Peavey Classic 50 212 or Crate VC50310- Possible purchase?

[Mr. Crow]

I'm trying to get some new sounds for not a ton of dollars. I'm a Fender Twin Reverb and Deluxe Reverb player, and would really like something different.

Semi-locally, there are two amps that seem like pretty good possibilities. There is a mid-90's Peavey Classic 50 212, and also a mid-90's Crate VC50310. Both amps are going for roughly $300. Both amps are in very good shape, with mostly home and light studio use.

I've played a Peavey Classic 30 and found it quite nice, though the tube rattle drove me nuts. I've read the Classic 50 does not have this issue. I do not have any experience with the Crate line of USA tube amp, other than what I've read on various forums.

The Peavey does seem to have a better record of reliability than the Crate, from what I've read on forums. Again, I have no direct experience with either so I would prefer some real hands-on opinions.

I play more 60-70's, British, and Pixies sounding rock. I value a great clean (being a Fender amp guy) quite highly.

Any opinions or suggestions?

 

[SteveO]

I was a Crate dealer in the early 90s when the Vintage Club series was introduced, they had issues of arriving at my store dead in the box. On the flip side, I have a Peavey Rockmaster preamp and Classic 50/50 power amp that I bought new during the same time period and have logged hundreds of hours on them in bars and garage jams, never even blew a fuse. My dollars would go with the Peavey every time.

 

[Mr. Crow]

Thanks for the info SteveO. I read that while these Crate's do sound very good, they can be problematic. I am kind of leaning towards the Peavey Classic 50.

 

[mcdonaldkd]

I love my Peavey C50 2X12. I changed the speakers and upgraded the tubes, and it made the amp much better. It was just fine stock, however. It is a tank. Never gives me a problem. I have never changed a fuse, and it was not necessary to change the tubes when I did it. I just wanted to try a bit of a different tone. It's heavy, though.

 

[LHanson]

Never owned the Peavey. I do own a V32 Crate, which is my go-to amp right now, above the Mesa Heartbreaker, the Mesa .50 cal +, and my BF Bandmaster. Fine amp, and virtually identical to the V30 (black tolex) stuff. Avoid the newer V33- doesn't sound the same. BTW, there are a couple of huge V32 threads here.

 

[buddaman71]

I have owned and used both. Initially liked the Crate's tone, but after two gigs sold it immediately. I have had my Peavey Classic 50 212 for 15 years, and it is one of the best sounding, most reliable tube amps ever made anywhere near its price point. MUCH more clean headroom and better pedal platform than the Crate.

I was a Peavey AND Crate dealer all through the 90s and eventually dropped the line after I came to holding my breath every time I powered anything from Crate on in front of the customer; wondering if it was even gonna power up. EXTREMELY low quality components and very flimsy switches and PCB. Peavey clean is very strong, if a bit bland, but the drive channel is divine.

There's absolutely no contest in my opinion; Peavey C50 212 all the way.

PS: Personally, I greatly prefer the tone of the C50 over the C30.