Peavey Invective 120 VS the EVH 5150 III: Which is the better value?
The Peavey Invective 120 is our pick
The Peavey Invective 120 is already a bit cheaper than the EVH 5150III, and gives you a similarly heavy tone profile, with a lot of extra perks. MIDI control, resonance knob, and even an onboard pedal power supply are a few of the most notable. Both are great amps, but we're going with the Invective in this particular matchup.
Important note: There are lower wattage versions of both these amps that are significantly cheaper. They should be compared with matching or close wattage levels.
EVH 5150 III
Peavey Invective 120
| Specification | EVH 5150III | Peavey Invective 120 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Tube | Tube |
| Number of Channels | 3 | 3 |
| Total Power | 100W | 120W (half power switchable) |
| Preamp Tubes | 8 x JJ ECC83 (12AX7) | 6 x 12AX7 |
| Power Tubes | 4 x Shuguang 6L6 | 4 x JJ 6L6GC |
| EQ | 3-band with Presence | 3-band EQ |
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4" | 1 x 1/4" (instrument) |
| Outputs | 2 x 1/4" (speakers), 1 x 1/4" (preamp) | 2 x 1/4" (4/8/16 ohms), 1 x XLR (DI out) |
| Effects Loop | Yes | Dual effects loops |
| Footswitch I/O | 1 x 7-pin DIN | 1 x 8-pin |
| Footswitch Included | Yes, 4-button | Yes, 10-button |
| MIDI I/O | Not mentioned | In/Out/Thru |
| Features | Rear-panel resonance knob | Gate threshold control, 500ma pedal power supply, bias test points |
| Construction Material | Birch Plywood with Black Textured Vinyl | Black Tolex |
| Power Source | Standard IEC AC cable | Standard IEC AC cable, 2 x 9V DC outputs |
| Height | 10.25" | 10.0" |
| Width | 29.75" | 26.7" |
| Depth | 11.5" | 11.8" |
| Weight | 55 lbs. | 48.3 lbs. |
Price Tracker for EVH 5150 and Peavey Invective
Prices updated Fri, August 21st, 2026.
Differences Between the Invective 120 and EVH 5150III
- Preamp Tubes: The EVH 5150III uses 8 x JJ ECC83 (12AX7), while the Peavey Invective 120 uses 6 x 12AX7 preamp tubes.
- Total Power: The EVH 5150III outputs 100W, compared to the Peavey Invective 120's 120W, which is also half power switchable for smaller venues.
- Special Features:
- The EVH 5150III has custom modifications for more gain and re-voiced channels for improved low-midrange definition and a rear-panel resonance knob for low-end response fine-tuning.
- The Peavey Invective 120 includes a noise gate with fast response, MIDI I/O for integration into larger setups, a half-power switch, dual effects loops, and a cab-emulated direct output with controls.
- Outputs: The Peavey Invective 120 offers additional XLR DI out with controls for level, tone, and ground lift.
- MIDI I/O: Available on the Peavey Invective 120 for more complex rig integration.
- Additional Utilities: The Invective 120 provides a 500mA pedal power supply and bias test points, not mentioned for the EVH 5150III.
Similarities Between the Two Amp Heads
- Type: Both are tube amplifier heads.
- Channels: Each offers three channels for a wide range of tones.
- EQ: Both include a 3-band EQ with presence control.
- Effects Loop: Each amplifier features an effects loop for integrating external effects.
- Footswitch Included: Both come with a footswitch for convenient control over the amp's functions.
- Power Tubes: Utilize 4 x 6L6 power tubes.
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Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Amps & Roundups
Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Amps & Reviews
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