Signal breakup

[usfighting]

I currently play my Peavey Classic 50 through a 4x12 Marshall cab. Wanted to have the versatility to gig without having to take the cab with me to certain venues.

I use the dirty channel only as the clean is too clean, I need something with a hint of drive as my clean sound so have the pre down on 1 and the post up on 10, then use the master for overall volume. The problem is that when I use the Turbo RAT pedal with the distortion dial on anything over about 4/10 then the signal breaks up a fair bit which I hate. I have a fairly low neck pickup (only one I use on my JM's) height as I do have heavy strings/low tunings and do like a fair bit of bass in my sound but just can't get away fom the break up at what I would call modest distortion levels.

I don't know whether the amp is not suited or whether there is another way to improve the problem. I have been considering moving back to a head/cab option and in the absence of any 160W Peavey Roadmasters in Europe I have considered the following but ultimately don't know if they will solve my problem or if they are going to be good for my needs;

Marshall 100w 1959HW Head
Fender 60W Supersonic Head
Peavey 120W 6505 Head

Basically for all my waffle above I want an amp that will allow me a cleanish sound and then be able to use my RAT & Big Muff for varying levels of distortion without breaking up...
Any help greatly appreciated.

[Jay]

What speakers are in your Marshall cab?  And off hand I'd probably suggest giving a bassman head a shot or possibly a vintage style Marshall, they're great for just that slight breakup sound.

[usfighting]

Thanks Jay, the Cab has the Celestion G12T-75W speakers in it, it is a standard 1960B. Is there a Bassman head? I have found a combo 4x10 re-issue on the net, is the head vintage only?

[Jay]

Yeah, vintage.  Take a look at the Ceriatonestuff for a good priced hand-wired vintage Marshall clone.