Spark 2 vs. HeadRush Flex Prime — Is the upgrade really worth it for metal?

Hey everyone!

I currently use a **Spark 2** for practicing and playing at home, along with a **Dunlop Cry Baby** and a **Digitech Whammy DT**. I mainly play metal — especially **classic/heavy metal, old-school death metal, and metalcore**.

I've been considering making the jump from the Spark 2 to a **HeadRush** setup, especially now that HeadRush has implemented **Tone3000 compatibility**. I'm curious about how much of a difference I could realistically expect in terms of amp tones, effects, feel and overall sound quality.

For those who have used both systems: **would you say the upgrade from a Spark 2 to a HeadRush is actually worth it?** Or would the difference be relatively small for home practice?

If the upgrade is worth it, I'm thinking the **HeadRush Flex Prime** would probably be the best option for me. However, I'm not sure what would be the best way to pair it with a **speaker/cabinet for playing at home**.

I'd basically like to use the Flex Prime as my main amp at home, so I'm looking for something that would work well with it for metal without being unnecessarily expensive or overkill for bedroom/home use.

**What speaker, FRFR cabinet, or powered speaker would you recommend to pair with the Flex Prime?**

I'd really appreciate opinions from anyone who has experience with the Spark 2, HeadRush/Flex Prime, or both. Especially interested in hearing whether you think the upgrade is genuinely noticeable for metal tones.

reddit.com
u/moneite — 4 days ago
▲ 0 r/Ibanez

Ibanez RG5121R vs RGR5121RB – Which one would you choose and why?

Ibanez RG5121R vs RGR5121RB – Which one would I choose and why?

Hey everyone,

I'm trying to decide between two guitars that seem almost identical on paper: same Super Wizard HP 5-piece neck, stainless steel frets, Gibraltar Standard III fixed bridge, and Fishman Fluence Modern pickups.

The biggest difference that stands out to me is the body wood:

RG5121R → African Mahogany body.

RGR5121RB → Basswood body.

Can you actually notice a difference between African Mahogany and Basswood in terms of resonance, feel, sustain, or dynamics?

Is Basswood a better fit for modern metal because of its more balanced response?

Is there a noticeable difference in weight and comfort?

If you've played or owned both models, which one would you choose and why?

reddit.com
u/moneite — 2 months ago

Ibanez RG5121R vs RGR5121RB – Which one would I choose and why?

Hey everyone,

I'm trying to decide between two guitars that seem almost identical on paper: same Super Wizard HP 5-piece neck, stainless steel frets, Gibraltar Standard III fixed bridge, and Fishman Fluence Modern pickups.

The biggest difference that stands out to me is the body wood:

RG5121R → African Mahogany body.

RGR5121RB → Basswood body.

Can you actually notice a difference between African Mahogany and Basswood in terms of resonance, feel, sustain, or dynamics?

Is Basswood a better fit for modern metal because of its more balanced response?

Is there a noticeable difference in weight and comfort?

If you've played or owned both models, which one would you choose and why?

reddit.com
u/moneite — 2 months ago
▲ 1 r/metalguitar+1 crossposts

Looking for a thin-neck metal guitar under €1800 (coming from Solar A2.6C)

Hi everyone,

I currently play a Solar A2.6C, but I’m looking to buy another guitar with a thin neck since I have small hands.

I mainly play heavy and classic rock styles (80s thrash metal, old-school death metal, and some progressive rock). I’m also using active pickups, so I’m looking for something that fits that kind of modern metal setup.

My budget is around €1800 / $1800 - 2000 max.

What guitars would you recommend in this range that have:

  • A thin, comfortable neck
  • Good access for fast playing
  • Solid for metal but still versatile enough for classic rock/prog

I’d really appreciate any suggestions or personal experiences.

Thanks!

reddit.com
u/moneite — 3 months ago