Move away from the heavy and high-maintenance tube amps. With the best solid state amp, you can achieve a great sound with plenty of clean headroom, and without the downsides associated with vacuum tubes.
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More Guitar Amps
In the amp world, the tone and feel of genuine tube amps are irreplaceable. Despite this, the practicality and efficiency of solid-state amps are also worth noting.
Solid-state amps are lighter and more reliable. They require no expensive maintenance and are often cheaper than tube amps. Hence, they are the best go-to amps for beginners.
These amps are mostly known for their great, clean tones. Even at high volumes, solid state amps tend to have little to no natural distortion. However, this also means they may lack the artifacts that give the warmth and harmonic richness to tube amps.
But that doesn’t mean pro guitarists aren’t using them. In fact, many big-name artists are users of these solid state guitar amplifiers.
Players like BB King (Lab Series Amps L-5), Andy Summers (Roland JC-120), Johnny Greenwood (Fender Eighty-Five), Dimebag Darrel (Randall), Metallica (Roland JC-120 for clean tones), and the list goes on.
In this guide, we combined all our research about amps to present you with the best solid-state amps in the sub-$1500 price range. This shall give you a better idea of which one to choose.
Details for each amplifier and links to useful information like warranty and manufacturer support are provided.
The Best Solid State Amps
| Gearank* | SRC* | Check Price | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under $500 - Regular Solid State | ||||||||
|
Orange Crush 20 | 96 | 1350+ | |||||
|
Orange Crush 35RT | 95 | 1200+ | |||||
| Under $500 - Solid State With Amp Modeling | ||||||||
|
Boss Katana-100 MkII | 96 | 1650+ | |||||
|
Fender Mustang LT25 | 96 | 4450+ | |||||
|
Boss Katana-50 MkII | 95 | 3500+ | |||||
|
Fender Champion 20 | 94 | 5050+ | |||||
| $500 to $1500 - Regular Solid State | ||||||||
|
Fender Tone Master Twin Reverb | 94 | 350+ | |||||
|
Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus | 95 | 450+ | |||||
|
Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb | 95 | 475+ | |||||
| $500 to $1500 - Solid State with Amp Modeling | ||||||||
|
Boss Katana-100/212 MkII | 96 | 275+ | |||||
|
Line 6 Spider V 240 MkII | 95 | 125+ | |||||
Best Solid State Guitar Amps Under $500
Orange Crush 20
Cons
- No footswitch is included.
- Lacks bass for heavier tones.
Pros
- Dynamics shines through even in heavy gain settings.
- Ideal for classic rock-type tones.
- Solid-state 4-stage preamp delivers quality tone.
- Compact, light, and has the iconic Orange enclosure.
- Aux-in and CabSim headphones output.
- Budget-friendly option.
Orange amps are known for their amp modelers, but their streamlined solid-state line stands out with excellent reviews. Take the Orange Crush 20, for example. A combo amp that packs 20W and an 8" speaker in its unmistakable Orange casing.
Looks aside, the Crush 20 is celebrated for its top-notch sound, thanks to a solid-state 4-stage preamp. Equipped with an optional footswitch, this compact solid state amp effortlessly toggles between clean and dirty tones.
The Crush 20 is great for rock and metal. Despite its small size, it can produce a relatively saturated sound that is ideal for rock tones.
Understandably, due to its smaller size, it lacks the typical bass response desired for a metal sound. However, it is surprisingly dynamic for a heavily saturated amp, allowing the notes to shine through.
It also features a 3-band EQ and dedicated knobs for gain and volume on each channel. Plus, the Crush 20 includes Orange's CabSim circuit, mimicking a 4x12" cabinet through its line/headphone output.
With its striking appearance and impressive sound quality, this budget-friendly amp is a must-have addition to your setup.
Specifications
- Power Rating: 20-Watts
- Speaker Size: 8”
- Channels: 2
- Controls: Clean/Dirty Switch, Dirty, Treble, Middle, Bass, Gain, Clean
- Amp Models: None
- Effects: None
- Inputs/Outputs: 1 x 1/4", 1 x 1/8" (Aux), 1 x 1/4" (Headphones)
- Dimensions: 12.8" x 14.67" x 7.75"
- Weight: 15.8 lbs
| Website | Source | *Rating Value |
| Guitars For Idiots | Matt Dunn | 86/100 |
Demo
Orange Crush 35RT
Cons
- Clean is not as good as its Dirt tone.
- Needs to be driven hard to get a good overdrive tone (you can tweak the EQ to improve the sound at lower volumes).
- Limited bass response.
Pros
- Great-sounding overdrive for rock, blues, and similar styles.
- 4-stage preamp design that results in better OD saturation and response.
- Distinct aesthetics and portable form factor.
- Practice-friendly features include a built-in tuner, aux input, and headphones out.
- Good-sounding reverb.
The Orange Crush 35RT is a 35 watt combo amp highly praised by many guitarists. It features a built-in solid-state reverb pan and tuner—hence the "RT" in its name.
Its powerful 4-stage preamp delivers tones that resonate, especially at higher volumes. Highlighting clean and dirty channels, its standout feature is the gritty, dynamic output of the dirty channel.
This amp is housed in Orange's signature picture frame cabinet, complete with a resonant 10" speaker. It is equipped with straightforward EQ controls, volume, and gain knobs for tone shaping.
If bright orange isn't your style, you can opt for the sleek black cabinet. Note this amp lacks a speaker cab output, so you're quite confined with the amp's volume capabilities.
It's not loud enough for gigs with a drums, but it can be a great companion for your home practice.
So, if you're seeking for an affordable amp with a robust, rock-friendly tone, the Orange Crush 35RT stands as a dependable choice. It delivers the raw power and clarity synonymous with the Orange brand.
Specifications
- Power Rating: 35-Watts
- Speaker Size: 10”
- Channels: 2
- Controls: Clean/Dirty Switch, Dirty, Treble, Middle, Bass, Gain, Clean, Reverb, Tuner
- Amp Models: None
- Effects: Reverb
- Inputs/Outputs: 1 x 1/4", 1 x 1/8" (Aux), 1 x 1/4" (Headphones)
- Dimensions: 12.8" x 14.67" x 7.75"
- Weight: 15.9 lbs
| Website | Source | *Rating Value |
| Music Radar | Nick Guppy | 100/100 |
Demo
Best Solid State Guitar Amps with Amp Modeling Under $500
Boss Katana-100 MkII (KTN-100-2)
Cons
- Steep learning curve with the controls.
- Occasional issues with the software editor.
Pros
- Beefy tube-like tone perfect for hard rock and metal.
- High-quality built-in effects. Suitable for beginners and pros alike.
- Excellent connectivity options and volume flexibility with a built-in power attenuator.
- Boss quality product.
The Katana-100 MkII is a successor to the very popular Boss Katana amp. It's mostly the same amp, with a few upgrades to accommodate more updated features.
One new standout feature of the MkII series is its expanded amp modeling capabilities. On top of its already versatile amp models, it is now enhanced with a variation switch featuring 5 new amp models' voicings.
An impressive aspect of the Katana MkII amps are their power attenuation feature. This allows guitarists to dial in cranked tones at lower volumes, from 50W down to just half a watt, ensuring dynamic performance in any setting.
Equipped with a robust 12" speaker, the Katana MkII amps offer a plethora of built-in digital guitar amp effects. This includes over 60 Boss effects that can be layered up to 5 at once.
They also incorporate Boss' Tube Logic technology. This delivers authentic tube-like tones for a rich, responsive sound.
The MkII series enables users to fine-tune amp models and effects. With the Boss Tone Studio Editor, you can do updates on this amp to suit your preferences and playing style.
The Boss Katana-100 MkII is hailed by both beginners and seasoned guitarists alike. Renowned for its versatility, connectivity options, and intuitive controls.
While mastering all its features may take some time, users appreciate its durability and the genuine tube-like tones it produces.
Its adaptability, volume, and tone settings make the Boss Katana-100 MkII a dependable choice. This versatile amp meets both your creative and practical needs.
Specifications
- Power: 100W with Power Attenuation (50W, 0.5W)
- Speaker: 1 x 12"
- Amp Modeling: Clean, Crunch, Lead, Brown, Acoustic
- Effects: 60 Boss Effects
- Input: 1 x 1/4" (Guitar), 1 x 1/4" (Power Amp), 1 x 1/8" (Aux)
- Outputs: 1 x 1/4" (Line), 1 x 1/4" (Headphones/Rec)
- Weight: 32.6 lbs.
Demo
Fender Mustang LT25
Cons
- Not great high-gain tones.
- Low projection and bass.
- Not the classic aesthetics of Fender solid state amps (see the Deluxe Reverb below for an example)
Pros
- Great-sounding Fender-style cleans.
- Intuitive LED screen.
- More than enough amp models and effects to cover a wide variety of musical styles.
- Good balance of features, intuitive controls, and portability.
- High build quality and modern aesthetics.
The Fender Mustang LT25 packs Fender's renowned Mustang amp modeling technology into one device. This affordable combo amp has a compact 1 x 8" speaker, that delivers 25 Watts of power.
It's a digital solid state amp with 20 distinct amp models and 25 effects effortlessly blendable and saved across 50 presets.
The LT25 comes in a user-friendly interface designed for beginners. You have a selection of tones, from pristine, clean tones, to gritty mid-crunch, or searing high gain.
Beyond its tonal versatility, the Mustang LT25 features USB recording and intuitive software control. It has essentials like headphone output for silent practice sessions as well as a built-in tuner.
With its blend of quality, affordability, and modern features, the Fender Mustang LT25 stands out as a top choice. If you're seeking for a compact amp that doesn't compromise on sound or functionality, this amp is for you.
Specifications
- Power Rating: 25-Watts
- Speaker Size: 8”
- Channels: 1
- Controls: Gain, Volume, Treble, Bass, Master, Preset, Back, Save, Menu, Tap
- Amp Models: 20
- Effects: 25 (Modulation, Reverb, Delay)
- Inputs/Outputs: 1 x 1/4", 1 x 1/8" (Aux), 1 x 1/8" (Headphones)
- Dimensions: 14.5" x 16.8" x 11.9"
- Weight: 14.9 lbs
| Website | Source | *Rating Value |
| Expert Reviews | Darien Graham-Smith | 60/100 |
Demo
Boss Katana-50 MkII
Cons
- Software editor takes time to learn.
- Driver errors and connectivity issues when using Boss' software editor.
Pros
- Fewer but great-sounding Types of Amps, especially the clean, brown, and lead.
- Versatile power control.
- Quality effects, derived from Roland/Boss's guitar processors.
- Intuitive control setup.
The Boss Katana series simplifies amp modeling with its core offerings: Brown, Lead, Crunch, Clean, and Acoustic.
This model expands to 10 amps thanks to a new "variation" button that tweaks each type's voicing for added versatility.
The Katana-50 MkII is a robust 50-watt combo amp sporting a single 12" speaker. With its power control knob, you can scale its output from 50W down to 0.5W. This allows for rich tones even at lower volumes, perfect for home practice or quiet environments.
Beyond its amp selection, the Katana-50 MkII supports up to 5 effects used simultaneously. You can customize it from a palette of over 60 digital Boss effects, managed through Boss' intuitive software editor. It also features a USB port for direct recording and a headphone out for silent listening.
The Boss Katana-50 MkII is a versatile choice suitable for guitarists of all styles and skill levels. It delivers exceptional tone and performance in any setting. With its adaptable power options and comprehensive digital guitar amp effects suite.
Specifications
- Power Rating: 50 Watts (25W / 0.5W Attenuation)
- Speaker: 1 x 12"
- Channels: 4 Preset Banks, 10 Amp Types
- Controls: Amp Type, Variation, Gain, Volume, Bass, Middle, Treble, Booster/Mod, FX/Delay, Reverb, Master, Power Control, Tone Setting
- Amp Models: 10 - 2 Variations of Brown, Lead, Crunch, Clean, Acoustic
- Effects: 30 (Up to 5 Simultaneous), 60 total effects via Boss Tone Studio Software
- Input: 1 x 1/4", 1 x 1/8" (Aux in), 1 x 1/4" (Power Amp)
- Output: 1 x 1/4" (Rec/Headphones), USB Type B
- Extra: Switchable Power Attenuation, Power Amp Input (Uncolored Amplification)
- Dimensions: 15.6" x 18.5" x 9.3"
- Weight: 25.6 lbs.
Demo
Fender Champion 20
Cons
- Not very loud for jamming.
- No FX loop.
Pros
- Offers flexible amp modeling, covering a range of tones.
- Reverb, modulation, and Tap Tempo control.
- Bright, clean Fender tones and bluesy grit.
- Affordable: Cheapest amp in this guide.
- AUX-In and headphone output for jamming and silent practice.
- A popular choice with a strong reputation.
The Fender Champion 20 is your go-to combo guitar amp. It blends modern amp modeling with intuitive design and affordability.
Renowned for its signature bright, clean tones and bluesy grit, the Champion 20 goes beyond the basics. With diverse amp voicings inspired by legendary amps, it ensures tonal richness in every note.
It offers 8 distinct amp models and a range of onboard effects. From vintage Fender classics to Vox, Marshall, and high-gain options—it caters to all musical styles.
Its effects are easily controlled via dedicated knobs and a Tap Tempo button for precision timing. This includes sought-after modulation and Fender-style reverb effects.
The Champion 20 marries modern functionality with classic appeal. With its aux-in and headphone jacks for silent sessions and Fender's timeless "Blackface" aesthetic.
If you seek unmatched sonic flexibility and quality in a budget-friendly package, the Fender Champion 20 is a highly recommended amp. It's backed by years of acclaim and countless satisfied users.
Specifications
- Power Rating: 20-Watts
- Speaker Size: 8”
- Channels: 1
- Controls: Volume, Channel, Gain, Channel 2 Volume, Voice, Treble, Bass, FX Level, FX Select, Tap Temp
- Amp Models: 12 (Vintage Fenders, Vox, Marshall, Mesa Boogie, Super-Sonic)
- Effects: Reverb, Delay, Chorus, Tremolo, Vibratone, Overdrive
- Inputs/Outputs: ¼”, AUX-In, Effects Loop, Headphones
- Dimensions: 12.75" x 13.75" x 7.5"
- Weight: 12 lbs
| Website | Source | *Rating Value |
| Unbox Guitars | Rizan | 88/100 |
Demo
Best Solid State Guitar Amps $500 to $1500
Fender Tone Master Twin Reverb
Cons
- Premium price.
- No multiple amp models.
Pros
- Impressive Blackface Twin tone emulation.
- Doesn't have the bulk, fragility, and maintenance requirements of actual tubes.
- Loud enough for stage, but can be tamed for recording and practice via its built-in power attenuation.
- Great-sounding reverb and tremolo effect.
- 2-button footswitch included.
The Tone Master Twin Reverb is an innovative solid-state take on the legendary Fender Twin Reverb tube amp.
Packing a 200-watt punch, this amp features dual 12" Jensen N-12K neodymium speakers. They are crafted to replicate the original's renowned sound pressure level, despite a simplified digital design.
Utilizing DSP modeling, it faithfully recreates the classic Twin Reverb's tone and responsiveness. Although it has a more streamlined feature set compared to other Fender solid-state models.
The number of channels that the Tone Master Twin Reverb has is 2 (normal and vibrato). A bright switch-enabled inputs, and a dedicated 3-band EQ per channel.
It also comes with adjustable reverb and tremolo controls to provide versatile sound-shaping options.
With its power attenuator you can dial it down to 1 watt, allowing for rich, cranked-up tones at lower volumes. All these features are housed in a portable 33 lbs. combo amp with a tilt-back design reminiscent of its predecessor.
The Tone Master Twin Reverb continues to earn accolades as one of Fender's finest amps. Whether you're a purist or new to the Twin Reverb legacy, this amp promises exceptional performance and fidelity that's sure to impress.
Specifications
- Power Rating: 200 Watts (85W, 40W, 22W, 12W, 5W, 1W selectable)
- Speaker: 2 x 12" Jensen N12K
- Channels: 2 (Normal/Vibrato)
- Controls: Normal Channel: Bright Switch, Volume, Treble, Middle, Bass
Vibrato Channel: Bright Switch, Volume, Treble, Middle, Bass, Reverb, Speed, Intensity, Output Power, Cabinet Sim, Balanced Line Out, Ground/Lift - Amp Models: 1 (Twin Reverb)
- Effects: Reverb, Tremolo
- Input: 2 x 1/4" Normal, 2 x 1/4" Vibrato
- Output: 1 x XLR (DI out)
- Extras: Power Attenuation, 2-Button Footswitch (Included), Solid Pinewood Cabinet
- Dimensions: 20.24" x 26.6" x 10.35"
- Weight: 33 lbs.
| Website | Source | *Rating Value |
| Guitar Pedal Demos | intheblues | 90/100 |
Demo
Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus
Cons
- Bulky and heavy, especially when compared to newer amps.
- Not many extra features to play with.
Pros
- The "holy grail" for clean tone is considered by many.
- Consistent, durable, and gig-worthy.
- Easy to use, works well with other instruments like synths and keyboards.
- Classic chorus effect sound.
The JC-120 stands as the flagship of the legendary amp series from Roland-Jazz Chorus series, maintaining its popularity since its debut in 1975.
While its premium price tag may give pause, enthusiasts willingly invest in its renowned quality.
This combo amp delivers robust 120-watt through dual 12" speakers and ensures ample volume for most venue's demands. Meanwhile, it faithfully reproduces its signature crystal-clear, clean tones.
This pristine, clean sound is what many users gravitate to. However, for added versatility, it includes a dedicated channel with built-in distortion.
Additional features like stereo inputs, independent 3-band EQ per channel, integrated reverb and chorus effects, and dedicated footswitch ports further enhance its functionality.
If you seek a reliable, stage-ready solid-state amplifier renowned for its exceptional clean tones, the Roland JC-120 deserves serious consideration.
Specifications
- Power Rating: 120 Watts (2 x 60W)
- Speaker: 2 x 12"
- Channels: 2
- Controls: Ch1: Bright Switch, Volume, Treble, Middle, Bass - Ch2: Bright Switch, Volume, Treble, Middle, Bass, Distortion, Reverb, Speed, Depth, Vib/Chorus, Effect Loop Level, Effect Loop Type
- Amp Models: None
- Effects: Stereo Chorus, Spring Reverb, Vibrato, Distortion
- Input: 1 x 1/4"
- Output: 2 x 1/4" (R/L Lineout)
- Extras: Effects Loop with level and series/parallel switches, Chorus and Vibrato effects, Casters included
- Dimensions: 24.49" x 29.92" x 11"
- Weight: 61.73 lbs.
| Website | Source | *Rating Value |
| Just Guitar Amps | Editor | 90/100 |
Demo
Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb
Cons
- Steep price.
- No amp models.
Pros
- Highly rated tube-like tone.
- Stage and studio-ready projection, but with a power attenuation option for recording and practice.
- Not bulky, fragile, solid state design, and requires less maintenance than actual tube amps.
- Great-sounding reverb and tremolo effect.
- 2-button footswitch included.
The Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb reimagines the classic all-tube Deluxe Reverb amp with a modern solid-state design.
This amp emphasizes simplicity over feature overload. Unlike the feature-rich Fender Mustang series, the Deluxe Reverb is focused on capturing the essence of its tube predecessor.
It excels at digitally replicating the beloved sonic qualities of Fender's iconic tube sound. Avoiding multiple amp models and built-in effects. This choice has garnered widespread acclaim among users.
Rated at 100 watts and equipped with a 12" Jensen N12K neodymium speaker, it matches the sound pressure level of a 22-watt Deluxe tube amp. It does this while offering the flexibility of a built-in power attenuator, which you can dial down to a whisper-quiet 0.2 watt.
Its lightweight construction sets it apart from traditional tube amps. Yet, it retains the dependable versatility that Fender is known for, delivering the sought-after clean tube tone in a solid-state format.
The Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb is highly recommended. This is the best combo amp to get if you're seeking authentic Fender tube sound with modern reliability and portability.
Specifications
- Power Rating: 100 Watts (22W, 12W, 5W, 1W, 0.5W, 0.2W Selectable)
- Speaker: 1 x 12" Jensen N12K
- Channels: 2 (Normal/Vibrato)
- Controls: Volume (Ch1), Treble (Ch1), Bass (Ch1), Volume (Ch2), Treble (Ch2), Bass (Ch2), Reverb, Speed, Intensity, Output Power, Cabinet Sim, Balanced Line Out, Ground/Lift
- Amp Models: 1 (Deluxe Reverb)
- Effects: Reverb, Tremolo
- Input: 2 x 1/4" Normal, 2 x 1/4" Vibrato
- Output: 1 x XLR (DI out)
- Extras: Power Attenuation, 2-Button Footswitch (Included), Solid Pinewood Cabinet
- Dimensions: 17" x 24.1" x 9.28"
- Weight: 23 lbs.
| Website | Source | *Rating Value |
| Premier Guitar | Charles Saufley | 90/100 |
Demo
Best Solid State Guitar Amps with Amp Modeling $500 to $1500
Boss Katana-100/212 MkII
Cons
- Not enough amps, effects, and parameter settings.
Pros
- A genuine "do-it-all" workhorse amp with its power attenuator and digital sound processing.
- Sounds great, as expected from Boss.
- Highly rated for its amp voicings, especially the brown and clean.
- Ability to turn down the power to 0.5W, good enough for practice as well as a main amp.
- Intuitive control setup.
The Boss Katana-100/212 MkII sports a 2 x 12" speaker combo amp setup. It features 5 versatile amp models covering everything from pristine cleans to aggressive high-gain tones all tweakable via intuitive controls for gain, EQ, and effects.
For those craving precision, the amp offers software editing capabilities. This allows for fine-tuning of its impressive tone and sound quality. It even often surpasses competitors that have more amp models.
Its power attenuator enables it to seamlessly switch from a roaring 100 watts down to a mere half watt. This delivers dynamic, cranked tones even at lower volumes.
Alternatively, there's an amp head version of the Katana 100. It's complete with a built-in small speaker, ensuring great tones even at reduced volumes.
Versatile in both tone and volume control, this amp is a reliable, all-encompassing choice well worth your consideration.
Specifications
- Power Rating: 100 Watts (50W / 0.5W Attenuation)
- Speaker: 2 x 12"
- Channels: 4 Preset Banks, 10 Amp Types
- Controls: Amp Type, Variation, Gain, Volume, Bass, Middle, Treble, Booster/Mod, FX/Delay, Reverb, Presence, Master, Power Control, Tone Setting, Cab Resonance, Stereo Expand
- Amp Models: 10 (2 Variations of Brown, Lead, Crunch, Clean, Acoustic)
- Effects: 30 (Up to 5 Simultaneous), 60 total effects via Boss Tone Studio Software
- Input: 1 x 1/4", 1 x 1/8" (Aux in), 1 x 1/4" (Power Amp)
- Output: 1 x 1/4" (Line), 1 x 1/4" (Rec/Headphones), USB Type B
- Extra: Switchable Power Attenuation, Power Amp Input (Uncolored Amplification)
- Dimensions: 19.1" x 26.4" x 9.8"
- Weight: 43.6 lbs.
| Website | Source | *Rating Value |
| Guitar Mag | Richard Purvis | 80/100 |
Demo
Line 6 Spider V 240 MkII
Cons
- Wealth of features can be overwhelming.
- Heavy and bulky.
Pros
- Loud Hi-Fi full-range speaker setup.
- Ideal for amp modeling, handling other instruments, and multimedia use.
- Classic speaker mode for traditional amp sounds.
The Spider V 240 MkII is the largest and loudest combo amp in Line 6's current line of Spider amps. It combines a 240-Watt amp with two 12" speakers, two tweeters, amp modeling, and effects.
This amp's digital sound processing power provides a wide variety of tone options with over 100 built-in effects, 78 amp models, 24 cab simulations, and 4 mic models.
Line 6 also added two HF drivers along with its 12" woofers to expand the higher frequencies. However, some guitarists have not reacted positively to this feature.
In response, Line 6 added a way to switch off the HF drivers, cab, and mic modeling in the MkII version to give it a more traditional amp tone. Other features include an onboard tuner, metronome, looper, and drum loops.
The Spider V 240 MkII offers exceptional features and tone versatility, making it a great all-in-one stage amp for those looking to simplify their rig.
Specifications
- Power Rating: 240 Watts
- Speaker: 2 x 12" Woofer, 2 x Tweeter
- Channels: 1
- Controls: Drive, 3-Band EQ, Volume, Comp, Fx1, Fx2, Fx3, Reverb, Master, Preset, Ground/Lift, Buttons: Amp, FX, Loop, Play, Edit, Tap Tempo, Home
- Amp Models: 78 x Amps, 24 x Cabs, 4 x Mics
- Effects: 101 Digital Effects (Up to 8 Simultaneous)
- Input: 1 x 1/4", 1 x 1/8" (Aux in)
- Output: 1 x 1/4" (Headphones/Line), 2 x XLR (R/LMono)
- Extras: Classic Speaker Mode (Turns off Cab modeling and Tweeter), Built-in Tuner, Metronome, Looper, and Drum Loops
- Dimensions: 21.69" x 26.8" x 10.6"
- Weight: 42.9 lbs.
Demo
Things to Consider When Buying the Best Solid State Amps
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Power Rating and Volume
Having an amp with just the right power rating for your use is important. You don't want a loud practice amp, nor do you want a quiet stage amp. Thankfully, there are now power amps with built-in power attenuation, which allows big and loud amps to go down to bedroom levels while still getting good cranked tones.
Most of the time, tube amps are louder than solid state amps, given the same power rating. The main reason is that tube amps can be driven harder and handle clipping better, while solid state amps can't. When solid state amps are heavily cranked, hard clipping occurs, which sounds like aggressive non-musical distortion. Tube amplifiers “soft clip,” which is a bit more musical sounding.
There are also other factors that can influence volume, chief among them being the efficiency of the speakers. The majority of components in an amplifier play a part in changing the tone and volume you get. With that being said, as a rule, solid state amplifiers are generally going to be quieter than their tube counterparts. This quieter sound can be attributed to new electrolytic capacitors that are better at filtering out electrical noise.
Just keep in mind that the best solid state guitar amps are built with high quality components, so the difference in volume between a high-end solid state amplifier and a high-end tube amplifier isn't going to be overly dramatic. For gigging in medium- to large-scale venues, you're going to want to make sure you have at least 100 watts on hand. This will give you plenty of headroom during a gig, so you won't have to push your solid state guitar amp to breaking point.
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Tone
Because the technology of a solid state amplifier is more affordable, most cheaper amps are solid state. Because of this, solid state technology has gotten a reputation for sounding bad because it is generally used in cheaper amplifiers. However, given the prevalence of solid state amplifiers in a variety of different musicians' rigs, they obviously can't sound bad all the time.
Imagine a situation where you had two amplifiers that were essentially the same, with one being a solid state amplifier and one being a tube (obviously this isn't really possible, so it's just hypothetical). The main difference you'd experience in this situation is that the solid state would have a quicker response. Notes would feel like they were literally leaping out of your amp. The tone you'd get would also be very articulate and clear. A tube amp wouldn't have quite as much immediacy in its attack, but the notes would have a higher representation of overtones and a more organic flavor. This would, of course, be at the expense of some articulation.
Tube amps also tend to handle distortion better, but this is also more of a generality than a hard-and-fast rule. If you're using pedals to get your distortion, odds are you're going to get just as good of a tone out of a high-end solid state amplifier that you'd get from a tube amp.
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Speaker Size
Speaker size is a metric you can use to get an idea of the response an amp is going to have in different frequency ranges. A smaller speaker (6–10”) is going to have a clearer voice that emphasizes treble frequencies, while a larger speaker (15”) is going to be more bass-heavy. Most amps are in the middle at 12”, because a 12” speaker is generally considered to have a pleasing response across the board.
However, the size of a speaker isn't the sole factor that determines the frequency response of an amplifier. Frequency response, just like overtones and volume, is influenced by every component in your amp.
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Do Built-In Effects Matter?
If you want an amp with a lot of built-in effects, you're going to want to go with a modeling amplifier, otherwise, all you really need is reverb. Most solid state amps don't have the best distortion/overdrive circuits built in (with high-end solid state amplifiers being the exception), so they're not really a must-have. However, many solid state amps do come with distortion. The distortion you get from these amps generally isn't going to knock your socks off, but it will be serviceable enough until you get a distortion or overdrive pedal.
And while modeling amps may be cool, they're not really going to be necessary for many musicians. Their main appeal is their versatility, so if you only really need one core sound, you're not going to stand to benefit overly much from the different effects and amp sims a modeling amp has on hand.
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Tube Amp vs Solid State Amp
The main selling point of a solid state amplifier is that it's more reliable and easier to maintain than a tube amp. They are also generally more affordable, which is a big factor in the solid state vs tube amp debate. You can also play them at a quieter volume while retaining a good tone. Tube amplifiers, due to the nature of how preamps and power amps function, generally need a larger amount of power (which produces more volume) in order to sound their best. And they can have tube buzz. But tube amps' main advantage is their organic and warm tone.
The security of having a reliable amp is definitely a plus, but something important for musicians to consider is that solid state amps can actually sound very good in their own right. If you use a lot of pedals, the complex overtones and frequency response of a tube amp have the potential to make your tone muddy and unfocused. This isn't a guarantee by any means, but it is a possibility.
Think of your tone like a sandwich. You have your bread, meat, cheese, and leafy greens. In this metaphor, your frequency response is like different sauces. A presence of overtones that works toward your desired tone is like putting a bit of mayo and/or mustard on your sandwich. Too many overtones for a given situation is like throwing on mustard, mayo, ketchup, soy sauce, and vinegar. All of those things are good on their own, but when combined, they result in an unfocused mess.
So if your tone is derived through a complex signal chain of pedals, then you're better off with a solid state amp. But if you're into minimalist setups, then you're going to get more from tube amps.
While many tone aficionados prefer tube amps, there are big name guitarists who have used solid state amps, including James Hetfield Dimebag Darrell, Ty Tabor, and more.
We'll reserve the more nuanced discussions surrounding the tube amp vs solid state amps topic for another article. It should be mentioned that hybrid amps are available, where solid state components are matched with a preamp tubes or power amp tubes.
Best Solid State Amp Selection Methodology
The first Edition was published in 2017. The current edition was published on June 30, 2024
Solid state amplifiers comprise a broad segment of the guitar world when considering the many available variations. So we limited our scope to solid state combo amps that can be readily bought from major US music gear retailers with a maximum price of $1,500. This means that amp heads like the Sunn Beta Lead, Boss Katana Head, Henriksen The Bud head, and more are not included.
Even with filters in place, we still ended up with 59 viable solid state combo amps. For each of these candidate amps, we analyzed relevant ratings, reviews, and forum discussions, summing up to over 46,800 rating sources. The Gearank Algorithm did the rest, giving us rating scores out of 100 that represent actual market sentiment, which we then used to narrow down the list to just the cream of the crop.
For this edition, we added links to useful information like warranty information, manufacturer support, and online reviews. Finally, we divided the list by price and segregated those with multiple amp models and those with more classic single- or two-channel amp voicings. For more information about our methods, see How Gearank Works.
About the Author and Contributors
Here are the key people and sources involved in this guide's production - click on linked names for information about their music industry backgrounds.
Lead Author & Researcher
Alexander Briones
I have been writing about and researching music gear for many years, all while serving as a music director at my local church. I engage in guitar playing and singer-songwriter stints, in addition to mentoring young musicians and teaching guitar and bass.
While I currently use a simplified guitar processor based setup, I have used solid state amps in studios and in venues where I’ve played. At times, I even plug my guitar direct to amp to better appreciate the its dynamic response. Some of the solid state amps that I enjoyed using include the Fender Princeton 65, Peavey Bandit 112, Orange Crush 100, and my son's Fender Mustang III.
Contributors
Mason Hoberg: Supplemental writing.
Jason Horton: Editing and Illustrating.
Media
Main/Top Image: Compiled using photographs of the Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus, Fender Mustang LT25, Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb and Orange Crush 35RT.
The videos have been embedded in accordance with YouTube's Terms of Service.
The individual product images were sourced from websites, promotional materials or supporting documentation provided by their respective manufacturers.
The Best Small / Low Watt Tube Amps – Combo & Amp Heads
The Best Guitar Amp from the Top 10 Guitar Amp Brands
You don’t mention ZT Lunchbox amps…high quality, great design, and sound good.
They are good amps and we have recommended older models in the past. I’ve published our rating for the current model, the ZT Lunchbox Reverb LBR1 so you can see that it doesn’t yet have high enough ratings to make it onto our recommended list.
You missed so many amps on this list that it’s crazy? Quilter has a couple that are under your 1500 threshold and sounds amazing , Hughes and Kettner have the Black Spirit 200w which is absolute crushing. There are too many more to mention but this article needs to be revisited…?
Thanks for those suggestions.
We actually considered the Quilter Mach range and they only just missed out on making the cut, but their ranking has been improving and if we were to redo the selection today there’s a chance Quilter would make the cut – see their ratings here.
The Black Spirit on the other hand isn’t eligible because it’s an amp head and we’re only including combo amps in this guide.
Publication of our April 2022 Edition resulted in the following amps coming off the recommended list above:
Would love to see the new Electro Harmonix Dirt Road Special added to this list. I bought one in 2020 and it’s yet to disappoint
It is on our short-list for recommendation in this guide, but it didn’t have high enough ratings to be included in the current edition – you can see our rating for it here.
I had a quick look at the rating sources and it appears reviews have been getting more favorable over time so maybe it will make it onto one of our recommended lists in the future.
We have removed the following amp from the recommended list above due to it being discontinued: Orange Crush CR120C.
Publication of our July 2021 Edition resulted in the following amps coming off the recommended list above, but you can still see our analysis of them:
Our August 2020 update resulted in the following amps coming off the recommended list above, but you can still see our analysis of them:
Acoustic Lead Guitar Series G20
Boss Katana-50 MkI
Fender Champion 20
Fender Champion 100
Fender Mustang I v2
What happened to GALLIEN KRUEGER guitar amps? Latest I found they only continue making bass amps. Until the mid 90s I remember some big name guitar players using them mostly in rock bands. I believe they were pretty good high end solid state amps if I’m not wrong.
Thanks
As a result of this month’s update of this guide the following amps were removed from the recommended list above, but you can still read our analysis of them:
I played a solid state throughout the 90s & I would have sworn bye it, (was a recording professional at this time)anyway two heads no 3 actually I still believe have Somme of the tightest most focused high gain I’ve ever had the pleasure to play. (Mind u I play through a Herbert or uberschaller now a days)give AMPEG VH 140c a try or the ss 150, both SS & both will thump your chest like a sledgehammer! & finally PEAVY supreme 160 all 3 imho are legit, if u listened to death metal in 90s I won’t say the 2 bands names only album names & u can get an ear full of ampeg from both, pierced from within & system’s of the animal.ampeg WERE about $1300 then but, the PEAVY& the amps noooo joke man, . $500! Try em!
No Quilter?
Seriously. The Quilter amps are great.
The Quilter amps look nice but at the moment they still seem to fall into the ’boutique’ category and as such there’s not really enough feedback from buyers for us to get a reliable ranking on them. In this list we were focusing on widely available and well known amps.
No Katana?
Back in May when we published this guide the Boss Katana amps were very close to being included but their ratings were just a fraction low – but not by much.
Out of personal curiosity I decided to update their Gearank scores and publish them in the Music Gear Database.
The result was that if we were to update this guide today, then the Katana-100 would have a strong chance of being included, but the Katana-50 would probably just miss out again (I have not published updated Gearank scores for the rest of the contenders).