Will 2 same amp heads sound different?

Possibly stupid question, but stranger things have happened. As guitars go this is true imho, but I don't have that much experience with amp heads to know.

Have you ever experienced 2 same model heads to sound different? If so could you figure out why?

Yes- two of the same model amps can absolutely sound different - no two tubes are the same, builders have off days, compenents shift etc. I'd say it a bit less dramatic than guitars where wood quality/cut can vary widely build by build, but absolutely.

there could be minor differences due to tubes and electronic components being within a range of tolerances ... i would imagine the main character of the sound should be fairly close ... a player like Jeff Beck might try 20 of the same amp and pick one that he prefers ... so the answer, IMO, is yes !!!

IF two amps of the same model sound 'exactly' alike, then imho there has been a wonderful coincidence. The components of the two amps have happened to possess the same operational specifications, the two amps have been fitted with very closely 'matched' tubes in all positions, and the amps have been biased at the same point. OF course, most of us aren't able to discern minor differences, so two amps of the same model usually have simular sonics if they are both in proper running condition with simular tubes and biasing...and speakers, of course.
Along this line of thought, I have often told people that as with guitars if they find an amp that does something special for them, they might want to acquire that amp. IT may be that it is a 'special' one. I remember one BF Super Reverb that stands above all of the rest of the BFSR's that I have heard and/or owned. IT happens...
That said, one might try out an amp and initially think it wasn't worth playing on...and the only problem might be some questionable biasing. Just as a guitar, the set-up is everything. With guitars, I can see the physical geometry---so I don't care how one plays. Proper geometry allows a proper set-up, and I rarely see a guitar that is well set-up. So, I judge potential....if the sound is good on a guitar and the geometry is proper, then the guitar can be made to play well and the sound improves with a correct set-up.
Amps??? IT gets a bit harder; but if an amp makes good volume, then I figure that all else can be dealt with---and the value is established according to what work is needed and/or the condition and vintage aspect, right?
Along this same train of thought......has anyone ever dated two sisters that were exactly alike in all aspects? (;^)

I designed and built my main gigging amp of the last 15 years. I have a backup that is essentially identical. To my amazement they do sound slightly different, and I have never taken enough time to find out why.
Having said that, don't expect a marshall to sound like a fender or a vox. It's more like belgian chocolate and german chocolate. They're both still chocolate.

mmm...chocolate.

mlove, there are certain FEnders that when compared to certain Marshalls through the same speakers might surprise you....since certain Marshalls really aren't very much different from certain TWeed Fenders....since the Marshalls are essentially clones of the FEnder 5F6A. Of course, not very many of us get to play through those certain old Marshalls...or certain old Tweeds, either.

I like dark chocolate....on the order of 72%....not very sweet, very direct....

"there are certain FEnders that when compared to certain Marshalls through the same speakers might surprise you"

Ahh, you're right Wally, what I shoulda said was two of the same model Marshall will never sound so different that one sounds like a fender, or something to that effect. I shoulda stuck with the chocolate thing. Make mine real dark.

Modern production is pretty consistent. All of modern statistical approaches to QC depend on it so that is the first target, make them all the same. THEN work on making them right.

Older amps, all over the map. Old Marshalls are the worst for this. No telling what you got when you opened the box.

As an owner of two Peavey Deuce combos and two Sovtek MIG 50 heads i can state that every amp sounds different, even if they are the same model. IMHO the differences are far less obvious than on guitars, but they are definetely there.

Thanks guys I appreciate the responses, The reason I asked in the first place is that I've been eyeballing a Mesa Boogie head. I tried one in a local store which blew my socks off, but I found a demo unit online for about $150 cheaper, so my dilemma is do I buy the one i know or the one i don't know for less?

What would you do?

Wailin' Tele, if I were going to taek a shot at two amps beign fairly simular, I would think that Mesa Boogie would probably be a good company to take a risk with. And....it isn't often that one finds a discounted 'new' Boogie. Mesa frowns on that----but I don't know what their policy is on 'demos'.

Wailin - I'm with Wally. If the online "demo unit" head is reportedly a sound unit and warranteed by Mesa and/or the dealer, it is most likely to get you at or very close to the one you tried at your local store, either right out of the box or after some very small tube/component tweaks. Due to fixed bias and fairly high quailty PCB construction, I'd say Mesa is one of the safest bets in this area!

yes - even the same amp head can sound different (talking tube here)

... a player like Jeff Beck might try 20 of the same amp and pick one that he prefers ... so the answer, IMO, is yes !!!

Robin Trower on his tour blogs will talk about one head really working on a particular night.

Robin Trower on his tour blogs will talk about one head really working on a particular night.

I was looking at Alvin Lee's site the other day. He travels with HIS head and has the backline companies supply four 4x12 Marshall cabs and a backup head.

I'm with Wally, go with the cheaper mesa and I doubt you'll be disapointed.
If you really dislike it they hold value well, you can always sell it on ebay.