Welcome to the site. In this article, we're going to look at some of the best small amps out there for Metal. So, we're thinking about amps that are tight, can handle low tuned, extended range guitars, and have plenty of definition.
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Best Small Amps for Metal!
There are a number of amps out there that can do the job, but here we're going to keep the list small both in amp size and the numbers we focus on, as there really are only a few which are good enough to make it onto this list.
If you're reading this then you are probably after a small lunchbox sized amp head for a couple of reasons -
1 - Convenience. It's much easier to carry around a small amp. They weigh much less, take up less space and aren't so cumbersome. So, less likely to do your back in, and also less likely to get smacked around as you carry your gear into the rehearsal space or gig.
2 - Price. Simply put, lunchbox amps are usually much cheaper.
The Problem with Small Amps
However, like it or not, there is an issue with small amps - they often sound, well, small!
Expecting a 15 watt tube amp to sound and respond like a 50 or 100 watt tube amp is just not fair on the little guy. There's just no way it's going to happen. Also, as we've mentioned price, the production quality on the little amps is also often not as good as their bigger brethren, so not only are they at a disadvantage because of the wattage, they can simply just not be as well made and have cheaper components.
However, you'll be happy to know that the amps on this list punch way above their weight, and do a damn good job of keeping up despite their size.
PRS MT 15
This amp has quite a following among those who are after a more modern sounding amp. Tight lows, great highs, very good string definition, and an absolute load of gain. So, if you like playing in drop C or below, or use an extended range guitar, this amp is incredible.
Highlights:
Brutal sounding gain channel
5 gain stages before the master volume means more gain than you'll ever need
Small, compact, solidly built
Lovely touches like the red lights for the gain channel and blue for clean; the little bars on front which help prevent you from knocking the knobbies accidentally.
Decent clean channel
Big tubes! - 6L6 or 5881 - And those big tubes do lead to a big sound!
Half power mode.
Effects Loop
Low-lights:
Unfortunately, this amp can have noise issues. A quick scan of the net will result in a number of threads talking about this. Some people claim it's really noisy, some that it's absolutely fine. It might well depend on luck.
What I do know is that with a noise gate in the loop, I have no issues with it at all. However, I DO need it, as without one mine can get noisy fast.
I would also recommend the typical Tube Screamer boosting the front end. Set the gain of the Tube Screamer low, the volume high and tone to suit, but most likely between 12 and 4 o'clock depending on the guitar.
Price: Around £449.
On Amazon at time of writing: https://amzn.to/4cAodFt
Here's a video for your delectation:
This is my top choice for modern metal, downtuned and extended range guitars.
Marshall SC20H
The Marshall is also damn good. Who wouldn't want a screaming JCM 800 amp but at a very manageable 20 watts?
The overall construction quality is very good, with the internals being where some of the cost cutting has taken place. This is pretty much to be expected with most lunchbox amps as you're not going to get hand wired excellence at this price point generally.
Highlights:
Classic Look and Sound
Incredible Rock to Classic metal tones.
Dual EL-34 Power Section
DI Out
Switch Between 20 and 5 Watts
Low and High Inputs
A Good Selection of Speaker Outs
Low-Lights:
Some Complaints of Noise
Some Issues with the Effects Loop - when engaged there is a volume drop.
Not the Best Internals.
The Most Expensive Amp on This List
PRICE: Head £759. Combo £820
Here's an interesting video about the loop level volume drops though. It's much more obvious at low volumes, which is where a lot of people will be using the amp. However, if you just leave it on all the time - if you have for example a reverb in there - you won't really have any issues, just turn up the volume a little:)
EVH 5150 III 15 LBX
The EVH 5150 is an absolute classic and staple of heavy genres. But can this little sibling do the job?
YES! This thing roars!! The 5150 is an absolute classic for a reason, and YES, this little beast delivers, but in a nice, small, convenient package.
The fact it has two channels is really nice as opposed to the Marshall, and it will go from a lovely heavy crunch to face melting searing leads with the flick of a switch.
The looks are certainly unique and whether or not you love them or hate them is just down to taste. Personally I think it's stunning.
Highlights:
Classic Sounds
Foot Switchable Two Channels
El-34 Power Section
5 Preamp Tubes - 12AX7
Perfect for Metal - Tried and Tested Classic Tones
Full and 1/4 Power Scaling - that's down to just 3.5 Watts!
Effects Loop
Low-Lights:
The EQ, Gain, Etc are Shared on Both Channels
Noisy When Cranked
PRICE: Head - Just Under £500
Orange Dark Terror 15 WATT
I LOVE this amp. Now a complete classic in its own right, and for a good reason. IT ROCKS!!
Fifteen Watts of Terror! But you can tame it down it 7:)
This beast has 4 stages of gain taken from the best of Orange Amps. So you don't have to worry that it's a 'poor man's' version. It even has an all valve effects loop, which most luchbox amps do not have.
Highlights:
Design Taken from Orange Flagship Models
Very Good Lower Gain Sounds - Not just a one trick pony
Valve Buffered Effects Loop
2xEL-34 Power Amp
3x12AX7 Pre Amp
1x12AT7 Effects Loop
Half Power Mode
Low-Lights:
Single Channel
Less Versatile than Some Other Options
PRICE: £429
Check out some SOUNDS here:
Peavey Invective 20
Now, this is one I have to include as it ticks ALL the boxes. However, I've not been lucky enough to try one out in person yet.
So, why's it on this list?
It's based on the legendary 6505 Peavey series which is an absolute beast and total classic metal amp. Along with the JCM and 5150, the 6505 helped define the sound of modern metal.
Let's look at some of these features:
Highlights:
2 channels
Independent Clean Channel and Gain Channel EQ and Gain Controls
Tight, Boost and Gate - All Foot Switchable
Separate Pre and Post Gain Controls on Lead Channel
XLR Direct Out - Go Straight into a DAW or to Front of House Mixer
20, 5 and 1 Watt Power Scaling
Effects Loop
2xEL84 Power Amp Tubes
3x12AX7 Pre Amp Tubes
It sounds absolutely amazing.
PRICE: £650
The WINNER:
For me, it's the PRS MT15. It's just a beast and used you can pick one up for under £300.
For the price, and the fact it has two foot switchable channels, with the heavy channel just being totally brutal, it's damn hard to beat.
There are reports on most of these amps about noise, but to be honest you should be using a good Noise Gate / Suppressor with anything that has as much gain as these amps.
I use a Fortin Zuul with mine in the effects loop and it works brilliantly, no noise at all. The Boss NS-2 is a popular choice too.
I will admit that if I had tried the Peavey, that might have been the winner. So please do comment if you have any of these amps, but especially the Peavey.
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