When setting up a home recording studio, selecting the right amp is crucial for getting high-quality sound. With so many amp options on the market, it can be overwhelming trying to determine which one is the best fit for your needs and budget. As you shop around, here are some key factors to keep in mind.
First, consider the inputs and outputs you require. How many instruments, microphones or other devices do you need to plug in? Make sure to get an amp with enough jacks and channels to accommodate your setup. You’ll also want to think about headphone outputs if you plan on tracking vocals or instruments in isolation.
Next, determine the amount of power you need. Bigger amps with higher wattage provide more volume and headroom, which is useful when recording loud guitar amps or drums. However, compact low-wattage amps could suffice for quieter instruments and vocals.
Also, assess if you want built-in effects like reverb, delay, EQ, and compression. While effects pedals can provide these, having some basic effects within your interface amp can be convenient.
Other things to evaluate are the amp’s frequency response, noise level, and compatibility with your computer’s operating system and recording software. Narrowing your selection down to a few options? Trying them out hands-on will help you finalize the best amp for your home studio.
When investing in an audio interface amp for home recording, taking the time to carefully consider these factors will ensure you end up with one that meets your sonic needs and lasts you through future projects.
20 Best Amp For Home Recording (20 Sellers)
Product Image |
Product Name |
Features |
Check Price |
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Reviewers Noted:
Easy to use . Good sound quality . Quality build . Lightweight . Powerful
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- Line 6 spider v 60w mk ii.
- Condition is mint, bought 2 years ago and only been used a handful of times as i mostly use my interface so this was just collecting dust.
- Any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
|
|
|
-
-
Reviewers Noted:
Easy to use . Good sound quality . Quality build . Lightweight . Portable
|
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- Guitar amplifier 50/25/0.5w 1 x 30.5cm with 5a voice
- Emulated cab/recd output headset
- 4 tone slots
|
|
|
-
-
Reviewers Noted:
Easy to use . Good sound quality . Quality build . Lightweight . Powerful
|
-
- 16 diverse onboard presets may be customized using spider v remote
- 3 simultaneous effects and independent reverb
- 200+ amps, cabs, and effects—accessible with spider v remote
|
|
|
-
-
Reviewers Noted:
Easy to use . Good sound quality . Attractive . Portable . Quality build
|
-
- One of the best desktop/practice amp in the market.
- The bluetooth connectivity and the app are serious upgrades.
- The speakers quality on this thing is just phenomenal and they sound almost like my professional monitors.
|
|
|
-
-
Reviewers Noted:
Easy to use . Good sound quality . Lightweight . Quality build . Portability
|
-
- Great modeling amp
- Portable and light
- Plays great
|
|
|
-
-
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Easy to use . Attractive . Portable . Quality build
|
-
- Loaded with essential amp tones and onboard effects
- Battery-powered so you can take your music anywhere
- Usb connectivity for recording, playback, and preset editing
|
|
|
-
-
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Easy to use . Quality build . Portability . Weight
|
-
- A compact 10 watt guitar amplifier with a suitable 8 inch speaker
- Three types of pre-set cosm amps: clean, crunch, lead
- Easy replacement of pre-installed amps with other amps thanks to the free cube kit app for ios and android terminals
|
|
|
-
-
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Portable . Lightweight . Quality build . Easy to use
|
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- Fully tested
- 100% functional
- See photos for cosmetic condition
|
|
|
-
-
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Easy to use . Powerful . Easy to set up
|
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- 100w x 2 (6 ohm rms) power output
- Optical and coaxial inputs
- Speaker a, b or a+b selection
|
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-
-
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4.8
-
Reviewers Noted:
Easy to use . Good sound quality . Lightweight . Quality build . Powerful
|
-
- 100/50/0.5w 1×12\" guitar combo amplifier with 5 amp voicings
- Cab-emulated line headphone/recd outputs
- 8 tone slots
|
|
|
-
-
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Powerful . Ease of setup
|
-
- Rockville rpa5 400w rms (200 x 2) 2 channel professional/dj rack mount amplifier. 2u rack space.
- Bridged and stereo output switch makes this perfect for (2) subwoofer, (2) speakers, or (4) speakers.
- Built in crossover switch allows make this perfect for speakers, monitors, or subwoofers. channel a & b clipping led indicators.
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|
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-
-
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Quality build . Easy to use . Attractive . Portable
|
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- 5 watt output
- Ecc83 preamp valve
- 12bh7 power amp valve
|
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-
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4.8
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Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Easy to use . Quality build . Weight . Portable
|
-
- Features & details
- Product information
- Product dimensions 61.2 x 33 x 49.5 cm
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4.5
-
Reviewers Noted:
Easy to use . Sound quality . Quality build . Portable . Attractive
|
-
- Import your music from spotify, apple music or youtube and spark’s smart app will auto display the guitar chords in real time.
- Powerhouse 40 watt combo includes onboard tone stack controls, effects, tone starter preset programs, a built-in tuner, tap tempo and more.
- Use spark as your usb audio interface and track your ideas with included presonus studio one prime recording software.
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-
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4.9
-
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Visual appeal
|
-
- 20w with power reduction option to 5w.
- 2 ecc83 preamp valves.
- 2 el34 power amp valves.
|
|
|
-
-
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Weight . Quality build . Easy to use . Attractive
|
-
- 15-watt all tube amp (including tube rectification) offers stellar tone for small stages and the studio.
- 1-10" jensen c-10r, 8 ohm, 40 watt speaker with ceramic magnet.
- Legendary long-spring fender reverb and tube vibrato.
|
|
|
-
-
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4.7
-
Reviewers Noted:
Easy to use . Good sound quality . Quality build . Lightweight . Powerful
|
-
- Technology: modelling
- Loudspeakers: 2x 12"
- Eq: bass/mids/treble
|
|
|
-
-
Reviewers Noted:
Portable . Good sound quality . Lightweight . Easy to use . Quality build
|
-
- 230 mm (9-1/16 inches) depth
- 116 mm (4-5/8 inches) height
- 181 mm (7-1/8 inches) weight (including battery)
|
|
|
-
-
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Portable . Lightweight . Powerful . Quality build
|
-
- Functions perfectly and is in great cosmetic shape.
- One tiny hole in the grill near the left speaker, but as seen in the pictures, it is barely visible.
- Comes with original box, manual, and power cord.
|
|
|
-
-
Reviewers Noted:
Easy to use . Good sound quality . Lightweight . Powerful . Portable
|
-
- Rrp 219.
- Purchased in april 2020, since realised it probably too powerful than what i actually need, has a terrific sound.
- I would guess it s had no more than 15 hours usage.
|
|
Reviewers Noted:
Easy to use . Good sound quality . Quality build . Lightweight . Powerful
Features:
- Line 6 spider v 60w mk ii.
- Condition is mint, bought 2 years ago and only been used a handful of times as i mostly use my interface so this was just collecting dust.
- Any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
Reviewers Noted:
Easy to use . Good sound quality . Quality build . Lightweight . Portable
Features:
- Guitar amplifier 50/25/0.5w 1 x 30.5cm with 5a voice
- Emulated cab/recd output headset
- 4 tone slots
Reviewers Noted:
Easy to use . Good sound quality . Quality build . Lightweight . Powerful
Features:
- 16 diverse onboard presets may be customized using spider v remote
- 3 simultaneous effects and independent reverb
- 200+ amps, cabs, and effects—accessible with spider v remote
Reviewers Noted:
Easy to use . Good sound quality . Attractive . Portable . Quality build
Features:
- One of the best desktop/practice amp in the market.
- The bluetooth connectivity and the app are serious upgrades.
- The speakers quality on this thing is just phenomenal and they sound almost like my professional monitors.
Reviewers Noted:
Easy to use . Good sound quality . Lightweight . Quality build . Portability
Features:
- Great modeling amp
- Portable and light
- Plays great
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Easy to use . Attractive . Portable . Quality build
Features:
- Loaded with essential amp tones and onboard effects
- Battery-powered so you can take your music anywhere
- Usb connectivity for recording, playback, and preset editing
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Easy to use . Quality build . Portability . Weight
Features:
- A compact 10 watt guitar amplifier with a suitable 8 inch speaker
- Three types of pre-set cosm amps: clean, crunch, lead
- Easy replacement of pre-installed amps with other amps thanks to the free cube kit app for ios and android terminals
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Portable . Lightweight . Quality build . Easy to use
Features:
- Fully tested
- 100% functional
- See photos for cosmetic condition
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Easy to use . Powerful . Easy to set up
Features:
- 100w x 2 (6 ohm rms) power output
- Optical and coaxial inputs
- Speaker a, b or a+b selection
Reviewers Noted:
Easy to use . Good sound quality . Lightweight . Quality build . Powerful
Features:
- 100/50/0.5w 1×12\" guitar combo amplifier with 5 amp voicings
- Cab-emulated line headphone/recd outputs
- 8 tone slots
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Powerful . Ease of setup
Features:
- Rockville rpa5 400w rms (200 x 2) 2 channel professional/dj rack mount amplifier. 2u rack space.
- Bridged and stereo output switch makes this perfect for (2) subwoofer, (2) speakers, or (4) speakers.
- Built in crossover switch allows make this perfect for speakers, monitors, or subwoofers. channel a & b clipping led indicators.
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Quality build . Easy to use . Attractive . Portable
Features:
- 5 watt output
- Ecc83 preamp valve
- 12bh7 power amp valve
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Easy to use . Quality build . Weight . Portable
Features:
- Features & details
- Product information
- Product dimensions 61.2 x 33 x 49.5 cm
Reviewers Noted:
Easy to use . Sound quality . Quality build . Portable . Attractive
Features:
- Import your music from spotify, apple music or youtube and spark’s smart app will auto display the guitar chords in real time.
- Powerhouse 40 watt combo includes onboard tone stack controls, effects, tone starter preset programs, a built-in tuner, tap tempo and more.
- Use spark as your usb audio interface and track your ideas with included presonus studio one prime recording software.
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Visual appeal
Features:
- 20w with power reduction option to 5w.
- 2 ecc83 preamp valves.
- 2 el34 power amp valves.
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Weight . Quality build . Easy to use . Attractive
Features:
- 15-watt all tube amp (including tube rectification) offers stellar tone for small stages and the studio.
- 1-10" jensen c-10r, 8 ohm, 40 watt speaker with ceramic magnet.
- Legendary long-spring fender reverb and tube vibrato.
Reviewers Noted:
Easy to use . Good sound quality . Quality build . Lightweight . Powerful
Features:
- Technology: modelling
- Loudspeakers: 2x 12"
- Eq: bass/mids/treble
Reviewers Noted:
Portable . Good sound quality . Lightweight . Easy to use . Quality build
Features:
- 230 mm (9-1/16 inches) depth
- 116 mm (4-5/8 inches) height
- 181 mm (7-1/8 inches) weight (including battery)
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Portable . Lightweight . Powerful . Quality build
Features:
- Functions perfectly and is in great cosmetic shape.
- One tiny hole in the grill near the left speaker, but as seen in the pictures, it is barely visible.
- Comes with original box, manual, and power cord.
Reviewers Noted:
Easy to use . Good sound quality . Lightweight . Powerful . Portable
Features:
- Rrp 219.
- Purchased in april 2020, since realised it probably too powerful than what i actually need, has a terrific sound.
- I would guess it s had no more than 15 hours usage.
1. Line 6 Spider V 60 Mkii Combo
Product Details:
The spider v 60 mkii is a full-featured practice amp, but its not just a practice amp. whether you like to plug in and immediately rock a traditional amp tone, or enjoy tweaking parameters until youve devised a unique and awe-inspiring sound, this machine gives you the tools to create exactly what you want. classic speaker mode provides an organic sound and feel, while all-new presetsincluding vintage amp presets voiced by a renowned tube-amp maker, and artist and iconic song collectionsare natural and authentic enough to go from rehearsal space to recording studio and live stage. call up your favorite shred, chime, clean, saturated, chunky, or metal tones with ease, and if you want something more, dive into deeper parametersas well as the free spider v remote editor appto sculpt custom sounds that could only come from your brain. whatever drives your creativity, the spider v 60 mkii amp gets you there with all the ease or complexity that defines your individual musical mantra. never settle. own your tone!
Specifications:
Length |
18 in |
Height |
0.1 in |
Width |
9.5 in |
Reviews:
I was really surprised at how good this amp sounds. Years ago I tried Line 6 and was not at all happy with the tone; but this is another story. It does take me awhile to dial in a specific classic rock tone, but when I do, it sounds better than any other amp that I've tried. I have tried the Marshall Code, Blackstar id Core, Vox Valvetronix, Boss Katana; as well as some all tube amps. The only other amp that is a close 2nd is the Fender Mustang GTX; also a great amp. The Spider V is fairly easy to operate. It offers lots of choices for amp models and cabinets. I like that it has variations of a mic'd cabinet. The parametric eq is a plus. I haven't played around too much with the effects yet, so I can't comment on that. The only negative thing I could say is that when you're editing a preset and want to hear how it sounds before you save it, you only have a short time before it goes back to the Home Screen. This really is a small price to pay for the quality of the amp and all the versatility it has. I like the App too. Musicians Friend got me a great on this as well; and their agent is following up making sure that I'm satisfied. The funny thing is that I came across this by accident. I placed an order for a Peavey amp that was on back order. I called Peavey multiple times, but they never returned my call. I also emailed them, but they didn't respond to that either. As far as I'm concerned, Peavey doesn't have any customer support.crrkr
Been playing about a year, so my review is from the perspective of a complete newbie. The things I like- Lots of presets, mobile app functions, computer interface, and loads of user created effects available. Nice and loud, but no real basis of comparison to say if clarity is better or worse than other comparable amps. Don't likes- The micro-usb interface. I had to get an adapter and it's just not as good a connection as nearly anything else would be. IMHO, micro-usb is far too flimsy. Connecting to PC is far more problematic than just using the spider mobile app. It's probably a little more complicated than it should be for a beginner, but it's feature rich for the money.Nic T
I had a Line 6 120w amp for years that I regrettably sold a while ago and was looking for another amp. I looked at all the amp reviews I could find and decided that the new Katana was the way to go. I got the Katana home and absolutely loved it but the second day I had it it started a really loud buzzing that I couldn't stop. It probably was an easy fix but the fact is the amp was way too powerful for my purposes and their software wasn't compatible with the new Catalina OS. I returned and started looking again. I saw the 60w Spider V and the price was excellent so I made an on the spot decision to buy another Line 6 and I'm really glad I did. The tones this amp can get are incredible. There are so many amp models and cabs that you can dial in pretty much any tone you want from a crispy snapback country clean to the most vicious heavy metal and everything in between. You can use the presets as they are or you can use them as a baseline and tweak to your own liking or you can start from scratch and build your own rig from the ground up. The controls are intuitive and easy to use but there are some features where you'd have to be a professional to really know how to use or even care to use. The software and the mobile app are so easy to use and give you all the options at your fingertips. The amp comes with a lot of presets that I find are completely useless but there are a lot that are excellent as I already talked about. There are only four empty slots for your own custom presets and I wish there were more but if you use the mobile app you can have your own tone library on there. I bought the FBV3 foot controller so that gives me a lot of flexibility to have various effects. One of the limitations is the lack of good effects though. There's enough that if you work at it you can get a decent sound but there could be some better ones. Overall I would recommend the amp. Don't listen to the naysayers or the amp snobs, it's a quality amp and extremely versatile.Just Plain Joe
2. Boss Katana 50 Mkii Combo Guitar Amplifier
Product Details:
The boss katana-50 mkii guitar combo amplifier is a versatile amplifier that provides incredible sound for any guitar player. this amplifier has five different amp characters, giving you plenty of options for finding the perfect tone. additionally, the onboard effects have been expanded to five categories, providing even more processing power. the editor software has also been updated, making it easier to configure your sounds. stage-ready 50-watt combo amp with a custom 12-inch speaker. tube logic design approach produces class-defying power, authoritative punch, and cutting presence. five unique amp characters (clean, crunch, lead, brown, and acoustic), plus newly voiced variations for each. five independent effects sections (booster, mod, fx, delay, and reverb), with three selectable variations in each. dedicated pedal fx for foot-controlled wah and pedal bend.
Specifications:
Amplifier Type |
Solid State Guitar Amplifier |
Application |
Performance |
Power |
100 Watts |
Speaker Size |
12" |
Number of Speakers |
2 |
Stereo |
No |
HF Driver |
No |
Channels |
5 |
Compressor |
No |
Effects |
Multiple Effects |
Effects Loop |
Yes |
Direct Output |
No |
USB |
Yes |
Bluetooth |
No |
Aux Input |
Yes |
Headphone Output |
Yes |
Footswitch Input |
Yes |
Footswitch Included |
No |
Cover Included |
No |
Display |
No |
Power Supply |
Internal |
Reviews:
This amp is fantastic. For someone that is so used to having different modellers, tube amps, multi fx and stompboxes this is now all I need. I've been meddling with allsorts kf gear for 17 years in my search for tone. I feel I am now at the end. Managed to dial in 4 very usable great sounding patches in minutes just using the front panel, something I've not been able to do with any amp or modeller in a while. It djents, it can do blues crunch, it can do straight rock grit, chimey clean, and just big standard chuggy metal very well. It's quite light, but when you turn up the volume you can feel air moving, like you can with a much bigger cab or with a valve amp. For a 1×12 it isn't boxy at all, very open sounding. The Waza speaker is very harsh in the top and highs to begin with when you first switch it on, but after a few hours use the speaker breaks in and the harsh highs all disappear. For someone that has always used Celestion V30's this Waza speaker is just amazing and I'm definitely leaving it as is! The dynamic response to picking and rolling your volume knob down is just how a valve amp responds – light picking = cleaner tones. Dig in with your pick and the amp comes alive. Fantastic all round amp, Boss really have nailed it with this one.
I bought this to be primarily used as an acoustic guitar amp. I wanted a little amp that makes my acoustic louder, and that had built-in effects. This amp has that, and does more. I now use this amp for my Strat and Les Paul when practicing in my apartment. It is easier to control the volume so that it doesn't disturb my neighbors, while maintaining the better than expected sound quality. I am impressed by the variety of effects in this little amp, especially the Blues Driver boost effect. I've never played that pedal before, so if that pedal sounds anything like the effect built into this amp, then I certainly need to get that pedal for my main pedal rig. I have also used this for recording on my computer. I plugged it into my Mac via USB, and Logic Pro immediately asked if I wanted to use the Katana as the input device. I said "Yes" and then I recorded my guitar tracks with very little post processing. I found a website that Boss/Roland has that lets people share their amp presets. I found and downloaded a preset that was supposed to make the amp sound like a Vox AC15, and when I loaded it into the amp, I was surprised to hear that it was pretty darn close to a Vox amp. An Amp that sounds this good is a steal! I do wish there was an easier way to adjust the effects. I'm not always near a computer, so it would be nice if there was an app that would let you adjust your effects further.
Sound: Right out of the box? I didn’t even adjust EQs. Set volume and gain, and started playing. Took 0 effort to get 98% of the way to my live tone that is an Orange Rockerverb 100W MK2 and Marshall 212 with V30s. Features: I love the Tone Studio. I did have to pull a star from Ease Of Use because it may be confusing if you’re not good with computers. Ease of Use: If you can’t get a good sound out of this amp, return it, sell your guitars, and find a new hobby. That’s how easy getting a good sound out of this is. Quality: Seems pretty decent. I wouldn’t call it robust, but it doesn’t FEEL as cheap as the price would suggest. Value: 100% worth the price. I’d have paid $100 more for it if I’d have known how good it would sound. Manufacturer Support: I’ve dealt with Roland/Boss in the past, and they’ve always been wonderful. The Wow Factor: Looks good, sounds good, price is good. A perfect practice amp, that could stand in for a small venue in a pinch. Naturally my live rig is a bit much for my apartment, but this is just what the doctor ordered. Overall: Solid state amps have come a long way. A REALLY long way. I’ll be honest, being a tube snob, I had very low expectations. I could have set the bar in the same area as I would a $2,000 and it still would have hopped it effortlessly.Kenny
3. Line 6 Guitar Combo Amplifier (Spider V 20)
Product Details:
Spider v 20 is a 20-watt amp with an 8 inch speaker featuring 16 onboard presets, three simultaneous effects, and an independent reverb. features 20 watts 8 inch speaker 16 diverse onboard presets may be customized using spider v remote 3 simultaneous effects and independent reverb 200+ amps, cabs, and effectsaccessible with spider v remote acoustic guitar and bass presets included easy-to-use controls onboard tuner and tap-tempo usb interface and free spider v remote app * recording on android requires android os 5.0+ or newer with high performance audio enabled. using spider v 20 with an ios or android device requires a usb camera kit (ios) or an otg cable (android). mac is a registered trademark of apple inc. ios is a trademark or registered trademark of cisco in the u.s. and other countries. android is a trademark of google llc.
Specifications:
Product Width |
8.5 inches |
Product Length |
13.5 inches |
Number Of Speakers |
1 |
Speaker Size |
8 inches |
Headphone Jack |
true |
On/Off Switch |
true |
RMS Power |
20 watts |
Carry Handle(s) Included |
true |
Input(s) |
Micro-USB |
Speaker Type |
Built-in full-range |
Control Type |
Knob |
Footswitch Included |
false |
Amplifier Type |
Combo |
Onu002FOff Switch |
true |
Reviews:
I was really surprised at how good this amp sounds. Years ago I tried Line 6 and was not at all happy with the tone; but this is another story. It does take me awhile to dial in a specific classic rock tone, but when I do, it sounds better than any other amp that I've tried. I have tried the Marshall Code, Blackstar id Core, Vox Valvetronix, Boss Katana; as well as some all tube amps. The only other amp that is a close 2nd is the Fender Mustang GTX; also a great amp. The Spider V is fairly easy to operate. It offers lots of choices for amp models and cabinets. I like that it has variations of a mic'd cabinet. The parametric eq is a plus. I haven't played around too much with the effects yet, so I can't comment on that. The only negative thing I could say is that when you're editing a preset and want to hear how it sounds before you save it, you only have a short time before it goes back to the Home Screen. This really is a small price to pay for the quality of the amp and all the versatility it has. I like the App too. Musicians Friend got me a great on this as well; and their agent is following up making sure that I'm satisfied. The funny thing is that I came across this by accident. I placed an order for a Peavey amp that was on back order. I called Peavey multiple times, but they never returned my call. I also emailed them, but they didn't respond to that either. As far as I'm concerned, Peavey doesn't have any customer support.crrkr
Been playing about a year, so my review is from the perspective of a complete newbie. The things I like- Lots of presets, mobile app functions, computer interface, and loads of user created effects available. Nice and loud, but no real basis of comparison to say if clarity is better or worse than other comparable amps. Don't likes- The micro-usb interface. I had to get an adapter and it's just not as good a connection as nearly anything else would be. IMHO, micro-usb is far too flimsy. Connecting to PC is far more problematic than just using the spider mobile app. It's probably a little more complicated than it should be for a beginner, but it's feature rich for the money.Nic T
I had a Line 6 120w amp for years that I regrettably sold a while ago and was looking for another amp. I looked at all the amp reviews I could find and decided that the new Katana was the way to go. I got the Katana home and absolutely loved it but the second day I had it it started a really loud buzzing that I couldn't stop. It probably was an easy fix but the fact is the amp was way too powerful for my purposes and their software wasn't compatible with the new Catalina OS. I returned and started looking again. I saw the 60w Spider V and the price was excellent so I made an on the spot decision to buy another Line 6 and I'm really glad I did. The tones this amp can get are incredible. There are so many amp models and cabs that you can dial in pretty much any tone you want from a crispy snapback country clean to the most vicious heavy metal and everything in between. You can use the presets as they are or you can use them as a baseline and tweak to your own liking or you can start from scratch and build your own rig from the ground up. The controls are intuitive and easy to use but there are some features where you'd have to be a professional to really know how to use or even care to use. The software and the mobile app are so easy to use and give you all the options at your fingertips. The amp comes with a lot of presets that I find are completely useless but there are a lot that are excellent as I already talked about. There are only four empty slots for your own custom presets and I wish there were more but if you use the mobile app you can have your own tone library on there. I bought the FBV3 foot controller so that gives me a lot of flexibility to have various effects. One of the limitations is the lack of good effects though. There's enough that if you work at it you can get a decent sound but there could be some better ones. Overall I would recommend the amp. Don't listen to the naysayers or the amp snobs, it's a quality amp and extremely versatile.Just Plain Joe
4. Yamaha Thr10ii 20-Watt 2×3" Desktop Guitar Combo Amplifier
Product Details:
Yamaha thr10ii 20-watt 2×3" desktop guitar combo amplifier, realistic tube-amp tones & feel, 15 guitar amps, 3 bass amps, built-in effects, bluetooth support, usb connectivity.
Specifications:
Amplifier Type |
Solid State Guitar Amplifier |
Application |
Practice |
Power |
20 Watts |
Speaker Size |
3" |
Number of Speakers |
2 |
Stereo |
Yes |
HF Driver |
No |
Channels |
1 |
Compressor |
No |
Effects |
Multiple Effects |
Effects Loop |
No |
Direct Output |
No |
USB |
Yes |
Bluetooth |
Yes |
Aux Input |
Yes |
Headphone Output |
Yes |
Footswitch Input |
No |
Footswitch Included |
No |
Cover Included |
No |
Display |
No |
Power Supply |
External |
Reviews:
I have played through the almost decade old THR10c, which is a fantastic little amp. Through a SM57 in front of it and out to the PA and you can sound great. But I thought that by now, with Yamaha buying Line 6 about 5 years ago, the newest version of this little amp would have some state of the art effects. Wrong! The effects, and the apps that control it are seriously out of date. I mean, the reverb, tremolo and chorus are fine. But they remain exactly as they did ten years ago. No upgrades and nothing fancy. The app is poorly designed and not that easy to use. and there is no way that I have found access the THR10C classic blues models all in one place. So its actually hard to get the classic blues and country sounds that I need all in one place. I went back to my THR10c and sold the new one.Bruce
dial in your sound in seconds not minutes, I look at it and then I want to play my best, those amp lights man, wow, dim the lights you will see. No instructions needed. if you need to move some Air for clubs shows or band practice this is not the one for you. What it does is creates a killer vibe for personal guitar growth, very organic and the tones? Man, you have got to play through it to believe it. It will cover any genre and crash most all the competition in the personal practice amp catagory. its about quality tones at lower DBI, it's not a marshal and it doesn't want to be. You can boot this sting up 3 at night and sound like your at an arena in your bedroom without waking up the neighbors and your flat-mates. No getting up or leaning over the amp to adjust setting like a marshal. No LCD's to mess with with or crummy menu diving. Traditional Bluetooth audio is pretty decent for using the amp speaker for guitar youtube vids and playing along instrumental tracks. Someone else said terrible sound, what??? you have got to be kidding me, id call that person an amateur guitarist. the biggest stars have these in the studio, tour buss and green room, hotel room. amazing for writing sounds, its the sound you have always wanted without going deaf sounds good anywhere. saves your hearing from the ringing. if you want to expand this sound on stage get the 30 which has proper outs for studio and stage, and re-amp it. leave it on a partially cleanish tone for your genre, then output to normal amp setup, the smiles will come. Of course many are still going to need their volume pedals but in a lot of situations, if you know how to gain control and then crank it for a lead/ chorus, (id drive it out to the mains / monitors for ramp) but it sounds amazing as you turn it up, the character truly changes, for the better. it's pretty wild. its pretty good about feedback. iv heard people hook these up on tour or use them in the greenroom preshow, it's that good. stick with the new models that are lighter and sound better. these are industry standard personal practice amps. again, if you are gigging you will need some sound reinforcement, but I would find a way myself, it's just not that hard to figure out. it's never fed back at me once and I'm jamming right infant of the cab on me desk. no surprise loud feedback sounds like other amps. small, light goes anywhere. probably need that case if you travel a lot. metal, country, hard rock, pop, blues jazz, hip hop, it nails it. the 30 could drive your current big amp. whatever magic is going on with the sound, full gain w guitar at full gain, is something that has to be heard not seen.J
Upgraded from the original cream colored THR10 after finding out that all three of the original THR10 amps (boutique, classic, and high gain) were consolidated in one amp and that the speakers underwent an upgrade (10W->20W). Sonically, the tones in this amp are superior to those of the original THR10, which makes practicing and playing very satisfying and inspiring. Note: Boutique and high gain amps can only be accessed through the desktop or mobile THR remote app. This isn't the case with the larger THR30 amp. All amp models can be access through the unit. The remote app also allows the user to change cabinets to further tweak tone. Here is why I rated this product 4 stars. * Mobile THR remote app crashes all the time. I've been using the remote app on my laptop exclusively. Yamaha rep informed me that this tends to be the case with iPhone users. Doesn't seem like they plan on fixing this anytime soon. * Setting the unit up as an audio interface was not clear at all. The original THR amps required downloading the yamaha steinberg usb driver and selecting this as your driver in your DAW. After configuring your MIDI and audio source in the DAW, you would then get sound. Well, that's not how it works on this amp. I reached out to yamaha after repeatedly getting errors from my DAW about the yamaha steinberg usb driver. Long story short, tech service couldn't figure out the issue and told me to request an exchange for a new unit at GC. After hooking up the new replacement, I got the same error. Turns out you have to download the ASIO THR10ii/30 driver on yamaha's site, not the most current yamaha steinberg usb driver. Select this driver in your DAW. Then you have to go into the app's settings and check the box for "record dry." Now you can configure your MIDI and audio source. I'm baffled about how yamaha's own techs did not know that the steinberg usb driver is not compatible with the THR10ii/30 amp.Ben G.
5. Boss Katana-100 Mkii 1×12 Inch 100-Watt Combo Amp
Product Details:
Discover the possibilities. the boss katana 100 mkii stereo bundle presents the second incarnation of boss's most functional amplifier series. packed with more versatility, more innovative features, and much more control for players to shape their sound – the mkii uncovers an entire universe of guitar tone, all in one convenient combo. and the cover offers protection from the elements whenever you're transporting your amp, whilst the footswitch lends you full control over your sound – perfect for gigs. with two amps, you can launch your sound in stereo to create a wall of music.featuring five different amp characters for a variety of genres, players can cycle through a range of different tones from twinkling cleans, to all-out distortion, and everything in between. it's built from boss's neat tube logic technology, offering authentic tube sound and feel. and, with the inclusion of a power switch, you can crank your tube sound without bringing the house down. decorate your sound with five preset effects, including boost, reverb, and delay, and customise them with over 60 effect types in boss's tone studio. because the mkii isn't just built to perform. it's built to inspire.
Specifications:
Power |
100 W |
Speaker |
1x 12" |
Memory slots |
8 |
Reverb |
Yes |
Effects Processor |
Yes |
External FX Loop |
Yes |
Line input |
Yes |
Recording Output |
Yes |
MIDI Interface |
No |
Connection for External Speaker |
No |
Headphone Output |
Yes |
Footswitch connection |
Yes |
incl. footswitch |
No |
Weight in kg |
14,8 kg |
Reviews:
It's not the greatest amp ever but the sound is absolutely amazing and, most importantly, versatile. You can get so many sounds out of this thing that you realistically wouldn't need any other amp for gigs or recording unless you're an audiophile/perfectionist. Almost any band sound that you'd like is just a community created patch away, it's truly incredible, as long as you have a PC/Mac/Android device plugged into it. The sounds that are built in are still amazing, just a little limited and require some learning to use the effects. Still, you won't find anything near this price that gets you the same quality sound, volume, or variety of uses. The learning curve is nothing compared to the thought and cost of trying/buying dozens of guitar effect pedals – which you can still do, or even use this as an amplified cab for your preamp of choice. If you have a few hundred dollars to try something new then it's worth it. Also worth it if you're looking to upgrade from a practice amp, or need an amp to gig, or don't have the money for pedals, or need to record on your computer, or many other situations. It's worth trying. At worst you'll lose $100 buying it new and reselling it on the off chance you don't like any of the MANY tones you can get from this beast.l_burnett87
BOSS created the product like a boss, and confirms it's the boss on this market. I own the old 50 watt Katana and the Katana Mini. Both are great. Just bought the Katana 100 mk2, and yes, after whole day spent on setting and playing – I love it. Whatever you need – crispy or warm cleans, crunch or hi-gain sounds you will get it from this amp. Plus – lot of BOSS stomp boxes available as plugins (7 at a time, where 5 manageable by additional GA-FC foot switch). Bit ugly, but fully working BOSS Tone Studio software for setting each aspect of this amp and available effects). Total 9 presets (channel Ax4, channel Bx4 plus "Panel"). Combined with switchable effects quite ok to play a gig. Considering the price/value ratio this amp is an unbeatable champion on the market. I bought a week ago KATAlist from some multi-Line company, and I am sending it back. That thing is good only for couch, while Katana is great for practicing, recording and life shows (assuming you will buy the foot controller). To summarize: – great sounding – very flexible – very nicely priced – relatively small and lightweight You can't go wrong buying it.
Paired this head with my Zilla Cabs 2 x 12 and the sound quality and versatility is excellent. I have 4 well known valve amps, but I find that the Katana is more useful for home playing and practice, mainly because it's easier to get good tones from it at home volumes. It's handy having the Boss effects built in, certainly some of my dedicated pedals sound better but for home practice and recording, the Katana is a simpler plug and play solution. This is a great example of something that conforms to the 80/20 rule, if it does 80% of what I need, why waste time chasing down that other 20%? In fact, I'd say it's more like 90/10 in this case, the Katana MkII is a a great Swiss Army Knife of an amp.
6. Yamaha Thr5 Desktop Guitar Amplifier – 10w
Product Details:
A new amp a new concept a true winner from yamaha. the thr5 has revolutionized the way we think about guitar playing. developed by a team of guitarists in search of the ultimate tone, thr delivers the sound that you want and the feeling that you need. effects that enhance and complement your playing combine with room-filling reverbs and delays to push your playing to new levels.
Specifications:
Product Type |
Combo amplifier |
Designed For |
Electric guitar |
Controls |
Volume, tone, master, gain, amp, effect, delay/reverb, tap/tuner |
Amp Emulation Modes |
Clean, crunch, lead, brit hi, modern |
Features |
Chromatic tuner |
Speakers Included |
2 – 10 Watt |
Connections |
Audio input Phone line AUX input USB |
Required Qty |
AA type |
Included Accessories |
Power adapter, stereo audio cable, USB cable |
Warranty |
2 years |
Width |
10.7 in |
Depth |
6.6 in |
Height |
4.7 in |
Weight |
4.41 lbs |
Reviews:
I’ve known about these for years but never pulled the trigger until now, I wished I would’ve gotten it sooner. I ordered the Yamaha on Saturday afternoon and it arrived on Tuesday morning, great job AMS! I opened it and immediately plugged in my SG. I was very pleased with the sounds from this amp. After watching many reviews I thought I’d skip the clean, crunch and lead channels, I went straight to the Brit hi and Modern channels and I wasn’t disappointed! Studio quality tone and very responsive to volume controls on the guitar. Most importantly, this little amp makes you want to play – highly recommend it!
Overall: overall – maybe the best sounding low wattage amp ever. only small difference in sound between this & a tube amp. weak point is lack of features. they really skimped. twice the price of other compared to other practice amps that have way more features. you're really extra paying for tone here.pro's – * truly terrific tones* even if you have a tube amp that sounds good at whisper volumes (i have a 15w egnater tweaker) it's so convenient to be able to play this on top of your desk.* clean and modern settings are fantastic. i don't use the other amp settings much, but they sound great as well. the only setting i don't like is brit hi.* effects sound good* tap tempo* good tuner* the features are weak* pricey – other practice amps have many more features. they sound pretty good themselves (just not quite as nice as this). so if features are important to you, get something else. digital amps these days all sound not bad to downright good.* are the tones here so much better that it's really worth double other companies' amps? honestly hard to say, but this one does sound the best* can't save settings* one knob control of all mod effects is really limiting* can use the software to tweak settings and effects, but as soon as you unplug, you lose them* max volume on delay is occasionally not enough. usually it's ok. but sometimes, you want a little more & doesn't have it* as mentioned, brit hi setting not that great* the name "modern" might be misleading. i mentioned that modern sounds good, but, it doesn't have enough gain to get you into mesa rectifier range. you're going to need a pedal for that.A
Overall: I have been wanting to leave a review of the THR5 for awhile now. Prior to purchasing it, I had used a 10-15 watt Orange Crush Amp & a Blackstar Debut amp. Neither of those 2 amps were exactly what I wanted but for the price, served a purpose. I was hesitant on purchasing the THR5 because it was twice as much. I have no regrets. If you have not had the chance to try the THR5 in person, video reviews will not do it justice. What I was looking for was a small amp that had sufficient effects built in so that I didn't need to hook up any pedals during an impromptu practice session. The Hall reverb is my favorite and was worth the price alone if it was the only reverb included. All of the amp models sound great, although I tend to only use the clean channel or crunch. Crunch can be toned down to remain clean but adds saturation without becoming distorted. Another bonus was that with the included software, additional compression and gate effects can be adjusted via a computer. These can be set as defaults for when after the amp is unplugged from the computer. I have used it with pedals and loopers as well. Its built well, metal casing. Aesthetically pleasing to sit on a shelf. Extremely lightweight and portable. Honestly this is the best practice/bedroom/portable amp that I have ever owned. I can not say enough great things about it. zZounds is also the best online music retailer I have ever done business with. Thank you for years of awesome customer service.
7. Roland Cube 10gx Guitar Combo Amplifier
Product Details:
With its impressive sound, built-in effects, and the ability to swap cosm amp types via a free app for ios and android devices, the cube-10gx is the perfect small amp for jamming, bedroom practice, and recording. built to the respected cube standard, the cube-10gx delivers big, full tones with its custom 8" speaker and heavy-duty cabinet design. clean, crunch, and lead amp types come ready to play from the factory, but you can easily switch them out from your favorite mobile device. the cube kit app includes multiple amps to choose from, including vintage classics, ultra-heavy gain machines, and even amps for bass and acoustic-electric guitar. the compact cube-10gx also includes options for shaping your tones even further with three-band eq and onboard chorus, delay, and reverb effects. – big sound, compact package – packing versatile amp sounds, simple-yet-powerful tone controls, and high-caliber effects, the cube-10gx is ideal for both beginning guitarists and experienced players looking for a great sounding small amp. renowned cube construction quality provides rich, full sound and maximum durability, with a custom-designed 8" speaker, ultra-rigid cabinetry, h – compact 10-watt guitar amp with custom-designed 8" speaker – three preset cosm amp types: clean, crunch, and lead – replace preset amps with custom cosm amps via the free cube kit app for ios and android devices – three onboard effects: chorus, delay, and reverb (including plate and spring reverb types)bass, middle, and treble tone controls – rec out/phones jack provides high-quality direct tones for quiet practice and recording – aux in jack for jamming with an external music player
Specifications:
Amplifier Type |
Solid State Guitar Amplifier |
Application |
Performance |
Power |
80 Watts |
Speaker Size |
12" |
Number of Speakers |
1 |
Stereo |
No |
HF Driver |
No |
Channels |
2 |
Compressor |
No |
Effects |
Reverb Only |
Effects Loop |
Yes |
Direct Output |
No |
USB |
Yes |
Bluetooth |
No |
Aux Input |
No |
Headphone Output |
Yes |
Footswitch Input |
Yes |
Footswitch Included |
No |
Cover Included |
No |
Display |
No |
Power Supply |
Internal |
Reviews:
This is a remarkable little amplifier. The positive reviews are all justified. Very diminutive, even senior management, who tends to frown when black boxes arrive, approves. And it produces a variety of great tones in remarkable amounts bearing in mind its small size. Perhaps not for the O2, but great in our lounge and enough muscle for a small venue before it gets a bit chesty. Very happy.biga268
I use it for practice. Although it has a bass setting you can program via the phone kit, the speaker is not as good as a basic bass amp like a fender rumble. The default presets sound the best, and if you need a different sound, it's probably best to use pedals on the clean setting. The effects aren't as good as I hoped for. The chorus effect is nice; but delay, reverb, and spring could be loads better. It gets the job done and I wasn't needing the other effects to be there at all so a good purchase for me, but if you need all the features to be awesome, look elsewhere.Waukegan
Purchased this along with the Squire Bullet Tele. Worked beautifully. All effects. Everything. Then nothing. No power. Nada. Probably why it's discounted $40 when you buy the Tele. Avoid.Joe
8. Roland Ac-33 Acoustic Guitar Amp
Product Details:
The ac-33 from roland is a stereo acoustic guitar amplifier with built-in effects, and the ability to run on either ac or battery power. you can plug in two acoustic guitars, or a single guitar and a microphone (as well as a cd or mp3 player), and amplify the connected signals with rich stereo sound. the compact size and light weight of the ac-33 makes it easy to transport, and its ability to run on battery power means that you can preform anywhere. in the event that you should experience feedback (a common problem when amplifying acoustic instruments), the ac-33 features a built-in anti-feedback function. simply turn on the anti-feedback switch, and the feedback is eliminated. there are also built-in stereo effects like chorus and reverb, and a looper with 40 seconds of record time. this enables you to layer sounds on top of one another, which can really get the creative juices flowing. a headphone output is included for private rehearsals, and a stereo auxiliary input is provided for attaching a cd or mp3 player. the audio from the auxiliary input can be recorded into the phrase looper for more creative options. stereo line-level outputs allow you to plug the ac-33 into a larger pa system or a recording device. the mic/line and instrument channels both feature eq controls so you can dial in the perfect tone.
Specifications:
Number Of Channels |
2 |
Product Width |
12.6 inches |
Product Length |
8.81 inches |
Number Of Speakers |
2 |
Speaker Size |
5 inches |
Output(s) |
1/4 in. audio |
Batteries Included |
No |
Headphone Jack |
Yes |
AC Adapter Included |
Yes |
Power Source |
Battery-powered, Plug-in |
Battery Type |
Alkaline |
Battery Size |
AA |
Number of Batteries Required |
8 |
On/Off Switch |
Yes |
RMS Power |
30 watts |
Input(s) |
1/4 in. audio, TRS, XLR |
Speaker Type |
Built-in |
Control Type |
Knob |
EQ Settings |
Bass, Mid, Treble |
Effects Included |
Chorus, Reverb |
Footswitch Included |
No |
Amplifier Type |
Mini and Portable |
Reviews:
I have owned this amp for about 5 years and I have done over 500+ gigs with it easily. I have other similar products that I use depending on the size of the venue but this is usually the one I go to first because it sounds the best. Most amps with seperate tweeters are artificially brittle and not very flattering to piezo pickups. The AC-33 is crisp and full but not brittle!. The looper is brilliant! The batteries last a long time but you get better headroom when you use the veary hearty AC adapter. The Feedback reduction is also very effective and does not kill the tone as some do. I use this amp constantly, it is a gig workhorse. For larger venues, it works well as a monitor and a line can be sent to the mains so it acts as a mixer on stage. The only thing I am not crazy about is the vocal mic input but it is good also, just not brilliant. You really need to crank the gain on the vocal channel to get the signal because it is a multi use input and padded for versatility. No points off for that. The build quality is Typical Roland- the best you can find. I would replace this in a second if it broke but it does not seem it ever will. It is worth every penny of the price, so buy it. Oh, BTW- I think of the series of AC amps, the 33 is the most natural sounding, not boomy and not brittle. It is GREAT for nylon string and other acoustic instruments also. I use it for UKe and Banjo too. Probably one of the BEST purchases I ever made.Mat G.
I am surprised how much I like this amp. I play it with a jazz archtop (a Gibson ES-175). Needed something for small gigs at restaurants and parties. I've tried a number of smaller solid state amps made for acoustic guitar. Most of them either sound boxy, or they color the guitar's sound ever so slightly. The biggest PROS: this amp delivers a very accurate representation of your instrument's acoustic voice when played without effects. It is the nicest sounding, most uncolored amplification I've found yet in an amp this size. Professional performance quality at low volumes. Also good, the battery performance. It really does go forever on 8 AA's. Get yourself an 8 bank charger and 16 rechargeable and you will never use the AC power supply. I forgot where mine is. The proprietary battery housing in the back of the amp is completely ingenious and impressively robust. Final big pro: exceptionally light weight. What a luxury. Now the CONS: Not loud enough for a gig with a drummer, unless he's playing brushes only. There are some battery amps out there by Crate and Roland that are louder, but they have a harder, more high-gain sort of sound better suited to a solid body electric. So you will also need a heavier amp that requires wall power for times you play with a drummer (if you want your guitar to be audible and still convey its clean, natural voice).mulho-james
I was in need of an acoustical amp while my family and I dry camped out in the wilderness. The battery function really brought my home studio and guitars along to write incredible nature love songs. Phil Keaggy's success with looping effects has taught me to bring my solo performances to greater heights. The Roland AC-33RW acoustic amp allows incredible similar accrued sounds and short structured recorded accompanying musical bars recorded to be played alongside with the musician's live talent. I also can use this amp as a pre-amp fed to larger amplifiers.Lorenzo
9. Yamaha – A-S501 Integrated Amplifier – Black
Product Details:
Impressive high quality sound with a wide range of features and an elegant appearance. an integrated amplifier with the advantage of digital inputs. high quality circuit design based on the top-art (total purity audio reproduction technology) concept the amplifier design technology from yamaha is called top-art which features an input to output with a direct symmetrical design. top-art design and art base ensure optimum sound when processing and transmitting the audio signal. the signal is simple and direct, therefore it is less likely to be affected by noise and distortion. the left and right channels are organized in a straight, symmetrical layout for the highest signal purity. in addition, the art (anti-resonance and tough) base bottom chassis and a solid center bar provide high rigidity support and dampers vibration. these design innovations contribute to this amplifier's rich audio reproduction with abundant musicality.
Specifications:
Product Type |
Amplifier |
Enclosure Color |
Black |
Audio Channels |
Stereo |
Functions |
Amplifier |
Audio D/A Converter |
24bit / 192kHz |
Audio Specifications |
Amplifier – Response Bandwidth – 10 – 100000 Hz – SNR – 99 dB – THD – 0.019% |
Input Impedance |
47 kOhm |
Input Sensitivity |
200 mV |
Amplifier Output Details |
85 Watt – 8 Ohm – 20 – 20000 kHz – THD 0.019% – 2 channels (main) 120 Watt – 4 Ohm – at 1 kHz – THD 0.7% – 2 channels (main) |
Bass Control |
Yes |
Treble Control |
Yes |
Features |
Gold plated connectors, A/B/A+B speaker switch, loudness, Pure Direct mode |
Connectors |
5 x audio line-in (RCA x 2) – rear 2 x audio line-out (RCA x 2) – rear Phono input (RCA x 2) – rear 4 x speakers output (banana/spade x 2) – rear Headphones (phone stereo 6.3 mm) – front Subwoofer output (RCA) – rear SPDIF input (RCA) – rear SPDIF input (TOSLINK) – rear DC power output (4 pin USB Type A) – rear |
Included Accessories |
Remote control, 2 AA batteries |
Power Consumption Operational |
240 Watt |
Power Consumption Stand by |
0.5 Watt |
Width |
17.1 in |
Depth |
15.2 in |
Height |
5.9 in |
Weight |
22.71 lbs |
Reviews:
A perfect balance of modern technology and classic aesthetics. Great for analog or digital. Replaced my 1980?s Denon with better sound, clean look, and a remote (it?s the little things). Would fully recommend to anyone stuck between decades.Brendan
I have a vintage and modern hi-fi system, using an old surround sound receiver I have been using as a stereo. I don't usually care for surround anyway. My focus is music. I go from cassette and reel-to-reel to as modern as minidisc and CDs. So having great sound to hear it all is important. I found this series on a whim, and I opted for the S701 originally. I then realized the S501 suited my needs better for my size room. It's roughly a medium living space. I have these paired with some older and newer Sony speakers. Installation is super simple, and being able to use banana plugs is a huge plus. I do like the idea of having optical and coax inputs, as I can finally use my TV in an integrated amp. There is not too many on the market that can do that. One of the best parts is being able to install two recorders in the unit. This is across all the models in the range. Overall look is that perfect balance of vintage and modern. If you want that true vintage feel, go for the silver. Black suited my needs as 95% of my units are already black. Aluminum face, but plastic knobs. The knobs are still quality though. Very smooth operation. Remote is simple to understand with few functions. That might not matter to some, except for the volume control. After playing around with the bass and treble a bit to find the right sound, I realize the bass is not as deep as the previous Pioneer surround I used prior. However, I feel it is deep enough. I feel like the the sound is actually cleaner and with nice range. I like bass, but having too much could be a bad thing. Overall, the S501 is a perfect price to performance balance that will allow you to have any style of set up you want from vintage tape decks and turntables to just a stereo for watching TV or listening to CDs with. You won't be disappointed.Claire
I have these paired with DCM Time Wndow speakres and a Marantz cd player. I am using 15 feet of "cheap" bulk speaker wire to power 4 seakers; in two different rooms. ( using a Niles 2 room splitter) The sound is natural and clear; plenty of power for listening without damaging your ears. This receiver does nothing wrong. .. It is Not piercing; not bloated; not out of balance in certain frequencies; It is not weak it is not congested; I am confident in the Yamaha engineering. The auto shut off if you leave it on too long feature is fantastic; Sometimes I use the pure direct and sometimes recordings need tweaking; I had originally purchased another system with blutooth and a lot of other "bells and whistles"… Only problem was… tinny sound; I returned it. This AS501 doesn't have blutooth or extra lights etc.. but the thing is… It sounds great ! ; which is what I want from a stereo receiver … good sound .. I bought a $20 blutooth receiver and hooked it into the RCA inputs in the back of this unit.. If you buy this AS501 you have a really good chance of loving your sound. Thankme very much.. ( smiley face)Charlie
10. Boss Katana 100 Mkii Combo Guitar Amplifier
Product Details:
Boss katana mkii 100 watt amp the boss katana mkii takes everything you loved from the original game-changing modeling amp series and kicks it up a notch. where the previous models offered 5 amp models, the mkii doubles it, offering two variations on each model to further increase the already impressive amount of sonic variations available. the accompanying boss tone studio software has been updated to match with a new ui for easy access to over 60 different effects and tons of virtual routing options that can all be saved to the device's presets. the katana 100 offers 3 switchable presets along with the panel settings for a total of 4 presets, switchable either with an external footswitch (sold separately) or the on panel buttons. finally, the katana's secret weapon is the power control, easily and quickly allowing you to swap the power amp between 100w, 50w, and 1/2 w modes to limit your maximum output volume. the boss katana mkii is your ticket to pro level sounds at a starting level pricepoint. come get one and rock out today!
Specifications:
Amplifier Type |
Solid State Guitar Amplifier |
Application |
Performance |
Power |
30 Watts |
Speaker Size |
6.5" |
Number of Speakers |
2 |
Stereo |
Yes |
HF Driver |
No |
Channels |
1 |
Compressor |
No |
Effects |
Multiple Effects |
Effects Loop |
Yes |
Direct Output |
No |
USB |
No |
Bluetooth |
No |
Aux Input |
No |
Headphone Output |
Yes |
Footswitch Input |
Yes |
Footswitch Included |
No |
Cover Included |
No |
Display |
No |
Power Supply |
Internal |
Reviews:
Sound: The problem I have with this amp is the sound quality. I don't consider myself a tube snob or tube maniac. I bought this amp on a recommendation from someone. I wanted to lighten the load at my age and so I gave this a try as it was only twenty-something pounds. The clean tones in IMHO are ok. the chorus is nice. The problem I have is the crunch, lead, the dirty tones to me sounded very tinny. I played around with it for an extended time and when I cut the treble back to 0 it sounded slightly better. But then I realized it would never sound as good as my Bugera does. I guess they call it tube emulation but IMO it's not quite there yet or at least Boss hasn't mastered it yet. Features: Of course one of the great thing about zZounds is you don't have to live with a product you don't like. I just packed everything back up as it was sent to me and shipped it right back. Thanks zZounds. Overall: The problem I have with this amp is the sound quality. I don't consider myself a tube snob or tube maniac. I bought this amp on a recommendation from someone. I wanted to lighten the load at my age and so I gave this a try as it was only twenty-something pounds. The clean tones in IMHO are ok. the chorus is nice. The problem I have is the crunch, lead, the dirty tones to me sounded very tinny. I played around with it for an extended time and when I cut the treble back to 0 it sounded slightly better. But then I realized it would never sound as good as my Bugera does. I guess they call it tube emulation but IMO it's not quite there yet or at least Boss hasn't mastered it yet.Of course one of the great thing about zZounds is you don't have to live with a product you don't like. I just packed everything back up as it was sent to me and shipped it right back. Thanks zZounds.
Based on a friend's recommendation, I purchased a new Boss Katana 100 MK 2 in June 2021. The first thing that impressed me was it's power…it seemed to be a real 100 watts in a portable and lightweight package. I was able to dial in some useful tube-like tones right from the start with the clean channel. The Katana warmed up quickly to single coil or hum bucking pickups. The tone "variations" are also very useful for dialing in the right sounds to your liking. The delay adds the right amount of sparkle to your overall sound…very cool! Unfortunately, I was not able to get much help from the Boss Tone Studio when I downloaded it to the amp. (The response was: "Amp not connected"). Another disappointment is no Boss Tone Studio for iOS users…really guys? The required Boss foot switch is another issue…look online to see pedal "hacks" that use standard one-button or two-button formats. (Save a few bucks with a regular pedal). All in all: I'm very pleased with the amp. The line-in is a great feature to use with backing tracks along with the headphone jack for late night practicing. The basic amp tones has a realistic tube texture that reminds me of Marshall, Fender or Vox models.Scotty, M.
I have had the 50 watt for several months which is a great amp, but decided I wanted more foot switching options provided by the GA-FC controller. I figured if I was to buy the 100 watt it might as well be a 2X12. The 100 2X12 sounds awesome. And it is really loud to play at home even on the .5 watt setting. I'm tired of messing with tube amps and effect pedals so the Boss Katana series is just what I need. I have not dived in to the software and deep settings on either amp yet. These are apparently had to get. SAM Ash had it on backorder from Boss. The web and phone support at SAM Ash is great. Chris from phone support helped me complete the order and was super knowledgeable and helpful throughout. He even called me back a couple of times to update status and follow up once it was delivered. Oh… And the 2X12 is way heavier and bigger than the 1X12.Pupster
11. Rockville Rpa5 1000 Watt Peak / 500w Rms 2 Channel Power Amplifier Pro/dj Amp
Product Details:
The rockville rpa5 1000-watt power amplifier combines efficiency with great sound to deliver a lightweight amplifier that packs a ton of punch. this amplifier is engineered using advanced design and components creating a lightweight design and extremely reliable operation that can pound daily for years and years of use. the rpa5 is optimized for 4 and 8-ohm speakers and is equipped with a stereo/mono speaker output switch allowing for quick system impedance optimization. the rpa9 amp fits perfectly into standard 19 racks, and is lightweight enough (less than 30 lbs.) to make it incredibly easy to transport. when connecting subwoofers simply select the low pass. mono subwoofer-ready a stereo/mono switch on the rear of the system allows for quick configuration to use multiple speakers in stereo mode or a single subwoofer in mono mode.
Specifications:
Product Dimensions |
18.97 x 11.02 x 3.54 inches |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer |
No |
Country of Origin |
China |
Reviews:
Not sure if the fan noise is from the past models, but I just purchased it and it's non existent. Using it for two passive PA speakers running through Mackie ProFX10. Works perfect and gets loud. Please know your gear before purchasing any equipment in order to properly use, have to run with a mixer. After this purchase will definitely invest in a second.Lauriel Coronado
This amp is really good for small to medium output speakers. Connected them to a pair of Rockville 800w passives and it performed really well. The Hi's and Low's came through quite well. connections were easy and swift both for input and output. Can't say anything about the "Link" option 'cause I haven't used it yet. We used the 800's just to see if we could drive them and they performed well. I would say that with this 1000w 400 or so would be a better choice, but it did work very well with the larger speakers. The only down side was the mounting ears didn't exactly line up, but a little shifting here and there and they finally got seated in the box. As for operation, no downside at all. I definitely would recommend this amp.gunny4hiway
What most dont understand about a power amplifier is by itself? And just music being feed into it? Will underestimate the power ability of an amp like this. But put the Rockville RPA-20 ( pre-amp) in between the music and this amp.. powered by two Rockville SP-9(?) subwoofers and you will knock windows out of place… I use this amp strictly for bass. Nothing more. Although you can. By a switch in the back of the unit. Bring more music spectrum with full range speakers But Paired with this sub bass system I use 2 sets of 2000 watt active PA speakers ( 2 sets for stereo) for the mid range and highs. Now you really want to blow the roof off a building? The RPA-9 is designed to handle four 8 ohm subwoofers At one time. You double the watt output and double the bass!! My system is considered cheap by standards. But it will perform with spectacular results if done right. Ive invested around $1,300 in sound equipment for doing amateur DJing. And the system paid for itself in two gigs. And having a blast doing it too!! . Ive since added lights to the performances a mixing board, two small input mixing boards for another $1,700. All paid for with 3 more gigs. Buy pre- mixed music and you sound like a professional DJcushmanrider56
12. Blackstar Ht-5r Mkii 5-Watt 1×12 Tube Combo Amp
Product Details:
Designed for electric guitar players, the blackstar 5w tube guitar combo amplifier is capable of powering 5w into its single 12" speaker. it provides two channels, one for clean and another for overdrive. an included footswitch allows you to easily switch between the channels. the overdrive channel offers a three-knob tone stack and blackstar's proprietary isf tonal filter, while the clean section gives you a simple tone control. reverb is also on hand for adding space to the signal. the amp's size and features make it ideal for recording, practice, jamming, performance, and more. using a 12bh7 tube for rich harmonics and compression, the amplifier's power section produces the crunch and break-up characteristics of a traditional 100w output stage, but at a much lower volume. you secure an even lower level by pressing the output-power reduction switch, which gives you 0.5w operation. an ecc83 tube is used to drive the preamp section. this combo amp includes a 1/4" line output and an xlr di out. both of these respond to a voicing switch that allows you to change the tonal characteristics of the emulated signal. choose between a 4×12" closed-back or a 1×12" open-back cabinet sound. this enables you to use the amp with guitar-level effects such as stompboxes or rackmount gear. you'll find 1/4" 16- and 8-ohm speaker outputs, as well as a stereo mp3/line input and a usb port.
Reviews:
Excellent range of features and tones. I did a comparison experiment with the DI cabinet emulation and a mic. I recorded a short piece using the DI (1×12 option, clean channel) while simultaneously recording the same part using an Aston Spirit mic placed in the centre of the speaker at 100mm. The only significant difference was a small lift at around 2K on the mic track, the result being it sounded slightly brighter. I repeated this using the overdrive channel with similar results. Blending these two tracks offers yet another tonal option. Bear in mind though, one of the tracks is phase-reversed, so you would have to invert one of them. All in all, an excellent amp. Really pleased with it.Reviewed by Andertons Music Co.
Great sounding clean tones for playing at home, which is why i bought it – my beloved Mustang 1.1 started having issues and I MUST have a great clean tone to relax. Wanted a tube amp and did my research. Decided on the Blackstar. I must say I'm extremely happy with it. The reverb is KILLER to my ear and does a great job at adding shimmer without destroying the tone. No external effects are needed to get a gorgeous clean tone – I use my Zoom G3Xn into the front end to get univibe and compression. The effects loop is very functional. The amp can be very bass heavy, depending on your instrument, but if you run a 10 band EQ (go with MXR) in the loop you amp can achieve any tonal result you want. My best sound comes with everything at 12, with some of the bass rolled off with the MXR EQ – but its just a matter of taste i guess. This amp moves a lot of air when you use the drive channel, and if your not pleased with the amps distortion it does respond really well to distortion pedals. I'm mostly in the clean blues zone but must brag on the amps darker side: it can get very loud and stay rich. I haven't tried any of the direct recording features. The 2 selectable characters of clean that the amp offers thrill me and ,again, the reverb is classy and a bit different from other amps ( I read that is a room reverb). Highly recommended.Tim H.
This amp out of the box sounds fantastic. Crystal clear clean tones and a snarly gain channel that lets you choose between a more American gain tone and a British gain tone. I would say ‘cater for everyone’. But, I received my first amp and within an hour of playing I’d noticed a loud ‘POP’ when changing channels. This pop occurred if a note was being played at the same time as the channel change. (Footswitch and Amp buttons) So, of course I returned the Amp to PMT. they arranged DPD next working day collection for me, completely hassle free. I awaited my next amp, as a direct replacement. A few days later the next Blackstar HT-5R mkii arrived, box fresh like the last. I plugged the amp in, let the tubes warm and away I went. Within minutes of found a great tone again, but the loud ‘POP’ I heard from the first unit was there again on this amp. I tried 4 sockets in the house in case there was any kind of interference/static, but to no avail. Absolutely gutted, I called PMT again. The amp was returned for the second time. Apparently this hasn’t happened to anyone else, I may just be unlucky or the amp may not get along with the electrics in my home. Just check this out as soon as you buy one. I’ve tried two other valve amps on my house since, including a Blackstar Artist 10 AE and an Orange terror with cab, and there’s absolutely zero noise with these. Very important to note here, this is not a slam of PMT, they’ve been absolutely brilliant throughout this whole thing. Customer service is second to none and they are very easy to contact. Used these for a very long time and I will be returning once stores open to try out a new amp.Jack H.
13. Boss Ktn-100 Katana Combo Guitar Amplifier
Product Details:
With 100 watts of power and a custom 12-inch speaker, the katana-100 delivers a commanding range of gig-worthy tones that gracefully slice through any band scenario. the amp also excels for home playing, with a uniquely efficient design and innovative power control that provides inspiring sound and response at low volumes. in addition, the katana-100 includes integrated access to a huge range of boss effects, which are customizable using the free boss tone studio editor software. and with the amp's powerful tone setting memories, you can store your favorite amp channel setups and effects combinations for instant recall. the katana version 3 update enhances the stage-class katana amp lineup with even more performance versatility. new effect types include the legendary roland dc-30 analog chorus-echo, classic boss ge-10 graphic equalizer, and expressive 95e pedal wah, providing iconic tones that perfectly match the katana's brown amp character. in addition, boss tone studio offers the ability to assign favorite parameters for quick-access control from the front-panel effects knobs and create custom control assignments for up to three connected expression pedals. and when tracking in a daw via usb, it's now possible to capture true stereo sound with many of the katana's modulation, eq, delay, and reverb effects. katana version 3 is a free, user-installable update for all katana owners, and is available now.
Specifications:
Speaker |
12 inches |
Aux In |
-10 dBu (20 k ohms) |
Input |
-10 dBu (1 M ohm) |
Power |
100 watts |
Dimensions (L x W x H) |
20.87 x 9.81 x 17.5 inches |
USB port |
USB B type |
GA-FC jack |
1/4-inch TRS phone type |
Exp. pedal/CTL CH1/CH2 jack |
1/4-inch TRS phone type |
Line out jack |
1/4-inch phone type |
Send jack |
1/4-inch phone type |
Rec out/phones jack |
Stereo 1/4-inch phone type |
Aux In jack |
Stereo miniature phone type |
Input jack |
1/4-inch phone type |
Equalizer |
Bass knob, Middle knob, Treble knob |
Reviews:
I dont normally write reviews but…. This amp is amazing! After my son played it for a few minutes his first comment was what I thought about him selling his tube combo. To me that spoke volumes. I bought the foot switch , a must have because it opened up the versatility of the amp, and now plan on purchasing an FV500L volume pedal to complete the package. We cant wait to get this amp connected to the Boss website to see what the capabilities are. It definitely packs a punch and the sound is so clear at any volume.rx7357
Affordable / flexible / portable / (hopefully) reliable – no need to lug a pedal board around, just a tuner – less stress about whether modern flaky valves are going to pack up mid gig (several outdoor gigs with generators have turned me against using my valve amps for those). I have previously borrowed and gigged a friend's Katana 100 head and GA/FC, so knew what to expect. Really needs an external 8 / 16 Ohm speaker jack socket (c.f. Artist model) to be even more flexible for those of us with external cabs. Will be using this one live this afternoon – fingers crossed!Reviewed by Andertons Music Co.
I just played a club that holds about 300 using this amp and was very satisfied. After putting it through the paces in a live situation I would easily recommend this for the gigging guitarist. I ran the 100 watt full volume mode and kept it around 3 with the master volume up full in the clean mode. As I was using pedals, (The usual selection of overdrives and delays) I kept it in the default clean setting that comes right out of the box. The amp was mic'd with an sm57 and the speaker sounded great. Upon further inspection the variable output and full array of effects makes this a good choice for the home studio. Lightweight, loud and pretty inexpensive, I give it 5 stars.DrJ
14. Positive Grid Spark 40, 40w Combo Electric Guitar Amplifier
Product Details:
The spark 40 gives you vivid, spacious sound and elevated tone from the smart amp that started it all. want a compact home rig that truly rocks? you ve come to the right place. jam, play and practice more with millions of songs. access over 10,000 tones powered by our award-winning deeply powerful bias tone engine. included in this package spark control! customizable, future-proof wireless control for the spark amp and app. spark control goes beyond traditional foot controllers with an expanding library of innovative features and functions. no complicated setups. no cables required.
Specifications:
Frequency range |
20-20,000 Hz |
Stereo/Mono |
Stereo |
Mazimum sound pressure level |
116dB SPL at 1m |
Cabinet principle |
Bass-reflex |
Power amplifiers |
40W Class D |
Total impedance |
4 ohms |
Mains input voltage |
100-240V |
Mains frequency |
50/60 Hz |
Wired connectivity |
1/4" guitar input; 1/8" aux input; 1/8" headphone |
Wireless connectivity |
Bluetooth audio |
Dimensions |
13.78" x 7.08" x 7.48” (350 mm x 180 mm x 190 mm) |
Software |
Spark App for iOS and Android |
Reviews:
Every guitar player on God's green earth should have one. The different tones offered with the app inspire you to play differently. It allows you to play along with the songs you love, and download the tone. It also tells you the chord progression to the song. It's an amazing Amp, and if nothing else the GREATEST speaker in the world. I could absolutely ruin my neighborhoods night with the most absurdly clear version of my favorite songs. But I could Also practice at midnight with out waking up my roommates using my headphones.
Amazing tones made by professionals. If you care about being a musician… you need this Amp. This Amp was recommended to me by John Moyer… of disturbed.Teryn Surratt
As a practice amp, you will soon lose interest if the tone is thin, boxy and generally sounds like crap. The Spark is none of this. An incredibly wide range of tones are available via the app with sounds that you just don't expect to come from such a small package. The sound is loud, rich without the boxiness that you seem to get with amps loaded with small speakers. If you've used PG's Bias software, you'll be in very familiar territory – great emulations that have a depth that rivals some of the serious modelers available now. The effects, while not giving you a massive selection, supplies pretty well every type of effect you would ever need. The reverbs and delays are particularly good and while more than good enough for noodling at home, are more than up to the task of recording. The unit is quite sturdy with a timber cabinet and looks great – very traditional with an "English" type of styling. Using the Spark as a Bluetooth player for music is more than up to the task – good bass, clean mids and treble and loads of volume. The app overall is very good with some truly inspiring practice opportunities, though the function where the app analyses your playing and constructs a suitable backing track is hit and miss and is probably the weakest part of the app. Bluetooth connection for both control functions and audio playback is stable and very quick to pair with your device. Overall, I don't think you will find and amp sounding this good with the flexibility and functions available, from anywhere else and that is before taking into consideration, the extra functions the app gives you.Mick G.
I love the spark for practice. Only problem is a weird effect or white noise when using Bluetooth to play music. Quality of music is about 3 out of 10 when playing like this. Even tried using the 1/16 jack from phone to spark. Got better but had to disconnect Bluetooth and then it kind of defeats the purpose. As a stand alone practice amp it has everything. Except a 1/8” output that could be used to expand to a pa or speaker cabinet. This would make this amp much more versatile. The quality of the materials in the that the amp is made of and the quality over all is that of a very high end head. Great job! Overall I wish the Bluetooth issue would be fixed and I would probably be using this a lot more. But a good product.Brian K.
15. Marshall Sc20c Studio Classic Combo Amplifier
Product Details:
This item was returned in mint condition. it is free of any performance issues, and has no scratches, blemishes, or other cosmetic flaws. marshall is making the greats portable. these amps are designed to bring a classic, authentic marshall tone to a player that no longer needs a 100w amp or has not previously been able to afford them. the marshall studio classic 20w 1×10" tube combo amp is inspired by arguably one of the most successful guitar amps in marshall’s history, the jcm800 2203. it delivers the full spectrum of jcm800 2203 tone from rich and full cleans to heavier driven aggressive sounds in a portable format. it has a master volume, versatile eq settings including presence control, a preamp volume control, an added effects loop and di out.
Specifications:
Amplifier Type |
Tube Guitar Amplifier |
Application |
Practice |
Power |
1 Watt |
Number of Speakers |
2 |
Stereo |
No |
HF Driver |
No |
Channels |
1 |
Compressor |
No |
Effects |
No |
Effects Loop |
No |
Direct Output |
No |
USB |
No |
Bluetooth |
No |
Aux Input |
No |
Headphone Output |
Yes |
Footswitch Input |
No |
Footswitch Included |
No |
Cover Included |
No |
Display |
No |
Power Supply |
External |
Reviews:
Awesome amp.This combo really sounds great! True Marshall sounds. Very loud and easy to get any kind of rock or heavy metal sound from it. Straight to the amp, or with my OD pedal always sounds great. Hard to believe that it's only a 10" speaker. Marshall did a fine job pairing it up with this 20 watt powerhouse.
Looks great, sounds even better. I can;t beleive it' sonly 20W as it's LOUD!Reviewed by Andertons Music Co.
I own a JVM 205H and I wasn't that happy with the tone. The studio classic is an excellent amp. Great tone. It is also incredibly loud so it gets played in 5 Watt mode and it still sounds great.J
16. Fender '65 Princeton Reverb 15-Watt 1×10-Inch Guitar Combo Amp
Product Details:
The original was a historically significant amp used on countless hits over the years, and the reissue ’65 princeton reverb is easily versatile enough to go from the living room to the recording studio to the small gig. it has the vintage vibe that fender die-hards know and love, but the ’65 princeton reverb isn’t only for those who played them 30 or 40 years ago – it’s for anybody who demands top-notch tube tone, naturally dynamic clean and overdriven tones, and unmistakable long-spring fender reverb and tube vibrato.
Specifications:
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer |
No |
Color Name |
black |
Compatible Devices |
Guitar |
Number of Strings |
6 |
Output Wattage |
15 |
Speaker Size |
10 Inches |
Reviews:
The 64 Fender Princeton Reverb combo amp is Fender's current premium product in the Princeton Reverb linage. It's beautifully hand- The 64 Fender Princeton Reverb combo amp is Fender's current premium product in the Princeton Reverb linage. It's beautifully hand-wired in an effort to emulate the original, but using modern production techniques. It's definitely a true classic beauty with a nice subtle vintage look. The Jenson P10R Alnico speaker and its solid pine cabinet sound really great and for 12 watts the amp is amazingly loud. It has all the dreamy tube tremolo and spring reverb that Fenders amps are know for. There are several reissue versions of this amp and they all sound great, but each has a slightly different vibe. This 64 edition is definitely a gig and road worthy little amp that recreates a true classic amp, sounds great and should last a lifetime.
I've been playing guitar since a kid. My Dad used to own a guitar store where he was an amp technician. I'll always remember sneaking into his room when he wasn't home and playing his salmon pink Strat and Twin reverb amp. There was always a magic in them and they really inspired me. Fast forward 30 years and I've grown up just like him. Been playing professionally for a long time through some pretty nice gear but something in me always wanted to revisit that amp, it just had the perfect sounds I played lots of amps before choosing a Marshall 50w plexi as my amp of choice for gigging and it was good, no doubt a about that, played it for almost 15 years straight until one day buying that Twin I'd always so wished I also had. Found I played it far more than the plexi so actually ended up selling the Marshall and just sticking with the 65' reissue! It does everything the Marshall did and more I think. Playing them side by side before making the final decision to sell set my mind at ease because I couldnl get the same sounds from the Twin. Even did a little A/B recording with overdrive and no one could pick which one was which I play mainly classic rock and this amp is everything I'll ever need. Small wattage Amos always sound and feel small to me so was never interested in them, of it's too loud turn it down, the volume is far better than the plexi because that one sat on a hair trigger, really difficult to get a bedroom volume out of. The Twin is quote easy and pot smooth to use. Plexi goes from 0-almost full volume at half way to 1 on the dial. Love itJez
It does everything I expected it to do. It sounds, plays and has the dynamics and feel of a valve amp but without the weight. Quality of the build is excellent. I haven't been able to compare it to a Fender Twin reverb as I don't own one or have access to one but for me that's not a problem. Many have written reviews focusing on just how close it is to a valve twin reverb but I'm not sure that adds any value as every twin reverb sounds slightly different anyway. This amp sounds great, and for me provides the pedal platform I need with bags of clean headroom. My valve amps, an original American made Hotrod Deville and a Vox AC15 give me alternative voicing's for studio use should I need them but for gigging the tone master twin wins hands down. The 'extras' on the back panel work really well. I've compared the IR DI to a SM57. I set up a SM57 in front of the speaker grill in the usual position and used the DI output simultaneously and recorded them at the same time. On playback I switched between the two and couldn't tell the difference. The switch that controls the power output (not sure where in the circuit this is) means you can set the amp volume on the sweet spot and then using the power sector control the overall volume so that there is no, or very little, change in the saturation/tone. At the lower wattage settings (1w & 5w) there isn't enough output to give a full sound out of two 12 inch speakers but is fine for low volume practice, 12w it starts to sing and at the 22w and 45w settings it rocks. Haven't needed to use the 85w setting yet..!! Well done Fender and excellent and quick service from GAK. In summary, a great amp.Ian H.
17. Line 6 Spider V 240 Mkii Guitar Amplifier
Product Details:
Designed for electric and electric-acoustic guitarists, line 6's spider v 240 mkii is a stereo combo amplifier that models classic amp heads, cabinets, and effects, providing them all in one package. you'll find over 200 amplifier, cabinet, and effect emulations, all built-into a 240w amplifier with dual 12" speakers. new to the mkii is a classic speaker mode, for a transparent sound onstage. you'll also find a neutral full-range mode for simple playing and practicing. with multiple analog and digital connection points, this amplifier is perfect for the guitarist who needs to consider every scenario in the studio, at rehearsal, and on the stage. it can even help you practice, thanks to its tuner, metronome, and rhythmic accompaniment. the amp on its own is powerful enough to work in a large venue, but you can also route sound to extension cabinets to create a truly thunderous sound.
Reviews:
I was really surprised at how good this amp sounds. Years ago I tried Line 6 and was not at all happy with the tone; but this is another story. It does take me awhile to dial in a specific classic rock tone, but when I do, it sounds better than any other amp that I've tried. I have tried the Marshall Code, Blackstar id Core, Vox Valvetronix, Boss Katana; as well as some all tube amps. The only other amp that is a close 2nd is the Fender Mustang GTX; also a great amp. The Spider V is fairly easy to operate. It offers lots of choices for amp models and cabinets. I like that it has variations of a mic'd cabinet. The parametric eq is a plus. I haven't played around too much with the effects yet, so I can't comment on that. The only negative thing I could say is that when you're editing a preset and want to hear how it sounds before you save it, you only have a short time before it goes back to the Home Screen. This really is a small price to pay for the quality of the amp and all the versatility it has. I like the App too. Musicians Friend got me a great on this as well; and their agent is following up making sure that I'm satisfied. The funny thing is that I came across this by accident. I placed an order for a Peavey amp that was on back order. I called Peavey multiple times, but they never returned my call. I also emailed them, but they didn't respond to that either. As far as I'm concerned, Peavey doesn't have any customer support.crrkr
Been playing about a year, so my review is from the perspective of a complete newbie. The things I like- Lots of presets, mobile app functions, computer interface, and loads of user created effects available. Nice and loud, but no real basis of comparison to say if clarity is better or worse than other comparable amps. Don't likes- The micro-usb interface. I had to get an adapter and it's just not as good a connection as nearly anything else would be. IMHO, micro-usb is far too flimsy. Connecting to PC is far more problematic than just using the spider mobile app. It's probably a little more complicated than it should be for a beginner, but it's feature rich for the money.Nic T
I had a Line 6 120w amp for years that I regrettably sold a while ago and was looking for another amp. I looked at all the amp reviews I could find and decided that the new Katana was the way to go. I got the Katana home and absolutely loved it but the second day I had it it started a really loud buzzing that I couldn't stop. It probably was an easy fix but the fact is the amp was way too powerful for my purposes and their software wasn't compatible with the new Catalina OS. I returned and started looking again. I saw the 60w Spider V and the price was excellent so I made an on the spot decision to buy another Line 6 and I'm really glad I did. The tones this amp can get are incredible. There are so many amp models and cabs that you can dial in pretty much any tone you want from a crispy snapback country clean to the most vicious heavy metal and everything in between. You can use the presets as they are or you can use them as a baseline and tweak to your own liking or you can start from scratch and build your own rig from the ground up. The controls are intuitive and easy to use but there are some features where you'd have to be a professional to really know how to use or even care to use. The software and the mobile app are so easy to use and give you all the options at your fingertips. The amp comes with a lot of presets that I find are completely useless but there are a lot that are excellent as I already talked about. There are only four empty slots for your own custom presets and I wish there were more but if you use the mobile app you can have your own tone library on there. I bought the FBV3 foot controller so that gives me a lot of flexibility to have various effects. One of the limitations is the lack of good effects though. There's enough that if you work at it you can get a decent sound but there could be some better ones. Overall I would recommend the amp. Don't listen to the naysayers or the amp snobs, it's a quality amp and extremely versatile.Just Plain Joe
18. Boss Katana Mini Guitar Amplifier
Product Details:
Juice up your guitar output while you're on the go with high-quality sound with the boss katana-mini lightweight personal guitar amplifier. since this amp is so lightweight and portable, you'll be able to take quickly transport it anywhere your shredding will be appreciated. once you're there, choose between 3 amp types to give your performance the perfect sound. jam for hours on the 6 included aa batteries. get surprisingly powerful sound and quality in a small package with the boss katana-mini lightweight personal guitar amplifier.
Specifications:
Length |
11 in |
Height |
0.1 in |
Width |
7 in |
Reviews:
Unbelievable. This is NOT my Vox AC30, and nor is it my 100W Katana. However, for a package that is powered by batteries and can, quite literally, fit into the palm of your hand, the Katana Mini is simply fantastic. The amp models are brilliant and the delay (reverb) function is an excellent feature. On "clean" settings the volume of the amp is perfectly adequate and will fill a room with no issues, and on the "crunch" and "brown" settings, the amp was more than loud enough to fill a large room at 2/3 volume. Whilst I personally think that this is not quite enough for an advanced/intermediate players sole amplifier, I would completely agree that for a beginner, they would need no more than this. Having tried options from Yamaha and other brands, this is firmly my favourite battery powered micro amplifier for any level of guitarist and equipment, the tone is simply that good! The best way I can describe it is this – when I first plugged my PRS McCarty 594 into it, I was vaguely aware that I wasn't playing through my Vox. However, after five minutes or so, I had completely forgotten this wasn't a "real" amp, and had to keep looking down at the tiny box on the floor to believe it! Well done, Boss!Mr I. F.
Overall: I've been a bass player since 83 and just picked up the guitar a year or two ago. I purchased a guitar a few months ago and didn't have funds for an amp. So, after watching countless vids and reading many reviews, I favored this one the most. No local stores had a katana under 50w so, the payment plan zZounds had was perfect and received this little beast on Wednesday. With that said, no vid or review could compare to the hands on experience. For a 7w amp, this truly is a must have and the sound is 100% phenomenal. I'm personally not into effect pedals and what features this amp has, is just enough for me. The delay is just right as well as clean/crunch and brown features. The only problem that I have is, though it comes with 6 AA batteries, the adapter would've been more preffered.Other than that, I highly reccomend this amp to everyone, and would highly recommend zZounds payment plans (if your credit card qualifies) and customer service is great tooOne more thing, it's a lot smaller than I thought and that's one of the many reasons why I reccomend this to everyone.
I use it primarily as a practice amp at lower levels, but I'd feel confident doing coffee house gigs with it, and maybe smaller clubs too. It sounds warm and rich at low volumes, and the EQ is effective. All three voices are useful and I'm not left wanting. I have to make special mention of the delay. I adore reverb (including and especially spring reverb and gritty, trashy reverb of all kinds) but a simple delay circuit is way more useful in this amp. Doubling, slapback, echoes. The treble roll-off and fixed feedback are well-tuned. If you're using this for busking or other guerilla performance, you will suddenly realize that a single delay is worth more than a thousand reflections, because those reflections sound godawful* against naturally-occurring surfaces. *maybe awesome in a sound design way thoughChesterfleet
19. Roland Jc-40 Jazz Chorus Combo Guitar Amplifier
Product Details:
Amp is in great condition, with little to no wear. great classic jazz chorus sound with that fantastic vintage chorus & vibrato. the jc-40 jazz chorus delivers roland's renowned "jc clean" tone and signature stereo chorus effect in a compact combo amp with evolved features for the modern guitarist. like the flagship jc-120 amp that it's based on, the jc-40 offers a classic stereo clean sound that's a perfect palette for tone shaping with stompbox effects. now, there's also a true stereo input for enhanced performance with stereo effects pedals, guitar synths, amp modeling gear, and multi-effects. in addition, the jc-40's onboard effects include newly added features and updated sounds to support the needs of today's players.
Specifications:
Amplifier Type |
Solid State Guitar Amplifier |
Application |
Travel |
Power |
5 Watts |
Speaker Size |
6.5" |
Number of Speakers |
2 |
Stereo |
No |
HF Driver |
No |
Channels |
2 |
Compressor |
No |
Effects |
Multiple Effects |
Effects Loop |
No |
Direct Output |
Yes |
USB |
No |
Bluetooth |
No |
Aux Input |
Yes |
Headphone Output |
Yes |
Footswitch Input |
Yes |
Footswitch Included |
No |
Cover Included |
No |
Display |
No |
Power Supply |
External |
Reviews:
I’m in love with the way my telecaster sounds through this amp. Just pure beautiful tone. Pedal board all sounds amazing through it too. Especially delay + reverb. Have seen some reviews say it doesn’t take overdrive/distortion pedals too well but it sounds phenomenal to me with my Fulltone Full-drive 3 overdrive pedal. Perfect for the really dirty alt rock/pop punk tone I use sometimes. In fact, even the amp’s own much maligned distortion sounds pretty decent to me, although I probably will rarely, if ever, use it Only tried in my living room so far but it goes LOUD. I’m in no doubt that it will have more than enough volume for small/medium gigs in pubs/clubs etc. There’s a line out too if I ever need more and don’t have a spare mic. I had the volume on 2 and was still wary of disturbing the neighbours as it was quite loud. Anything above half way gets pretty deafening. Also feels really light which will be a plus for gigging.Doug E.
As you can see, I'm not reviewing the JC-40, but the JC-55. The JC-55 is no longer made iirc. I bought mine new in 1986. I've had it ever since. Features beyond the JC-40 (other than watts), Has a Mid Control, has a better Chorus control (iirc.) But when I saw Dennis Chandler's review saying that the JC-90 he has makes the JC-40 useless to him. Of course I agree with him 🙂 I recently had my JC-55 into an amp tech (varmits in storage chewed off some wirs :((). It plays as well as ever, even with "only" (2) 8" Speakers. It was my very first amp in my foray into the magical electric guitar arena (I've since also had a Randall Tube Pro II [an AWEsome 50W 1×12] and now still have an Epi 10 1×10 Class A Amp). In retrospect, I mad a very good choice that I will have until the day I die. My 1972 Martin D-18 sounded awesome through it… clear with no sound coloring I could detect. My current Guild D-240E sounds nearly as good iirc. 😉 🙂 I play mostly Folk, Folk-Rock, CCR and so on. I like to also play around with traditional "Rock" and find only a tube amp works for me with those styles… and fills me with passion for the songs.
This JC40 is outstanding. It's so pure and brings out true guitar sounds and also makes any pedal/effect sound, sound just as it was intended to. These models are gems. And it's so loud it shakes my house I can't imagine how loud the 120 is. This is most definitely enough to play smaller to mid size shows. I couldn't be happier and they're was one problem in shipping but Sam Ash handled it immediately and professionally as expected. Always trust Sam Ash.Eduardo115
20. Fender Champion 50xl Combo Guitar Amplifier
Product Details:
The champion 50xl makes it easy for players to plug in, dial in a great amp model and effects, and have fun! fender designed the champion 50xl with a more aggressive look and sound to the champion series – 'black on black' cosmetics separate it from the series’ traditional aesthetics. four “stompbox” effects (compressor, overdrive, distortion and octaver) add flexibility to the twelve amp tones that range from pristine clean to full-on metal distortion. a full complement of twelve classic effects, ranging from reverb and delay to vibratone, provide the perfect platform for sonic experimentation. completing the package, the 12” celestion “midnight 60” speaker brings full tone, increased output and expressiveness to this versatile amplifier. the optional 2-button footswitch allows remote channel selection and effect toggling.
Specifications:
Amplifier Type |
Solid State Guitar Amplifier |
Application |
Practice |
Power |
20 Watts |
Speaker Size |
8" |
Number of Speakers |
1 |
Stereo |
No |
HF Driver |
No |
Channels |
1 |
Compressor |
No |
Effects |
Multiple Effects |
Effects Loop |
No |
Direct Output |
No |
USB |
No |
Bluetooth |
No |
Aux Input |
Yes |
Headphone Output |
Yes |
Footswitch Input |
No |
Footswitch Included |
No |
Cover Included |
No |
Display |
No |
Power Supply |
Internal |
Reviews:
I usually don't leave comments, but feel I must let the frustrated AMP user know, yes Jessica there IS a Santa Claus! Was looking for an AMP that was "SIMPLE" – On channel 1 ONLY the volume is usable, I didn't check but probably the Bass & treble too! On Channel 1 the gain control is set and turning the knob does nothing, and none of the FX are accessible! I was so busy checking out Channel 2 that I didn't check to see if Treble & Bass could be adjusted. You have 12 "Voice Settings" and 13 FX Selections. So I checked out all 12 Voice Settings combined with all 13FX settings – add this to checking these out with a single coil Strat and a Jazz/Full Shred Charvel DK24. I feel this is one of the BEST choices I have made in electric guitar choices! The AMP sound CLEAN!!!! I Imagine Channel 1 would be great with an Accoustic as well! Don't have one though! Channel 2 is GREAT and I don't need any more than it has to offer. It is so uncomplicated & stress free! If you are an expert guitar player and can concentrate more on AMP settings, rather than playing, then go for the Katana 50 MKII, or the VOX Cambridge. I was thinking hard on all three. When I got to GC I had pretty much decided on the Fender Champion 50XL. The VOX Cambridge is $150 to $160 more, with only $10 between the Fender & Katana. Since what is on the AMP is all my mind can handle, I decided to go with the Fender 50XL. It has to be on of the simplest AMPS to operate. I do have an Ibanez Tube Screamer, and if I have a need I can look at other pedals down the road. I do plan on getting a Cry Baby! Latter down the road I might get more pedals, but for right now this AMP has all I need. The Celestion Speaker sound GREAT! I couldn't be happier – it is as loud as I need – It's EASY to learn – NONE of the settings sounded muddy, muffled, or shrill. If I was going to get an AMP that needs a lot of downloading, I would have gone with the VOX Cambride. Glad I traded in my old AMP!Karl, M
AMAZING; It's hard to beat at the price. I'm not a guitar player yet, still a self taught student. I have been learning scales and chords for a few months and have been playing through a 10 amp small box. I have a semi hollow, a Fender Squire, and an electric acoustic guitar. So when I practice with my NEW , AMAZING Fender 50, inspires me to practice more. I'm very very satisfied, and could not be happier with my purchase. THANK YOU AGAIN Sweetwater. You have done it again. Ron Pringle.
Great overall amp. The obvious comparison is the Boss Katana 50. I tried both and I found I could dial in a sound I like from the Champion easier than the Katana. The Katana has way more features and the connect-ability. I prefer just plug in and playing which was far easier with the Champion. One of the largest selling points for me was the headphone jack feature for silent playing. The Champion has it right in front of the control panel and it's a 3.5mm jack. The Katana has one but its on the back and it's a 1/4inch jack which would require an adapter to 3.5mm. The location and the fact that it's 1/4in jack gave the Champion the edge. I also preferred that taller design of the Champion. It made it more comfortable to reach and adjust. Some of the cons are the knobs. especially for the "voice" and the "fx-select". A rotary knob would make it far easier to select the presets. Fender does provide a 3 color LED light that changes when you reach the next model or effect. However, a rotary knob that stops at the preset would be a better. Another con is that the reverb effect is combined with chorus and delay. I would much prefer it to be on it's own rather than combined. This is something that the Katana has. Overall the Champion is great for home use and I would recommend it to someone that wants a good amp that is easy to just plug and play. If you want more effects and enjoy experimenting then the Boss Katana would be a better choice.E. Bran