Most of us might be thinking that the tube amps technology is a part of history. But in reality, the era of tube amps wasn’t limited to the likes of The Queen or Beatles. Professional guitarists are always looking for the best small tube amp they can find.
A tube amp of this size is already compact enough to be carried around almost anywhere. But in terms of adaptability, you need to be extra careful. Here’s a list of some of the all-time best small tube amps you can get today.
PRS Mark Tremonti Signature MT15
With a single ¼’’ input and two 8 ohms parallel ¼’’ outputs backed up with 16-ohm ¼’’ output, the PRS Mark Tremonti is truly a Tremonti signature. Plus, the list of the best small tube amps doesn’t contain many amps suitable for both Modern Rock and Punk.
This amp is already small enough, but you can still take it up a notch by mounting it on your pedalboard. It’s also small in power—only 15 watts RMS out of an EL84 power tube.
Features:
15 watts single-ended Class A Outputs for 8-16 ohms 4 x ECC83 Preamp Tubes Footswitchable Normal/Bright channels Spring reverb Line out Speaker emulated DI Out Effects loop Tube buffered serial effects loop
Pros:
The PRS Mark Tremonti Signature MT15 has a sturdy construction, great tone quality, and is small enough to be mounted on your pedalboard. It’s also quite affordable for the features it provides.
Cons:
If your musical style needs more power or if you are not into pedals yet then this might not be the tube amp for you. You may want to check out other options on the list of best small tube amps.
Fender ’57 Custom Deluxe 1x12.’’
Fender is one of the most widely reviewed small tube amps of all time. The Fender 57 has a range of tones that varies from touch-sensitive smoky to gritty overdrive, often labeled as the best small tube amp ever to exist.
Built with a 5AR4 rectifier and tube-driven spring reverb, this preamp section gives the 57 Custom Deluxe its classic feel.
Features:
12 watts single-ended Class A Outputs for 8 ohms or 16 ohms 4 x 10AX7 Preamp Tubes Footswitchable Normal/Bright channels Tube driven Spring Reverb 2 Channels - Channel 1 is called "Vintage" Channel 2 is called "Modern" which uses higher gain on both normal and bright settings. Single Button Foot Switch toggles between Vintage and Modern voicing Line out Speaker emulated DI Out Effects loop External speaker jack Rear panel effects loop
Pros:
The Fender ’57 Custom Deluxe comes equipped with a vintage warm tonal character in a compact package.
Cons:
This isn’t the best small tube amp for metal because it lacks gain in its second channel (Modern). If you are looking for something more modern, check out other options on the list of best small amps.
Vox AC15C1X
15 Watt in power rating, suitable for blues, indies, post-rock, classic rock, and many more, comes with a fantastic quality 12’’ Alnico Blues Speakers. All the features that are making sure to confirm a spot for the Vox AC15C1X are on the list of best small tube amps.
Features:
15 watts Class A Outputs for 8 ohms or 16 ohms 2 x EL84 Power Tubes 3 x 12AX7 Preamp Tubes Footswitchable Normal/Bright channels Top Boost (treble) circuit Spring Reverb 4-Way EQ section Line out Speaker emulated DI Out Effects loop Tube driven effects Loop Rear panel Effects loop External speaker jack
Pros:
The Vox AC15C1X is the perfect combo tube amp that delivers 15 + 15 watts in two separate speakers. It’s also quite affordable for its features and sound quality.
Cons:
No disadvantages have been found to unveil at this moment. Just make sure to take care of it well because these are vintage-style amps.
Egnater Tweaker 15 W
By far, one of the most affordable small tube amps in the list of best small tube amps. It will only cost you $400 for a dual cabinet speaker system suitable for various music types.
Features:
15 watts Class A Outputs for 8 ohms or 16 ohms 6 x 12AX7 Preamp Tubes 2 x 6V6 Power Tubes Spring Reverb Effects loop External speaker jack
Pros:
The Egnater Tweaker 15 W has a dual amplifier design, which means stereo operation. It also comes with an effects loop and an external speaker jack.
Cons:
Just like all the other vintage-style amps, the Tweaker is delicate so you must take good care of it to achieve its durability. If you are looking for long-term investments, check out other options on the best small tube amps list.
Vox AC4HW1
Another one straight out the Vox best small tube amps series. One of the only tube amps that are still hand-wired to obtain a more organic sound. The AC4HW1 has a 12’’ Celestion Gm12 Greenback speaker.
Features:
4 watts Class A Outputs for 8 ohms or 16 ohms 1 x ECC83 Preamp Tubes Spring Reverb Headphone jack Speaker emulated DI Out Effects loop External speaker jack
Pros:
The built-in spring reverb, tube-driven effects loop, and external speaker jack make this a very versatile amp. Versatility is the key in the world of the best small tube amps.
Cons:
It lacks in power to be on the best small tube amps list. It is only 4 watts! Try other options if you want a little more oomph in your tone.
Orange Rocker 15 Terror
An amp with this many features and the size of a lunchbox surely deserves to be on the list of best small tube amps. The Orange Rocker comes with a 7-15 Watts power rating and 2 x XEL84 power amp tubes. An Orange Crush 12’’ speaker makes it easier to play different tones with ease.
Features:
7-15 Watts Class A Power Tubes 2 x XEL84 Power Tubes 3 Channel Tone Control EQ Orange Crush 12 Speaker Headphone Jack
Pros:
This is one of the best small amps on the market, especially if you are looking for something that sounds just as good as its bigger counterparts. It has simple controls, but it sounds very warm and rich even at high volume levels. This is due to the tube-driven circuitry which is producing a great vintage tone.
Cons:
It lacks power if you are looking for more volume. It doesn't have the cleanest sound either, so take note if you are looking for something that is versatile.
Orange DA15H Dark Terror
The Dark terror is another Orange best small tube amps series that has been widely used by guitarists and sound engineers even today. The dark terror was designed with the sole purpose of serving the metal players well. That explains the Dark Terror famous tube buffered effects loop integration within every model.
Features:
6.5 watts Class A Power Tubes 1 x 12AX7 Preamp Tube Orange Crush 12 Speaker Headphone Jack External speaker jack Line Out
Pros:
This is a class A amplifier that delivers its power through a single EL84 power tube and produces the sweetest overdrive. The Dark Terror is best suited for metal, rock, and even jazz guitarists because of its high-gain features. One thing to take note of before you buy this amp is that it doesn't sound as good as other models at lower volume levels. As long as you don’t care about how it sounds at low volumes, then go ahead and give this one a try.
Cons:
The DA15H doesn't sound as good at low volumes, so it is not ideal for home practice. The high-gain option also means that it is quite hard to tweak the tone to match your personal preference. It is a bit pricey too and may come in over your budget.
Vox AC15C1
No matter the time, Vox will always have a prominent space in the best small tube amps group for some of its models, including the AC15C1. Containing the signature 12’’ Celestion G12M Greenback speaker, the AC15C1 is suitable for blues, indies, as well as classic rock.
Features:
15 watts Class A Power Tubes 2 x EL84 Power Tube Vintage Style Top Boost Preamp 3 Channel Tone Control EQ 12’’ Celestion G12M Greenback Speaker Headphone Jack External speaker jack Line Out
Pros:
The classic AC15 tone. That's the best way to describe the AC15C1. If you are looking for a product that can replicate your favorite music genre, this is it. This amp has all of its own perks too. The vintage-style top boost preamp allows you to tweak your sound without having to rely on pedals or other external hardware. It also comes with an FX loop and headphone jack which makes it highly versatile as well.
Cons:
Like its AC30 big brother, the AC15C1 also lacks headroom. It will not drive your amp with any authority and it won’t give you that huge tone that is expected of a class A/B amplifier.
Fender ’57 Custom Champ
As the name can already tell, one of the best small tube amps allows its user a wide range of customizable options. The Weber speaker included in the model is similar to the original Fender one. The '57 Custom Champ serves both guitarists and bassists well, providing the best balance between tone and volume.
Features:
5 watts Class A Power Tubes 1 x 6V6 Power Tube 3 Band EQ Volume Headphone Jack External speaker jack Line Out
Pros:
This amplifier comes with a versatile tonal control that allows you to get any sound out of it. If you are looking for something that is highly responsive to your playing style, then this one is for you. It also has a wide range of sounds which gives it its own advantage over other amps on the list. You can play jazz, blues, or even metal with this amp without feeling overwhelmed by its features. This one's portability is another perk as you can carry it around easily.
Cons:
The '57 Custom Champ is not designed for huge sounds. If you are looking to play in a band or want something that produces loud sounds, then this one may not be your best choice. The amp also doesn't respond well to higher volumes but works fine with lower ones. With the proper gear, however, you will get that full sound out of it.
Bugera V5 Infinium
Bugera is another one of the few best small tube amps with a relatively affordable price tag. If you are looking for an app suitable for small gigs and events, the single 1x8 Turbosound speaker will be perfect for such use. It also comes with an FX loop, headphone jack, and footswitch.
Features:
5 watts Class A Power Tubes 1 x 6V6 Power Tube 3 Band EQ Volume Headphone Jack External speaker jack Line Out Footswitch Jack (footswitch sold separately) FX Loop (Send / Return)
Pros:
The Bugera V5 Infinium is perfect for small gigs or even home practice. It can be easily carried around because it weighs less than 20 lbs. The built-in fx loop of the amp also ensures that there will be no loss in sound. As long as you don’t crank up your guitar’s volume to full blast, this one won't let you down too.
Cons:
The front panel of this amp is somewhat challenging to control, especially if you are new to it. The footswitch may also come in handy but will only work with Bugera’s products. You can't connect other brands' footswitches that easily to the amp. Overall, this amplifier wasn't made for full-band gigs.
Orange OR15H
The Orange best small tube amps series has dominated the world from the early days of classic rock. The OR15H is a master remodel of the popular OR series designed by Cliff Cooper himself. It has a built-in reverb and tremolo effect, making it perfect for blues and classic rock.
Features:
15 watts Class A Power Tubes 2 x EL84 Power Tubes 3 Band EQ Volume Reverb Tremolo
Pros:
Orange amps are known for their affordability when it comes to small tube amps. This one is no different. It is not at par with the others in this list in terms of sound and power but still manages to deliver that classic tone. Plus, it also comes with a two-year warranty which makes it an ideal choice for beginners.
Cons:
The Orange OR15H may have been designed for smaller gigs but you can't connect other external devices to it because there's no FX loop. Its speakers aren't as powerful as you'd expect either, making it a perfect match for jazz and blues but fails to deliver its best for rock music.
Conclusion
The best small tube amps are perfect for home practice, bedroom rehearsals, and small gigs. It is not wise to choose the cheapest product in the market just because you don't want to invest too much money on your new toy. However, it is always important to consider your planned use for the amp so that you can get one that suits your needs perfectly without breaking your bank.