The Best Combo Amps for Metal of 2023

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Selecting the ideal combo amp for metal is more than just opting for the loudest or the most expensive model. It’s about capturing a sound that resonates with the soul of metal – a sound that embodies power, clarity, and aggression.

While opinions on the best metal amp can be subjective, there are undeniable frontrunners who have earned their stripes in the metal community. From the versatility of the PRS Archon that can journey from haunting cleans to roaring overdrives, to the compact yet powerful Orange Crush 35RT that encapsulates the very essence of metal in a small package, the perfect combo amp awaits to unleash your inner metal god. Whether you’re a budding guitarist or a seasoned shredder, there’s an amp out there that’s waiting to be cranked up and let loose

What Are The Best Combo Amps for Metal?.

What Are The Best Combo Amps for Metal?

1. Boss Katana-100 MKII
2. Blackstar St James 6L6
3. Marshall DSL40CR
4. Orange Rockerverb 100
5. Friedman BE-100 Deluxe
6. PRS Archon
7. Orange Crush 35RT

1. Boss Katana-100 MKII

Technical Features:

• 100-watt
• A custom 12-inch speaker
• Tube Logic design
• Independent effects sections
• BOSS Tone Studio integration with over 60 effects
• Power Amp In for versatile gear connection
• Stereo Expand out for linking with another Katana MkII
• Eight Tone Setting memories for personalized sound recall

Review:

The Boss Katana-100 MKII is a triumph in the world of combo amps. Not only does it boast a plethora of features, but it also ensures a rich, full-bodied sound that resonates with depth and clarity. Whether you’re dialing in clean tones, crunchy blues, or hard-hitting metal, the MKII has got you covered. The on-board effects are a bonus, creating a diverse soundscape without the need for an extensive pedalboard. The Tube Logic design ensures power, punch, and presence.

Verdict:

For its price point, the Katana-100 MKII is unbeatable. This guitar amp packs in power, versatility, and quality, making it an invaluable asset for any serious guitarist.

This Amp is Perfect For:

• Musicians who want a one-stop solution for diverse tones
• Gigging artists requiring consistent performance
• Studio professionals craving precision

2. Blackstar St James 6L6

Technical Features:

• All-tube combo amp for genuine sound reproduction
• Exclusive Celestion G12Z-70 “Zephyr” speaker
• Cab rig output with cabinet simulation
• USB interface
• Power reduction switch
• Front channel select and voicing switches
• 6L6 model with increased gain for heavy genres

Review:

The Blackstar St James 6L6 is a testament to Blackstar’s commitment to quality and innovation. The tones are lush and full, with the gain settings adding that extra bite metal players crave. The built-in features simplify the playing experience, especially for those who perform live. The power production switch ensures you get versatile volume control, and the USB interface allows for direct computer recording.

Verdict:

If you’re looking for a metal-centric versatile amp that doesn’t compromise on quality, the St James 6L6 is a top contender. It’s hard-hitting, clear, and designed for the stage.

This Amp is Perfect For:

• Metal aficionados
• Live performers seeking robust sound
• Musicians who appreciate authentic tube tones

3. Marshall DSL40CR

Technical Features:

• 2-channel
• 40-watt power
• Onboard digital reverb with dual voicings
• 12″ Celestion V-type speaker
• Resonance and presence controls
• ECC83 and EL34 valves

Review:

The Marshall DSL40CR epitomizes what we’ve come to expect from Marshall – power, clarity, and that classic crunch. It’s adept at delivering a range of sounds, from clean bluesy tones to the growling tone you get with metal. The Celestion speaker gives it the punch it needs to make its presence felt, whether in a studio setup or on stage. Tailor your sound with the resonance and presence controls, and create the soundscape you’ve been looking for.

Verdict:

For guitarists wanting a versatile combo amp with classic Marshall tones, the DSL40CR is a no-brainer. It’s a powerhouse, both in sound and aesthetics.

This Amp is Perfect For:

• Rock and metal enthusiasts
• Gigging musicians seeking a portable solution without compromising tone
• Studio artists craving that authentic Marshall sound

4. Orange Rockerverb 100

Technical Features:

• 2-channels
• 100-watt power ideal
• EL34 power tubes
• 12AX7 preamp tubes
• Revoiced channels
• Tube spring reverb
• Selectable 30-, 50-, 70-, or 100-watt performance

Review:

Orange amps have been the backbone of many legendary tones, and the Rockerverb 100 MKIII carries that legacy forward. Its unmistakable British charm is evident in every note, and its modern tweaks make it relevant to today’s diverse musical landscape.

Select from 30 up to 100 watts, making this amp ideal for stages of all sizes. Revoiced channels offer a diverse tonal palette, and the tube spring reverb ensures atmospheric depth.

Verdict:

For those who want a blend of classic British tones and modern features, the Orange Rockerverb 100 MKIII is a top-tier choice.

This Amp is Perfect For:

• Rock and metal guitarists with a penchant for British tones
• Studio professionals looking for authentic tube sounds
• Performers wanting a reliable, iconic stage companion

5. Friedman BE-100 Deluxe

Technical Features:

• 3-channel 100-watt tube amplifier for versatile sound profiles
• Clean channel inspired by the Smallbox amplifier for crystalline tones
• Independent gain and master volume controls
• Built-in effects loop
• Thump knob and Response knob

Review:

The Friedman BE-100 Deluxe is a testament to why Friedman amps are revered in the guitar community. With its tonal versatility, from crystal-clear clean sounds to the most aggressive drive channels, this amp head can cater to any guitarist’s desires. The extensive tone-shaping features are not just bells and whistles but are instrumental in crafting the perfect sound. Try out the built-in effects loop, or adjust the resonance and playing feel with the Thump and Response knobs.

Verdict:

An absolute must-have for those who demand tonal perfection and versatility, the Friedman BE-100 Deluxe stands tall as one of the best in its class.

This Amp is Perfect For:

• Professional musicians
• Studio artists
• Guitarists seeking a wide spectrum of high-quality tonal possibilities

6. PRS Archon

Technical Features:

• 2-channel all-tube design for modern metal voicing.
• 3-band EQ
• Bright switches
• ECC83s preamp tubes
• 6L6 power tubes

Review:

The PRS Archon confidently stands as a bridge between vintage voicing and modern metal tonality. Its wide tonal spectrum ensures that it’s not just a one-trick pony. The attention to detail, like having a master volume for each channel, makes it a truly professional-grade amplifier suitable for both studio recordings and live performances. The 3-band EQ and bright switches will ensure tonal perfection, and the 6L6 power tubes will give you a powerful sound output.

Verdict:

A sophisticated beast, the PRS Archon combines power, clarity, and versatility, making it a top choice for metal musicians of today.

This Amp is Perfect For:

• Gigging professionals
• Studio musicians
• Metal guitarists who demand both clarity and aggressive tonality

7. Orange Crush 35RT

Technical Features:

• 4-stage preamp design
• Custom Voice of the World speaker
• Fully buffered effects loop
• 2 foot-switchable channels

Review:

Orange has once again proven that they understand the essence of rock and metal with the Crush 35RT. It’s incredible how this amp packs so much punch and versatility in such a compact design. The 4-stage preamp design creates versatile overdrive and saturation. The addition of an onboard reverb, tuner, and effects loop makes it an all-in-one solution for guitarists.

Verdict:

Compact, versatile, and powerful, the Orange Crush 35RT is a must-have for guitarists looking for that classic Orange tonality without needing a stack.

This Amp is Perfect For:

• Practice sessions
• Small gigs
• Any guitarist looking for a versatile, compact amp with a classic Orange character

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Combo Amp for Metal

Choosing the ideal combo amp for your metal endeavors is more than just picking up the most expensive or loudest amp on the shelf. There’s an array of features and factors to consider. This guide dives deep into the intricacies of metal amps to help you make an informed decision.

Understand the Importance of Gain and Distortion

Metal music is known for its heavily distorted and aggressive tones. The gain (or distortion) on an amp is responsible for this. While many metal guitarists use pedals for added distortion, the amp’s natural distortion is a foundation. A metal amp should offer tight, responsive, and high-gain distortion that retains clarity. Look for amp models with a gain or lead channel.

If you’re looking for those screaming sounds, it also may be worth picking up a metal amp that features an “Ultra Gain channel.”

Want an electric guitar upgrade? Check out these rocking electric guitar brands.

Features of Metal Amps

FX Loop: This allows you to add effects post the preamp stage, which means delay or reverb effects won’t get muddied by the distorted tone.

Built-in Effects: Some metal amps come with built-in effects like reverb, delay, or chorus. This can be convenient for those who don’t want to invest in individual pedals immediately.

EQ Settings: Metal often requires a precise tonal balance. An amp with a versatile EQ (Equalization) section allows you to tweak the bass, mids, and treble to get that perfect metal tone.

Tube vs. Solid State Amps: The Eternal Debate

Tube Amp:

• Known for their warm, rich, and dynamic tones.
• Respond well to the nuances in a guitarist’s playing.
• Often preferred for their natural overdrive and harmonic distortion.
• Can be heavier and require occasional maintenance (tube replacement).

Solid State Amp:

• A solid-state amp offers a more consistent tone, irrespective of volume levels.
• Generally more durable and lighter in weight.
• Tend to be less expensive than their tube counterparts.
• Some modern solid-state amps do an excellent job of emulating tube-like tones.

Power and Headroom

Wattage: Higher wattage doesn’t just mean “louder.” It also means more headroom, which is the amp’s ability to handle loud volumes without distorting. For metal, where distortion is often intentional, balancing wattage and desired tone is crucial.

Stage vs. Bedroom: A 100-watt amp might be overkill for home practice but perfect for live gigs where you need more power. Conversely, a 10-15W amp could be great for home but not powerful enough for a stage.

Speaker Size: While this doesn’t directly tie into power, it affects the overall projection and tonal quality of the amp. A 12-inch speaker, for instance, will generally provide a fuller sound than a 10-inch.

Budgeting for Your Amp: Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck

When considering price ranges, it’s essential to recognize what each price bracket generally offers. A higher price doesn’t always guarantee a better amp, but it often ensures more features and better build quality.

Entry-Level (Budget-Friendly): Below $200

Quality: Generally solid-state technology. While not comparable to the high-end models, modern budget amps have drastically improved over the years.

Features: Basic EQ (often just treble and bass), single channel, limited built-in effects, if any.

Best For: Beginners, those who need a practice amp, or guitarists on a tight budget.

Key Expectations:

Tonal Limitations: These amps might not have the thickest or richest metal tones, but many are surprisingly good.

Durability: While not fragile, they might not be road-worthy or suited for heavy gigging.

Size and Loudness: Generally quieter with smaller speakers, suited for bedroom levels.

Mid-Range: $200 – $800

Quality: These are a mix of solid-state and tube amps. This range also introduces more reputable and trusted brands.

Features: Get multi-channel options (clean, overdrive), better EQ controls, built-in effects, and sometimes an FX loop.

Best For: This is the best guitar amp for intermediate players, gigging musicians on a budget, and those looking for a reliable practice amp with more tonal options.

Key Expectations:

Versatility: Suitable for various metal sub-genres, from classic metal to more modern tones.

Build Quality: Durable enough for regular gigging. Some models may come with road-worthy cabinets.

Sound: Louder with larger speakers, offering clearer tonal distinctions and better overall sound quality.

High-End: Above $800

Quality: Predominantly tube technology, with some high-end solid-state or hybrid models.

Features: Multiple channels, sophisticated EQ options, high-quality built-in effects, FX loop, sometimes MIDI integration, and even amp modeling.

Best For: Professional musicians, recording artists, and serious enthusiasts who demand the best amp models.

Key Expectations:

Superior Tone: Exceptional clarity, richness, and depth. These amps shine in both live and studio settings.

Advanced Features: Options like amp modeling allow for a plethora of tones from a single unit.

Durability and Craftsmanship: Built to last with premium materials and components. Often heavier due to robust construction and larger transformers.

Pedal Integration with Combo Amps

When crafting the quintessential metal tone, the symbiotic relationship between your combo amp and the effects pedals can’t be understated. The way these two interact can either lead to tone nirvana or a sonic disaster. Here, we dive deeper into the world of pedal integration with combo amps tailored for metal enthusiasts.

Effects Loop:

The effects loop in an amplifier refers to a series of patch points – a send and a return – located between the preamp and the power amp sections of your combo. It’s a particularly crucial feature for those who rely heavily on effects pedals.

Purpose: The primary advantage of an effects loop is to maintain the clarity of signal-based effects, such as delays, reverbs, or choruses, especially when used with high-gain amplifier settings typical for metal tones. If these effects were placed before the amp’s preamp (like in the regular input chain), the distorted signal from the preamp could muddle or overshadow the effect, leading to a messy or unclear sound.

Tailored Effects: For metal guitarists, utilizing an effects loop can mean the difference between crisp, clear solos with a slight delay or reverb and a cacophonous blur of sound. It ensures that your delay repeats or reverb tails aren’t getting unnecessarily distorted or compressed.

Pedal Order: Metal genres often require precision in sound. Using an effects loop also provides an opportunity to fine-tune the order of effects to optimize the tone. This arrangement can be essential when integrating modulation effects, such as phasers or flangers, into high-gain amps and settings.

Pedal-Friendly Amps:

Just as every guitarist has a unique playing style, not all combo amps respond to guitar pedals in the same way. Some amplifiers naturally complement the nuances of specific pedals, making them “pedal-friendly.”

Neutral & Responsive: Amps that have a relatively flat or neutral response without excessive coloration are often the most pedal-friendly. They act as a blank canvas, allowing the character of the pedal, be it overdrive, distortion, or modulation, to shine through without interference.

Overdrives & Distortions: In metal, where gain stages are critical, how an amp reacts to overdrive and distortion pedals can make or break your tone. Amps like the Fender Twin Reverb or the Roland Jazz Chorus are renowned for their clean headroom and ability to let distortion pedals dictate the tonal character. This clean platform is vital for metal guitarists who might use pedals to sculpt their primary distortion or overdrive tones.

Modulations & Ambient Effects: For amps with multiple channels, including a clean channel can be instrumental in ensuring modulations like chorus, flanger, or tremolo and ambient effects like reverb or delay retain their clarity and don’t get lost in a wall of distorted sound.

Examples: Brands like Fender, Vox, and Roland have specific models recognized for their compatibility with a broad spectrum of pedals. However, in the metal realm, amps like the PRS Archon or the Peavey 6505+ have gained acclaim not just for their inherent tones but also their ability to integrate seamlessly with an array of effect pedals.

Looking for more pedals? Why not try the best looper pedals or compressor pedals?

Frequently Asked Questions: Best Combo Amps for Metal

What amps are used for metal?

For metal, guitarists typically gravitate towards amplifiers that deliver aggressive tones, sharp clarity, and substantial gain. Some of the best combo amps for metal include renowned models such as the PRS Archon, Friedman BE-100 Deluxe, Mesa Boogie JP-2C, and the Orange Rockerverb 100. These amps are celebrated for their capability to produce iconic metal riffs and scorching solos.

What is the best Mesa combo for metal?

Mesa Boogie is known for its vast lineup of amps suitable for various genres. When it comes to metal, the Mesa Boogie JP-2C stands out as one of the best combo amps for metal. Based on the iconic Mark IIC+ amp heads, it’s a John Petrucci signature model that offers a massive tonal variety suitable for heavy rhythms and soaring leads.

What are the best amp settings for heavy metal?

Crafting the perfect heavy metal tone can vary depending on personal preference and the specific sub-genre of metal. However, a general guideline for setting up a metal amp is:

• Gain/Drive: Set high to achieve that thick distortion iconic to metal.
• Bass: Moderate to high to get a fuller, chunkier sound.
• Mids: Many metal guitarists scoop the mids (set them lower) to achieve a distinct metal sound, but this can vary based on taste.
• Treble: Moderate to high for clarity in those shredding solos.
• Presence: Adjust to taste, but typically set slightly higher to allow the guitar to cut through the mix. Always remember, these are starting points. The ideal setting can differ based on the specific amp model and the guitarist’s unique taste.

What is the best budget metal amp?

For those on a tighter budget but still looking for one of the best combo amps for metal, the Orange Crush 35RT is a fantastic option. It delivers a punchy, aggressive tone typical of much pricier models and boasts features like an onboard reverb and integrated chromatic tuner. Another notable mention is the Diezel VH Micro, offering a condensed yet potent metal sound without breaking the bank.

Conclusion:

Navigating the vast world of combo amps tailored for metal can feel like an overwhelming journey, especially given the nuanced preferences of each individual guitarist. From understanding the core differences between tube and solid-state technologies to budget considerations and the intricate dance of integrating pedals, every decision influences the end tone. However, armed with the insights and expertise shared in this guide, both seasoned and budding metal guitarists can approach their gear choices with greater confidence.

Remember, while technical specifics and expert recommendations form the foundation, finding the ultimate tone is a deeply personal pursuit. May your quest for the perfect metal sound be as thrilling as the music you create with it. Rock on!