Going into Gear Two puts you into over the top Hot Rodded JCM type-tones with that signature Scott Splawn sound. Gear one is voiced like a hot rodded Marshall Plexi. The gain channel has two modes (Splawn calls them gears) and two levels of overdrive for each gear. Vintage Marshall type cleans that pair beautifully with the Celestion Creamback. Splawn's are known for their high gain sound, but this amp has a great clean channel as well. The clean channel is the real surprise of this amp.

This amp does more than just the legendary Brown Sound. TLDR: I think I need more head room and the EVH would have it, but I don't want to regret giving up the Splawn to get it.This combo can take you from the bedroom to the stage, all with overdriven tonal bliss. Because yes, I need more volume but I've already got the Brown sound from this head, and as Eddie says: 'if it sounds good, it is good' The past few weeks I've been considering getting rid of the Splawn to get the 5153 but I just can't seem to pull the trigger. 1) it seemed to cut thru the mix better and 2) at 22 watts I figured I could dime it out and get that power amp saturation. I've long been GASing for this amp but when putting together my rig months ago I chose the Splawn over it for two reasons. I'm thinking getting a new cabinet would go a long way but at the same time isn't flubbing out from lack of head room? In comes the 5153 at 50 Watts.

This is only in rehearsal situations, since the amp has been mic'd every time I've used it live. Here's my problem, is lately when playing out I've noticed my tone seriously flubbing out when cranked. I run it thru a line 6 cab (I'm terrible, I know) but I have an opportunity to pick up a 212 loaded with celestion green backs for cheap. You see, I currently own a Splawn supersport 22 watt head and at first I didn't love the tone.