How Are The Orange OR-15 Heads?

[Classicplayer]

I've been looking at the specs on the Orange OR15 models. Some reviews don't rate them too well AFA quality control is concerned. Still other reviewers like their OR15s, but later decided to part with it. I'm wondering if I'd be better off reviewing comments about the Dark Terror in the Orange Terror series. It is another amp that I like the specs on.


Classicplayer

 

[cherrysunburst00]

When i first tried an OR15 (I was actually demoing a Les Paul Custom) I was like "meh, rather generic" but then a couple of years later I tried 1 again and my jaw dropped. I bought one in May 2016 and have not looked back.

I have zero experience with the Dark Terror, but I can tell you, that the OR15 has a fantastic master volume and sounds really good at "bedroom volumes" (ie, mid to high 80s db level). One "quirk" in the 7 watt setting is that when you increase the gain, you hear what sounds like a slight scratchy sound (easily confused for a scratchy pot) which is simply the new gain stage kicking in.

I really like the OR15, and it is terrific for old school hard/heavy rock. I suspect it will do the newer stuff too, but I am not well versed in the newer higher gain stuff.

EDIT: I was also 1 of the ones impacted by quality control issues with my first 1 (notice the transformer), but my dealer got it replaced, and I have had zero issues since

 

[Piston Hurricane]

The Orange OR15 is a badass circuit ! There is not much more that I can say !

Give one a test drive and see what you think ?

PH

 

[Mr. Satchmo]

I have owned 3, all three had major issues. Sadly I went with the bass breaker 18/30 and my british rocker verb.

 

[Marshall & Moonshine]

I played one and it was killer. It was owned by member Lunchbox. I imagine cabs matter. He had a Marshall 4x10, loaded with Ramrods, I beleve. He never had any problems that I remember. Buzzhaze (RIP) had one and loved it, as well, and he was a Mesa guy, iirc.
Reliablity may vary, but that's what warranties are for. I won't deny other people's experiences, but I doubt they're the majority.
Great amp. Sounded fantastic.

 

[sk8rat]

I checked one out yesterday. $450 in pretty good shape. I might buy it but I dont need it. it's a pretty bassy amp but I like it for the gainier stuff my amp just cant do.

it was one of the top contenders for what amp I was gonna buy but went for a marshall circuit instead.

 

[Paul_Cat]

I've always wanted to try one out and compare it to my Tiny Terror...

 

[RangerJay]

I have an early edition, and have had zero problems. It's kind of a one trick pony in many ways, but it is one kick-ass pony trick. I actually used it for about six months, and it was the push that drove me over the edge to acquire a Thunderverb 50.

The OR15 mostly sits these days, but I do take it to jams. My TV50 is my main squeeze now, but the OR15 delivers the goods when needed. Excellent sounding amplifier. Punches ahead of its weight class, for sure.

 

[Kris Ford]

Sounds like a Tubescreamer goosed JCM2205 to me, but that ain't always a bad thing.

I'd think Marshall if I heard it on a recording.

 

[jbash]

I have owned 2.

Only issues I had were it was tough on power tubes. They sound great, and it was a really responsive amp to play..feels great. But I prefer my Marshalls.

A good set of tubes gets rid of most of the buzz and fizzies. I preferred mullard ri in the power section, a mullard ri 12ax7 or sovtek lps in the PI, and Tung-sol RI and svetlana in v1/2.

 

[Burst Boy]

Awesome amp. I've had mine since 2012 and so far no problems. I tend to use mine at the edge of break-up with OD and Distortion pedals but the amps own distortion is awesome sounding too. Love the clean tones as well.

 

[skelt101]

I've always wanted to try one out and compare it to my Tiny Terror...

I thought the OR15 had more of a modern sound, i.e. bigger highs, lows and gain, whereas the Tiny Terror was more vintage or mid-focused. However, when the OR15 was in half-power, it sounded closer to the TT.

 

[RustyNuts]

I have owned 2.

Only issues I had were it was tough on power tubes. They sound great, and it was a really responsive amp to play..feels great. But I prefer my Marshalls.

A good set of tubes gets rid of most of the buzz and fizzies. I preferred mullard ri in the power section, a mullard ri 12ax7 or sovtek lps in the PI, and Tung-sol RI and svetlana in v1/2.

I loved mine when it first arrived, but replacing the tubes brought it to another level.

 

[lunchbox]

I played one and it was killer. It was owned by member Lunchbox. I imagine cabs matter. He had a Marshall 4x10, loaded with Ramrods, I beleve. He never had any problems that I remember. Buzzhaze (RIP) had one and loved it, as well, and he was a Mesa guy, iirc.
Reliablity may vary, but that's what warranties are for. I won't deny other people's experiences, but I doubt they're the majority.
Great amp. Sounded fantastic.

Awwwww...you remember our one magical night together! It was indeed special!

Yes, I had one. It was great at low to mid volume. But when I got in a room with a hard hitting drummer and loud bass player, it just couldn't keep up, volume and power wise; it just sounded thin and harsh when pushed really hard. So I sold it and got a CR120H and CRPRO412. Now I can rock!

Northernguitarguy has one that he makes sound reeeel purdy.

And the Emi Ramrods were NOT a good match for that amp. They lack the mids that Orange is known for.

This is much better...

 

[Ginger Beer]

I tried one years ago when they first came out. Hell in a box. Really big, grindy sound for such a little package. I totally dug the overdrive on it.

I almost walked out with it that day but I ultimately went for a used Rocker 30 as it had a bit more headroom. I still want an OR-15 someday but can't justify the expense right now.