Best Tube Guitar Heads 2026

Top-rated tube guitar heads 2026 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026

PRICE RANGES: Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000 Under $5,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Blues For Classic Rock For Jazz For Vintage Tones For Professional Gigs For Studio Recording

BRANDS: Engl Marshall Hughes&Kettner Mesa Boogie Friedman Victory Amplifiers Evh Orange Harley Benton Soldano Bad Cat Bugera Diezel PRS Peavey Revv

Morgan Amplification AC20 Head Twilight - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Morgan Amplification AC20 Head Twilight

by Morgan Amplification

Jazz Vintage Tones Studio Recording

Key Feature:

• Dynamic playing response

✓ PROS

• Professional sound quality
• Classic vintage tone

✗ CONS

• Heat generation during use
• Requires tube maintenance

Morgan Amplification AC20 Head TwilightTube Top for Electric GuitarOffers typical EL84 "chime" and...

⭐ 4.5/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 508840

$2,089

Buy at Thomann View Details

Victory Amplifiers VC35 The Copper Lunch Box - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Victory Amplifiers VC35 The Copper Lunch Box

by Victory Amplifiers

Jazz Blues Vintage Tones

Key Feature:

• Authentic tube saturation

✓ PROS

• Natural compression and warmth
• Dynamic playing response

✗ CONS

• More expensive than solid-state
• Heavier than other options

Victory Amplifiers VC35 The Copper Lunch BoxTube Amplifier Head for Electric GuitarBritish combo sound from chiming...

⭐ 4.8/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 572360

$1,484

Buy at Thomann View Details

Victory Amplifiers The Deputy Lunch Box Head - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Victory Amplifiers The Deputy Lunch Box Head

by Victory Amplifiers

Professional Gigs Jazz Studio Recording

Key Feature:

• Professional sound quality

✓ PROS

• Dynamic playing response
• Classic vintage tone

✗ CONS

• Heavier than other options
• Heat generation during use

Victory Amplifiers The Deputy Lunch Box HeadTube Head for Electric GuitarDeveloped in collaboration with...

⭐ 4.6/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 614267

$1,429

Buy at Thomann View Details

Victory Amplifiers V140 Super Duchess - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Victory Amplifiers V140 Super Duchess

by Victory Amplifiers

Studio Recording Professional Gigs Blues

Key Feature:

• Dynamic playing response

✓ PROS

• Natural compression and warmth
• Authentic tube saturation

✗ CONS

• Heavier than other options
• More expensive than solid-state

Victory Amplifiers V140 Super DuchessTube Amplifier Head for Electric GuitarBased on the V40 Deluxebut with 100 W...

⭐ 4.6/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 572369

$2,474

Buy at Thomann View Details

Victory Amplifiers V30 The Jack MKII Lunchb. Head - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Victory Amplifiers V30 The Jack MKII Lunchb. Head

by Victory Amplifiers

Blues Vintage Tones Jazz

Key Feature:

• Authentic tube saturation

✓ PROS

• Authentic tube saturation
• Dynamic playing response

✗ CONS

• Needs separate speaker cabinet
• More expensive than solid-state

Victory Amplifiers V30 The Jack MKII Lunchb. HeadTube Amp Head for Electric GuitarThe V30 MKII adds an additional...

⭐ 4.5/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 432349

$1,484

Buy at Thomann View Details

Victory Amplifiers V30 The Jack MKII Compact Head - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Victory Amplifiers V30 The Jack MKII Compact Head

by Victory Amplifiers

Studio Recording Professional Gigs Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Professional sound quality

✓ PROS

• Dynamic playing response
• Classic vintage tone

✗ CONS

• Heat generation during use
• Heavier than other options

Victory Amplifiers V30 The Jack MKII Compact HeadTube Head for Electric GuitarAdds an additional foot-switchable crunch...

⭐ 4.5/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 590959

$1,649

Buy at Thomann View Details

Victory Amplifiers The Deputy Compact Head - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Victory Amplifiers The Deputy Compact Head

by Victory Amplifiers

Vintage Tones Blues Jazz

Key Feature:

• Classic vintage tone

✓ PROS

• Authentic tube saturation
• Dynamic playing response

✗ CONS

• More expensive than solid-state
• Heat generation during use

Victory Amplifiers The Deputy Compact HeadTube Amp Head for Electric GuitarDeveloped in collaboration with...

⭐ 4.7/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 583705

$1,539

Buy at Thomann View Details

Victory Amplifiers VX Kraken MKII Lunch Box Head - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Victory Amplifiers VX Kraken MKII Lunch Box Head

by Victory Amplifiers

Vintage Tones Studio Recording Jazz

Key Feature:

• Dynamic playing response

✓ PROS

• Natural compression and warmth
• Classic vintage tone

✗ CONS

• Needs separate speaker cabinet
• More expensive than solid-state

Victory Amplifiers VX Kraken MKII LunchboxTube Head for Electric Guitar2 Gain channels: British-inspired rhythm sounds...

⭐ 4.9/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 578227

$1,539

Buy at Thomann View Details

Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe 40 Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe 40 Bundle

by Hughes&Kettner

Classic Rock Blues Professional Gigs

Key Feature:

• Authentic tube saturation

✓ PROS

• Classic vintage tone
• Authentic tube saturation

✗ CONS

• Requires tube maintenance
• Heavier than other options

Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe 40 Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe...

⭐ 5.0/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 433094

$802

Buy at Thomann View Details

Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe 40 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.8/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe 40

by Hughes&Kettner

Vintage Tones Classic Rock Studio Recording

Key Feature:

• Professional sound quality

✓ PROS

• Authentic tube saturation
• Professional sound quality

✗ CONS

• Needs separate speaker cabinet
• Requires tube maintenance

Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe 40Amplifier Head for Electric GuitarAll tubePower: 40 W3 Channels: CleanCrunch...

⭐ 4.8/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 379478

$768

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton TUBE30 Head Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.8/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton TUBE30 Head Bundle

by Harley Benton

Vintage Tones Classic Rock Professional Gigs

Key Feature:

• Authentic tube saturation

✓ PROS

• Authentic tube saturation
• Classic vintage tone

✗ CONS

• Needs separate speaker cabinet
• Heat generation during use

Harley Benton TUBE30 Head Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton TUBE30 Head*Tube Head for Electric...

⭐ 4.8/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 579205

$703

Buy at Thomann View Details

Victory Amplifiers V30 The Jack MKII Compa Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.8/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Victory Amplifiers V30 The Jack MKII Compa Bundle

by Victory Amplifiers

Studio Recording Jazz Vintage Tones

Key Feature:

• Classic vintage tone

✓ PROS

• Natural compression and warmth
• Professional sound quality

✗ CONS

• Heat generation during use
• Requires tube maintenance

Victory Amplifiers V30 The Jack MKII Compa Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Victory Amplifiers V30 The Jack MKII...

⭐ 4.8/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 604384

$2,496

Buy at Thomann View Details

Victory Amplifiers VX The Kraken Head - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.4/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Victory Amplifiers VX The Kraken Head

by Victory Amplifiers

Blues Jazz Studio Recording

Key Feature:

• Dynamic playing response

✓ PROS

• Classic vintage tone
• Dynamic playing response

✗ CONS

• Needs separate speaker cabinet
• More expensive than solid-state

Victory Amplifiers VX The Kraken HeadFull tube amp head for electric guitarSwitchable RMS power: 50/15/9/2 W2...

⭐ 4.4/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 381957

$1,099

Buy at Thomann View Details

Mesa Boogie 90s Dual Rectifier - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.9/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Mesa Boogie 90s Dual Rectifier

by Mesa Boogie

Classic Rock Jazz Professional Gigs

Key Feature:

• Classic vintage tone

✓ PROS

• Professional sound quality
• Classic vintage tone

✗ CONS

• More expensive than solid-state
• Needs separate speaker cabinet

Mesa Boogie 90s Dual Rectifier, Tube Amp Head for Electric GuitarThe release of the Dual Rectifier Solo Head in 1992...

⭐ 4.9/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 608628

$4,619

Buy at Thomann View Details

Hughes&Kettner GrandMeister Deluxe 40 Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.8/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Hughes&Kettner GrandMeister Deluxe 40 Bundle

by Hughes&Kettner

Vintage Tones Professional Gigs Jazz

Key Feature:

• Authentic tube saturation

✓ PROS

• Classic vintage tone
• Natural compression and warmth

✗ CONS

• Heavier than other options
• Needs separate speaker cabinet

Hughes&Kettner GrandMeister Deluxe 40 Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Hughes&Kettner GrandMeister Deluxe...

⭐ 4.8/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 559168

$1,318

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Tube Guitar Heads

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced tube guitar heads typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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TOP

Best Tube Guitar Heads 2026

Morgan Amplification AC20 Head Twilight

Victory Amplifiers VC35 The Copper Lunch Box

Victory Amplifiers The Deputy Lunch Box Head

Victory Amplifiers V140 Super Duchess

Victory Amplifiers V30 The Jack MKII Lunchb. Head

Victory Amplifiers V30 The Jack MKII Compact Head

Victory Amplifiers The Deputy Compact Head

Victory Amplifiers VX Kraken MKII Lunch Box Head

Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe 40 Bundle

Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe 40

Harley Benton TUBE30 Head Bundle

Victory Amplifiers V30 The Jack MKII Compa Bundle

Victory Amplifiers VX The Kraken Head

Mesa Boogie 90s Dual Rectifier

Hughes&Kettner GrandMeister Deluxe 40 Bundle

How to Choose the Best Tube Guitar Heads

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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