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[Impressive Value for Money] A thorough explanation of the appeal and reputation of the PLAYTECH Nova amplifier! Authentic sound at this price.
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The Playtech Nova series is a hot topic as it allows you to experience authentic tube sound at an affordable price.
Sound House's original brandThis series, which is being developed as a amp, offers a wide lineup ranging from 5W and 15W full-tube models to easy-to-use solid-state 10W to 40W models.
"I want to play a vacuum tube amplifier at home."
"I want a good value amp for practice."
"I'm looking for a device that can be used for small-scale live performances."
The Nova is a model that meets the needs of these players.
In this article,Compare all Nova series models and find the best fit based on their features, reputation, and intended use.I will explain.
\ Going to meet Sound House's sister /
An older sister I often seePlease use Sound House again next time.
What is the PLAYTECH Nova series?
PLAYTECH Nova is one of the guitar amplifier brands "PLAYTECH" developed by Sound House.A series offering both tube and solid-state sound at affordable pricesFrom simple 5W and 15W full tube head and combo models to 10W to 40W solid state combos for practice,A wide range of products to suit your needs and applicationsWe have the following.
The biggest attraction isThe tube models are relatively inexpensive and have authentic acoustic characteristics.Even when you want to keep the volume down, such as at night playing at home or at a small live performance, you can still get the warm tone you expect from a vacuum tube. The minimalist interface design also makes it intuitive to use, and it's widely praised by beginners and experts alike.
The SOLID model is equipped with practical features such as a headphone jack, AUX input, and built-in reverb, allowing for flexible use depending on the practice environment.
PLAYTECH Nova Series | Comparison Chart
| モデル | NOVA Tube Head 5W | NOVA Tube Head 15W | NOVA Tube Combo 5W | NOVA Tube Combo 15W | NOVA Combo 10W | NOVA Combo 20W | NOVA Combo 40W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| output | 5W / 1W | 15W / 1W | 5W / 1W | 15W / 1W | 10W | 20W | 40W |
| Number of Channels | 1 ch | 1 ch | 1 ch | 1 ch | 1 ch | 1 ch | 1 ch |
| Vacuum tube configuration | 6V6GT x 1, ECC83 x 1 | EL84 x 2, ECC83 x 3 | 6V6GT x 1, ECC83 x 1 | EL84 x 2, ECC83 x 3 | - | - | - |
| Lecturer | - | - | 1×8″ Celestion | 1×12″ Celestion | 1 × 6.5 ″ | 1 × 8 ″ | 1 × 10 ″ |
| EQ | tone | 3-band EQ | tone | 3-band EQ | 3-band EQ | 3-band EQ | 3-band EQ |
| Reverb | - | Spring reverb | - | Spring reverb | - | Digital Reverb | Spring reverb |
| weight | 6kg | 9kg | 8kg | 15kg | - | - | - |
| Use | Practice at home | Home ~ Small-scale live performance | Practice at home | Home ~ Small-scale live performance | Practice at home | Practice ~ Small-scale live performance | Practice to medium-sized live performance |
| Price | 22,800 JPY(TAX+) | 35,800 JPY(TAX+) | 25,800 JPY(TAX+) | 42,800 JPY(TAX+) | 7,180 JPY(TAX+) | 11,800 JPY(TAX+) | 19,800 JPY(TAX+) |
PLAYTECH Nova Series | Features and Reviews
NOVA Tube Amp Head 5W (NOVA 5TH)
- 6V6 single-ended configuration
Equipped with one 6V6GT power tube and one ECC1 preamp tube. Warm, clean tones are achieved through compact single-ended circuitry. - Output switching with a switch
Switchable output between 5W and 1W. Enjoy tube sound at low volume when practicing at home. - Simple design
Simple volume and tone controls make it easy to operate, even for beginners. - Compatible with both combos and heads
It supports 8 to 16 ohms and is available in a combo version with an 8-inch Celestion speaker built in or a head version.
Playtech's first 5W full-tube amplifier. Its minimalist design allows you to easily achieve pure tube tone like a Fender Champ. It's space-saving and low-cost, yet still delivers the distinctive, fat sound of a 6V6 tube. It's the perfect starting point for home practice.
Positive reviews
- "It has more sound pressure than I expected, and I can play it comfortably even when practicing at home."
- "The bass is thick and sounds like it's resonating beyond its output."
- "Even when you turn up the volume, the sound doesn't distort and remains clear."
Negative reviews
- "There are times when I feel a lack of power (high notes are difficult to reach)"
- "It's a shame there's no headphone output or effects loop."
"The casing feels cheap and plasticky"
Pochip
NOVA Tube Amp Head 15W (NOVA 15TH)
- EL84 British circuit
Equipped with two EL84 power tubes and three ECC2 preamp tubes, it delivers a British sound with more distortion than Fender-style tubes. - 15W/1W switchable
The foot switch allows you to switch between 15W and 1W output. Even at low volumes, you can get enough gain and distortion even at home. - Multi-function Control
Equipped with a master volume, 3-band EQ, and spring reverb, it offers a high degree of freedom in sound creation and produces a rich, full-bodied sound. - External Connectivity
Equipped with an effects loop terminal, it can be used in conjunction with external effects. It also has a foot switch terminal, making it convenient for live performances. - The combo version is a 12" Celestion
Equipped with a 12-inch Celestion Seventy80 speaker (combo), it delivers the rich bass and spaciousness that only a full-tube speaker can provide.
This 15W full-tube amp head offers exceptional value for money. It delivers vintage-style gain sounds reminiscent of Marshall and Fender, all at a great price. The master volume and 3-band EQ offer a wide range of sound shaping, making it easy to use for beginners and intermediate players alike.
Positive reviews
- "It distorts even at low volumes, making it perfect for practicing at home."
- "Amazingly low noise and clear even when the gain is increased"
- "The reverb has a nice ring to it, and it adds depth to the sound."
Negative reviews
- The case is larger and heavier than I expected.
- "High notes tend to be a bit piercing"
- "The fine details give it a cheap feel, commensurate with the price."
Pochip
NOVA Tube Combo 5W (NOVA 5T)
- 6V6 single-ended configuration
Like the headstock, it uses one 6V6GT and one ECC1, producing a simple Fender Champ-like sound. - 5W/1W output switch
Two-stage output adjustment is possible, making it easy to obtain the amplifier's original distortion even when the volume is turned down at home. - 8" Celestion
The combo model is equipped with an 8-inch Celestion “Super 8” speaker. Despite its small size, it reproduces clear, solid tones. - Compact design
The compact body measures 338 x 306 x 205 mm, making it easy to carry and ideal for practicing at home. - Simple operation
With an intuitive control system that only includes volume and tone, even beginners will have no trouble creating sounds.
This compact, full-tube combo amp features a thick clean tone and smooth overdrive from the 6V6 tubes, just like the original head. The 1W switch allows you to reduce the volume to a very low level, so you can use it safely even in the neighborhood or at night. This is also the perfect model for beginners looking for their first tube amp.
Positive reviews
- "It's small but produces a powerful sound."
- "It can be used for a wide range of purposes, from subtle cleans to natural overdrive."
- "Vacuum tube sound that can be enjoyed at home"
Negative reviews
- "I can't turn down the volume at all at 1W (but it's still too loud)"
- "It's a shame there's no reverb."
- "The speaker sounds a little muffled"
Pochip
NOVA Tube Combo 15W (NOVA 15T)
- Full tube 15W combo
Equipped with a full tube circuit (15 x EL1, 84 x ECC2) with a switchable 83W/3W output, it delivers rich overtones and dynamics. - 12" Celestion
The built-in 12-inch Celestion Seventy80 speaker delivers powerful sound. The bass resonates even at low volumes. - Enhanced functions
Equipped with a 3-band EQ, master volume, and spring reverb, it allows for a wide variety of tone creation. - FX Loop & Foot Switch Terminal
Equipped with an effects loop for connecting to external effects, and also equipped with a foot switch terminal for reverb. - High cost performance
It boasts a tone that is comparable to that of vacuum tube amplifiers in the same price range, and the peace of mind that comes with Sound House quality is also an appealing feature.
Playtech's first 15W tube combo amp. Experience the juicy distortion and picking nuances of a full tube with ease. Despite its lightweight and compact body, it has ample output, making it suitable for rehearsals and small live performances. This versatile model is perfect for everything from home practice to live performances.
Positive reviews
- "It distorts well even at low volume. There's almost no noise, so I'm very happy with it at home."
- "It's amazing that you can get authentic vacuum tube sound at this price."
- "It produces a well-balanced sound from low to high frequencies, and you can get a sense of sound pressure even at low volumes."
Negative reviews
- "The housing is large and takes up a lot of space"
- "The included cable is of poor quality"
- "The color name logo... (the appearance is a matter of personal preference)"
Pochip
NOVA Combo 10W
- 10W practice combo
This compact combo amp offers 10W output. It features a 3-band EQ and AUX input, making it easy to create your own sound when practicing. - Equipped with 6.5" speakers
The built-in 6.5-inch speaker delivers wide-range, clear sound quality, providing ample volume for playing at home. - コンパクト＆軽量
Its compact body means it can be installed anywhere, and its reasonable price makes it an ideal introductory tool for beginners. - simple operation
It is easy to use even for beginners, as it can be operated intuitively with only basic controls for volume, gain, and EQ.
This 10W combo amp is Playtech's entry-level model. Despite its low price, it offers all the essential features you need for performance, making it a great choice for your first guitar amp. Because it doesn't have a vacuum tube, it's easy to use with the flip of a switch. It's lightweight and portable, yet provides ample volume for practicing at home.
Positive reviews
- "Good sound for a cheap price"
- "Small and unobtrusive, it fits in well with any interior design."
- "When you turn up the volume, it distorts in a pretty good way."
Negative reviews
- "Even at maximum volume it doesn't get very loud"
- "The cheap plastic casing makes it unsound"
- "I'm worried about the durability of the included power cable."
Pochip
NOVA Combo 20W
- 20W practice combo
This 20W output combo amplifier features a built-in digital reverb that adds spatial spaciousness to the sound. - AUX and headphone jacks available
Equipped with an AUX input and headphone output, you can practice songs by connecting your smartphone, and even practice late at night with headphones. - Equipped with 8" speakers
Built-in 8-inch speaker. With more power output than the 10W model, it is also suitable for small band practice. - Simple operation
Easily create your own sound with the basic controls of volume, gain, and 3-band EQ. It starts up quickly because it doesn't have a vacuum tube.
This compact combo amp offers 20W output. Its practical volume and features make it suitable for use as a backing amp for band practice. The digital reverb is adjustable, allowing you to tailor your performance to the atmosphere of your songs, even at home.
With AUX and headphone jacks, it can accommodate a variety of practice styles.
Positive reviews
- "It has 20 watts, so you won't lose sound even during ensemble practice."
- "Great value for money"
- "The headphone jack is useful."
Negative reviews
- "Digital reverb sounds a bit artificial"
- "I need more noise suppression"
- "It's a shame it's not a spring reverb."
Pochip
NOVA Combo 40W
- 40W combo amplifier
This combo amp has 40W of output power, making it powerful enough for live performances and studio use. Its built-in 10-inch speaker delivers powerful sound. - Built-in spring reverb
Equipped with a full-fledged spring reverb, it features a warm reverberation that adds depth to your performance. - AUX/headphone jack
Equipped with an AUX input and headphone output, it is also suitable for connecting external devices or for quieter practice. - Wide range of uses
With a high output of 40W, it's great for rehearsals and small live performances. If you turn down the volume, you can even use it for practicing at home, making it a versatile unit.
This 40W combo amplifier boasts Playtech's maximum output. It produces distortion-free sound even at high volumes, making it ideal for band practice sessions and small live performances. It also comes with a full range of included features, making it an easy choice for beginners.
It is priced so that even cost-conscious users can afford it, yet it has practical performance.
Positive reviews
- "40W is more powerful than I expected and has plenty of volume."
- "Good quality spring reverb"
- "The sound quality is good for the price"
Negative reviews
- "It's heavy and difficult to carry around."
- "The built-in speakers just don't provide enough bass."
- "When I turn up the volume, I notice power supply noise."
Pochip
Summary | The appeal of the PLAYTECH Nova series
The Playtech Nova series is popular with a wide range of players, from beginners to experienced players, because it delivers authentic sound at an affordable price. The 5W/15W full-tube models are suitable for everything from home practice to small live performances, and offer the warmth and response that only a vacuum tube amplifier can provide. Meanwhile, the 10W-40W solid-state combo models feature AUX inputs and headphone jacks, making them ideal for flexible practice environments.
"I want to try a vacuum tube amp at a good price," "I'm looking for a unit that can be used both at home and at live performances," "I want to find the perfect combo for practice" -- the appeal of Nova is that it has a lineup that meets all of these needs. And don't miss the pricing, as it's sold directly by Sound House.
Whether you choose it as your first amp or use it as a second piece of equipment, the Nova series will flexibly support you as you progress through your guitar career.
\ Going to meet Sound House's sister /
An older sister I often seePlease use Sound House again next time.
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