Asides from producing some of the most iconic guitars in the world, Fender has produced some of the best amps, too, including the Super Champ xd and Super Champ x2. Understandably, choosing between these two legendary guitar amps can prove difficult. Therefore, this article would look at the difference between the Fender products, “Fender Super Champ xd vs x2”.
Using a high-quality amp matters as the size of the amp to its power output can make a huge difference in the sound your guitar produces. Both Fender models allow for a wide range of tonal variety, with versatile amplifying voice pallets.
In addition, both amps are great amps from the same brand; in this article, we’ll help point out their features and differences.
Fender Super Champ XD vs X2- Comparison/difference
As mentioned earlier, both the XD and X2 is quite identical, with little differences; we’ll be talking about the similarities first
Similarities
Both tube power amplifiers are rated at an impressive 15 watts produced by the dual 6V6 tubes, which increases their lifetime range compared to the short lifetime of other power tubes at about 2 years.
They also have 10″ speakers, each with an 8-ohm impedance, giving decent sound on the different outputs; its impedance is not the lowest you can get. Still, it’s okay for entry-level guitarists to practice or to play at home.
They both have 16 DFS effects which have a wide range of tonal differences. However, the weight, size, and physical looks are the same; they have input and output connectors with a power switch and power connector port.
Differences
Aside from the output and input port, power switch, and power connector port on the X2, it also has a USB port; the USB port gives the amp digital accessibility and helps you record your jam sessions; this is not found on the XD.
The X2 has the FUSE software compatible with Macs and PCs and functions as a library, practice partner, and editor that enables you to modulate the amp to suit your needs. The XD lacks this FUSE software; it would have been a major plus if it had it.
Unlike the XD that has 16 different preamp voices; the X2 has 15 preamp voices. The X2 is more expensive than the XD.
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Alternatives to the Fender Super Champ XD and X2
Orange Amps Electric Guitar Power Amplifier, (Crush20RT)
This Orange crush 20 will satisfy your thirst for highly-responsive overdrive, and it features two foot-switchable channels that provide you with massive, wide-ranging tones that will take you back in time to the days of no-nonsense, old school guitar amplifiers.
Another added advantage is Orange’s innovative CabSim circuit, which faithfully imitates the muscle of an Orange 4×12″ cabinet through the Crush 20RT’s headphone/line output, as well as an onboard tuner and reverb. It uses 20watt power, and its controls are 3 band EQ, volume, gain, reverb.
Pros
- Control settings are straightforward.
- The reverb is buttery smooth with no digital artifacts
- It is not picky about guitars.
Cons
- The tuner is not very good
The Fender Super Champ XD and X2 might not be loud enough for you, or you probably don’t like tube amps and think they’re overrated; there are some other guitar amps for you to consider. Some of them are:
Positive Grid Spark Guitar Amplifier and Traveler Bag Bundle
The spark is a 40watt combo that is loaded with some serious thunder, featuring bass, mid. Treble tone stack controls, plus handy mod, delay, and reverb effects, tone starter preset programs, a built-in tuner, tap tempo, and even the spark app that working together with its amp, helps you learn your style and feel, creating authentic bass and drums to accompany you. The smart virtual band that follows you everywhere you go.
Pros
- The amp sounds great, dynamic, and responsive
- The amp is versatile and full of great tones
- Hardware is well made
- Effects are great
Cons
- It produces a humming sound at times
BOSS KTN-50-2 Katana-50 MkII-50-watt 1×12 Guitar Combo Amp (KTN-50-MK2)
The Katana MKII, with its tube logic design approach, takes the iconic Katana guitar amp series to the next level; added to the core platform are more sounds, more effects, more features.
This guitar has 5 amp characters that offer everything from organic vintage tones to modern high-gain sounds with newly voiced variations available for each, which doubles the tonal options.
The usability has been ramped up, too, with a power amp input for modellers and multi-FX, an easy stereo expansion for dual amp setups, updated editor software, and many other enhancements.
The Katana MKII promises a sound, feel, and versatility that soars far beyond its class. It includes five accompanying effects categories, putting the tone-shaping power of a massive pedalboard right inside your amp.
In addition, it delivers the authentic output distortion features of tube amps, with its sound and feels becoming richer and more expressive as you rack up the volume.
Pros
- A great solid-state amp with sag and attack
- Excellent EQ
- Great value for money
Cons
- No tuner included, and no display either
Factors to Consider Before Buying the Fender Super Champ XD or X2
Power output: when talking about amps, the power output matters a lot; how loud your speaker will depend largely on the power output of your amp; the bigger the speakers, the more power you need.
Although it’s for practicing at home or playing in small spaces, you don’t need much power output, 10W is enough, and 100W is more than enough for large parties; you’ll need at least 30W if you’re planning to play live with a rock band.
Inputs/Connections: before buying an amp, you should put into consideration all that you might need plugging into the amp; you should have enough input/output system for everything you’ll be connecting to the amp, for instance, USB for laptops and home theatre PCs, and 3.5mm for iPods.
Channel surfing: many guitarists require multi-channel amps, especially those who use a wide tonal range, and for some guitarists, their needs are quite simple; just a good clean sound with good distortion is what they’re after. But if you like playing with a variety of tones, then multi-channel amps are the right ones for you.
Effects and other special features: you should also consider other features you’ll like on your amp, like effects; many guitar amps also feature some effects like reverb, tremolo, and the likes; also, if you’re buying a multiple channelled amp, having EQ control for each of the channels is very helpful, it enables you to adjust the volume and distortion of the amp specifically.
Fender Super Champ XD (features, pros, cons)
The super champ XD was launched in the year 2007, when Fender made a new trend by latching a DSP preamp to the front of a valve power amp, which resulted in a combination of valve-amp dynamics and dimension, but with the versatility of 16 different amp voicings and a range of on-board digital effects and budget-friendly.
It features the popular vintage Fender amp look, the control panel at the front face featuring Volume 1, Gain, Volume 2, Voice, Treble, Bass, F/X Level, F/X Select knobs, and the knobs are easily accessible, making using them quite easily.
The XD has two foot-switchable channels; the first channel produces neat blackface tones. The second channel has a voicing selector that changes the overdrive, coloration, and compression attributes, thus imitating the range of vintage Fender amps.
On the rear part of the amp are the input and output connectors, also with the power switch and power connector port. Super Champ XD has a 15-Watt amp that has two 6V6 tubes as well as one 12AX7 preamp tube.
Unfortunately, all this makes it more suitable for use at home or small venues; it is not the perfect choice for concerts, it also has a 10″ 8Ω speaker output that produces clearer sound at a lower volume, it is not the loudest sounding amp in the market but is very versatile.
The XD offers sixteen different voicings and sixteen DFS effects, which means several ways to diversify your guitar’s sound. It is more affordable than other fender combos in its class, and it is a great choice for beginner electric guitarists as it is inexpensive.
Pros
- It delivers a variety of voicing options
- It offers impressive features despite its price
- Produces clear sound
- Its control panel is easily accessible
- It is lightweight and portable
Cons
- At high volumes, the sound is a little muddled
- Not ideal for larger playing space
Fender super champ X2 (features, pros, cons)
The Fender super champ X2 is the successor to the XD and it is almost identical to the XD with only a few differences. The X2, with its valve power amp stage, a DSP modelled preamp and effects section, and direct to computer recording, boast of excellence.
More so, the Fender super champ uses 15-watts power produced by the dual 6V6 tube, which enables it to be used in recordings or small gigs, it also increases the lifetime of this amp’s power tubes, unlike others that hardly last for more than 2 years, like the XD, and features a 10″ speaker with 8 ohms impedance.
It also has input and output lines through which you can connect your amp to an external speaker and also a USB output that helps with better digital connectivity, which is found at the rear of the amp together with the power switch and power connector port, and unlike the XD, has 15 preamp voices.
It also has two foot-switchable channels like the XD and they perform the same functions as that of the XD; that is, the first channel produces neat blackface tones, while the second channel has a voicing selector that changes the overdrive, coloration, and compression attributes, thus imitating the range of vintage Fender amps.
This amp also features the Fuse software compatible with both Macs and PCs; it lets you personalize the amp to suit your taste and diversify your guitar’s tone with more precision.
Pros
- Great sound
- Super-versatile
- Also lightweight and portable
- Fitted with USB port for digital recording
Cons
- More expensive than similar amp models
- Not ideal for larger playing space
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Fender Super Champ loud enough for gigs?
If you’re playing at home, practicing, or playing small gigs, the Fender Super Champ is loud enough. But it is not loud enough for loud parties, live rock bands, or large gigs.
Can I record my music through the Fender Super Champ?
You can only record your music through the Fender Super Champ X2. However, the amp can be connected to a PC or Mac via USB cable and recorded in FUSE software; this feature is not present in the Fender Super Champ XD, as it doesn’t have a USB port or the FUSE software.
Does the Fender Super Champ X2 take pedals well?
Yes, it does. It is one of the best amps to mix with pedals.
Good Read: Best Mini Guitar Pedals
Conclusion
Comparing the Fender Super Champ XD vs X2 is a difficult choice. They are both sensibly priced combo amps with great sound and quality. They retain the vintage Fender look and sound; except for FUSE software and USB port on the X2, they are both pretty identical.
The amps are ideal for entry-level players or gigging at home; getting one of these guitar amps is a great choice, no matter which one.
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