ and night and day!

[Hendog]

The Fender has better cleans, but the Peavey has better dirt.

Overall I like the Fender more.

[semi-hollowbody]

Originally Posted by Hendog

The Fender has better cleans, but the Peavey has better dirt.

Overall I like the Fender more.

I agree...if I use the same dirt pedal (barber tone pump slightly gritty) and play through the clean channels on both, the peavey clean is a bit dirtier too...

The peavey really has a great od channel with the right tubes...i didnt like it with the stock tubes...

[Austinrocks]

Originally Posted by cap47

The HRDx circuit board is crap and the Master volume is not the right pot for the job. I could never get consistant tone out of mine. I don't care for any of tha amps where the chassis is mounted vertical. Only plus there is the access to the bias pot!
Classic 30 seems set to go right out of the box. A couple tube changes and a 112 ext. cab and wow!
I have a SuperSonic now, but That is a step up pricewise! No comparison, I went the extra bucks and it was worth it! You get what you pay for! Changed out the Ruby GT6L6s for WXT+ and night and day!

yes the volumes are stupid, running input 2 with humbuckers really helps, running input 2 at home and practice, I have 90 degree adapters so I don't have the problems with the plug on the amp. I do like the bias adjustment, really helps get the amp sounding good, factory bias is the worst I found hot or cold definitely sound better on the Hot rod .

[prsnstrat]

I tried them both side by side stock and liked the HRDx overall better. Better in a band mix too.

[oxtone]

I've used my C30 for years now for all gigs, and just use it as a clean platform for my boutique overdrive pedals. I always get good compliments on my tone with that set up.

My C30 blew up 4 times back some years ago, but not in recent years. The design is not good, with three circuit boards at right angles, connected by tiny little wires. The wires can break with the high heat this amp produces. But, knock-on-wood; the amp hasn't failed me on hundred's of gigs the last number of years.

I also have a Mojotone BV-30H speaker in it, which sounds great. And I installed the tube guard I got from Peavey, which helps a lot.

[Chriske]

Originally Posted by semi-hollowbody

I agree...if I use the same dirt pedal (barber tone pump slightly gritty) and play through the clean channels on both, the peavey clean is a bit dirtier too...

The peavey really has a great od channel with the right tubes...i didnt like it with the stock tubes...

+2
It's easy to start with a great clean amp (Fender) and use some overdrive/distortion pedals for the dirt. On the other hand, you'll never clean up the mediocre cleans from the PV. Unless the PV's dirt channel is your thing as a one trick pony, the Fender is the better (more versatile) choice IMHO.

Cheers,
Chris
(Fender Blues Deluxe, clean channel only with Boss GT-8)

[mude]

Straight clean all by itself, I probably prefer the HRD. But, the C30 is more likely to go to a gig. With pedals, it sits great in the mix. It is more middy and fits well generally and with a pedal can get some great lead tones IMO. It is also much smaller. Yes it is more directional, but we tend to mic which makes it fine. Add the the great portability and the C30 is a.....well......Classic.

I still have a HRD that is like new. I have had several over the years and got this one for a particular project that never happened. Probably should sell it.

Evan.