Are you looking for the best clean amp head? You’re in the right place.
An amplifier plays a significant role in sound production. Instruments such as bass, keyboard, and guitar create weak electronic signals while the amplifier boosts the signal to drive the speakers and projects music. It is necessary to make an informed and suitable choice when it comes to the amp. It is only because of the amp that sounds reach the core. The capabilities and quality of an amp should be good and make a difference.
Most guitarists believe that it is worth spending on an amp as much as you spend on the guitar. That is necessary when you do not want to compromise on the great sound of your instrument. It is tough to go wrong now because amplifiers are made very well and are affordable too.
Best Clean Amp Heads – Comparison Table
1. Orange Micro Terror 20W Amplifier Head (Editor’s Choice)
The Orange Micro Terror is the best clean amp head available on the market at the moment.
The Micro Terror miniature incarnation includes a valve preamp to an output section for high tones. It weighs less than one kilogram and is one of the most portable amp heads available. The aux input and output for headphone makes it a suitable practice partner when paired with the matching PPC 108 cabinet. It is tiny enough for the cluttered sideboard.
The only thing that is small in this amp is its size. The miniature product has a high tensile casing made of steel. As for the rest of the Terror family, this Micro Terror is made of high standards. It features a single preamp valve, which is coupled to a solid-state output section. The volume and sound depth are truly staggering, with a bite in abundance and Orange growl. You can use it with any speaker cabinet of 8-16Ohm.
This amp head is no bigger than a lunchbox. It has enough power to compete with the bigger amplifiers, especially when you connect with 4X12 or 2X12 cabs. It features a combination of valve and solid-state technology, giving out 20 watts of power because of the 1X12AX7/ECC83 pre amp valve. It is affordable, easy to use, and easy to carry. You can gig with this or use this as a practice amp when coupled with the custom-built.
Features
- Single-channel
- Solid-state power amp
- Aux input for MP3 or CD
- White high tensile steel finish
Pros
- Compact
- Portable
- Auxiliary input
- Plenty of power
Cons
- None
2. Vox MV50CL Amplifier Head (Close Runner-Up)
The MV50 CL Amplifier head is equipped with a pre-amp analog circuit that features a revolutionary latest vacuum tube Nutube that creates authentic tube tone. Engineers have designed a miniature tube amplifier with this incredible latest technology. The VOX’s MV50 Series represents an innovative approach to a guitar amp. The product weighs only a pound. It produces enormous 50 watts of power and creates a serious guitar tone that will surely be more than the sound of your loveable tube amp.
The revolutionary latest vacuum tube Nutube and all-analog preamp circuit preserve warmth and richness of the natural sound of your guitar. The latest Class D power amp offers enough volume for any setting. The pre-amp circuit in the product features an astounding number of analog components that reproduce the tube amp’s distinct character.
MV50 has an efficient and reliable Class D power amp that is specifically designed for it. The power amp is made to respond to the guitar nuances from natural cleans, warm to dynamic overdrives. MV50 clean offers plenty of headroom and clean tones. It is inspired by classic American amplifiers and offers more aggressive tones similar to the high gain amplifiers.
Features
- Analog pre-amp featuring latest Nutube
- Line/Headphone and speaker outputs
- Natural clean tones
- Intuitive and straightforward tone controls
Pros
- Amazing output
- Range of tones
- Portable
Cons
- None
3. Bugera G5 Infinium Amplifier Head
This amp is best to go when it comes to the price. It sounds superb and has surprisingly high gain. The tones it produces are clean, and it pairs well with pedals and feels strong. This tiny amp is fantastic and indeed meets the expectations. Each function is flawless and gives a fantastic feeling when you play through this amp. It is similar to expensive high-end output amps. The sound and feel offered by the amp are excellent.
The other important amp attribute is that the loop functions transparently and flawlessly. The built-in reverb is good and of high quality. The footswitch included has two switches on it; one is dedicated reverb off and on and one for channel switching. The unit switching perfectly works with no drops and pops. It is one of the best amp heads available on the market today.
Features
- 5-watt hand-built class A amplifier is driven by 12BH7 and ECC83 tubes
- INFINIUM tube life revolutionary multiplier technology
- Seamless sweep between British EQ-style and USA style tone
- Dedicated high definition Reverb control
- Push-pull excellent power amp design for vintage tone
Pros
- Good quality
- Worth the money
- Very well built
Cons
- None
4. PRS MT15 Amplifier Head
The MT 15 Amp head is a two-channel amp with articulation and balanced aggression. It is powered by 6L6 tubes. The bold and large sound of this amp makes it popular, and you can dig in heavy with tones and sing lead tones out of an amp. Whether practicing, recording, playing, or writing a small room, this amp has all you need. The design of MT15 is started keeping in mind the heavier players, and it offers much of all genres.
MT 15 features five gain stages before lush, full distortion.
Gain channel gets big chunky tone with tight massive low end. It never loses the great lead tone or articulate note definition.
The clean channel is bright and good with chords. Its push-pull boost control adds some overdrive. MT15 stays balanced in all tones and does not bite the head off. Other features include bias adjusters and an effects loop that is easily accessible from the back panel. It sounds like 50 despite its 15 watts. The loud sound, amount of features, and the horsepower of the circuit make it impressive.
Features
- 2 Channels
- 15/7 Watts, Switchable
- 6L6 Power Tubes
Pros
- Great at mid to low volume level
- Very well laid inside
- Very lightweight
Cons
- None
5. Behringer BXD3000H Amplifier Head
Behringer BXD amp head is perfect for practicing without disturbing others as it has a separate headphone output. The balanced XLR DI and line outputs are used for direct connection to the mixing console.
CD input allows playing your favorite music. You can connect external effects devices with a dedicated FX insert.
It also includes rack mount brackets.
The product is engineered and designed in Germany.
It has an FBQ frequency indicator that is used for instant sound shaping. A switchable ultra bass subharmonics processor is available for unbelievable low-end power. Volume peaks smooth through an integrated compressor when playing dynamic slaps. The dual footswitch is used for channel selection, and it includes ultra bass function. FBQ equalizer helps you see what you play.
The individual frequency bands can be lowered or raised to fine-tune your sound. You get the dedicated spectrum analyzer at your fingertips with the FBQ button. The LEDs on the frequency sliders illuminate in different intensity levels indicating which bands should be adjusted for adequate performance. That is handy for removing the low-frequency feedback related to the electric acoustic, hollow body, and upright basses.
Features
- Two-channel 300 watt bass amplifier
- Class D revolutionary amplifier technology
- Incredible sonic performance
- Enormous power
- Ultra-lightweight
Pros
- Affordable buy
- Fantastic quality
- Loud enough to practice
Cons
- Only one speaker jack
6. Bugera V22HD Amplifier Head
V22HD amplifier head is 22 watts vintage two-channel guitar amp head. Prestigious company Burgera offers the product, and it has bright and standard inputs that allow matching the amplifier to the guitar’s tonal quality. It comes with a built-in reverb in the amp head that allows switching on and off with the help of a footswitch included. It also gives you control of channel selection. The amp also has an Infinium tube life multiplier which increases the tube’s life and indicates when a change of tube is needed.
Besides being sturdy and featuring as an affordable option, it features a clean, incredibly warm, and best of the amp. The reverb is perfect for both channels. Distortion is a little sharp, and it is vintage. The best amp will take you where you take your playing. Younger guitarists or beginners can easily start with a headphone unit. It is fair to say that magic will happen with the master volume set up. It is too much for all who love louder tones.
Features
- Cool vintage look
- 22-watt hand-built guitar head
- INFINIUM tube life multiplier technology
- Two-channel preamp design
- Dedicated reverb control
Pros
- Great tone
- Nice amp
- Sounds great
Cons
- None
Buying Guide for the Best Clean Amp Heads
One of the most challenging decisions for any guitarist is to buy the best guitar amp. It is not easy to get the best quality option, and it is a hard choice. The tube amplifiers and solid-state amplifiers are pretty different. Tube amplifiers depend on vacuum tubes for amplification. Solid-state amplifiers make use of digital components such as diodes and transistors for sound amplification.
The vacuum technology in the tube amp provides a specific tone on the clean settings. A precise clean tone is achieved through solid-state amplification, and many people do not like it when it comes to the guitar sound. Many people like the sparkling and crackle tone and tube amps are considered the best for superior sound because vacuum tube amplification technologies are utilized.
Is Tube Amplification the Right Choice?
The tube amplification does not give the cleanest of cleans. Tube amplification is superior to solid-state amplification, and there is a tone that is vacuum tube specific and cannot be replicated. Vacuum tubes are costly because they are limited. There are many solid-state amplifiers, and you have the right reasons for using them.
Even the best vacuum tubes need maintenance, and they are fragile too. Maintenance is costly and needs professional assistance. Repair is complicated, and you may need to spend a good amount of money. Your mileage may differ as some people can turn the amplifier on, and it works great for a decade, but it can vary in your case.
Tube Amplification Advantages
- Good tube amplification will have a pleasing tone, and they are worked less to achieve the correct tone.
- Due to variations and imperfections in vacuum tubes, the tubes have a clean tone.
- Using the tube technology, many classic records were recorded
Tube Amplification Disadvantages
- Tubes need high maintenance
- They are expensive when it comes to repair
- Price is higher when compared to a solid-state amplification system
Conclusion: The Best Clean Amp Head
Electric guitar amps are sophisticated, and they are popular too. The amp gives out the sound that most people look for, and they depend on their amp to create effects such as controlling the toned shape and producing effects such as reverb.
Acoustic guitar amps are made to reproduce the guitar sounds of full range. These amps focus on avoiding distortion.
After lots of research, we have compiled some of the best clean amp heads in this article. Our favorite from the list is Orange Micro Terror 20W Amplifier Head. It is one of the best clean amp heads ever made. It is something to look at from the list.