Best Tube Guitar Heads Under $5,000 2025

Affordable tube guitar heads under $5,000 - great value without compromising quality

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

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 VS100 Super Sheriff Head - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Victory Amplifiers VS100 Super Sheriff Head

by Victory Amplifiers

Vintage Tones Professional Gigs Jazz

Key Feature:

• Classic vintage tone

✓ PROS

• Dynamic playing response
• Professional sound quality

✗ CONS

• Requires tube maintenance
• Needs separate speaker cabinet

Victory Amplifiers VS100 Super Sheriff HeadTube Amp Head for Electric GuitarPerfect for guitarists looking for vintage...

⭐ 4.5/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 572485

$2,309

Buy at Thomann View Details

Mesa Boogie Mark Five:25 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

Mesa Boogie Fillmore 50 Head - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Mesa Boogie Fillmore 50 Head

by Mesa Boogie

Classic Rock Blues Vintage Tones

Key Feature:

• Dynamic playing response

✓ PROS

• Professional sound quality
• Classic vintage tone

✗ CONS

• Needs separate speaker cabinet
• Requires tube maintenance

Mesa Boogie Fillmore 50 HeadAmp Head for Electric GuitarAll-tube2 Independent switchable channels - each with 3...

⭐ 4.7/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 445525

$2,529

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

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

Mesa Boogie Mark Five:35 Head - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Mesa Boogie Mark Five:35 Head

by Mesa Boogie

Vintage Tones Professional Gigs Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Authentic tube saturation

✓ PROS

• Professional sound quality
• Authentic tube saturation

✗ CONS

• Needs separate speaker cabinet
• Requires tube maintenance

Mesa Boogie Mark Five: 35 HeadAll-Tube Electric Guitar Amp HeadPower: 35 / 25 / 10 Wswitchable2 ChannelsPower tubes: 4x...

⭐ 4.9/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 375012

$2,969

Buy at Thomann View Details

Mesa Boogie California Tweed 4:40 Head - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Mesa Boogie California Tweed 4:40 Head

by Mesa Boogie

Jazz Blues Vintage Tones

Key Feature:

• Natural compression and warmth

✓ PROS

• Professional sound quality
• Natural compression and warmth

✗ CONS

• Needs separate speaker cabinet
• Heat generation during use

Mesa Boogie California Tweed 4: 40 HeadAmp Head for Electric Guitar1 ChannelPower: Multi-Watt 40 W30 W20 W10 W2 W...

⭐ 4.7/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 459932

$2,615

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

Morgan Amplification MVP66 Head Twilight - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 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

Marshall 2203 Modified JCM 800 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.8/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Marshall 2203 Modified JCM 800

by Marshall

Blues Studio Recording Professional Gigs

Key Feature:

• Natural compression and warmth

✓ PROS

• Classic vintage tone
• Dynamic playing response

✗ CONS

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

Marshall 2203 Modified JCM 800Tube Amp Head for Electric GuitarPower: 100 W1 Channel2 Inputs: high and low...

⭐ 4.8/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 610334

$3,156

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marshall JVM410H Bundle 2 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.6/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Marshall JVM410H Bundle 2

by Marshall

Blues Vintage Tones Professional Gigs

Key Feature:

• Authentic tube saturation

✓ PROS

• Authentic tube saturation
• Professional sound quality

✗ CONS

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

Marshall JVM410H Bundle 2*Bundle offer comprising*, Marshall JVM410H*Tube Head for Electric Guitar*Power: 100 wattsFour...

⭐ 4.6/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 243307

$2,067

Buy at Thomann View Details

Diezel VH2 EL34 Head - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.8/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Diezel VH2 EL34 Head

by Diezel

Jazz Professional Gigs Vintage Tones

Key Feature:

• Authentic tube saturation

✓ PROS

• Classic vintage tone
• Natural compression and warmth

✗ CONS

• Heavier than other options
• Needs separate speaker cabinet

Diezel VH2 EL34 HeadTube Head For GuitarsPower: 100 W2 ChannelsPower tubes: 4 x EL34Preamp tubes: 5 x 12AX7C-BControls...

⭐ 4.8/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 551602

$2,079

Buy at Thomann View Details

Friedman Dirty Shirley Head - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.6/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Friedman Dirty Shirley Head

by Friedman

Classic Rock Vintage Tones Studio Recording

Key Feature:

• Classic vintage tone

✓ PROS

• Professional sound quality
• Authentic tube saturation

✗ CONS

• Heavier than other options
• Requires tube maintenance

Friedman Dirty Shirley HeadAmp Head for Electric GuitarChannels: 1Power: 40 WattPreamp tubes: 3 x 12AX7Power tubes: 2 x...

⭐ 4.6/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 621867

$3,519

Buy at Thomann View Details

Suhr SL15 Head - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.5/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Suhr SL15 Head

by Suhr

Classic Rock Professional Gigs Studio Recording

Key Feature:

• Professional sound quality

✓ PROS

• Dynamic playing response
• Professional sound quality

✗ CONS

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

Suhr SL15 HeadTube Amplifier Head for Electric GuitarThe 15 W addition to the legendary Suhr SL series of hand-wired...

⭐ 4.5/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 615548

$3,079

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 Under $5,000 2025

Morgan Amplification AC20 Head Twilight

Victory Amplifiers VS100 Super Sheriff Head

Mesa Boogie Mark Five:25

Mesa Boogie Fillmore 50 Head

Mesa Boogie Fillmore 100 Head

Victory Amplifiers V140 Super Duchess

Mesa Boogie Mark Five:35 Head

Mesa Boogie California Tweed 4:40 Head

Hughes&Kettner Triamp Mark 3 Bundle

Morgan Amplification MVP66 Head Twilight

Marshall 2203 Modified JCM 800

Marshall JVM410H Bundle 2

Diezel VH2 EL34 Head

Friedman Dirty Shirley Head

Suhr SL15 Head

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?

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