Peavey 5150 and 6505: every version
Every version, how to tell them apart, how to date one, and what to check before you buy. 5 versions, 1992–present.
The 5150 was Peavey's 120-watt high-gain head of 1992, with Rhythm and Lead channels, five 12AX7s and four 6L6s. The 5150 II gave each channel its own EQ. When the signature deal ended in 2004, Peavey renamed the amps for its 40th anniversary: the 5150 became the 6505 and the 5150 II the 6505+, with the same circuits. Inputs, the EQ layout and the name on the front tell them apart.
The versions, in order
5150 head and 5150 212 combo (1992–2004)
5150
Rhythm and Lead channels sharing one EQ, two inputs, five 12AX7s and four 6L6s for 120 watts.
How to spot one
- Two inputs, high and low gain.
- Rhythm (with Crunch and Bright switches) and Lead channels, each with pre and post gain, sharing one Low/Mid/High EQ with Presence and Resonance.
- Five 12AX7 preamp valves and four 6L6 output valves for 120 watts.
- Early amps have the 5150 logo in block letters; these are the most sought after.
- The 212 combo (from 1995) is 60 watts with two 6L6s, spring reverb and an effects loop.
Specs
| Rectifier | Solid-state (silicon diodes) |
|---|---|
| Phase inverter | Long-tail pair |
| Preamp tubes | 5 × 12AX7 |
| Channels | 2 |
5150 II (Late 1990s–2004)
5150
The 5150 with a separate EQ, presence and resonance for each channel, one input and a sixth 12AX7.
What changed from the 5150 head and 5150 212 combo
- Each channel got its own EQ, Presence and Resonance; one input replaced two, and a sixth 12AX7 was added.
How to spot one
- Separate EQ, Presence and Resonance controls for the Rhythm and Lead channels.
- A single input instead of the 5150's high and low inputs.
- Six 12AX7 preamp valves.
- Bias test points on the rear panel.
Specs
| Power tubes | 4 × 6L6 |
|---|---|
| Rectifier | Solid-state (silicon diodes) |
| Phase inverter | Long-tail pair |
| Rated power | 120 W |
| Preamp tubes | 6 × 12AX7 |
| Channels | 2 |
6505 head and 6505 212 combo (2005 on)
6505
The 5150 renamed for Peavey's 40th anniversary, with the same circuit.
What changed from the 5150 head and 5150 212 combo
- Renamed in 2005 after the signature deal ended in 2004; the circuit was unchanged.
How to spot one
- 6505 on the front panel; the name marks Peavey's 40 years (1965–2005).
- The first 6505s are identical inside to the 5150s being built at the time.
- Two inputs and a shared EQ, as on the 5150.
- The 212 combo uses the 5150 212 combo circuit.
Specs
| Rectifier | Solid-state (silicon diodes) |
|---|---|
| Phase inverter | Long-tail pair |
| Preamp tubes | 5 × 12AX7 |
| Channels | 2 |
6505+ and 6505+ 112 combo (2005 on)
6505
The 5150 II renamed: separate EQ per channel, a single input and an extra 12AX7.
What changed from the 5150 II
- Renamed in 2005; the circuit was unchanged.
How to spot one
- 6505+ on the front panel.
- Separate EQ for each channel and a single input, as on the 5150 II.
- The 112 combo is a 60-watt 1×12 version with reverb.
Specs
| Rectifier | Solid-state (silicon diodes) |
|---|---|
| Phase inverter | Long-tail pair |
| Channels | 2 |
6505 MH mini head (2010s)
6505
A 20-watt mini head on two EL84s, with Rhythm and Lead channels and digital reverb.
What changed from the 6505+ and 6505+ 112 combo
- Scaled down to 20 watts on two EL84s, with digital reverb.
How to spot one
- A small head with two EL84 output valves for 20 watts.
- Rhythm and Lead channels with pre and post gain and a shared EQ with Presence and Resonance.
- Digital reverb.
Specs
| Power tubes | 2 × EL84 |
|---|---|
| Rectifier | Solid-state (silicon diodes) |
| Rated power | 20 W |
| Channels | 2 |
5150 buying checklist
Date it
- The name dates the run: 5150 and 5150 II up to 2004, 6505 and 6505+ from 2005.
- Block-letter 5150 logos are found on the earliest heads.
- Two inputs and one shared EQ mean a 5150 or 6505; one input and two EQs mean a 5150 II or 6505+.
Check it’s original
- Output valves are a wear item; check that replacements are 6L6s and the bias suits them (the 5150 II and 6505+ have test points).
- Many 5150s have been modified for less noise or tighter low end; look for non-original parts near the preamp valves.
- Footswitches and their cables are often missing.
What usually needs work
- Bias on the original 5150 is not user-friendly; a technician should set it when valves are changed.
- Preamp valves near the power section run hot; noisy or microphonic V1/V2 valves are common.
- Channel-switching faults usually come from the footswitch, its cable or the relay.
Questions buyers ask
Is a 6505 the same as a 5150?
Yes. The 6505 is the 5150 renamed in 2005, and the 6505+ is the 5150 II renamed.
5150 or 5150 II: how do I tell?
The 5150 has two inputs and one shared EQ; the 5150 II has one input and separate EQs for each channel.
Is the EVH 5150III part of this family?
No. The 5150III is a different design sold under the EVH brand from 2007, after the Peavey partnership ended.
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