Tube amps should be cranked to produce good sound. There is no need to have a large Plexi that is constrained to play at “2”. It could be so exhausting. However, this occurs because the power amp tubes do not saturate, and the tone is relatively thin or weak. This is where purchasing the best low watt tube amp: combo & heads comes into play.
The low watt tube amp produces a responsive amp with a dynamic sound. They are easily driven and produces a fatter tone sound. In addition, tube amps are the best way to obtain the valve’s rich and warm tone, having a sound with excellent bass and mid response.
Moreover, tube amps are known to be louder than solid-state amps. For example, a low wattage tube amp of 15 watts can sufficiently fill a small club. And it can produce a more loud sound than a solid-state amp of 50 watts or more. However, we’ve listed below some of the best low watt tube amp: Combo & heads that will best suit your style.
Top 10 Best Low Watt Tube Amp: Combo & Heads
BUGERA V5 5-Watt Class Amplifier Combo with Infinium Tube Life Multiplier Black, (V5INFINIUM)
Are you in need of an excellent bang for a buck tube amp that allows you to squeeze a lot of vibes? The Bugera V5 Infinium is an ideal budget pick to start with on tube amps. The low watt tube amp features a hand-built 5-Watt Class-A amplifier, a revolutionary INFINIUM Tube Life Multiplier technology.
Moreover, the watt tube amp also comes with a fabulous vintage look and feel, a World-famous, British engineered 8″ TURBOSOUND speaker and an authentic preamp design from the ’60s featuring a 1 x 12AX7 tube. Practically, everything from purring blues to mind-blowing crunch. It has a total weight of 22 lbs, and it is best suitable for Classic Rock and Blues.
Pros
- Great tone and quality
- The amp also takes being pushed by pedals well
- Value for money
- Ability to gig with after mixing it up
Cons
- It is not versatile for louder styles unless you use effects pedals.
- The vintage saturation sound is quite loose.
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Monoprice 40-Watt 1×10 Guitar Combo Amplifier – Black with Spring Reverb, 10 inch 4-ohm Speaker, High & Low Inputs, Headphone Output for Electric Guitars
The onoprice low watt tube amp is excellent for guitar tone and flexibility. However, the low watt tube amp features a 15-watt tube power amplifier and a Celestion brand speaker.
It also features an amplifier load with a range of 8 ~ 16 ohms. However, it uses three ECC83/12AX7 preamplification tubes, two EL84 power tubes for the amplifier section, and a Celestion Red Truvox 1215 speaker.
The low watt tube amp comes with a handle frequency of about 80Hz and 10 kHz. In addition, the cabinet is ported in the rear and features a leather handle, cloth speaker grill, and a cream-coloured, textured, synthetic leather exterior with chrome corner guards.
Pros
- Versatile and Durable
- Tube Amplifier
- Spring Reverb to add lush spaciousness to your tone
- Classic Styling
- FX Loop allows users to insert effects between the preamp and power amp sections.
BOSS Katana 30-Watt Guitar Amplifier (KTN-AIR), Black
The Boss Katana is undoubtedly one of the best low watt tube amp: combo & heads. It is a wireless guitar amp with a well-developed BOSS technology that delivers rock-solid sound with ultra-low latency. Moreover, the compact wireless transmitter can be plugged into electric guitars and charges while docked in the amp.
Amazingly, the transmitter offers 12 hours of playing time when fully charged and enters standby mode automatically just to the battery when the amp is not in use. Moreover, it is always ready to play, with motion sensing technology in the transmitter that instantly wakes the amp from power-saving standby mode.
Pros
- Wireless guitar amplifier
- The amp can last up to 12 hours of playing time when fully charged
- Automatically enters standby mode to preserve battery
- The amp comes with six onboard memories for storing amp and effects setups
- Allows users to play along with music streamed wirelessly from a mobile device via Bluetooth
- Great Music Production and Silent Practice
Orange Amplifiers OR Series OR15H 15W Compact Tube Guitar Amp Head
The new Orange OR15H guitar emanates from the famous graphics amps of the ’70s, offering a classic Orange ’70s tone, a new compact package using the latest technology and construction materials.
Moreover, the OR15H offers an alternative option for users looking for a 15 watt Class A guitar amp. However, it still delivers the vintage Orange tone, and, for the first time, the Orange offers the “Pics Only” styling in a small package with wooden chassis, three bands EQ and FX loop. Moreover, the amp has a total weight of about 17.77 lbs and is well suitable for classic rock, old-school metal, alternative.
Pros
- It features a single channel amp that encourages creativity with both playing and songwriting.
- A significant volume and tone knob allows users to find new tonalities
- Some reviewers feel the amp is loud enough for live use for both small and large venues
Cons
- It has a single channel, yet it is not a limitation.
Coolmusic BP80 Powered Bass Acoustic Guitar Amplifier- Portable Bluetooth Speaker 100W W/Battery, 6 Inputs,3 Band EQ.
The Coolmusic guitar amp is one of the best low watt tube amp, which many guitar players will use. However, it has four musical instrument inputs and two auxiliary inputs, well suitable for small bands. Moreover, it can simultaneously connect two instruments such as the guitar, piano, keyboard, two microphones, computers, or two mobile phones.
The low watt tube is compatible with most BT devices, such as tablets, smartphones, laptops, etc. And it can last to 6-8 hours when fully charged. However, this depends on the volume you use after 5 hours of charge. Moreover, the tube amp can work while connected directly to the electricity.
Pros
- Built-in battery
- Last up to 8 hours
- Supports any microphone
- Compatible with various musical instruments
- Built-in Bluetooth and USB Connectivity
Line 6 Spider V 60 Wireless Ready Modeling Amplifier
The Line 6 Spider V 60 wireless guitar amplifier features a fast and easy tone shaping with intuitive controls. In addition, a built-in tuner, metronome, and drum loops provide a complete practice toolset.
Moreover, it also features 128 custom presets, including Iconic rigs and artist tones, a full-range speaker system for electrics, acoustics, and music playback. It is, however, compatible with the Line 6 FBV 3 Advanced Foot Controller.
In addition, it features wireless-ready line 6 relay transmitters, allowing users to enjoy an outstanding wireless performance. And three times as many amp, cab, and effect models as other amps in its class, which offers you the power to rock out with a limitless number of unique guitar tones.
Pros
- Full-range speakers which produce a great sound with electrics, acoustics, music
- Wireless-ready for select Line 6 Relay transmitters
- 128 crafted presets
Orange Amplifiers Electric Guitar Hardware (CRUSH 20RT)
The Orange Crush 20RT tube amplifier builds on the tonal platform of the Crush 20, which offers more functionality through the addition of lush onboard reverb and an integrated chromatic tuner.
However, the Crush 20RT features footswitchable Clean and Dirty channels and our new high gain, four-stage preamp designs, which serve up a huge palette of overdriven and distorted sound rich in harmonic overtones.
The sheer punch achieved through this speaker is nothing short of staggering, offering a commanding delivery and a depth of sound that belies the amp’s modest footprint.
The amp also comes with an Aux In for backing tracks plus a CabSim-loaded headphone output. As a result, the tube amp is the perfect portable practise amp combo, combining functional features with famous Orange tone and buckets of classic Orange mojo.
Pros
- Sound quality
- Versatile
- Value for money
- Accuracy
Fender Mustang LT-25 – Digital Guitar Amplifier
Over the decades, Fender has been well known for producing the best-sounding guitar amps on the planet. However, the Mustang LT-25 is one of Fender great products, which is well suitable for beginners and students.
It features a simple user interface, and a collection of 30 presets covering a wide range of music. Moreover, it also features a versatile signal chain with a high-quality onboard amp, and effects models produce excellent tones, making it a perfect practice amp for home or office.
Pros
- Simple user interface
- 25-watt combo amplifier
- Single 8″ Fender Special Design guitar speaker
- Stereo headphone output which enables the silent practice
- USB interface for recording or firmware updates
Acoustic Guitar Amplifier, 20 Watt Portable Bluetooth Amp for Guitar Acoustic with Reverb Chorus Effect, 3 Band EQ(Including Microphone, Audio Cable)
Amazingly, the AC20 features a professional recording studio. All you need to do is connect the internal recording line and mobile phone, live broadcast on YouTube, Facebook and other social platforms. Even on different K song platforms and the clean and impurity-free sound will instantly capture many fans! Moreover, it is possible to plug in guitars and other instruments, like the vocal microphone. Besides, its independent gain control better balances the music.
It also comes with Bluetooth 5.0, which ensures convenient connectivity to enjoy more music or add in more musical accompaniments. As well as a USB connectivity and a 3.5 mm line-in, help you play the music if your phone is poor reception.
Pros
- Walking professional recording studio
- 2 Channels with Independent Controls
- Built-in Bluetooth & USB Connectivity
- Compatible with various musical instruments
Positive Grid Spark Guitar Amplifier, Electric, Bass and Acoustic Guitar Combo Amp Bundle (Spark)
The Smart Jam generates authentic bass and drums while learning your style and feel. However, it has over 10,000+ amp-and-FX presets on ToneCloud, powered by PositiveGrid’s BIAS realistic tube amps and guitar, acoustic or bass effects.
In addition, you can import your music from Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, and Spark’s smart amplifier app auto displays the guitar chords in real-time. Moreover, the low watt tube amp includes onboard tone stack controls, tone starter preset programs, effects, a built-in tuner, tap tempo and more.
The Positive Grid Spark can be used as your USB audio interface, and the amp can also be used to track your ideas with included PreSonus Studio One Prime recording software.
Pros
- Versatile
- Rich in harmony
- Built-in tuner
- A smart app that displays the guitar chord
Factors To Consider When Buying A Low Watt Tube Guitar Amp
Wattage and Volume
The most crucial factor to consider when purchasing low watt tube amps is that a linear increase in watt does not translate to a comparable increase in volume. The more the wattage increases, the more you get more volume before your amp starts to distort.
Voicing
This is what tone an amp is based on, and it could be an American or a British voice. However, voicing comes from the tubes utilized; 6l6 type tubes sound more American, while the EL34 and the EL84 sounds British.
Open vs Closed-Back Cabinets
There are two types of amp cabinets which are open and closed cabinets. The cabinets are where the speakers are located. An open-backed cabinet produces airy, while on the other hand, a closed-back cabinet sounds quite focused with a tight low-frequency spectrum.
Speaker Size
The low-mid frequency of an amp increases as the speaker size increases. Amps with prominent speakers often tend to sound fuller and warmer, while on the other hand, amps with smaller speakers tend to produce a strong high-mid and high-end representation. Besides, they have a more focused and direct tone.
Combo Amps vs Amp Heads
There are two design configurations of amps which are combos and heads. Amp heads do not produce sound on their own because they are the “guts” of your amp. Moreover, amp heads offer flexibility in your tone.
However, on the other hand, the combo amp includes a speaker in addition to the “guts”. Therefore, they are a more cost-effective but less flexible option.
Frequently Asked Question
Can You Use a Combo with a Head Amp?
It is possible to use a combo with a head amp. However, combo amps have a built in cabinet speaker. However, manufactures leave the connection visible on the back panel of the amp. Thus, users can disconnect the speaker from the built-in amplifier and connect their own if they wish.
How Do I Reduce the Wattage of my Tube Amp?
To reduce the wattage of your tube, first remove the two outside tubes, then remove the two inside tubes. You can now remove either the first and third tubes or remove the second and fourth tubes. Which lowers the power of the amp and keeps the output stage intact. Check out the video here.
Why are Amp Heads so Expensive?
More designs, researches, and tests are used to make the amp part than the speakers, which speaker companies usually manufacture. And on the other hand, it requires more money.
Conclusion
Low watt tube amps are pretty affordable, easy to transport, and does not require much energy. Besides, the tube amp also has a low enough volume, allowing users to practice at the comfort of their homes without disturbing other people in the house or neighbourhood.
Moreover, coming to the end of our review on the 10 best low watt tube amp: combo & heads. Amongst the listed options above, our top picks are the Bugera v5 5-watt class amplifier combo with infinium tube life multiplier black (v5infinium) and the Orange amplifiers or series or15h 15w compact tube guitar amp head. However, all the low watt tube guitars listed above are all great options. It however depend on your preferred choices.
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