SilverDLine Posted February 23, 2024 Posted February 23, 2024 Hello everyone, I've been going crazy in the last period because I want, like said title, a tube amp that can take pedals well and at the same time not shatter windows, I mainly like to jam around and enjoy playing covers. I've been checking out a lot of amps that have a power soak option and the only one that seems to be acceptable is the EVH 5150 LBX-S which can be taken down to 3.5w. Other amps I have checked out are: 1- the Boss Katana which I know it's not a tube amp but it has an option of 0.5w and is said to be taking pedals nicely as well as having a nice sound. I have tried this amp in a music shop with various different guitars but after the 3rd guitar it just seems to make them all sound exactly the same from BC Rich to Fenders, so it doesn't really inspire me. 2 - Hughes and Kettner tubemeister deluxe 20, by what I saw on YouTube it has a nice clean but I'm not a huge fan of the distortion channel and tends to start being noisy quite early as soon as an overdrive is in front of it. That being said it has an option of power soak to 1w. 3 - Prs Mt15 seems nice but only has a 7w option. 4- Revv D20 nice but I would probably never use that twonotes torpedo and all the midi/recording/computer stuff side of it. On the upside it does go down to 4w and it's know to take pedals nicely and I also like the sound on its own too Also briefly had a look at BlackStar HT5R and Laney Ironheart If anyone is wondering my pedalboard is the following. Polytune 3 mini Morley 20/20 bad horsie Mxr ten band EQ Keeley compressor + V1 Kraken Jhs Bonsai Big muff TC Electronic sentry TC Electronic Corona Mxr micro flanger EH small stone phaser TC Electronic hall of fame 2 TC Electronic Ditto Thank you Antonio Quote
murphybridget Posted February 23, 2024 Posted February 23, 2024 Ultimately, it seems like the EVH 5150 LBX-S could be the best choice based on your criteria. It offers the low-wattage option you're looking for and should handle your pedalboard nicely. It's always a good idea to try amps out in person if possible to see how they feel and sound with your setup. Good luck with your search, and happy jamming! 1 Quote
Crusoe Posted February 23, 2024 Posted February 23, 2024 What about the Laney Cub Super 12? It's 15W but can be dropped to 1W and has a series effects loop 1 Quote
EliasMooseblaster Posted February 23, 2024 Posted February 23, 2024 You mentioned the Blackstar HT5R - they also do a 1W model! I had an HT1R for a few years myself, and was a good little bit of kit for something so tiny. Played quite nicely with pedals, as I recall, and could get surprisingly loud when running flat out. Worth noting that both HT amps are technically hybrids - think it's a tube in the preamp, and a SS power stage. Not sure how important it is for your amp to be all tube! 1 Quote
murphybridget Posted February 27, 2024 Posted February 27, 2024 On 23/02/2024 at 21:25, EliasMooseblaster said: You mentioned the Blackstar HT5R - they also do a 1W model! I had an HT1R for a few years myself, and was a good little bit of kit for something so tiny. Played quite nicely with pedals, as I recall, and could get surprisingly loud when running flat out. Worth noting that both HT amps are technically hybrids - think it's a tube in the preamp, and a SS power stage. Not sure how important it is for your amp to be all tube! Can you share some of your work? Quote
EliasMooseblaster Posted February 28, 2024 Posted February 28, 2024 On 27/02/2024 at 11:25, murphybridget said: Can you share some of your work? I didn't actually use it on a great many recordings, but the best example I've got is probably this one: https://youtu.be/-6DjBos-Yys?si=omBOz1zfFGcrvvef - this is my MIM Tele going straight to the amp's OD channel, no pedals in between. Quote
murphybridget Posted February 29, 2024 Posted February 29, 2024 21 hours ago, EliasMooseblaster said: I didn't actually use it on a great many recordings, but the best example I've got is probably this one: https://youtu.be/-6DjBos-Yys?si=omBOz1zfFGcrvvef - this is my MIM Tele going straight to the amp's OD channel, no pedals in between. Thanks, I'll check it out. Quote
sundayguitar Posted March 22, 2024 Posted March 22, 2024 I've had the Blackstar 1W and 5W. Even the 5W was relatively quiet. You don't cover drums with that. But it's a great bedroom amp! Quote
murphybridget Posted March 24, 2024 Posted March 24, 2024 On 21/03/2024 at 18:43, sundayguitar said: I've had the Blackstar 1W and 5W. Even the 5W was relatively quiet. You don't cover drums with that. But it's a great bedroom amp! I don't expect 5W to be plenty, in fact I think it is best suited as a bedroom amp. Quote
Adders60 Posted December 4, 2024 Posted December 4, 2024 A good low wattage amp is the Origin heads by Marshall with your effects front end of amp. I think the 20w can switch down to 1w ?? Very nice tube tone Quote
dewayne Posted December 22, 2024 Posted December 22, 2024 Not tube but I likeroland microcubes enough to have bought 3 of them for backup to my backup micro. Usually played without pedals but handled the ones I used without issue. And they can get loud while taking up minimum space. Quote
Kiwi Posted December 29, 2024 Posted December 29, 2024 There is a Chinese amp maker called Grand who ghost built the Classic series for Peavey at one point. I have a couple of their handwired 5W Princeton Tweed amps for home use. They're sold under various other brand names by resellers on Ebay but they would fit your needs perfectly. Or...you could look for a used Peavey Classic 20. Quote
