Best Tube Guitar Heads Under $2,000 2026

Affordable tube guitar heads under $2,000 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: January 21, 2026 • Next update: January 28, 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

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 VX The Kraken Head - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

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

⭐ 5.0/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Hughes&Kettner GrandMeister Deluxe 40 Bundle

by Hughes&Kettner

Classic Rock Blues Vintage Tones

Key Feature:

• Classic vintage tone

✓ PROS

• Dynamic playing response
• Authentic tube saturation

✗ CONS

• Needs separate speaker cabinet
• Heavier than other options

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

⭐ 5.0/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 617033

$1,222

Buy at Thomann View Details

Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe 20 Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe 20 Bundle

by Hughes&Kettner

Professional Gigs Classic Rock Jazz

Key Feature:

• Dynamic playing response

✓ PROS

• Natural compression and warmth
• Authentic tube saturation

✗ CONS

• Heavier than other options
• Needs separate speaker cabinet

Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe 20 Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe...

⭐ 4.6/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 559770

$1,066

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 V40 The Duchess Compact Head - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Victory Amplifiers V40 The Duchess Compact Head

by Victory Amplifiers

Classic Rock Blues Vintage Tones

Key Feature:

• Professional sound quality

✓ PROS

• Dynamic playing response
• Natural compression and warmth

✗ CONS

• Heat generation during use
• Heavier than other options

Victory Amplifiers V40 The Duchess Compact HeadValve Amp Head for Electric GuitarAmerican vintage clean sounds to...

⭐ 4.5/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 580694

$1,704

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

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

⭐ 4.7/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe 40UK Bundle

by Hughes&Kettner

Studio Recording Professional Gigs Jazz

Key Feature:

• Authentic tube saturation

✓ PROS

• Dynamic playing response
• Authentic tube saturation

✗ CONS

• Heat generation during use
• Requires tube maintenance

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

⭐ 4.7/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 617147

$1,011

Buy at Thomann View Details

Victory Amplifiers V40 Head The Duchess Deluxe - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Victory Amplifiers V40 Head The Duchess Deluxe

by Victory Amplifiers

Jazz Professional Gigs Studio Recording

Key Feature:

• Classic vintage tone

✓ PROS

• Natural compression and warmth
• Dynamic playing response

✗ CONS

• Heat generation during use
• Requires tube maintenance

Victory Amplifiers V40 Deluxe HeadAll Tube Amp Head for Electric GuitarDeveloped from the successful V40 The Duchess...

⭐ 4.8/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 407251

$1,869

Buy at Thomann View Details

Victory Amplifiers The Deputy Compact Head - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 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 Sheriff 25 Lunch Box Head - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.8/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Victory Amplifiers Sheriff 25 Lunch Box Head

by Victory Amplifiers

Classic Rock Blues Studio Recording

Key Feature:

• Dynamic playing response

✓ PROS

• Professional sound quality
• Classic vintage tone

✗ CONS

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

Victory Amplifiers Sheriff 25 Lunch Box HeadTube Amp Head for Electric Guitar2 Channels of classic British rock sound...

⭐ 4.8/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 572477

$1,385

Buy at Thomann View Details

Victory Amplifiers Sheriff 25 Compact Head - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.7/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Victory Amplifiers Sheriff 25 Compact Head

by Victory Amplifiers

Professional Gigs Classic Rock Blues

Key Feature:

• Natural compression and warmth

✓ PROS

• Natural compression and warmth
• Professional sound quality

✗ CONS

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

Victory Amplifiers Sheriff 25 Compact HeadTube Amplifier Head for Electric Guitar2 Channels of classic British rock...

⭐ 4.7/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 586854

$1,539

Buy at Thomann View Details

Koch Amps Studiotone XL Head - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.7/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Koch Amps Studiotone XL Head

by Koch Amps

Jazz Vintage Tones Blues

Key Feature:

• Professional sound quality

✓ PROS

• Authentic tube saturation
• Classic vintage tone

✗ CONS

• Needs separate speaker cabinet
• Requires tube maintenance

Koch Amps Studiotone XL HeadTube Amp Head for Electric GuitarPower: 40 W3 Channels: Clean - Overdrive - Overdrive...

⭐ 4.7/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 606972

$1,429

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marshall Studio Classic SC20H Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.7/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Marshall Studio Classic SC20H Bundle

by Marshall

Vintage Tones Professional Gigs Blues

Key Feature:

• Authentic tube saturation

✓ PROS

• Professional sound quality
• Dynamic playing response

✗ CONS

• Heat generation during use
• Needs separate speaker cabinet

Marshall Studio Classic SC20H Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Marshall Studio Classic SC20H*Tube Head*Preamp based on...

⭐ 4.7/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 507327

$1,187

Buy at Thomann View Details

Hughes&Kettner GrandMeister 36 Head 240V/UK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 5.0/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Hughes&Kettner GrandMeister 36 Head 240V/UK

by Hughes&Kettner

Professional Gigs Jazz Vintage Tones

Key Feature:

• Dynamic playing response

✓ PROS

• Authentic tube saturation
• Dynamic playing response

✗ CONS

• Heat generation during use
• Requires tube maintenance

Hughes&Kettner GrandMeister 36 Head 240V/UKAmp Head for Electric GuitarUK model with 240 VAll-tubeChannels:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 617121

$1,099

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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Best Tube Guitar Heads Under $2,000 2026

Victory Amplifiers The Deputy Lunch Box Head

Victory Amplifiers VX The Kraken Head

Hughes&Kettner GrandMeister Deluxe 40 Bundle

Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe 20 Bundle

Victory Amplifiers V30 The Jack MKII Lunchb. Head

Victory Amplifiers V40 The Duchess Compact Head

Victory Amplifiers VC35 The Copper Lunch Box

Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe 40UK Bundle

Victory Amplifiers V40 Head The Duchess Deluxe

Victory Amplifiers The Deputy Compact Head

Victory Amplifiers Sheriff 25 Lunch Box Head

Victory Amplifiers Sheriff 25 Compact Head

Koch Amps Studiotone XL Head

Marshall Studio Classic SC20H Bundle

Hughes&Kettner GrandMeister 36 Head 240V/UK

How to Choose the Best Tube Guitar Heads

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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