Tube amps have been around for decades and are still popular among modern guitars despite the advancement in digital modeling. The warmth, richness, and natural distortion of tube amps are what make them so desirable. Combo tube amps, in particular, are an all-in-one solution that combines the preamp, power amp, and speaker in a single unit. They are portable, easy to use, and offer a range of tones that can be tailored to suit any playing style.
When it comes to buying the best combo tube amp, there are a few things to consider. The first is power output, which determines how loud the amp can get. A 15-20 watt combo tube amp is suitable for home practice and small gigs, while a 40 watt or higher amp is better if you plan to gig at medium to large venues.
Also, pay attention to thenumber of channels, which allows for switching between clean and distorted tones. A two-channel amp is standard, but some amps offer three or more channels for added versatility.
Other factors to consider include the type of tubes used, the size and weight of the amp, and the quality of the speaker and of course price. In this roundup, we made sure to keep these combo tube amps under $800 as priced spring of 2023.
11 Best Combo Tube Amps Under $800 in 2023
While most guitar websites will give you a list of the 10 best combo tube amps, on this website we go full Spinal Tap and give you the 11 best combo tube amps in 2023. Its one higher, so its better than other roundups.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, the amps on this list provide you with the tone and versatility you need to take your playing to the next level. So without further ado, let’s dive into the list.
Monoprice 611815 15Watt, 1 x 12 Guitar Combo Tube Amplifier with Celestion Speaker & Spring Reverb 15 Watt Amp
Pros
- The EL84 power tubes deliver a distinctive chiming, treble-heavy sound that’s perfect for British Invasion-style music.
- The spring reverb adds depth and texture to your guitar tone.
- The Low and High inputs provide different levels of attenuation and overdrive, giving you more control over your sound.
Cons
- The synthetic leather exterior will not be as durable as real leather.
- The amp may not be loud enough for large gigs or performances.
- The amp’s limited amplification mode may not be suitable for all recording or practice situations.
I’m impressed with its overall performance. And just from reading forums and reddits, I’ve come across some major tube amp snobs that are shocked by how good the Monoprice amp sounds. The amp’s EL84 power tubes produce a bright and lively sound that’s perfect for rock and roll, blues, and other genres. The Celestion Red Truvox 1215 speaker is also a great addition, providing clear and crisp sound quality.
One of the standout features of this amp is its genuine spring reverb. This effect adds a natural and organic sound to your guitar tone, giving it more depth and texture. I also appreciate the Low and High inputs, which allow you to adjust the amp’s signal level and overdrive to fit your playing style.
Overall, I would recommend the Monoprice to anyone looking for an affordable and reliable tube amp that delivers excellent sound quality. It’s a great option for home recording, small gigs, and practice sessions.
VOX AC10C1 Guitar Amplifier
Pros
- The 10 Watt tube combo offers the classic VOX Top Boost tone, providing a warm and dynamic sound that’s perfect for a wide range of genres.
- The EL84 power tubes and 12AX7 preamp tubes ensure a rich and responsive tone, with plenty of headroom and natural overdrive.
- The custom 10″ VX10 speaker made by Celestion delivers a clear and balanced sound, with excellent projection and articulation.
Cons
- The controls are simple but effective, with Gain, Bass, Treble, Reverb, and Master Volume knobs that allow for easy tone shaping. However, some players might prefer more advanced features.
- The extension and external speaker outputs, as well as the by-passable effect loop, provide plenty of connectivity options. However, the lack of built-in reverb or other effects might be a downside for some players.
- The distinctive VOX styling, with its retro-inspired design and iconic diamond grille cloth, makes the AC10C1 a great-looking amp that will stand out on stage. However, some players might prefer a more understated or modern look.
The amp is well-built with great online reviews. Its easy to use, with a straightforward control layout that allows you to dial in a wide range of tones. Vox is known for its chimey cleans, so put this high on your list if you are looking for that tone, as the AC10C1 delivers with plenty of power and clarity.
The custom Celestion speaker sounds great, with a balanced and detailed tone that’s perfect for both rhythm and lead playing.
Another thing I appreciated about the AC10C1 is its classic VOX Top Boost tone, which is warm, dynamic, and responsive. The EL84 power tubes and 12AX7 preamp tubes provide plenty of headroom and natural overdrive, allowing you to achieve a wide range of sounds without sacrificing clarity or definition. The onboard controls are simple but effective, with a responsive Gain knob that allows you to add just the right amount of overdrive, as well as Bass, Treble, Reverb, and Master Volume knobs that let you fine-tune your sound.
Overall, I would recommend the VOX AC10C1 to any guitarist who is looking for a reliable and versatile combo tube amp with great cleans.
EVH Tube Tone in a Streamlined 112 Combo
Pros
- The 40-watt power output is more than enough for most gigs
- The noise gate and power reduction circuit are very useful features
- The two channels allow for a wide range of tonal options
Cons
- The amp is quite heavy, which could be an issue for some users
- The price is on the higher side
- The amp doesn’t come with a footswitch, which is sold separately
This is a high-gain monster like all 5150 models. This one is just a bit closer to the old-school 5150 amps from the 1990s. The 5150 was originally developed by Peavey in conjunction with Eddie Van Halen to try to provide a versatile high gain amp that was more affordable. Eventually Eddie created his own amp company so now the 5150 models are made by EVH.
The amp has two channels, each with its own set of controls, which allows you to dial in a wide range of tones. The clean channel is warm and clear, while the overdrive channel delivers a powerful and aggressive sound.
One of the standout features of this amp is the noise gate, which helps to eliminate unwanted noise and hum. This is especially useful when playing at high volumes or with high-gain settings. The power reduction circuit is also a great feature, as it allows you to lower the wattage of the amp without sacrificing tone.
The EVH Tube Tone in a Streamlined 112 Combo is a heavy amp, weighing in at over 60 pounds. This could be an issue for some users, especially if you need to transport the amp frequently. Additionally, the price of the amp is on the higher side, which could be a factor for those on a tight budget.
Bugera V22 Infinium Tube Combo Amp
Pros
- The all-tube design produces a warm and authentic sound that is perfect for blues, rock, and other genres.
- The selectable triode/pentode operation allows the user to choose between a more vintage sound or a more modern one.
- The Tube Life Multiplier Technology extends the lifespan of the tubes, making it a more cost-effective option in the long run.
Cons
- The Nmal Bright Inputs can be a bit too bright for some users, requiring additional adjustments to the EQ.
- The 2-button Footswitch is not included, requiring an additional purchase if the user wants to switch channels or activate the reverb remotely.
- The amp is a bit heavy, making it less portable than some other options on the market.
The 22-watt output is more than enough for most situations, and the 1×12″ speaker produces a rich and full sound. I particularly appreciate the ability to switch between triode and pentode modes, as it gives me more control over the tone. The reverb is also a nice touch, adding a sense of depth to the sound.
That being said, the Nmal Bright Inputs can be a bit too bright for my liking, and I often find myself adjusting the EQ to compensate. Additionally, the 2-button Footswitch is not included, which can be a bit of a hassle if I want to switch channels or activate the reverb remotely. Finally, the amp is a bit on the heavy side, making it less portable than some other options on the market.
Roland Blues Cube Hot Guitar Combo Amplifier
Pros
- The Roland comprehensive tube Logic design delivers the interactive tonal behaviors of famous fine-tuned vintage tube amps, including preamp and output tube saturation characteristics, power supply compression, and much more.
- The master volume, three-band EQ, and onboard reverb, plus foot switchable boost, allow for natural crunch and tone for bright presence.
- The efficient, lightweight design provides easy portability without sacrificing tone quality.
Cons
- The vintage blonde color may not be everyone’s preference.
- The price point may be a bit high for some.
- Some users may prefer more customization options for tone shaping.
The compact size and lightweight design make it easy to transport, while still delivering rich and powerful tube tone. The three-band EQ and onboard reverb allow for some tone shaping, and the foot-switchable boost adds some extra crunch and brightness.
One thing that really stood out to me was the tube Logic design. The interactive tonal behaviors of famous vintage tube amps are carefully reproduced, resulting in a satisfying and expressive musical instrument. The master volume also allows for some control over the output, making it suitable for both practice and gigging.
Blackstar HT Club 40 MkII 6L6 1×12 inch 40-watt Tube Combo Amp
Pros
- The 6L6 power tubes deliver a rich and warm tone that’s perfect for a variety of genres, from blues to metal.
- The Infinite Shape Feature allows you to shape your tone to your liking with ease, making it easy to find the perfect sound.
- The emulated output is a useful feature that allows you to record directly from the amp without needing to mic it up.
Cons
- At 62.8 pounds, this amp is quite heavy and may not be ideal for musicians who need to transport their gear frequently.
- While the effects loop is a nice addition, some users have reported that it can be a bit noisy.
- The price point may be a bit steep for some musicians who are on a tight budget.
The 6L6 power tubes are fairly unique for a sub $800 price point. They deliver a rich and warm tone that’s perfect for a variety of genres, from blues to metal. The Infinite Shape Feature is also a great addition, allowing you to shape your tone to your liking with ease. I found it very easy to dial in the perfect sound for my playing style.
The emulated output is another useful feature. You can record directly from the amp without needing to mic it up, which saved me a lot of time and hassle. The effects loop is also a nice addition, although I some people complain about the noise.
One downside to the Blackstar HT Club 40 MkII 6L6 is its weight. At 62.8 pounds, it’s quite heavy and may not be ideal for musicians who need to transport their gear frequently.
Fender Bassbreaker 007 Combo Guitar Amplifier
Pros
- The vintage-style treble-booster circuit adds pre-amp gain and additional harmonics, allowing you to take your tone far from clean.
- The 7 watts of big tone produced by the single EL84 power tube and 2- 12AX7 pre-amp tubes gives you rich harmonics and overdriven tube tone.
- The ¼ Line Out Jack lets you feed the line level output of the amp to a recording device or another line input of an amp.
Cons
- The speaker is not of the highest quality, but this is to be expected at this price point.
- The amp is not completely silent, as there is a low-frequency hum even without anything plugged in.
- There is no clean sound at all, even at lower gain settings.
This amp has a rich, full low end and complex, refined sound. The vintage-style treble-booster circuit is a standout feature, allowing you to add pre-amp gain and additional harmonics for a gritty, overdriven tone that’s perfect for rock and blues.
Its hard to get a combo amp at this price with a good speaker, but you may find this amp plus a speaker is cheaper than other combo amps on this list. Also, the ¼ Line Out Jack lets you feed the line level output of the amp to a recording device or another line input of an amp.
Many people complain about a low frequency hum even without anything plugged in. This won’t be noticeable when playing and its a non factor if you use a noise gate pedal. There is no clean sound at all, even at lower gain settings, so this amp is not ideal for players who want some clean. This amp is meant to rock.
Fender Blues Junior Guitar Amplifier
Pros
- The EL84 power tubes and 12ax7 pre-amp tubes provide classic warm tube tone
- The foot switchable “FAT” option adds thicker tones and subtle overdrive
- The onboard spring reverb creates a large echo effect
Cons
- The lacquer tweed cabinet may not be as durable as other materials (there ar other options for this model)
- The bright tone may not be suitable for all playing styles
- The lack of a built-in effects loop may limit the versatility of the amp
This amp is often recommended if you are looking for the traditional Fender tones but don’t want to pay thousands of dollars for it. The EL84 power tubes and 12ax7 pre-amp tubes provide a classic tube sound that is perfect for blues and rock music. The foot switchable “FAT” option adds a subtle overdrive and thicker tones that are perfect for solos and leads.
The onboard spring reverb is a nice touch that creates a large echo effect that adds depth to your playing. The lacquer tweed cabinet looks great and adds to the vintage vibe of the amp, but may not be as durable as other materials.
The lack of a built-in effects loop may limit the versatility of the amp, but it is still a great option for those looking for a small and portable tube amp.
Fender Pro Junior IV SE
Pros
- The Fender Special Design speaker provides a tight, well-balanced output with plenty of high-end sparkle.
- The chrome control panel with red jewel light gives it a classic Fender look and vibe.
- With only a volume and tone knob, it’s easy to use and perfect for players who prefer touch-sensitive dynamic response.
Cons
- At 15 watts, it may not be loud enough for some players who need more power.
- It has a limited feature set, which may not be suitable for players who require more versatility.
- The black vinyl covering and aged silver grille cloth may not be to everyone’s taste.
The amp is well-built and has a solid feel to it. The Fender Special Design speaker produces a tight and balanced sound with plenty of high-end sparkle, making it perfect for players who enjoy touch-sensitive dynamic response.
The amp’s limited feature set is both a pro and a con. On the one hand, it makes the amp easy to use and perfect for players who prefer a simplified setup. On the other hand, it may not be suitable for players who require more versatility and control over their sound.
Marshall DSL5CR-U
Pros
- The adjustable power output allows you to switch between 5W and 1W, making it perfect for both home use and live performances.
- The Softube Emulated output is a nice feature for those who want to record their music directly from the amp.
- The Celestion then-30 speaker provides a great sound quality.
Cons
- It’s a bit pricey compared to other combo amps on the market.
- The amp might not be loud enough for some users who need a higher wattage output.
This amp has two channels, clean and ultra gain, both sound great, but you should be buying this because you want high gain. The DSL line is designed to get you more of a hard rock and metal tone. The adjustable power output is a nice feature for those who want to play at home without disturbing their neighbors.
The Softube Emulated output is a great addition for those who want to record their music directly from the amp, and the Celestion ten-30 speaker provides a great sound quality.
Overall, the Marshall DSL5CR-U is a great combo tube amp for those who want a powerful and versatile sound. While it might be a bit pricey compared to other combo amps on the market, the tonal improvements and functionality make it a worthwhile investment for any serious musician.
(Note that there is also a Marshall DSL 20C that is a fairly big upgrade if your budget is a little higher)
Marshall ORI20C Origin 1 x 10-inch 20-watt Tube Combo Amp – Cream
Pros
- The 3-band EQ allows for a lot of tonal flexibility, making it easy to dial in the perfect sound for your playing style.
- The switchable low/mid/high power output is a great feature that lets you get a wide range of tones without having to crank the amp up to ear-splitting volumes.
- The tilt control is a nice touch that makes it easy to direct the sound where you want it.
Cons
- The 10-inch speaker might not be enough for some players who want a bigger sound.
- The lack of built-in effects might be a downside for players who want more sonic options.
- The cream-colored casing might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
The Marshall ORI20C Origin is a great amp for players who want a no-frills, reliable amp that delivers classic Marshall tone. The 3-band EQ is easy to use and really allows you to fine-tune your sound, while the switchable power output is a great feature that lets you get a lot of different tones without having to crank the volume up too high.
The tilt control is a nice touch that makes it easy to direct the sound where you want it, and the amp itself is built like a tank. The lack of built-in effects might be a downside for some players, but I’ve always preferred to use pedals anyway, so it’s not a big deal for me.
Frequently Asked Questions: Buying Tube Combo Amps
What factors should I consider when choosing a combo tube amp?
When choosing a combo tube amp, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, you should consider the wattage of the amp. This will determine how loud the amp can get and whether it will be suitable for your needs. Secondly, you should consider the speaker configuration. A single speaker will produce a different sound than a multiple speaker configuration. Finally, you should consider the size and weight of the amp. If you plan on using the amp for gigging, you will want to choose an amp that is portable and easy to transport.
Can combo tube amps be used for both home use and gigging?
Yes, combo tube amps can be used for both home use and gigging. However, you will want to choose an amp that is suitable for your needs. If you plan on using the amp for gigging, you will want to choose an amp with a higher wattage and a portable design. If you plan on using the amp for home use, you may want to choose an amp with a lower wattage and a smaller design.
What are the benefits of using a combo tube amp?
Combo tube amps offer a few benefits over other types of amps. Firstly, they produce a warm and natural sound that is difficult to replicate with other types of amps. Secondly, they are versatile and can be used for a variety of genres and playing styles. Finally, they are easy to use and maintain, making them a great choice for both beginners and experienced players.
