Bugera TriRec vs. Mesa Dual Rectifier - Demo 

It did. Mesa had a ton more bass, but having a ton more bass doesn't work well in mixes. Most mix engineers nuke most of the low end to make things sit in the mix better.

I totally agree

+Tobias TK Yeah it just kicks it harder

+Christian Hoen I've wanted a dual rec forever but was convinced I could never afford 1, headed to get a bugera right meow

In my opinion one doesn't need rectifiers to "harden" up the sound. Gimme a 100 watts amp of any kind with some decent tubes and a Tube Screamer and I will guarantee the sickest sound that's out there. Given that you play a quality guitar wich is the central element of any good guitar sound.

+Christian Hoen A rectifier converts AC power to DC power. You aren't getting 1 watt of amplification, let alone 100, without rectification. Both the "any tube amp" and the Tube Screamer have rectifiers.

Bugera proves that Mesa is a waste of money for working musicians. But I'm sure the guys that spent $1500+ would disagree (or completely avoid this video).

Guitar Player Bugera would be amazing if you were not constantly having issues. You get what you pay for.

Asier Díaz interesting: but perhaps you got lucky with a good unit ? Their overall reliability seems trash from what I read. About always good apples in the mix

Asier Díaz you are correct. I don’t think it’s so much the build quality but rather the cheap parts that break or heat up easy or melt etc . It’s unfortunate

Yep! Exactly!

I have the older Bugera 6260(not the Infinium). Never had any issues with it. I like more than my Peavey 6505.

I'm really in love with the new Bugera Amps! For me they are simply the best New Kids on the Block!

I’ve owned a 6260 and a 333XL Infinium and loved them both. These are solid heads and worked well for me studio,live and at practice. I wish I still had them. I have wanted to get the TriRec so that may be next!

@@salinasmusicofficial Yeah, this is an awesome versatile and powerful amp head! I have never been disappointed by it in anyway and I really like its looks!

Same here. I was thinking of getting a Mesa for practice ❤but I’m pretty sure I’m gonna get a bugera instead

Well put. I was wondering along the same lines. I couldn't see the settings on the Mesa.

Yeah...Hail Bugera!

try a dual rec with a ts9 through a really solid guitar with a blackout in it. that's fucking orgasmic!

svardslag The difference to me is so subtle that slight EQ would compensate. The Bugera sounded better to me but I tend to prefer "dark" sounding guitars.

svardslag I thought the bugera sounded thin to be honest. I liked it's sound but it could use a boost the mesa however did not need that for the bottom end and it just sounded fuller.

omgomgomgpuppies36 definitely agree, bugera Is rapidly improving their game but the mesa had got a fuller more aggressive tone. I've got a Triple rec with a Maxon OD808 running through a Marshall 4x12 - I'll take on a tri rec any day, still a beautiful amp though

Here here!

There's also a really good Marshall JCM900 and Plexi copy

Desert Storm ChefNice The Bugera 1960 is based off of the Marshall 1959 superlead, and holy damn for $399 vs the Superlead for $2699? The amp sounds nearly identical for 2,300 dollars less.

***** Perhaps they are a bit hit and miss, like Agile guitars. But in this vid, it's hard to deny what sounds better.

***** I had a first run 333XL. It definitely melted at the molex connector carrying high voltage. 30 mins to disassemble and drain all voltage, hard solder those wires... back in the game no problem for another 2 years when I sold it. The current production of Bugera amps don't have the same issues. They've dealt with the same initial quality control stigma that Peavey took years to shake off. Maybe one say they'll have their own "unbreakable" 5150, but until then... They're just OK. Comparable in quality to most Chinese built amps.

***** tho,tho,tho,tho,tho

+Arcage Hutton yeah, untill its blows up. I saw one just die at a guitar shop while someone was trying it.

Eric Wheeler there will always be a failure rate. I doubt whether these are made in a different factory than peavey now. Or most other 'big names'.

Hellyeah!!

they were dialed in at the exact same settings. im pretty sure with some tweaking you could get a more similar, thicker tone. the tri-rec is definitely the next head im getting, upgrading from my bugera 1990.

Bobby Chounramany yeah , i would get one if there werent reliabilty problems

PhilDuggs The reliability problems you hear about are mostly from early Bugera. The ones with infinium (from the past couple years) I haven't heard anything bad about.

Martyr9991 From reviews I have read even infinium models are prone to breakages early on , one such review said their infinium 333xl concked out after 2 practice sessions (hard to believe that , no amp is that badly made) I honestly would love a bugra tri-rec but am catious due to what is said about them

Sounds to me like they didn't let the tubes warm up or something.....

Yes! It's much harder to make a muddy amp sound bright(er) than the other way round!

First, Thank you Ryan for this great video! Nicely done. Now, not arguing or criticizing your post/reply but exercising the right of disagree on the point of value and reliability. I've bought my first Bugera, 333XL combo, broken down. Did replace the tubes and re-cap'd the amp with better caps to make sure would last and it is one of my favorites. The problem wasn't the tubes or the caps, though. It was a normal issue with these amps, the power cable connector from the primary transformer but, anyway, I've did all at once to save time and headache. Later came a V55 head and now a tri-rec like the one on the video. Again, the trirec came as "defective" and I've had to re-tube it and that was it. Customer support on Bugera is top notch. Asked them many questions, had quick and precise answers. Asked about tubes and positioning them, same results, great response. They don't try to force you to buy ONLY their brand of tubes but let you and encourage you to try ANY brand to your likes! I've been using them all for about 2 years and had no problems. I firmly believe most of the Bugera owners bought them for the price, like them while they worked but, when time comes to change the tubes, they disregard the whole good experience THEY'VE had and start listening to the "BAD" experiences from others and sale them cheap. Big mistake. You can fix an amp like that for way less than buying a boutique type brand that ties you to use their brand mostly or cannot guarantee anything works well. Bugera doesn't care if you buy their tubes or not, even though I've noticed sometimes their tubes "fit" better on their amps than other amps, sound wise. I've replaced and tried different 5U4's, the rectifier tubes, and the results are pretty interesting. Choosing a good chain of preamp tubes, 12ax/12at/12au/ecc83/ecc803 and so many more, can make this amps give you whatever sound you get from a 3-4 times their price. Sure, keep in mind that I don't gig but, even if I did, I'd take care of my gear the same way and can assure you it would last. No brand will take well throwing their products or handling them roughly or carelessly. In these 2 years, I play every day 2-4 hours and had nothing but GREAT experience with my Bugeras. They go from sweet all the way to the harsh distortion you want to match your style. To me, as you can see on this video, they're bar none the best value on the market. Hope that can help others! Good luck there and thanks for sharing your experience.

I agree the video is interesting and Bugera seems to sound a bit more selective, however I'd choose DR not because I have already got one but mainly because I know what Mesa is capable of. Not mentioning about its reliability which is almost legendary (and in fact it is) but nothing sounds as dirty and powerful as Mesa especially during gigs. The dials setting that was presented in this video is hmmm.... strange. Anyone who ever had anything to do with Mesa DR knows that Mesa seems muddy and a little shapeless on lower volumes. From my experience it takes more power to wake up the demon :) On the other hand if you set Gain dial to 3 o'clock and further response from tone dials is rather poor and everything is overhelmed by bass. Also mids... too much of it. When you exceed 2 o'clock you just turn up the bass and the sound becomes really dark.

Wow, never knew the Mesa was so touchy! Thanks for the comment and let's keep rocking!!!!

We all know Mesa is the shit. To compare craftsmanship here isn't even fair. The fact that you can get that sound out of a tube amp for so cheap is cool. That's it. As a side note, I bought a new Bugera 6262 last year and it has offered up nothing but enjoyment. Not one single problem.

@@ryan_riffs Yes!

It's Mesa and ENGL for me. DAR is the Ace to Mesa and ENGL's King and Queen. What would the Jack be, I wonder?

@@12ealDealOfficial Peavey 3120 or 6505. A JSX is awesome as well, if you can find a used one, you cannot lose imo.

​@@12ealDealOfficial 6 years later, just checking in. At this point - I'd personally say the Fortin Satan is the queen of high gain, ENGL do make some compelling jacks however. Some small brands have started to pop up doing insane amps too, but they're not going to dethrone Mesa imo. My dream amp, a custom shop Triple Rectifier is due to be delivered in December.

lmfao

Also Ryan you're a bad ass! Keep up the good work man!

I completely agree! Best amp ever!

THE AMP IS GREAT BUT THE CABINET SUCK SO HARD MAN.

Oskar Libner This is what I hear. Bugera + another 4x12 (or maybe a 2x12) = heavenly tone. The Bugera 4x12s are not full size - they are more like what Marshall makes for their MG series, so that has to have an impact. I don't care of Bugera heads are a little smaller, their cabs just don't have a good reputation as of this time. I have a pretty dark 4x12 (the one Marshall made to go with the MA and JMD series - harsh brittle amps to begin with) that works for the "JCM800 on edge of meltdown" tone I was looking for with the 333XL. (which I might add seems like a more full-proof option as far as reliability goes since they've been making them for years).

As a Trirec owner I'd actually like to echo what Oskar said here: the old Bugera speakers are not quality. The amps are great but the cabinets were not. Now, the new Turbosound stuff I don't think anyone can say yet - it might turn out to be the new Celestions or they could be a complete dud - but I would specifically recommend against getting a Bugera cab. Get a used 212 instead.

I agree. I think the Bugera actually sounds better ( I can't believe I'm even saying that, but.... hahah ). But you're right, the Mesas are tanks and damn near indestructible. You definitely get what ya pay for

I just bought a brand new Bugera 6262 for $250. MF is selling the 333xl for 349. The 333xl I have has worked fine for a year

JgHaverty I couldn't agree more. The Tricrec was in the game while the Mesa didn't even make it to the park. I would have thought it would be the other way around for sure.

Get ready for repairs that add up to equal or nearly surpass the price of the TriRec, before inevitably catching fire and going out of commission for good.

@@coffinfeeder7732 had my 6262 for over 2 years and it hasn't had any problems. You gotta remember that all amp manufacturers have had problems. Hell even Peavey who is still my favorite amp manufacturer.

+Chris Fite I liked the Bugera more in this clip

Me too honestly.

:\ damn man, i'm ripped between 333xl and trirec but i'm going away from trirec because it seems a bit 'modulated' or 'digital' (if this is the correct term) SPECIALLY when the gain goes higher. i'm not sure if this is because of some other setting options from the amp or not, but i feel the mesa boogie a lot more warm and 'real' sounding. i'm actually shocked seeing you guys preffering the bugera in this clip. i'm going for the bugera only because i don't have the cash for a mesa, although it seems a LOT BETTER deal as in cash/quality for the bugera. any thoughts? thanks!

actually I changed my perspective a bit. the bugera sounds better with the secondary pedal boost on, but i still find that it gets muffy with more gain i give it.

0311campbelljk ... what? no. rectification in a power supply (which is what Mesa is referring to) just means you're converting AC current to DC current, whether by use of tubes or transistors along with a capacitor network.

yeah.. it has a nice bite to it

by far not the case,but i really like the bugera,don't ask me,maybe i'm crazy.the varible knob is bitchin'!!

You are absolutely correct ramone. Knowing about what the different levels mean and how they all interact is more of a "study" and has less to do with spending mucho $ on a boutique amp head. I still see a lot of players crank the gain to 10 but cant figure out why their playing is muddy and doesn't sound articulate.

jeff loomis through a line6 half stack will still shit on us all

Jeff Loomis isn't human. I don't know what planet that guy comes from but I'll bet everyone there shits guitars.

Exactly. And any experienced player knows you don't need to spend $4000+ on a Friedman BE-OD to sound great either. You buy what you can afford and go on from there. In my book, practice still makes perfect. If A Bugera or Peavey Valveking (pretty affordable) does it for you, that's great. I know a few guys who can make a Line 6 sound awesome! It's all about "in the right hands" as you mentioned.

Mesa $2500 Tri-Rec $600 Hmmm looks like >25% to me. Winner Bugera!

Exactly!

Lmao must be

That's why my rig sounded soo good months ago. I had a long beard 😑

Bugera's owned by Behringer & Behringer equipment is fantastic and inexpensive,,,,

Right? ive always thought mesas were a bit too muddy,

Bugera is made for the person that doesn't mind funding the Red Menace.. 'MURICA!!!!!

It's less tinny, but that mud drowns out the actual bass, fills up the low end too much, and it's not as articulate

+william killingsworth Dude check it, my peavey 6505+ picked up radio stations as well. I was at band practice (you could probably gather from the fact that I said 6505+ that it was a metal band) and in between songs we were picking up a christian radio program. It didn't help we practiced on sundays. Imagine hearing worship service in between metal songs...lol. It was pretty awesome actually.

My 72 bassman 100 was picking up a radio station the other day lol.

Tube amps, especially high volume, high gain amps, has a knack of picking up radio frequencies and even seismic events and solar flares. A few words of advice... Run a decent noise suppressor through the FX loop, and set it up properly, and you wont have a single radio station playing through your amps... And in reality, it's your cables that are picking up the radio frequencies. Cobber is used in radio masts for a reason. ;)

Do you have a guitar tuner attached to the Bugera? Old school guitar tuners had quartz crystals in them for the 440 hrz frequency for the strings. Plugged into a guitar, the strings are like antenna, and the amp, well the amp amplifies the signal. I used to be able to get RADIO MOSCOW on my amp and it was because I had it running through an old Banana tuner. True story.

The bugera is the only amp that picks it up. No matter any of the suggestions ( tubes, noise supressors, fucking tuners) it's a cheaply made knock off. Your suggestions make it sound like you want to blame any thing but the cheaply made unsheildedchinese amps. Lol

Yeah, most people think Burgera's sound fantastic, they lose out because the the original series has reliability problems. If you're considering buying one, I *strongly* recommend only getting one in the infinium series. They corrected most if not all of the issues and added a tube failure warning system. I've been gigging with the trirec infinium for about a year now without issue.

Havel The Wall own the trirec used in this video and I love the tone I get

it's the settings in this video. if you put all the knobs on 12 o'clock, and put on a tube screamer/overdrive, the mesa will win every day. then you just have to fine tweak it!

ah nice, if I can ever afford one i'll be sure to try that out!

Dont tube amps have springs and crap.. like even tube PA's that make that noise if tou try to move them around while plugged in. Maybe he stomped his foot too hard..

Mesa was ahead of their time, when they came out...now, like Gibson, Marshall and many others, they are selling at a high price...based on name recognition alone. That's not to say that Mesa, Marshall or Gibson makes a bad product, but over the years they haven't upped their game and are relying on their name branding to sell a product that other companies can (and do) build and sell at a much more reasonable price. I own (or have owned) all of the brands mentioned...but no longer feel the need to "name drop" when I choose equipment that I purchase and use. All that matters to me....is that it is built RIGHT and that it satisfies my needs as a musician, at a price that is affordable to me. I am buying a usable product...not a company name.

Quality. Which Bugera lacks. I have been wanting the Tri Rec but afraid of it failing.

have my bugera 6260 since 2012 , lot of high gain jam , concert live , never have probleme , 550 $ head + cab ,