Gearank

Gearank High Notes

• 2019.07: Highest Rated Battery Powered Guitar Amp
• 2019.06: Equal Highest Rated Modeling Amp Under $300
  Tied With:
  Fender Super-Champ X2 HD
  

• 2018.03: Equal Highest Rated Combo Guitar Amp Under $300
  Tied With:
  Yamaha THR10C
  

• 2017.08: Highest Rated Modeling Amp Under between $200 and $500

The THR10X was on our recommended list for Battery Powered Guitar Amps from January 2018 until April 2020 when it was removed due to a lack of availability.

It also appeared on our list for Guitar Amps Under $300 from June 2018 until April 2020.

And from August 2018 until April 2020 it was featured on our recommended list for Modeling Amps.

Overview

The Yamaha THR10 series are regarded to be among the best sounding lunchbox amps available, which is surprising given the specifications.

The amp features two 3” speakers (this is according to Yamaha’s specifications for the amp), which somehow manage to avoid the thin tone normally associated with sub-8” speakers. With just 10-watts of power, this compact and relatively quiet amp is meant for hi-gain distortion (which on low to moderate setting isn’t buzzy).

The THR10X also comes with a healthy selection of modulation effects, including: chorus, flanger, phaser, tremolo, delay, reverb (spring and hall), compression, and a noise gate. The controls on the amp are pretty standard, and are as follows: amp, gain, master, bass, middle, treble, effect, delay/reverb.

In addition, it also comes with an acoustic guitar friendly amp model, as well as one for electric bass guitars, a nifty addition for guitarists who also record/practice on acoustic and bass.

Other features include a 3-band EQ, Bluetooth Connectivity, built-in effects, and the ability to run on battery, which means that you have access to good emulations of high-gain tube amps virtually anywhere.

The only thing to keep in mind with this amp is that it’s not a tube amp. The THR series uses emulated tube lights to give the amp the appearance of being a tube amp, but it definitely is not. This isn’t a bad thing, it’s just something to be aware of.

If you're a fan of high gain guitars, the THR10X is an excellent piece of gear. While most amps sound like a high gain amp going through ratty speakers, the THR10X sounds like a well-recorded studio tone which makes it great for jamming along to your favorite rock and metal tracks.

Specifications

• Power Rating: 10-Watts
• Speaker Size: 2x3”
• Models: Power I, Power II, Brown I, Brown II, Southern Hi, Clean, Bass, Flat
• Effects: Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Tremolo, Delay, Reverb, Compressor, Noise Gate
• Controls: Amp, Gain, Master, Bass, Middle, Treble, Effect, Delay/Reverb, Guitar (Output), USB/AUX (Output)
• Input/Output: AUX-In, Headphone-Out
• Extras: Tuner
• Weight: 6lbs

Alternatives

The THR10X has been discontinued by Yamaha, so if you're looking for a new amp then take a look at the alternatives in our guides to:

• The Best Guitar Amps Under $300
• The Best Modeling Amps for Guitar
• The Best Battery Powered Guitar Amps

Demos