TEST: Peavey 6505 Piranha

 Now that's what I call transportability! Who would have thought a few years ago that you could transport your guitar amp in a lunch bag. At least not me, especially if we assume power beyond the 0.5 watt limit. Peavey, on the other hand, has managed to squeeze up to 20 watts out of a pipsqueak with the Peavey 6505 Piranha, which, as the name suggests, has to follow in the biggest footsteps Peavey has ever left in the guitar sector.

It is almost 25 years ago that Peavey succeeded in a marketing-technical major offensive to get showcase tapper Eddie van Halen in the endorser boat, from whose cooperation the then 5150 Head was born. However, after EVH decided to market its naming rights under its own brand, the corresponding licenses to the 5150 trademark also expired, whereupon Peavey decided to continue marketing the elaborated model under the name 6505.

As before, the 6505+ enjoys an excellent reputation, especially in metal circles, which can be seen, among other things, in the fact that, in addition to the inevitable JCM series from Marshall for the British sound, the 6505+ is listed ahead of Mesa Boogie as the standard for the American sound by almost all backliners at many metal festivals around the world.

And now the same approach in only 82 x 178 x 132 mm, a weight of 1.13 kilograms and a price of under 200, - €? Now we all smile once extensively and devote ourselves to the facts, but which, it should be mentioned in advance, speak a very impressive language.

Construction

It should be clear to everyone that we are not talking about an all-tube head in the tradition of the firstborn with the dimensions mentioned above. A serious output transformer alone would put undue strain on the cabinet dimensions, not to mention the expected heat buildup of the power tubes. Therefore, as expected, a solid state power amplifier is used, which inevitably loses volume with increasing ohmic value of the cabinet due to its construction. Thus, the Peavey 6505 Piranha generates a power of 20 watts at 4 ohms, 15 watts at 8 ohms and only about 10 watts at a vintage cabinet of 16 ohms.

But if you think this volume isn't enough to compete with the friendly double bass drummer of your choice, you should do a field test with this Chinese-made midget on the spot. The little noise maker really makes a lot of noise at 4 ohms, and thanks to inear monitoring, volumes beyond this mark can only be found on large stages anyway. But if you now think you can hawk your stage amps on eBay without a care and already see the golden age of touring with the German railroad dawning, you should first consider the construction of the little predator.

Just three knobs on the front of the top give a very quick indication that this is not a multi-channel amp. Rather, Peavey has focused specifically on its target audience and this is now once in the hard rock and metal. First, you can choose in the preset of the sound by means of a mini-switch between Crunch and Lead, friends of the Clean channel will pull here crying from then. Although the Peavey 6505 Piranha reacts surprisingly "adult" to the volume control of the guitar and puts a very convincing dynamics in terms of distortion control on the day, but a "real" clean sound does not want and can not really arise. But why does the metal player need a clean sound? Exactly, for the plucked intro to the power ballad which is bludgeoned with five chords from the first chorus anyway. Therefore ...

Front

In addition to the gain control for the distortion level and the volume control for the final volume, Peavey spares the usual three-band tone control and replaces it with an EQ control, which when turned to the left, the notch sound (lowering mids, boosting bass and treble) often used in metal, and when turned to the right, fades smoothly to the mid-emphasized rock sound (full). Apart from that, the front also offers an AUX-IN for connecting an MP3 player or similar and a headphone output, which is fortunately available in 6.35 mm and not in the piddly mini jack version. Unfortunately, the headphone output doesn't have a speaker emulation, so you shouldn't be put off by the scratchy sound.


Rear

The back of the case is just as tidy. In addition to a simple push button for On/Off, the Peavey 6505 Piranha has a speaker out and a serial loop-in path, where you can place a volume pedal in addition to the most important modulation and room effects, for example, to raise the volume slightly in a solo without changing the sound of the amplifier. If the maximum volume of the head is not enough, you can also control an external power amp via send.

Finally, there is a socket for the included power supply. It is recommended not to install this power supply, because the required values with 30 volts at 1.0 ampere cannot be delivered by an average power supply. Even if the high voltages of an all-tube amp are not required to get the internally installed 12AX7/ECC83 tube to work, more than 9 volts at 100 mA is needed.


Practice

The transport of the tiny amp to small or medium applications is easily accomplished, as Peavey includes a simple transport bag for its protégé, in which the power supply also finds its place. Once connected, one finds his personal sound very quickly. As expected, nothing really works in the clean range. Vintage single coils with 7 KOhm or less can possibly get something clean-like from the head with moderate playing and half-open poti, but at the latest with a regular humbucker the first distortions flit over the crunch position.

Even for warm blues use there are more suitable playmates, the basic sound leans on the edgy and slightly scratchy basic sound of the 6505+ and leaves the flattering, soft mids rather in the background. However, if you want the forefather in pocket size, you are very well served by the Peavey 6505 Piranha. Despite the only rudimentary switching options, the amp reacts comparatively dynamically and adapts to the playing style of its master. The sound is very compact and yet not overly compressed, so that not every subtlety drowns in high-gain mud.

Nothing to complain about? Well, 2 points could / should / could have been changed. First, the amp is relatively strong noise, even at comparatively low distortion levels. Logically, the metaller is used to play with a noisy amp, but usually the noise decreases when you turn down the volume control. This is not the case here, because it is not the combination guitar-distortion-amp that is noisy, but the amp itself. In principle, not a real problem, you just have to be aware of it in advance.

To the would still be the on / off delay for the speaker. It doesn't exactly wham the diaphragm around your ears, but the impulse during the activation / deactivation of the amp does give a decent hit to the speakers.


Conclusion

With the Peavey 6505 Piranha, the American manufacturer brings the very, very small and quite inexpensive brother of the legendary 6505+ on the market. With minimal dimensions, Peavey manages to adapt the basic character of the big brother and generate a very portable solution for the hard rock / heavy friend.

Whoever manages to get a suitable box on site, can now only armed with a proper gig bag on the way to the next heavy show. It really doesn't get any more comfortable than this.


Additional Informations:

Peavey Electronics Corporation - A Comprehensive Company Overview
Introduction: Peavey Electronics Corporation, commonly known as Peavey, is an iconic American manufacturer of musical instruments, audio equipment, and professional sound systems. Founded by Hartley Peavey in 1965, the company has grown from humble beginnings in a small Mississippi basement to become a globally recognized brand in the music industry. With an unwavering commitment to innovation, quality, and affordability, Peavey has consistently delivered products that cater to musicians, sound professionals, and audio enthusiasts alike. This comprehensive report delves into the history, products, contributions, and impact of Peavey in the world of music and sound.

Historical Background: Peavey Electronics Corporation was established in 1965 by Hartley Peavey, a young entrepreneur with a passion for electronics and music. The company's foundation was laid in Meridian, Mississippi, where Hartley started repairing and building audio equipment in his parents' basement. He was determined to create products that were not only exceptional in performance but also accessible to musicians of all levels. This vision became the cornerstone of Peavey's success.

2. Product Line: Peavey offers a diverse range of products that cater to various segments of the music and sound industry. Some of their key product categories include:

2.1 Musical Instruments: Peavey manufactures a wide array of musical instruments, including electric guitars, bass guitars, acoustic guitars, and drums. Their instruments are known for their robust build quality, great playability, and affordability, making them popular choices for both beginners and seasoned musicians.

2.2 Audio Equipment: Peavey's audio equipment division produces a vast range of amplifiers, mixers, speakers, and signal processors. Their amplifiers, in particular, have garnered a reputation for their reliability and power, making them a staple in live sound applications and recording studios.

2.3 Professional Sound Systems: Peavey is also a significant player in the professional sound system market, offering solutions for large-scale events, installations, and concert venues. Their line array systems and loudspeakers are renowned for their performance and clarity.
2.4 Specialty Products: Apart from musical instruments and audio equipment, Peavey has diversified its product offerings to include other items such as lighting systems, microphones, and specialty audio gear, further solidifying its presence in the professional audio industry.

3. Technological Innovations: Peavey's commitment to innovation has been a driving force behind its enduring success. Throughout its history, the company has introduced numerous groundbreaking technologies to the market. One notable example is the "TransTube" technology, introduced in the 1980s. This innovation allowed solid-state amplifiers to emulate the warm and rich tones of tube amplifiers, revolutionizing the guitar amp industry and earning Peavey immense praise from musicians worldwide.

4. Contributions to the Music Industry: Peavey's impact on the music industry extends beyond their products. The company has played a vital role in promoting music education and supporting aspiring musicians. They have actively sponsored various music programs, contests, and events, fostering the growth of musical talent across different genres.

5. Global Reach and Market Presence: Over the years, Peavey has expanded its reach and established a global presence. Their products are sold in numerous countries through a network of authorized dealers and distributors. Additionally, Peavey maintains a strong online presence, making their products accessible to customers worldwide.

6. Endorsements and Artist Relations: Peavey's reputation for producing reliable and quality gear has attracted endorsements from many prominent musicians and bands. Over the years, numerous artists, including renowned guitarists, bassists, and vocalists, have chosen Peavey products as an integral part of their sound.

7. Sustainability Initiatives: Peavey has taken steps to promote sustainability and environmental responsibility in their operations. The company has implemented eco-friendly practices in manufacturing, packaging, and waste management, aiming to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute positively to the environment.

Conclusion: Peavey Electronics Corporation has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the music and sound industry. From its humble beginnings in a basement to becoming a global leader, Peavey's commitment to innovation, quality, and affordability has resonated with musicians, sound professionals, and audio enthusiasts worldwide. Their diverse product line, technological advancements, and contributions to music education have cemented their position as an iconic and influential player in the world of music and sound. With a legacy of success and a dedication to progress, Peavey continues to shape the industry and inspire musicians for generations to come.