Best "affordable" low wattage amp?

Joined: 01 May 2008 Posts: 1487 Location: Atlanta, GA

In my search for a low wattage amp yesterday I played a

Blackstar HT5
Ibanez TS-15
Fender Super Champ X2
Marshall Class 5.

First, the Marshall is absurdly expensive for what amounts to a Valve Jr with high end parts.

The Blackstar was "OK" but just didn't overly impress me. This amp leads the charge for me at the moment.

The Ibanez and Fender lack a traditional 3 band EQ control, which is frustrating and I didn't realize I really wanted. Plus the Ibanez sounded a bit thin, and despite impressive low end from the cab/speaker the Fender had a fair amount of fizz on high gain stuff.

I played an Orange TH-30 combo for giggles, but even at half power I don't think I was getting the most out of it.

They didn't have a Bugera V5 to try.

What am I missing? What is the best low wattage inexpensive amp? Bonus points for being in the realm of a 5150 or SLO clone.

I just didn't love the Blackstar, despite having features, on paper, that I should love.

Joined: 18 Sep 2008 Posts: 247

I hear good things about jet city.

Joined: 07 Oct 2008 Posts: 1846 Location: Norfolk, UK

The blackstar sounds a lot better through a larger cab.

Joined: 03 May 2008 Posts: 6628 Location: Minnesota

Jet City for the win.

They have 2 versions. The single channel, and the dual. The single is good and versatile crunchy.

The 2 channel, is the same as the single, but it has an added "overdrive" channel that is the SLO circuit in 20 watt form. It's a LOUD 20 watts.

I can run this and a single 12" cab, and jam with the loudest drummer I know.

I TRULY enjoy my single channel 20H, but I'm still dialing in my 22H. I am replacing the tubes in my 22H ASAP. I put a bunch of tubes I had laying around the house in it. It sounds good, but not as good as my 20H w/ JJ's in it. I also need to re bias it. I know for a fact that the power tubes from Mesa that I put in the 22H are not matched, and I think that is affecting the over all tone I'm getting.

These are easily the BEST low wattage / value amp on the market right now.

Joined: 06 May 2007 Posts: 4140 Location: southern ohio

I have an HT5 stack and love it, I do have it for sale right now though because I got a Krank Rev Jr

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

There is the Bogner Alchemist which is 40 watts but has a half power setting for 20. That will have the most Gain compared to the others in your list.

Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2012 6:49 pm

tommygd wrote:

The blackstar sounds a lot better through a larger cab.

Very true. I've had a few and have used them through various cabs. Great amp. Haven't tried the Jet city yet but I want to just want to be able to try a few out before I get one and start buying different tube sets and adjusting it.

Joined: 23 May 2007 Posts: 2200 Location: Seattle, WA

I would look at the Peavey Valveking 112. The amp seems to have a pretty mixed review around these parts, but I love my 212 and have played through the 112 before.

Is it gonna give you the brootalz? No. If I need that super heavy gain I need to kick on my MXR overdrive on top of the distortion channel. But is it a solid built tube amp for a reasonable price with some great rock tone and superb cleans? I like to think so.

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 10202 Location: New Jersey USA

The Egnater Tweaker 15 has been floating my boat for a while now. Even traded away my Jet City, which is also a great choice. The Tweaker has much more configurable tones, and they are GOOD tones. It can go from clean Fender chime, to hard rock, to modern metal with the twist of a coupl knobs and the flicking of a couple of switches.

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 14461

What is considered "low wattage"?
50 and under?
20 and under?
10 and under?

I'll go with Matt about the Jet City stuff. My experience with other manufacturers is minimal, but I am more than happy with this setup. I'm guessing that it's not going to stand toe-to-toe with a Soldano SLO, but the same guy designed both.

Their PicoValve looks pretty cool for a 5watt head, too.

Joined: 10 Feb 2006 Posts: 1370 Location: Lutz, Fl.

I am in the same boat. I play at a coffee house, and need much less power. I haven't made it to Guitar Center or Sam Ash yet, but I have been suggested this amp:

Fender Hot Rod Series Blues Junior III 15W 1x12 Tube Guitar Combo Amp

It is a nice amp, but it is also $529.99 worth of nice amp. There are also mod kits avalible for it to tweek it in different ways. Someday soon I will be testing it out, but I don't know about actually buying one for a while. It's kind of a big price for a small amp. But it seems to be everything that I would want in an amp.

I know everyone on the forum tends to lean toward .... well let's be honest, Industrial German Death Metal. As I play more Southern Rock/ Americana/ Alt. Country I don't really need an amp that is over the top in both gain and wattage. If anyone on the forum has played one of the these Fender's I would welcome their opinions on it.

Joined: 03 May 2008 Posts: 6628 Location: Minnesota

For the record, my style is more of an Angry Southern Rock kind of sound. Not to much gain, just lots of meat and potatoes.

Joined: 01 May 2008 Posts: 1487 Location: Atlanta, GA

Jim6 wrote:

What is considered "low wattage"?
50 and under?
20 and under?
10 and under?

I'll go with Matt about the Jet City stuff. My experience with other manufacturers is minimal, but I am more than happy with this setup. I'm guessing that it's not going to stand toe-to-toe with a Soldano SLO, but the same guy designed both.

Their PicoValve looks pretty cool for a 5watt head, too.

Something that is usable at bedroom volumes, but still sounds better when you do get to twist the dial and won't knock the finish off the ceiling. I'm guessing 5w - 20w is probably the "zone".

Another board I frequent has a bunch of Tweaker users, but none are metal guys. I tried a Tourmaster 4212 when they first came out and was pretty pleased. I'll have to go see if they have one at GC.

Joined: 06 Jul 2011 Posts: 485 Location: Rhode Island

ENGL Gigmaster?

Heres a video of Ola Playing it
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVFogN2w6NA
and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiBFqdzW26U

Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2012 9:17 pm

You guys forgot the Engl Gigmaster 15 and/or 30, VHT Special 12/20, Special 6 Ultra, Hughes and Kettner Tubemeister 18, and for a little more there's the Mesa Mini Rec, EVH 5150III mini.

Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2012 9:21 pm

Hard to beat the Jet City, especially when they are blowing the 20 watt Head out for $199, becuz of the new 22H. The Tweaker would be my next choice, then maybe a Blackheart Handsome Devil and some pedals. The Blackheart has the best innards outta the bunch. Out of the box, tho, the Tweaker kills all. I like the Blackheart becuz I already have a ton of pedals. Wink

Joined: 19 Aug 2008 Posts: 4622 Location: UP of Michigan

I love my Jet City. Another vote for the Jet City. Had mine for quite a while and am still happy with the tone every time I turn it on.

I keep the gain around 5-6 and amp volume around 7-8, play everything from country (roll back the volume for clean), classic rock (guitar volume wide open), and get into metal territory with my Boss OD pedal (guitar wide open, pedal level wide open and gain around 2-3).

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

mesa8699 wrote:

You guys forgot the Engl Gigmaster 15 and/or 30, VHT Special 12/20, Special 6 Ultra, Hughes and Kettner Tubemeister 18, and for a little more there's the Mesa Mini Rec, EVH 5150III mini.

He specifically said “Low wattage, inexpensive” lol...

Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2012 9:46 pm

Lanning is Killdozer wrote:

mesa8699 wrote:

You guys forgot the Engl Gigmaster 15 and/or 30, VHT Special 12/20, Special 6 Ultra, Hughes and Kettner Tubemeister 18, and for a little more there's the Mesa Mini Rec, EVH 5150III mini.

He specifically said “Low wattage, inexpensive” lol...

LOL.....OH Yeah.......Ok well then.... Just the VHT ones they are

Special 6 Ultra - around $300

Special 12/20 - around $500

Laughing

Joined: 05 Dec 2008 Posts: 909

Check out the WAY overlooked Carvin V3m.
It really CAN do pretty much ANY style.
Put it on Insane mode for 5150ish sounds.

Joined: 10 Feb 2006 Posts: 1370 Location: Lutz, Fl.

I checked out the Fender Hot Rod Series Blues Junior III 15W 1x12 Tube Guitar Combo Amp today at Sam Ash. I gotta say, no matter which amp I have checked out with either 6V6 or EL-84 tubes, I don't like them. They just don't have that sound that I am looking for.

I realize why makers don't want to make a one 6L6 tube amp like back in the old days. (Long story, short) They burn the tubes out way too quickly. I would like something that has the Fender 6L6 sound without the power.

I tried out the Fender Hot Rod Deluxe (6L6 tubes, 50 watts) and it's right up my alley soundwise. However, it's still a bit more powerful than I need, the price is nothing to sneeze at.

The amp that I really like is the Kustom Coupe 36 combo. I think I may end up getting it due to the price (around the same range), and even though it's more powerful than I need, it's still less than a lot of combo amps out there. Also, the weight on it isn't too bad.

The Kustom is the amp that I wanted at first, but thought I had to have something less powerful. But less powerful means using tubes that give a sound that I don't care for. But since the Kustom actually has 6L6's, as well as the tone I want, I think I will lean that way.

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 10202 Location: New Jersey USA

I bought a used Fender Bandmaster VM for just that purpose. I have a 65 Bassman, and wanted that vintage fender sound for gigging. The bassman is too rare, too heavy, and too loud to take out. The VM is 40 watts 6L6 power with some great vintage and modern fender sounds. Plus it has great high end pedal quality reverb' chorus and delay effects on board. It really sounds great. They have the Bandmaster VM head/cab, or the Deluxe VM 1x12 combo. You can score them cheap used. Check out Greg Koch's YouTube demo of the Bandmater VM. If you are looking for fender tone on the cheap, at low volume, and light on the spinal chord, you'll love it. If not, no worries.

Joined: 19 Jan 2007 Posts: 3198 Location: UK

What about a Yamaha THR10 ?

check it might be something you want.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4OQ0w_q6AU

Joined: 01 May 2008 Posts: 1487 Location: Atlanta, GA

kingoflight wrote:

What about a Yamaha THR10 ?

check it might be something you want.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4OQ0w_q6AU

That actually looks amazing. I might ahve to see if I can get my hands on one in person.

Joined: 02 Sep 2007 Posts: 2306

RenegadeDave wrote:

kingoflight wrote:

What about a Yamaha THR10 ?

check it might be something you want.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4OQ0w_q6AU

That actually looks amazing. I might ahve to see if I can get my hands on one in person.

I was shocked to see a battery powered tube amp. Then realized it isn't a tube amp, more of a microcube dressed up like one complete with lighting to make people think it is.

Don't get me wrong, it may be a great little practice amp but it seems disingenuous. I wonder how many people buy this thinking they have a tube amp.

Joined: 01 May 2008 Posts: 1487 Location: Atlanta, GA

3cardcannon wrote:

RenegadeDave wrote:

kingoflight wrote:

What about a Yamaha THR10 ?

check it might be something you want.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4OQ0w_q6AU

That actually looks amazing. I might ahve to see if I can get my hands on one in person.

I was shocked to see a battery powered tube amp. Then realized it isn't a tube amp, more of a microcube dressed up like one complete with lighting to make people think it is.

Don't get me wrong, it may be a great little practice amp but it seems disingenuous. I wonder how many people buy this thinking they have a tube amp.

What makes it sound good is a little less of a priority to me than the sound coming out of the front end of it Razz

Joined: 28 Jan 2009 Posts: 6291 Location: Jacksonville, TX.

synzzzer wrote:

I checked out the Fender Hot Rod Series Blues Junior III 15W 1x12 Tube Guitar Combo Amp today at Sam Ash. I gotta say, no matter which amp I have checked out with either 6V6 or EL-84 tubes, I don't like them. They just don't have that sound that I am looking for.

I realize why makers don't want to make a one 6L6 tube amp like back in the old days. (Long story, short) They burn the tubes out way too quickly. I would like something that has the Fender 6L6 sound without the power.

I tried out the Fender Hot Rod Deluxe (6L6 tubes, 50 watts) and it's right up my alley soundwise. However, it's still a bit more powerful than I need, the price is nothing to sneeze at.

The amp that I really like is the Kustom Coupe 36 combo. I think I may end up getting it due to the price (around the same range), and even though it's more powerful than I need, it's still less than a lot of combo amps out there. Also, the weight on it isn't too bad.

The Kustom is the amp that I wanted at first, but thought I had to have something less powerful. But less powerful means using tubes that give a sound that I don't care for. But since the Kustom actually has 6L6's, as well as the tone I want, I think I will lean that way.

I hate the tones I get from an EL84 tube but Love those 6L6's. I'm with ya man. Off to check out that Kustom. Cool

Joined: 01 May 2008 Posts: 1487 Location: Atlanta, GA

Nightrain are you still liking that Boss unit you picked up?

Joined: 28 Jan 2009 Posts: 6291 Location: Jacksonville, TX.

RenegadeDave wrote:

Nightrain are you still liking that Boss unit you picked up?

ABSOLUTELY. Still stock too. Its all I have for now as an amp. And I use its built in speakers. It is the one tool that has helped my playing tremendously. Check out my recordings with it in the link in my sig.
Nightrain Cool

Joined: 10 Feb 2006 Posts: 1370 Location: Lutz, Fl.

Nightrain wrote:

synzzzer wrote:

I checked out the Fender Hot Rod Series Blues Junior III 15W 1x12 Tube Guitar Combo Amp today at Sam Ash. I gotta say, no matter which amp I have checked out with either 6V6 or EL-84 tubes, I don't like them. They just don't have that sound that I am looking for.

I realize why makers don't want to make a one 6L6 tube amp like back in the old days. (Long story, short) They burn the tubes out way too quickly. I would like something that has the Fender 6L6 sound without the power.

I tried out the Fender Hot Rod Deluxe (6L6 tubes, 50 watts) and it's right up my alley soundwise. However, it's still a bit more powerful than I need, the price is nothing to sneeze at.

The amp that I really like is the Kustom Coupe 36 combo. I think I may end up getting it due to the price (around the same range), and even though it's more powerful than I need, it's still less than a lot of combo amps out there. Also, the weight on it isn't too bad.

The Kustom is the amp that I wanted at first, but thought I had to have something less powerful. But less powerful means using tubes that give a sound that I don't care for. But since the Kustom actually has 6L6's, as well as the tone I want, I think I will lean that way.

I hate the tones I get from an EL84 tube but Love those 6L6's. I'm with ya man. Off to check out that Kustom. Cool

High fives all around. It's funny how we have very simular tastes. Of all the funny things, the designer who designed the 5150 designed the Kustom Coupe series. It's just an amp done right.

Joined: 28 Jan 2009 Posts: 6291 Location: Jacksonville, TX.

synzzzer wrote:

Nightrain wrote:

synzzzer wrote:

I checked out the Fender Hot Rod Series Blues Junior III 15W 1x12 Tube Guitar Combo Amp today at Sam Ash. I gotta say, no matter which amp I have checked out with either 6V6 or EL-84 tubes, I don't like them. They just don't have that sound that I am looking for.

I realize why makers don't want to make a one 6L6 tube amp like back in the old days. (Long story, short) They burn the tubes out way too quickly. I would like something that has the Fender 6L6 sound without the power.

I tried out the Fender Hot Rod Deluxe (6L6 tubes, 50 watts) and it's right up my alley soundwise. However, it's still a bit more powerful than I need, the price is nothing to sneeze at.

The amp that I really like is the Kustom Coupe 36 combo. I think I may end up getting it due to the price (around the same range), and even though it's more powerful than I need, it's still less than a lot of combo amps out there. Also, the weight on it isn't too bad.

The Kustom is the amp that I wanted at first, but thought I had to have something less powerful. But less powerful means using tubes that give a sound that I don't care for. But since the Kustom actually has 6L6's, as well as the tone I want, I think I will lean that way.

I hate the tones I get from an EL84 tube but Love those 6L6's. I'm with ya man. Off to check out that Kustom. Cool

High fives all around. It's funny how we have very simular tastes. Of all the funny things, the designer who designed the 5150 designed the Kustom Coupe series. It's just an amp done right.

yep it is amazing how we have similar tastes. Cool

Posted: Wed May 02, 2012 1:32 am

You all do realize this is going to come back around to the almighty Microcube right?