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[Small] 7 recommended vacuum tube guitar amplifiers that can be used at home! [How to choose and points to note]
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- I want a small vacuum tube amplifier that I can use at home.
- How to choose a small tube amplifier?
- What's the best small tube amp right now?
I want to use a vacuum tube amp for regular practice to get a more authentic sound!I'm sure there are many people who think this way.
This time, we will introduce 7 recommended vacuum tube amplifiers that you can use at home, along with tips on how to choose and things to look out for!
\ Going to meet Sound House's sister /
An older sister I often seePlease use Sound House again next time.
The appeal of vacuum tube guitar amps
Even with all the advances in digital technology, the reason why so many professional guitarists continue to use vacuum tube amps is because they have an unshakable appeal.
And it isDeep, warm analog soundOrExpressive power such as response and nuanceThis is the case.
"If a transistor amplifier is a CD, then a vacuum tube amplifier is a record."
This analogy is also often used.
Vacuum tube guitar amplifiers | Differences from transistor amplifiers
Amplifier = amplifier (sound amplifier).
A vacuum tube amplifier uses vacuum tubes to amplify the guitar signal.
A transistor amplifier uses an electronic component called a "transistor."
We have summarized the characteristics of each.
Characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of vacuum tube amplifiers
| Benefit | Demerit |
|---|---|
| "Fine distortion" and "thickness of sound" unique to vacuum tubes It is possible to express subtle nuances by changing the way you play. (=touch sensitive) Captivating analog feel Distortion: Works better with compact effects than digital | Caution required in maintenance and handling Hard to say it's for beginners Unless you increase the output to a certain extent, you can't get the best out of it. Prices can be high Large size makes it easy to take up space |
Characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of digital amplifiers
| Benefit | Demerit |
|---|---|
| Small, lightweight and compact design possible Timbreand a wide range of effects Vacuum tubeEasier to handle than Linking with smartphones and Bluetooth connectionMany of them are highly functional | Digital distortion and effects *In recent years, they have evolved significantly and some are even of high quality! It is difficult to produce nuances compared to vacuum tube amplifiers. Many of them are not compatible with compact distortion effects. |
[Small] Vacuum tube guitar amplifiers | Types and how to choose
Combo amp/Stack amp
Combo Amplifier
An amp that combines an amp head and cabinet is called a "combo amp."
Because it is an integrated unit, it saves space and is cheaper than separate stack amplifiers.
People who practice at home or don't need to carry their equipment around often often choose a combo amp.
Stack Amplifier
An amp with a separate amp head and cabinet is called a "stack amp."
This is recommended if you plan on using it mainly for portable purposes, such as carrying just the head unit and using a stationary cabinet from the studio.
The price is a little higher than combo amps.
Points to consider when choosing
output
Check the output of your guitar amp!
- Rental property or residential area where loud noises are not allowed → Approximately 1 to 15 W
- No one lives nearby/soundproof environment → Approximately 15 to 40 W
- Used in studio/Home studio → Approximately 30 to 100 W
Vacuum tube amplifiers are easier to produce volume than transistor amplifiers, and even 5W can be quite loud at home. Also, be aware that vacuum tubes do not perform to their full potential unless you increase the output to a certain extent.
Timbre
- I basically use effects to create my sound, so as long as the amp is clean, that's fine.
- Distortion is basically done by the amp, everything else by effects
- Complete your sound creation with a basic amp
There are three main ways to use an amplifier:
In particular,The way you choose will vary greatly depending on whether or not you want to distort the sound with the amplifier.
Input/Output
- Send/return (effect loop) terminal
Used for returning connections to spatial effects and amp simulators
It's safer to choose one that has - headphone terminal
- Line out/Speaker out
Let's check the inputs and outputs other than the guitar input.
The first one, send/return, is something you want if you're going to buy a tube amplifier (many come with it).
[Small] Vacuum tube guitar amps | 7 recommended models that you can use at home!
Fender Blues Junior IV
If you're looking for a small vacuum tube amp for home use and clean sound, this is it!
The quality is so good that many professional guitarists use them at home.
Another nice thing about this vacuum tube is that it is relatively affordable.
- The 4th generation of the popular Hot Rod series of guitar amps
- Equipped with 15W high output and 1 x 12-inch Celestion A-Type speaker
- Crystal clear sound with brilliant high frequencies and the warm, full-bodied sound you expect from Fender
- Solid midrange from EL84 tubes
- Warm 12AX7 preamp overdrive tone
- Footswitchable boost function
- Real spring reverb for the ultimate reverb tone
The Fender Blues Junior IV is recommended for these people!
- I want to have a Fender clean amp used by pros at home
- I admire Fender tube amps
- Sound making centered around effects
Pochip
Marshall DSL1C
Traditional Marshall sound in a compact model that you can use at home.
From sparkling clean tones to intensely distorted overdrive, the DSL1 combo is easy to set up to suit your playing style. It's the perfect model for home use, with features worthy of the venerable DSL name and Marshall tone packed into a compact, portable size.
Equipped with a headphone output with an emulation circuit that reproduces a realistic amp sound, and a power reduction function that reduces the output to 0.1 W. Realizes great sound even when practicing or recording at low volume.
- Type: Combo
- Effective output: 1W/0.1W
- Number of channels: 2 (Classic Gain/Ultra Gain)
- Controls: Volume (Classic Gain), Channel Select, Gain (Ultra Gain) Volume (Ultra Gain), Tone Shift, 3-Band EQ (Treble, Middle, Bass), Reverb, Low Power
- Preamp Tubes: 2 x ECC83
- Power Tubes: 1 x ECC82
- Speaker: 1 x 8" Celestion G8C-15"Eight-15" (15w) 16Ω
- Foot switch: included
- Size(cm): 36x34x21.5 (W x H x D)
- Weight (kg): 7.9
- Note: Equipped with send/return
The Marshall DSL1C is recommended for these people!
- I want to enjoy the Marshall sound at home, from clean to distorted
- I can't produce loud sounds, but I want to stick to tube amplifiers.
- I want to choose a vacuum tube amplifier that is as cost-effective as possible while keeping the price as low as possible.
Pochip
Marshall DSL20H
The DSL20H is perfect for players who want the best sound of a Valve amplifier in a compact, portable size, with a wide range of features to inspire your creativity and bring out your own unique sound.
- Type: Head
- Effective output: 20W/10W
- Number of channels: 2 (Classic Gain/Ultra Gain)
- Controls: Classic Gain Channel (Gain, Volume), Channel Select, Ultra Gain Channel (Gain, Volume), Tone Shift, 3-Band EQ (Treble, Middle, Bass), Presence, Resonance, Reverb
- Preamp Tubes: 3 x ECC83
- Power Tubes: 2 x EL34
- Foot switch: included
- Size(cm): 50x25x24(W x H x D)
- Weight (kg): 9.7
- Note: Equipped with send/return
The Marshall DSL20H is recommended for these people!
- I want to enjoy the Marshall sound at home, from clean to distorted
- There are occasions when you may need to carry it around, such as at a live performance.
- There is an environment that can produce a certain amount of output.
Pochip
Blackstar HT-1R/5R
The BLACKSTAR/HT-1R MK1 is a compact 2W combo amp that produces a wide range of sound characters. The unique ISF control allows you to create a wide range of sounds, from bright USA-like tones to woody UK-like tones.
- Guitar Amplifiers
- Combo Type
- Output: 1W
- Vacuum tube: 1 x ECC82, 1 x ECC83
- Unique Push-Pull Power Amplifier Design
- Equipped with ECC83 preamp valve and ECC82 power amplifier valve
- 2CH clean/overdrive design
- USB Audio Output
- Studio Quality Reverb
- 4-16Ω extension speaker jack socket
- Controls: Gain, OD switch, ISF, Reverb, Master
- Speaker: 1 x 8" Speaker (Custom Designed)
- Dimensions: 311 x 306 x 178 mm
- Weight: 5.6 kg
The Blackstar HT-1R/5R is recommended for these people!
- Want to experience the intense sound of vacuum tubes at home?
- A good amp for any guitar
- I want distortion, but I also want something that's easy to use as a clean effect.
Pochip
Equipped with reverb switchable between 5W/0.5W
Pochip
Hughes&Kettner Tube Meister 18 Head
- ギターアンプヘッド
- Output: 18W (Power soak: 18W/5W/1W/0W)
- Vacuum tube: 12AX7 x 2, EL84 x 2
- Clean/Lead 2 channel specification
- Controls: Gain, Master, 3-band equalizer, Lead boost
- Equipped with red box out, effects loop and tube safety control
- Dimensions, weight: 356x156x150mm, 5kg
Tube Meister 18 Head is recommended for these people!
- I long for the blue-shining Kettner amplifier.
- I like the unique mid-range stickiness.
- I want to fine-tune the output
Pochip
Mesa Boogie Mark-V Twenty-Five 1×10 Combo
The Mesa Boogie Mark-V is a must-have for any rock guitarist.
Everything from MESA/Boogie's #1 selling Mark V:25, now in a 10" combo format.
It is well-known not only for its distortion but also for its clean sound, and it works great with effects pedals.
- Designed and Handcrafted in Petaluma, California USA
- All Tube Amplifier: 2 x EL84 power tubes/6 x 12AX7 preamp tubes
- 10/25W Power Switch: Multi-Watt™ power + Dyna-Watt™ technology allows you to select two output modes: 10W or 25W. ・10W mode (CLASS A/B triode mode) = Low volume, rich overtones, smooth sound ・25W mode (CLASS A/B pentode mode) = Maximum output for punchy, clear sound
- Fully independent 2 channels/6 modes (Ch2: Clean/Fat/Crunch ChXNUMX: MARK IIC+/MARK IV/XTREME modes):
- Channel 0. MID/BOOST function: 5.0-5.0 range of knob acts as a standard MID control, 10-XNUMX range increases wide mid-range gain and saturation
- CAB CLONE™ Cabinet Simulator (Internal Load, Cabinet Type Select <Closed-Back/Open-Back>, Speaker ON/OFF Switch, Headphone Out, Ground Lift Switch)
- 5-BAND Graphic EQ™ (can be turned on/off with a foot switch)
- All-tube spring reverb, individually adjustable for each channel (rear panel)
- Buffered tube effects loop
- Fixed bias is used (maintenance free)
- Speaker: Celestion G10 Creamback(8Ω) x 1
- 1-button footswitch (channel 2/XNUMX, EQ ON/OFF), slip cover included
- Size: 37.5cm(H) x 35.9cm(W) x 23.8cm(D) Weight: 10.9kg
The Mesa Boogie Mark-V is recommended for these people!
- I have a favorite guitarist who uses a Mesa Boogie.
- From clean to high gain, a full-fledged tube amp is great
- I think I have a better idea of the sound and direction I want to take.
Pochip
[Small] Vacuum tube guitar amplifier | How to use and maintain it
How to use a vacuum tube amplifier
- Connecting to a guitar and amp
- Make sure all the amplifier knobs are set to 0
- Turn on the power switch
- Wait 2-3 minutes for the tubes to warm up
- Turn on the standby switch
Vacuum tube guitar amplifiers are equipped with two switches, STANDBY and POWER. If you do not use these switches correctly, you may put unnecessary strain on the amplifier or even cause it to break down.
When cutting, do the opposite of the above.
Turn off the power in the following order: standby, then power.
\ Going to meet Sound House's sister /
An older sister I often seePlease use Sound House again next time.
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