Peavey’s 6505 II marks the 30th anniversary of one of metal’s most iconic guitar amplifiers. Armed with six 12AX7 preamp tubes, a 6L6GC-fueled power section, and a custom-built output transformer, this 120-watt behemoth is true to form, both cosmetically and sonically, to the original 6505 — right down to the plexiglass on its front. This footswitchable 2-channel tube head includes a 3-band EQ, plus Resonance and Presence knobs, on each channel. You also get per-channel Pre gain and Post gain controls. What’s more, a footswitchable Crunch boost and Bright switch on the Rhythm channel propel you from spanking cleans to a full-blown pyroclastic surge without missing a beat. A Preamp Out jack and an effects loop round out the 6505 II’s arena-ready features. If you want to harness the sound of modern metal, the 6505 II is the latest iteration of the amp that originally defined it.
120 watts of stadium-filling brutality
The 6505 II delivers a range of sounds that harken back to Peavey’s original high-gain heavyweight (the one named after the code for California’s involuntary psychiatric hold). This guitar amplifier head’s preamp section is loaded with — count ’em — six 12AX7 tubes, while its 120-watt power section contains four 6L6GC tubes. The secret to the 6505 II’s period-correct tonality, however, is its custom-designed output transformer. After countless hours of A/B comparisons, conversations with users and artists, and deep dives into the amplifier at a component level, Peavey engineers formulated the perfect design; one that’s able to accurately re-create the magical, crushing sound that, to quote Guitar Player magazine, “defined a generation of guitar tone.”
Take command of the raging beast
The Peavey 6505 II offers more than mere brute strength. In fact, it’s jam-packed with tantalizing tones. To begin with, you get footswitchable Lead and Rhythm channels. Each channel includes a 3-band EQ for basic sonic sculpting, as well as Resonance and Presence controls. Per-channel Pre gain and Post gain knobs give rise to near-infinite gain staging. The guitarists here at Sweetwater really appreciate the 6505 II’s Crunch boost; it takes the amplifier’s Rhythm channel from crystalline cleans to throaty grind with a tap of a footswitch. The Rhythm channel also includes a Bright switch for added sonic versatility.
Tons of arena-worthy features
Incorporating the 6505 II into your stage or studio guitar rig is easy, thanks to its many pro-friendly features. A Preamp Out jack makes slaving to a second amplifier a piece of cake; crafting a wet/dry setup has never been easier. This jack is also great for connecting to a power amp/cabinet emulator, for mic-free recording or for piping your tone straight to front of house. The 6505 II boasts a top-quality effects loop for easy integration with your stompboxes and other external processors. You also get a test point for biasing the amplifier. A 3-button footswitch is included for Lead/Rhythm channel, Crunch boost, and effects loop switching. To top it off, the 6505 II works with 16-, 8-, and 4-ohm speakers.
Peavey 6505 II 120W 2-channel Tube Head Features:
- Marks the 30th anniversary of one of metal’s most iconic guitar amplifiers
- True to form, both cosmetically and sonically, to the original 6505
- Loaded with 6 x 12AX7 preamp tubes and 4 x 6L6GC power tubes
- Custom-designed output transformer accurately re-create the sound of the original 6505
- Footswitchable Lead and Rhythm channels
- Each channel includes a 3-band EQ, plus Resonance and Presence controls, for basic sonic sculpting
- Per-channel Pre gain and Post gain knobs give rise to near-infinite gain staging
- Footswitchable Crunch boost takes the Rhythm channel from crystalline cleans to throaty grind
- Rhythm channel includes a Bright switch for added sonic versatility
- Preamp Out jack makes slaving to a second amplifier effortless
- Top-quality effects loop for easy integration with your stompboxes and external processors
- Test point for biasing the amplifier
- 3-button footswitch is included for Lead/Rhythm channel, Crunch boost, and effects loop switching
- Works with 16-, 8-, and 4-ohm speakers