7 Budget Friendly (But Rad) High Gain Amps!

[@RiffsAndBeards]

Whats your favorite budget high gain amp? Click betterhelp.com/riffs and receive 10% OFF your 1st month of therapy with BetterHelp! Thank you BetterHelp for partnering with me on this video!

[@russellzauner]

I don't have a budget one but I was surprised to see the Vox (nutube) mini heads and AMP1 (Thomas Blug) not make the cut. Technically I guess AMP1 is more a stompbox amp than a mini head, form factor wise, which means it might not have been included just like the Seymour Duncan and Darkglass stompers, et al. Vox tho - I haven't had one yet but all the small/tiny heads based on the nutube stuff seem to demo pretty well. EDIT: forgot I actually have an old Peavey Classic MH20 chilling on a shelf. It's pretty slammin for being so little - I have a Bugera 5W tube combo and both that and my Wang's 5W (also tiny tube amp) actually go surprisingly hard for being stupidly small but I'd say the only legit "high gain" of the bunch is the MH20.

[@JC-fj7oo]

I bought a 6505mh and a 2x12 cab with v30's for $400. I would love to have one of those PRS amps, but considering I basically bought a Harley Benton cab and got a free 6505 I'm thrilled.

[@brandonheat4982]

1. Good call on the sponser dude. You have my gratitude. Gonna give them a call soon. 2. I'm curious about hearing the 5150 iconic and the Orange super crush on a record together. Especially on rhythm tones and chugs. I bet they would compliment each other really well. Maybe try it out for shxts and giggles ?

[@Jando_Fett]

@@brandonheat4982 Just be aware that in the past Betterhelp got caught selling people’s data from their therapy sessions as well as not having Qualified therapists, it was a big deal a few years ago, hopefully they’ve got their act together now

[@vandammebenny]

How do you feel about Blackstar amps?

[@sfishy5540]

The Marshall DSL20h probably belongs in this list as well. Definitely the PRS MT15 and soldano are great choices as mentioned in the video.

[@johnqpublic2718]

Yuss, an amp for us dad-rockers on a budget, because my daughters take all my money. Also, growing up in the 90s, if you would have told me that in 2023 I could buy a soldano for $250, id have thought you were yankin my chain.

[@Clockdistrict]

That Orange Micro Dark is actually one of the best amps I've ever used, thing can drive a 412 really easily and 20w is PLENTY! Also big vouch for the 6505, those two amps are just stupidly good for the money!

[@brostoevsky22]

I have the Orange Micro Terror (the small white 20 watt version). That little lunchbox amp screams through a 4×12 as well. Used it to practice with my band. I think it's probably powerful enough for a small venue if you crank it. Plus, it really nails down the tube amp sound despite having a solid state power amp section.

[@ehsanhaq155]

I got the dark terror 20 recently and these things have a very unique circuit and gain staging or whatever you wanna call it. Superb amps. The micro series is a big winner

[@amandahuginkiss6868]

@@ehsanhaq155 Agreed, the Dark Terror is a beast. So is the 6505 Mini Head, and if you want to spend a little less on an EVH, check out their mini head, it's a 30 watt that is louder than you might think, especially through a decent 4x12.

[@johnpindzia7922]

Weirdly has really good cleans too! Love it

[@ooferrell]

I wish I waited for the dark terror because the 20 watt micro does not have an effects loop but now the pedal version does

[@ChrisEck13]

I really respect that you were willing to talk about your personal issues in the ad in this video. Yes I know it's an ad but it might give someone else the courage to get help, even if they don't use the same service.

[@Rude1911]

Are you serious? So now ads are cool? Jesus you people

[@ChrisEck13]

@aaronrud2335 it doesn't matter whether it's an ad or not. It can still help someone. Many videos are sponsored, might as well be sponsored by something that can really help someone.

[@Rude1911]

@@ChrisEck13 you’ve got to be kidding me, all ads mean is that now that free individual with their own thoughts are now filtered through what their sponsors are ok with so in conclusion the individual dies metaphorically

[@ChrisEck13]

@aaronrud2335 that's not true. That can happen but it's pretty uncommon in this type of situation. Most of the things on KZbin are sponsored in some way whether you realize it or not.

[@Rude1911]

@@ChrisEck13 yeah and it’s gay and so are you for thinking otherwise

[@ericanderson312]

I currently use the Victory Kraken V4 amp. High gain 2 channel amp with a 2 Notes Torpedo built in. I love it. Just throw it on your pedal board and you're set. Also props on the Better Help Sponsor. Great that you are promoting mental health.

[@grimsage4495]

I love my first gen V4 Kraken! (No red eye.) Anything Victory seems to be killer. I also rock the Orange Micro Dark. However, I had to change the power led. Lazer blue was killing me. Tossed in a gold pin gold lion 12ax7 and it roared to life!

[@imacashew.]

I opted to go with a V4 kraken (new version) It’s absolutely killer. So much so that saved up again and got a V4 sheriff. I use them either blended together or in stereo. It is a glorious sound.

[@Gravy1255]

Do you have a power amp to a cab?

[@PtVienna316]

I used to gig with a 6505MH for like 3 years, about 20 Concerts a year, some of them in the grungiest of dive bars, only stopped using it because my band switched to HX Stomps, so we sold the Amp to a friend of ours, who still uses it everyday in his Studio. It's such an awesome little amp!

[@MaxNMyles]

What do you run the stomp into for practices and live?

[@27retrodaze]

As an owner of about 16 different amp heads, and a proud owner of the Orange Micro Dark, its awesome hearing someone (i respect) say its a sleeper... It is an amazing amp for what it is... (I also own the Soldano Mini)... But the BEST by FAR is the MT15!!

[@DaltPlaysGuitar]

I have both the Micro Dark and the MT15, and I play them in stereo pretty often. Always ends up in absolutely stellar tones with the beef of the MT and the cut of the Orange 🔥

[@raykilmer6357]

I've got the MT15 and love it. Talked a friend into getting one as well. I bought it when it 1st came out, had to wait 4 months. Was well worth it. Crushing metal tones. Also the BetterHelp is just that, Better Help. Everyone needs help and they deliver. Good call Ryan on the sponsor.

[@thisguy2973]

I play with the Orange Rocker 15, and it’s a killer amp. Gets very loud, has tubes, but I also use it with a kraken tube preamp pedal and it handles the tone really well. They make it in head form as well.

[@livius16]

I own the Micro Dark on one end of the budget, I own the MT15 on the other end of the scale. Both are amazing. Also played on most of the others on the list. This list is on point! I would add on the cheap side if you're not allergic to Chinese stuff - Joyo Zombie 2 was a complete surprise to me. REALLY solid mini amp.

[@ghostrunner713]

The Super Crush is my all time favorite amp. Adding a Jptr Fx Death Saw set up as more of a boost than swedish chainsaw turns it into a serious high gain monster.

[@dylanmcgarry1221]

Marshall DSL line is definitely worth considering currently rocking the DSL1 head for my bedroom and absolutely love it

[@steveh5913]

MAD PROPS !!! The sponsor is a BIG thing people don’t want to talk about! Thank you for being open and looking for ways to spend word about help for people!

[@PG-ex3kl]

Yes indeed, I go to Coda and it is free!!!

[@pauliestorm]

Fluff. Great video... just bought the PRS MT 15 and the Peavey 6505 is next!! Also , I was pleased to see Better Help and your talk about it . Thank you !

[@jmustang2000]

The Soldano mini is crazy good. Funny thing is at its price it's cheaper than what you'd pay in sales tax in the full size Soldano.

[@psycheadfuzzfreak830]

Don’t break ur back hauling it around either

[@EricMorettin]

It's very admirable that you opened up a bit with today's sponsor. Everyone needs help in some way and it shouldn't be stigmatized. Hope the recovery has been good to you

[@SinjaEs]

joyo zombie II, just 150 bucks, get one asap 🙏👌sometimes the smaller heads are not just much cheaper they are also technically improved versions of their bigger brothers like the 5150 50w stealth and mesa rectifier mini. the 50w stealth is one of the best amps i have ever played so far! peace 🙏🙏

[@ZhekaSpetz92]

I LOVE the 50w Stealth. I am so tempted to pull the trigger on one……..😅

[@jonscudder759]

I have 3 amp heads - Friedman Runt20, Line 6 DT25 and Marshall SC20. My Runt20 is loaded with Legendary tones evo V2 and SC20 loaded with legendary tones Mr Scary. Hands down the Runt20 with evo in it is my favorite! So much gain and so over the top! Worth trying out!

[@The_Devil_U_Know]

I sold my MT15 to some dude like a year ago as I just wasn’t using it enough. Hindsight I kinda wish I kept it but it makes me happy to hear the dude who bought has been using it as his main amp for shows and recording, while I was using it just as home practice amp so I’m happy it’s getting used for more than collecting dust. More than a year later now he’s still using it as his main amp 👍👍

[@Pain0nRye]

I made the switch from my 120w Peavey 6505+ to the mt15 for weight and change of tone purposes and honestly I’m still blown away at how gnarly it sounds. I wasn’t sure I would love it but lemme tell you it feels(and sounds) good to be wrong haha

[@666jswful]

Dude, totally agree. MT15 is my go to amp right now. It’s killer and we keep hearing the rumors of an updated version.

[@JoelCSabo]

Consider adding a Guptech PDEQ pedal to the effects loop of your MT15s. I did for mine, and I really dig it, even more than a ten-band EQ. I know the MT15 already has presence, but I think the Guptech pedal sets theirs at a different frequency range to get things extra spicy. Adding some extra low end is nice too when chugging at home. I'd love to hear if y'all are adding extra sauce somewhere.

[@cloud041089]

@@JoelCSaboI have a 10 band EQ and a MT15. What frequency do you boost for presence?

[@JoelCSabo]

@cloud041089 honestly, I haven't fiddled with my MXR Ten Band EQ Since I got that PDEQ pedal. I couldn't tell you what I was doing before, nor what frequencies are being amplified by the PDEQ. I am sorry to let you down.

[@theidiot4hire4]

Love the Fit for an Autopsy plug! Saw them open for Trivium twice and they rock!!

[@MoreSoNowThanEver]

I’m mostly a bassist but needed a descent guitar setup for my band room. I got my broken Marshall MB60 combo bass amp, ripped out the head and run an Orange Micro Dark through that bass cab. That tone is killer! Everyone that’s played through it has been pleasantly surprised. If you haven’t ran a Micro Dark through a bass cab I highly recommend it.

[@jacoby8208]

The Katana head’s are amazing. You can do so much tone shaping with the global EQ and cab resonance settings. Definitely recommend using an actual analog overdrive with it though, BOSS SD-1 works great with it

[@Chickendipupdate]

I have same set up, do you have any good set up for low tune high gain?

[@PixelmechanicYYZ]

The Micro Dark is great. It will go from totally sparkly clean to super dirty AND it has a proper effects loop for reverbs. Gets more use than my custom built head and my Spark 40 combined

[@ledchickenfpv7164]

I may need to look into grabbing one of these. I saw one in a store recently and 'even though I knew it was very small, I was still surprised by just how tiny it is. My goal is to eventually either put together some kind of old fogey bar band or at least find some open mic jam sessions locally. I suppose as long as the Micro Dark has enough oomph on tap to be able to play with a drunmmer who's not super heavy handed, the diminutive size of the Micro Dark could actually be a conversation starter or a bit of comic relief on the side. ;)

[@homeboyjon4885]

Great reviews, but really appreciate your honesty about getting some help. I listened to the whole ad segment because I was stoked to hear a bit of your story. Thank you!

[@Gonzoplays]

BetterHelp! Thank you for having a sponsor that can actually help make this world a better place and great video. I have the Boss Katana MKII head but looking for a tube head on a budget and your video really helped me make a choice.

[@TheGarageRecordingSC]

Great list, I've been looking for something for the studio, when we might need an alternative to whatever a band brings in. The stuff from Joyo is awesome as well.

[@nocturnalsurf7021]

I really wana try out a Joyo Bantamp. As far as an affordable, bang for the buck type thing...been eyeballing them for a bit. Should I get 1?

[@TheGarageRecordingSC]

@@nocturnalsurf7021 I don't own one personally, but I've had a few guys bring them in to the studio, and they were really nice little amps. A lot of bang for the buck!!

[@ChrisEck13]

My favorite budget amp is the Orange Rocker 15 Terror. I don't know if you would consider it a high gain amp but it if you turn the gain up 3/4 of the way and hit it with an overdrive it sounds absolutely massive through an Orange 2x12. All tube, tube PI, and tube buffered effects loop, and 4 different power levels, 0.5, 1, 7, or 15 watts. I've used it for home, band practice, and live and it's worked in every situation. I think they're somewhere around 699 new but you can find them used for as little as 400. The EQ has a huge range and you can really use overdrives along with the EQ and the drive of the amp to really get whatever you want out of it.

[@aaronlandry2469]

I recently picked up an Orange micro dark to use as a lighter rig for rehearsals. It is deceptive for its size. Just under half volume, it was able to keep up with a full band, and it also can get quiet enough for the apartment levels of playing. It sounds great. It's darker sounding than my 50w EVH. It's so small that it fits in my pedal board bag If I needed to, I would gig it.

[@IndyRockStar]

i have all expensive guitars, I have several high end Marshall amps, a Klon, a KOT, and a quad cortex. I got to say I'm SUPER excited to my Orange Super Crush 100 amp today! Ordered it on Amazon for $500!

[@rjeff753]

I am in Love my MT-15. Killer amp and sounds great hooked to my 2x12 with Vintage 30’s and have a fantastic Clean tones.

[@Burnt_Gerbil]

I would also add the Orange OR15 to this list. It’s the amp I currently own. I run it through a 4x12 cabinet. It does ultra clean to metal. It’s only $749, but hey go for about $500 used.

[@uskeeze2131]

I’m surprised it wasn’t! I love mine. I run it with a HX effects and it just does anything and everything I could ever want it to.

[@glenkimura1944]

I was thinking about getting an or15 but was worried about keeping up with a monster drummer. Will it work you think?

[@Burnt_Gerbil]

@@glenkimura1944 - Absolutely. It’s loud enough. It’s more about the midrange than sheer volume.

[@paulspector8220]

I gig with the orange super crush 100 paired with a crush pro 4x12. Played a show last week and one of the other bands had PRS MT15. Great to see these amps make the list.

[@thesuppcollector]

Honorable mention to the Egnater Tweaker series. Picked up a used Tweaker 40 (post heat issues being fixed) for about $400 and it does everything I need it to. I run a pedal board through it, and use it to regularly gig and have had no issues at all

[@Stratman5150]

Great video! Love my 6505MH!

[@pedrogarciarobleto]

I got a certified refurbished by the manufacturer 6505 MH for $440, and it's a beast. Paired with a Sound Town 2x12 bought empty for $240 loaded with a pair of V30s (2021 and 2022) that cost $160 each. A brutal setup for exactly 1K, Tax-Free, free shipping.

[@BazonBlades]

Well, I own two of the seven. And totally agree that both are bad ass. As is your whole list. But I definitely love my MT15 and Super Crush heads.

[@Terry3Gs]

Great list Ryan. I also had a Micro Dark for awhile & yes for gain it was great + effects loop !!

[@GrimScarFayn]

I am currently rocking a Crate CPB150, and they are grossly underrated.

[@coleford4258]

My SC100 is a workhorse, and I can get all the necessary tones for our cover gigs between the two channels and some drive pedals. I think it needs to be clarified that the SC100 might be an entry point into big Orange heads, but it's by no means inferior to the big boys. It holds its own, and can gig (possibly out gig in terms of lifespan) a lot of the big Orange tube heads.

[@jimandcathep9915]

I have a SC100 as well - and I also have a Soldano SLO 30 and Friedman Smallbox. The SC100 is ridiculously good. And I don't play stoner metal. The low gain tones on it are really good as well . And even if the dirt channel isn't for you, the clean channel takes pedals amazingly well - way better than my other amps. Effects loops works/sounds great. Sounds great at low volumes as well. Every time I play it I can't believe this thing is only $400.

[@coleford4258]

@@jimandcathep9915 I don't find the dirt channel to be to "stoner rock" personally. I think the EQ in the amp does a good job of letting you dial in a good rock/metal tone outside the stoner genre. Pair that with a boost (just play with it as the amp doesn't react quite like a tube amp does), and/or an EQ pedal in the loop and you've got a massive variety of high gain tones at your disposal. All with that Orange sound to it of course lol.

[@askalon2743]

For around 1000$ you can get ENGL Fireball 25, I just love that amp, also uses 2 full sized 6L6 tubes, and it just sounds great, but it is really versitile, i can literally dial in almost all the tones you can hear on the records all around the globe. Cheers guys!

[@jsullivan2112]

Fireball 25 is $1500 with taxes. I'd call that over budget.

[@askalon2743]

@@jsullivan2112 Not where i live, sry bro :D i get it for around $930 brand new last year, but i am from poland, so much closer to germany

[@jsullivan2112]

@@askalon2743 So not US prices, which is basically the entire point of this video? Okay bro.

[@askalon2743]

@@jsullivan2112 I think you can still find used one for +- $1000 in US, but it is still similar range

[@zakk2bwylde]

I use the MT15 exclusively and played large festivals with it. Sounds soooo big!!

[@kevinwaynenorthen269]

I'm still rockin' my old Mesa/Boogie DC5. Bought it 23 years ago for $675, and they don't sell for much more than that these days. Highly recommend checking one of those out, if you find one. Monstrous tone from those amps.

[@RokDAWG1]

I’ve been using the Quilter Labs Super Block UK with a Seymour Duncan Dirty Deed Distortion Pedal & it does the thing! I can get into crush mode or just lay back in rock or hard rock mode. I think they roll out around the $200-ish. They’re genuinely amazing!

[@AndrewC1983]

Just picked up the Orange Super Crush 100 and I love it. It totally rips and is 100% has that Orange sizzle. I have had the Micro Dark for years and love it vut the Super Crush just does it all and does it great.

[@musicmore5169]

Love your shirt and Darkest Hour ❤️ is my favorite right now 🤣

[@nocturnalsurf7021]

I love that people are mentioning the Joyo Bantamp series. I have been very interested in these amps for a low budget amp head since most are very expensive. I also own the Orange Micro Dark for this reason. That little dude blew me away at how loud it can get in my Randall RX412 cabinet. Joyo Bantamp worth buying a couple?? Let me know. I've been impressed with some of their pedals soo far.

[@mattlombardi54]

Killer shirt dude!!! Gotta support the best boys from Jersey!

[@michaelmiller7789]

I wish I had access to the PRS MT15 in 1997. This amp has been my go to for the last 5 years. I run an ISP Decimator and Maxon OD808 in the line with a Noise Gate and Sonic Stomp in the loop pushing two 1x12 PRM MT cabs loaded with Eminence DV77s. Simplest setup and best sound I’ve ever been happy with.

[@2974dc]

You definitely missed the EVH LBXS. You are slightly redeemed because you got me into getting one with your review video. Sweet, sweet amp. Joyo Zombie II is the biggest sleeper that is hardly ever mentioned. 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@MikeYeary]

I used a Crate 1200h half-stack as a pedal platform for years. I got it for $599 back in 2005 (I think), and had several people come up (that were playing their shows with Marshals and Mesas) and say, "Man, that thing sounds awesome!" Wow, thanks! 😂

[@Craig_N]

I got the Orange Crush solely based on your first review video. Love it almost as much as my Marshall DSL combo.

[@TheStokerX]

Nice list. Great call on the 6505MH. Absolutely superb little metal head.

[@kylesimmonds9925]

Joyo Jackman II. Use it all the time for practice. Run through a 2x12 with EVH's in it. For the money, it's hard to beat IMO.

[@sounddude47]

The Orange Micro Dark is a really cool amp, but try one out before you buy it. The one I got had some faulty ICs which made some asymmetrical clipping and just made everything sound like a fuzz pedal. Had to have it modded by a tech to fix it, and now the power switch (which is also tied to an IC) is now permanently open. I may have just gotten a lemon, but it's still worth trying before buying.

[@cjpalmisano4366]

The PRS MT 15 is incredible! You can find them used between 500-699 on reverb.

[@metalpuppet5798]

I personally (at least if played through a load box into the computer) find it not tight enough. But then again Tremontis sound isnt suuuper Metallica kinda tight. Which is my favorite kind of sound. So thats kind of my fault :D

[@JoelCSabo]

​@metalpuppet5798 you're definitely spot on about Tremonti/Metallica, by and large. Mark has big walls of sound, at least that's my memory. Also, will anything ever be a tight as ...And Justice for All?

[@metalpuppet5798]

@@JoelCSabo the answer is no. As long as people are bitching about there being no bass I will praise the album for its fucking unbelievably god tier guitar tones. I dont even give a crap about the bass xD (not really but sort of).

[@xsteox770]

The Laney Ironheart series are very overlooked. Had the rack sized 15w before. Can be got very cheap 2nd hand, and now there's a solid state, pedal sized one out.

[@KRayxKodessA]

LOVE the MT15, can't wait for the MT100 to come out in October.

[@kentstarr6501]

One of my biggest musical regrets is selling my MT15....I got endless comments on how good it sounded and it.....was.....LOUD. Even at 7w. Amazing amps!

[@IamTimHowley]

LOVE YOUUUU!! hahaha. And Yes, Im jamming one of the Iconics live. Got it dialed proper and it sounds Monstrous.

[@mikeguitarist]

I use my Marshall’s and 6505 heads for the big shows and for the small bars I use the MT15 with a Mesa 2x12! That amp is so killer I get compliments on it all the time.

[@tylerdurden9732]

I love my BluGuitar Amp1 Iridium! For around $850, its 100w (LOUD!!) that can easily mimic multiple high gain amp styles (Mesa Rec, Marshall DSL, Peavy 5150/6505, Soldano, Engl, etc) just by simply tweaking the overdrive voicing, master and gain and the very, very usable EQs knobs. And it's small enough to live on a pedal board (I personally run it on a 24"x16" board with effect pedals). I jam with multiple "different sounding" modern metal bands and they're all amazed by the brutal heavy tones this thing can deliver ( i run it through an T75+V30s in X pattern 4x12), and that I can also convincingly mimic their $4000 - $5000 rigs at fraction of the price! Check 'em out if you haven't yet!

[@thisdyingsoul76]

I discovered Wangs amps a few years ago and have not looked back. I have 3 of their models. I don't own the HD series heads yet, but if (when) I buy another Amp, this will be the one. If I recall correctly, It's clean Channel is based on a Bogner Chiva and the dirty channel is based on an Soldano SLO-100. Yes, it's made in China, but it's better quality than most made in China amps.

[@MattDTN]

I have the Peavey Invective mini and the Electro Harmonix Mig 50! Both are such monster amps!!! The Mig50 is unbelievably loud! I mean it’s unreal!

[@OuijaboredAaron]

DAAAWWWWGGG I got the 5150 ICONIC 40Watt combo and it is IMMACULATE love it ❤

[@CedricSatterfield]

Katana heads also have an onboard speaker that is about 30w max and it can hang with a light to medium drummer.

[@jasonrogers7318]

Great video fluff! Thanks for the perspective. Cheers 🍻

[@RiffsThatCrush]

I’ve been wanting to get back into playing guitar as of late I have been kinda depressed about the cost about it. To play doom/Stoner/sludge stuff always requires (or so I’ve been told) big huge and silly expensive rigs. This has changed my mind indefinitely on the need for big rigs

[@DestinationUnknownBandSinger]

That MT15 is one of the loudest if not THEE loudest lunch box amp out there. That thing SLAYS

[@Snivic-music]

EVH 5150 Iconic, sub1000 dollar, stepdown to 20watts, silent recording mode and sounds great

[@Ghost_Necrosis]

Bro I looked up your Dragged Under band, I typically don’t like screamo punk but I think your shit is real sick! It’s got class for sure. Love the band and your channels got great content.

[@joshbittner]

What’s awesome about the Katana is that they are so dirt cheap secondhand too. If that amp existed when I was a teen in like 2002, I don’t think I would’ve ever upgraded to a tube amp. It sounds that good. But everyone here should know that by now lol

[@MeAmSmack]

I’m new (like, literally fresh as fuck) to the Half-Stack game and I’m trying to find something entry level, but worth my while. This video is basically exactly what I’m looking for, minus audio examples/references. Thanks, dude!

[@finaljesus]

i just got the orange micro dark for a really good price a pawn shop find $140.00 from $160.00 it was on sale when i got it lol came with a thick cable of course the power supply and the carrying case i also have the yamaha THR 5 and the THR 10X i’ve had them for years now and i love them too the 10X is insane thank you for this video

[@PooNinja]

No#3 FTW I’m loving my katana 100 112. I’m gonna try bypassing the driver this weekend 🤘🏽

[@phillramirez8323]

Nice review on these Budget amp I'm eyeballing the boss katana but that 6505 🤔

[@Turbo-D]

place 1 joyo bantamps like meteor and zombie, can`t beat these little grazy metal machines for just 100-140€ imo, mastoton have recorded some of their tracks with it, cheers 👌🎸

[@t871]

I picked up the 6505 mh at the local pawn shop. It was in the box, original foot switch and looked almost unused. Grabbed it for $450. But the price was not as impressive as the tone. Loud, lots of sustain and has a midrange growl that will make the hair stand on your neck. Tons of tone!

[@JoelCSabo]

1. Good on ya for the lengthy sponsor talk. We're all hurtin'. 2. If we're talking heads under $1k, the Marshall DSL20HR that others have mentioned, and that I own, is pretty great. It is the largest "lunchbox" I've seen, but you aren't gonna hate some EL34 tubes in a small head. Mmm.

[@alexwolfguitar]

I use the 6505 mini a 2x12 ENGL cab, and it sounds MASSIVE 😎

[@Metalhead0283]

I’d swap out the 6505 for the invective mini, you get the built in noise gate and overdrive, it’s a straight up plug in and go amp

[@jrhoadsHTI]

You can find a used Jet City JCA22H for around $300, and it's basically a Soldano. I love mine and think it's almost as good as my Laney IRT120H.

[@Gravy1255]

I personally use a Joyo meteor with a boss SO and 6band EQ in front. Gets me that 80s tone

[@ThePowerman121]

I absolutely love my Orange Super Crush. You nailed with with the stoner rock thing.

[@Chuck-Bob]

I know this is way old. But while we're on the subject (lol). I've got two Line 6 sleepers for ya. They make a lot of stuff, they move on fast, and they don't support older gear, which sucks imo. But look for these 2 used. There's a 100 watt Line 6/Bogner tube head, you can find one used for $500. Its killer. And I've got Flextone HD head, that I paid $200ish for. The models sound great, it gets as crunchy as you want with no weird artifacts, and with 2 cabs its 300 solid state watts, if you need to tear the roof off the place.

[@coreybray9834]

I’m currently using a Synergy 2 with the Bogner Ecstasy and Vai preamps, but if I had to go budget I think I would consider the Hews and Ketner Black Spirit 200 watt. Looks like a nice all purpose amp for around $989 at Sweetwater.

[@damianhannon1581]

I am using the Iridium - and when I want to amplify it, I am doing that through a Headrush FRFR type cab. But honestly, I so rarely play out loud (99.9% through headphones). One of those Micro Terrors really appeals to me, small little amp, its £99 here in the UK, and then just grab the 8" cab for I think its £70 - thats insane deal. The nice thing as well, is it covers the one thing the Iridium doesnt do, the Orange. Less than £200 for a Orange tube amp, can't argue with that. (Other alternative would just be that 5w Harley Benton Fender'y clone).

[@JimDewdGuitars]

I know they are hit an miss but I had great experiences with my buyers G5 infinium tube amp. It's about 500 and has an American and British setting and sounds great for a budget friendly starter tube amp.

[@TurkeyShaman]

The micro dark is the best option here. It's an insane amp for little cost. Next best option is the PRS MT15. It's not that common because the archon 50 isn't much more expensive (last time I checked) however, it's loud, it's full flavored, and it's easy to carry up a flight of stairs to practice.

[@jesseparrish9198]

Does the micro dark have tubes in it?

[@tommilitello198]

Not that common I’ve seen that thing mentioned in every lunch box amp demo I’ve seen and especially from the comments lol

[@jeremy7383]

Fun fact you can see the 6505 mini in use in The Black Dahlia Murder's Yule 'Em All. The recently switched to the Iconic now.

[@dylanjastle]

Was hoping for demos after talking about them! Cool video though

[@BMackQ]

I liked 6505MH, but I got the PRS MT15 instead. I wanted a 6L6 power valve amp, as I already have 2 EL84 and 1 EL34. In the meantime I got, by accident, a Peavey VK100, which again is has 6L6 in the power section and it needed some love, but I got it to work right and I'm happy about it. I don't know why I didn't love the Katana. I went to Andertons (UK music shop) and I thought all the guitars I was trying were shit, only to find out the the amp was doing that. As soon as I changed the amp, the sound changed completely. But yeah, this is me!

[@ThatBaritoneGuitarGuy]

I have a Micro Dark, and it is insane. I have used it through a 4x12, and I am currently using it through a 1x15. I have been considering replacing it with the all-valve Dark Terror. Even still, I LOVE the Micro Dark. As for the Super Crush, I would love to try one. I had the original Crush, and I would love to see the improvement. On a side note, the "black" tolex might not actually be black. I had the "black" tolex on my original Crush, and it was actually dark blue.

[@Jake_Sachs]

I'm happy that 3 of my 4 amps are on this list (Katana, Super Crush, MT15).

[@seanleblanc7857]

If u had to choose between the super crush and katana which would u choose

[@donseibert4847]

I love my H&K Grandmeister 36. Great sound, packed with effects and I super lite weight package.

[@chunkuswumpus3515]

Glad you put the katana head. The cabs are cool but you can only get so loud with them before they start sounding not great. Got a mk2 head as a trade in for a mk2 2x12 then got a peavy valve king 4x12. I can shake the whole house with a rig that's 300$ total and it's WICKED

[@gregrandallbtsr03]

My MT 15 was worth the long wait. Always impressive.

[@iabdgogogo1234letsgo]

Best sales point for the SLO Mini, "it's adorable". Take my money!