A new amplifier

I really love my ENGL Savage 120 amplifier, but it doesn't run perfectly.  I have an AxeFX Ultra processor that is pretty reliable, but I don't like scrolling through the pages to program it.  I can get through gigs reliably with my gear, but it's nice to have something that is newer and won't give me problems.

I sold some guitars and have some money to buy a new amp, so I'm on the hunt.

My criteria for an amp are:

• Reliability - I've had so much problems with amps in the past - my Mesa Mark IIIc had a popping sound when switching channels, my Bogner had problems with the effects loop, and my ENGL Savage doesn't play through the 2nd channel, and the second master volume doesn't work.  So I need an amp that will be reliable.
• Tone - I love the gut punching sound of the ENGL Savage - it is by far my favorite tone I've ever heard.  I also like a lot of low end.  I like a good, super saturated tone for death and thrash metal, but also a good plexi tone for blues and classic rock.  I also love a good, warm clean sound.
• Multiple channels - I want three channels and preferably four.
• Quiet - It's nice to have a good, quiet design, and built-in noise gates are awesome.

I think with those criteria in mind, I don't care what brand the amp is, or where it's made, or if it's PC board construction or hand-wired.

The first amp I tried out was the EVH 5150III Stealth.  I liked it, but didn't absolutely love it.  The clean sound was just okay, and the drive tones didn't have the midrange punch I'm looking for, no matter how I EQ'd it.  I could probably get it with an equalizer in the loop, but wouldn't want to for the price, even though my dealer would have given me a good deal at around $2000.  I'll have to pass on this amp.

An amp that's high on my list is the Peavey 6505+.  I've played through one once, a long time ago, but I don't think there are any for sale around here so I'd have to order it.  On the plus side, it has a killer distortion tone and it's cheap, but the drawbacks are only two channels, and a reportedly so-so clean channel.  This amp is endorsed by some of my favorite guitarists - Max Cavalera and Nergal, so that's a great endorsement.  I think I'll pass on this, and maybe pick one up later as a third (fourth?) amp.

The Peavey Invective 120 is really intriguing.  It's designed by Misha Mansoor from Periphery and is supposed to take the best of the 5150 / 5150 II tone, add a great clean channel, and some added features.  I'm really excited about this amp, but as it's just released, I want them to make sure it's solid before I buy one.  It's definitely on my short list, and it's on the lower price range of what I want to spend too.

A dealer that I spoke to is highly recommending the ENGL Steve Morse amplifier.  This is another one that I am very excited about as the tones are supposed to be amazing.  It's a departure from the Savage design, but I think I can make it work.  This is on my short list as well.

The ENGL Invader gets a lot of really high recommendations too, and I've seen that Bumblefoot plays one.  It seems very versatile with four channels, but it's a little expensive.  This may be a contender.

I've played through the original Friedman BE-100 and it was killer, but lacked something.  The new BE-50 is supposed to sound better, and has three channels.  I've met Dave Friedman and he's a nice guy, that knows his amps.  This is a contender, but is expensive.  On the plus side, I can try this at my dealer and he will hook me up with a good price.

Last on my list to check out is the Mesa TC-50.  I've heard clips of this online and it sounds great.  My local dealer may have one for me to check out, which is always a big plus for me.