Amps Under $500 | A Tech's Perspective | Part 1 of a Series

Good amps under $500 are harder to pick out than you might think.

As the series progresses there will be more options, but I started with amps below $500, some new, some used.

[casey]

This is the most objective analysis I've seen on the pros and cons of buying an amp. While many reviewers focus only on tonal qualities or reputation, you've touched two of the most important considerations for those of us who gig in various conditions....reliability and "fixability". When you amp fails in the middle of a gig, all of the marketing propaganda quickly fades into the night. Looking forward to the next instalment in the series.

[petermcateer]

Finally, something like "Consumer Reports" for amps. Nice to see someone delve into the engineering and construction, bypassing the layers of marketing, five star Sweetwater reviews, and fanboy YouTube videos. Well done. I'm really looking forward to seeing where this goes.

[cassmyers]

I own a Hot Rod Deluxe with a damaged power cap. I'll be able to fix it only because you've shown me how. Thanks for your killer content.

[recklesstoboggan]

This is a brilliant idea for a series. Really looking forward to where this goes.

Thank you!

[jpc_]

Bought my AC15C1 a year ago after watching this video and have done a good bit of gigging with it since. After putting in some new tubes I couldn’t be happier with an amp under $500.

[sub-jec-tiv]

The worst part of amps that aren’t repairable is that they become landfill. And trust me, at some point our great grandchildren are going to be shaking their fists at us because we didn’t bother to make good purchasing decisions. I know most people don’t care about this. But absolutely they should. We ought to be adults not children pretending they don’t know, and not buy electronics that are manufactured to become landfill.

[derekaayres]

I love my Vox AC-15. Extremely pleased, I've had it for years. The tone I can dial in is so lux, the break-up is just terrific. I am so grateful that the shop guy back in the day basically pointed at it and said, "You'd be hard pressed to do better for what you want to do." He was right.

[bizzy]

I bought an Orange CR60 used for I think $350 a few years ago. It had a couple nicks and stains but it's an excellent solid state workhorse that sounds pretty darn close to tubes. I highly recommend that amp to players who want a low-maintenance gigging amp

[claytongouin]

As a guy who almost exclusively buys used and is interested in trying a lot of different amps and sounds in the studio, this video and hopefully the rest of this series is a real eye-opener. Detailed, clear, realistic, and helps temper expectations. Great video. I'm glad I watched so I can go into future purchases more prepared.

[pauldbrown]

Awesome engineering review. By that I mean a dispassionate assessment of pros and cons of features likely to be important (not frills) within an electronics product lifecycle framing. Delivered with balanced and precise reasoning. Thank you!!

[CraigFlowersMusic]

I no longer need to think of budget, but I spent decades in destitution, so I'm still addicted to videos just like this LOL Nice job. Subbed!

[acid-mask]

I've switched to playing quilters only. I used to use a Blues Jr, then a blues deluxe reverb, then a vox AC15, then a carvin - all tube. The quilter is like half the weight. And truly has a way better crystal clear scooped country-rock sound than almost any fender i've played.

[itsmeagain]

I was told by a gigging musician that a pro for the modelling amps is consistency under fluctuating power supplies. He said that he was playing a gig in a pub (tube amp), any time someone played one of the slot machines the sound would change. The sound of the tube amps would change from gig to gig, his katana would sound the same wherever he played (and he didn't break his back carrying a tube amp and cab up and down stairs. In an emergency it's usually easier to grab a new Katana than your tube amp of choice.

[NebulaShadow_]

I own the Boss Katana Artist Series Mk2 and I love it, but this is an excellent video and I agree with near all the points. The Boss was excellent for my needs as a gigging musician/home recording artist, but hard to beat a good tube amp, but that being said for this price point, highly suggest giving the katana series a go. It's perfect for me.

[scottwilcox]

This is the most objective an informative episode I've seen. Lyle the quality of your videos and content has improved greatly over the last year. Keep doing what your doing. 👍

[ryanhinrichsen]

I bought a Marshall DSL40CR a couple of years ago after going through weeks of research. Demos, reviews, testimonials, etc. It was a seemingly endless mission to cut through the crap and hype to get the info you provided in this video. I wish i had this video then! Great content. Still very satisfied with my purchase.

[toneseeker]

I wish I wouldn't have sold my DSL40C. The CRs are almost $1100 now...more than twice what I paid for mine brand new. This is the BEST amp review I have ever seen. Viewed, liked, subscribed, and I'm yours (a little Stevie Wonder parody reference)!

[michaelgalvin]

I don't know about you people but I really appreciate free advice from a highly experienced expert thank you.

[SuperZeppelin]

I’m happy videos like these are popping! The younger generation that are looking to start a band will really appreciate this!! 10-5yrs ago, videos like this did not exist! I had to jam with MANY people and try many amps (invested WAY too much time) just to see what I preferred best! Excited to see more videos from you!

[Pokey]

FANTASTIC... THIS is what i've been waiting for. Brilliant topic. This is the conversation i have with myself before i buy ANYTHING. This is the best video i've seen it a LONG TIME.... Well played sir.