{"id":6635,"date":"2023-07-04T08:20:54","date_gmt":"2023-07-04T13:20:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theguitarstand.net\/?p=6635"},"modified":"2023-07-12T05:07:57","modified_gmt":"2023-07-12T10:07:57","slug":"best-combo-tube-amps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theguitarstand.net\/best-combo-tube-amps\/","title":{"rendered":"11 Best Combo Tube Amps Under $800 (2023)"},"content":{"rendered":"
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.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0 In this roundup, we made sure to keep these combo tube amps under $800 as priced spring of 2023.<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0 Its one higher, so its better than other roundups.<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0 So without further ado, let’s dive into the list.<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n I’m impressed with its overall performance.\u00a0 \u00a0And 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n The amp is well-built with great online reviews.\u00a0 Its easy to use, with a straightforward control layout that allows you to dial in a wide range of tones.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n The custom Celestion speaker sounds great, with a balanced and detailed tone that’s perfect for both rhythm and lead playing.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Overall, I would recommend the VOX AC10C1 to any guitarist who is looking for a reliable and versatile combo tube amp with great cleans.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n This is a high-gain monster like all 5150 models.\u00a0 This one is just a bit closer to the old-school 5150 amps from the 1990s.\u00a0 \u00a0The 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.\u00a0 Eventually Eddie created his own amp company so now the 5150 models are made by EVH.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n The 6L6 power tubes are fairly unique for a sub $800 price point.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0 Also, the \u00bc Line Out Jack lets you feed the line level output of the amp to a recording device or another line input of an amp.<\/p>\n Many people complain about a low frequency hum even without anything plugged in. This won’t be\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n This amp has two channels, clean and ultra gain, both sound great, but you should be buying this because you want high gain.\u00a0 The DSL line is designed to get you more of a hard rock and metal tone.\u00a0 The adjustable power output is a nice feature for those who want to play at home without disturbing their neighbors.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n (Note that there is also a Marshall DSL 20C<\/a> that is a fairly big upgrade if your budget is a little higher)<\/p>\n\n
\n
VOX AC10C1 Guitar Amplifier<\/a><\/h3>\n
\n
\n
EVH Tube Tone in a Streamlined 112 Combo<\/a><\/h3>\n
\n
\n
Bugera V22 Infinium Tube Combo Amp<\/a><\/h3>\n
\n
\n
Roland Blues Cube Hot Guitar Combo Amplifier<\/a><\/h3>\n
\n
\n
Blackstar HT Club 40 MkII 6L6 1×12 inch 40-watt Tube Combo Amp<\/a><\/h3>\n
\n
\n
Fender Bassbreaker 007 Combo Guitar Amplifier<\/a><\/h3>\n
\n
\n
Fender Blues Junior Guitar Amplifier<\/a><\/h3>\n
\n
\n
Fender Pro Junior IV SE<\/a><\/h3>\n
\n
\n
Marshall DSL5CR-U<\/a><\/h3>\n
\n
\n
Marshall ORI20C Origin 1 x 10-inch 20-watt Tube Combo Amp – Cream<\/a><\/h3>\n