Best Tube Guitar Heads 2025

Top-rated tube guitar heads 2025 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

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 Victory Amplifiers Friedman Evh Orange Harley Benton Soldano PRS Diezel Bugera Bad Cat Revv Peavey

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 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 GrandMeister Deluxe 40UKBundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Hughes&Kettner GrandMeister Deluxe 40UKBundle

by Hughes&Kettner

Jazz Professional Gigs Vintage Tones

Key Feature:

• Natural compression and warmth

✓ PROS

• Natural compression and warmth
• Classic vintage tone

✗ CONS

• Needs separate speaker cabinet
• Heat generation during use

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

⭐ 4.7/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 617143

$1,154

Buy at Thomann View Details

Hughes&Kettner GrandMeister Deluxe 40 Bundle4 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Hughes&Kettner GrandMeister Deluxe 40 Bundle4

by Hughes&Kettner

Classic Rock Professional Gigs Blues

Key Feature:

• Natural compression and warmth

✓ PROS

• Authentic tube saturation
• Dynamic playing response

✗ CONS

• More expensive than solid-state
• Requires tube maintenance

Hughes&Kettner GrandMeister Deluxe 40 Bundle4*Bundle offer comprising*, Hughes&Kettner GrandMeister Deluxe...

⭐ 4.8/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 433096

$1,132

Buy at Thomann View Details

Mesa Boogie Triple Crown TC-100 Head - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Mesa Boogie Triple Crown TC-100 Head

by Mesa Boogie

Blues Jazz Vintage Tones

Key Feature:

• Authentic tube saturation

✓ PROS

• Classic vintage tone
• Authentic tube saturation

✗ CONS

• Heat generation during use
• Requires tube maintenance

Mesa Boogie Triple Crown TC-100 HeadAll Tube Electric Guitar Amp Head3 Channels: CleanLo Gain & Hi GainMulti-Soak...

⭐ 4.9/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 426618

$4,289

Buy at Thomann View Details

Tone King Royalist MKIII Head BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Tone King Royalist MKIII Head BK

by Tone King

Jazz Classic Rock Vintage Tones

Key Feature:

• Authentic tube saturation

✓ PROS

• Classic vintage tone
• Authentic tube saturation

✗ CONS

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

Tone King Royalist MKIII Head BKTube Head for Electric GuitarAuthentic reproduction of classic British vintage stack...

⭐ 4.7/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 575793

$2,859

Buy at Thomann View Details

Hughes&Kettner Triamp Mark 3 Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Hughes&Kettner Triamp Mark 3 Bundle

by Hughes&Kettner

Classic Rock Vintage Tones Blues

Key Feature:

• Authentic tube saturation

✓ PROS

• Classic vintage tone
• Authentic tube saturation

✗ CONS

• Needs separate speaker cabinet
• Heavier than other options

Hughes&Kettner Triamp Mark 3 Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Hughes&Kettner Triamp Mark 3*Amp Head for...

⭐ 4.5/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 620759

$2,749

Buy at Thomann View Details

Mesa Boogie Fillmore 100 Head - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Mesa Boogie Fillmore 100 Head

by Mesa Boogie

Vintage Tones Studio Recording Blues

Key Feature:

• Professional sound quality

✓ PROS

• Professional sound quality
• Classic vintage tone

✗ CONS

• Needs separate speaker cabinet
• Heavier than other options

Mesa Boogie Fillmore 100 HeadElectric Guitar Amp Head2 Independent switchable channelseach with 3 modesSwitchable...

⭐ 4.4/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 469273

$2,639

Buy at Thomann View Details

Morgan Amplification MVP66 Head Twilight - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Morgan Amplification MVP66 Head Twilight

by Morgan Amplification

Classic Rock Vintage Tones Studio Recording

Key Feature:

• Authentic tube saturation

✓ PROS

• Natural compression and warmth
• Classic vintage tone

✗ CONS

• Requires tube maintenance
• Needs separate speaker cabinet

Morgan Amplification MVP66 Head TwilightTube Amp Head for Electric Guitar1 ChannelBig KT66 tube sound with a defined...

⭐ 4.8/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 508395

$2,199

Buy at Thomann View Details

Koch Amps Studiotone Head - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.9/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Koch Amps Studiotone Head

by Koch Amps

Jazz Studio Recording Vintage Tones

Key Feature:

• Authentic tube saturation

✓ PROS

• Dynamic playing response
• Authentic tube saturation

✗ CONS

• Requires tube maintenance
• Heavier than other options

Koch Amps Studiotone Head, Tube AmplifierThe amps of the Dutch company Koch are no longer an insider tip. Good tube...

⭐ 4.9/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 192743

$1,099

Buy at Thomann View Details

Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe 40 240V/UK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.5/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe 40 240V/UK

by Hughes&Kettner

Blues Classic Rock Vintage Tones

Key Feature:

• Dynamic playing response

✓ PROS

• Natural compression and warmth
• Professional sound quality

✗ CONS

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

Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe 40 240V/UKAmp Head for Electric GuitarUK model with 240 VAll-tubePower: 40...

⭐ 4.5/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 617125

$878

Buy at Thomann View Details

Mesa Boogie Mark Five:25 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.8/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Mesa Boogie Mark Five:25

by Mesa Boogie

Classic Rock Jazz Blues

Key Feature:

• Natural compression and warmth

✓ PROS

• Dynamic playing response
• Natural compression and warmth

✗ CONS

• Requires tube maintenance
• More expensive than solid-state

Mesa Boogie Mark Five: 25Full Tube Head for Electric GuitarRecording Amp2 ChannelsPower: 10/25 W (switchable)Power amp...

⭐ 4.8/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 348173

$2,507

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marshall SN20H Studio 900 Head - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.7/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Marshall SN20H Studio 900 Head

by Marshall

Classic Rock Blues Jazz

Key Feature:

• Professional sound quality

✓ PROS

• Authentic tube saturation
• Dynamic playing response

✗ CONS

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

Marshall SN20H Studio 900 HeadTube Amp Head for Electric2 ChannelsPower: 20 WPreamp tubes: 2x ECC83 and 1x ECC 83...

⭐ 4.7/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 608468

$1,308

Buy at Thomann View Details

#14

⭐ 4.4/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Hughes&Kettner GrandMeister Deluxe 40UKBundle

by Hughes&Kettner

Studio Recording Vintage Tones Professional Gigs

Key Feature:

• Authentic tube saturation

✓ PROS

• Natural compression and warmth
• Professional sound quality

✗ CONS

• Requires tube maintenance
• More expensive than solid-state

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

⭐ 4.4/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 617145

$1,231

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marshall Studio Classic SC20H - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.5/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Marshall Studio Classic SC20H

by Marshall

Classic Rock Jazz Studio Recording

Key Feature:

• Dynamic playing response

✓ PROS

• Dynamic playing response
• Professional sound quality

✗ CONS

• Heavier than other options
• Heat generation during use

Marshall Studio Classic SC20HTube HeadPreamp based on the classic JCM 800 220320 Watts with power reduction to 5...

⭐ 4.5/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 457019

$989

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.

Related Best Lists

POPULAR

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

TOP

Best Tube Guitar Heads 2025

Victory Amplifiers VC35 The Copper Lunch Box

Victory Amplifiers VX Kraken MKII Lunch Box Head

Hughes&Kettner GrandMeister Deluxe 40UKBundle

Hughes&Kettner GrandMeister Deluxe 40 Bundle4

Mesa Boogie Triple Crown TC-100 Head

Tone King Royalist MKIII Head BK

Hughes&Kettner Triamp Mark 3 Bundle

Mesa Boogie Fillmore 100 Head

Morgan Amplification MVP66 Head Twilight

Koch Amps Studiotone Head

Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe 40 240V/UK

Mesa Boogie Mark Five:25

Marshall SN20H Studio 900 Head

Hughes&Kettner GrandMeister Deluxe 40UKBundle

Marshall Studio Classic SC20H

How to Choose the Best Tube Guitar Heads

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying tube guitar heads?

How much should I spend on tube guitar heads?

Are expensive tube guitar heads worth the investment?

What are the best brands for tube guitar heads?

Should I buy tube guitar heads online or in-store?

Related Best Lists

Best ST Style Guitars

Best Humbucker Pickups

Best Distortion Pedals

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

Best 4/4 Size Classical Guitars

Cookie Preferences

Essential Cookies

Analytics Cookies

Functional Cookies

Marketing Cookies