Which Peavey Vypyr VIP should I get?

[ben_f]

Hi,

I've decided to get a Vypyr VIP, for use in my bedroom, but I'm not sure which model to get. Unfortunately, I'm not able to try any Vypyrs locally, and I haven't been able to find any useful comparisons of the VIP 1, 2 and 3 on forums. I'm not looking for volume, but the best sound at bedroom practice volumes.

Some of the additional effects of the VIP 2 and 3 would be nice, but not necessarily worth the extra money to me, compared to the cheaper VIP 1. The 20W VIP 1 should be more than loud enough, but I imagine the 40W VIP 2 sounds better, due to the 12" cone (VIP 1 is 8"). The 100W VIP 3 would be overkill, but I don't know how it sounds when you lower the variable power output...cranked up at 5W might sound better than the VIP 1 at the same volume (db, not dial position), or it might sound far worse.

Has anyone got experience of more than one amp in this series, to directly compare the tone / sound quality?

This is to replace my Marshall MG15CD, because it has awful gain and really isn't very versatile. I also have a 100W JCM900 2x12 combo, which goes plenty loud, but isn't exactly ideal for practice (actually sounds good at very low volumes, but needs to be cranked with a tube-screamer for metal tones).

It's possibly worth mentioning that I predominantly play metal (anything from Iron Maiden to Carcass), using Ibanez S2120SE and XPT700 guitars.

Cheers!

[Slartibartfarst42]

I'm afraid they aren't amps I've looked at in some time, though I vaguely remember them being quite decent. I think if I was going for a practice amp now I'd be looking at the Blackstars.

[richard]

I go along with Slarti. I've had a Blackstar TVP 15 watt for a couple of weeks now and it's a great low volume practice amp. It can also get VERY loud if you want it to. Paid £199 for mine. It takes o/d pedals way better than any solid state amp I've ever used.

[Telerocker]

Engl Ironball 20?