Best Tube Guitar Heads Under $800 2025

Affordable tube guitar heads under $800 - 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

Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe 40 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

Marshall Origin 50H Head - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Marshall Origin 50H Head

by Marshall

Professional Gigs Studio Recording Blues

Key Feature:

• Classic vintage tone

✓ PROS

• Natural compression and warmth
• Dynamic playing response

✗ CONS

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

Marshall Origin 50H Head, Tube amp head for electric guitarGain boost functionTwo voicings (NormalHigh Treble)which can...

⭐ 4.6/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 431632

$637

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marshall Origin 20H Head - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Marshall Origin 20H Head

by Marshall

Classic Rock Vintage Tones Jazz

Key Feature:

• Authentic tube saturation

✓ PROS

• Natural compression and warmth
• Professional sound quality

✗ CONS

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

Marshall Origin 20H HeadTube Amp Head for Electric GuitarGain boost functionTwo voicings (NormalHigh Treble)which can...

⭐ 4.7/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 431630

$549

Buy at Thomann View Details

Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe 20 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe 20

by Hughes&Kettner

Studio Recording Jazz Professional Gigs

Key Feature:

• Dynamic playing response

✓ PROS

• Authentic tube saturation
• Dynamic playing response

✗ CONS

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

Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe 20Electric Guitar Amp HeadAll tubePower: 20 watts2 Channels: Clean and Lead with...

⭐ 4.4/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 379473

$548

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 4.8/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe 20 Bundle

by Hughes&Kettner

Professional Gigs Classic Rock Jazz

Key Feature:

• Classic vintage tone

✓ PROS

• Natural compression and warmth
• Dynamic playing response

✗ CONS

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

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

⭐ 4.8/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 410496

$758

Buy at Thomann View Details

Orange Rocker 15 Terror - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Orange Rocker 15 Terror

by Orange

Studio Recording Jazz Professional Gigs

Key Feature:

• Professional sound quality

✓ PROS

• Authentic tube saturation
• Dynamic playing response

✗ CONS

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

Orange Rocker 15 TerrorAmp Head for Electric GuitarPower: 15 watts RMS - switchable to 15/7/1 / 0.5 watts2 ChannelsTube...

⭐ 4.7/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 423054

$769

Buy at Thomann View Details

Electro Harmonix MIG-50 Head - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Electro Harmonix MIG-50 Head

by Electro Harmonix

Professional Gigs Blues Vintage Tones

Key Feature:

• Authentic tube saturation

✓ PROS

• Classic vintage tone
• Professional sound quality

✗ CONS

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

Electro Harmonix MIG-50 HeadTube Amp Head for Electric GuitarFaithful reissue of the original Sovtek MIG-50 from the...

⭐ 4.6/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 538859

$784

Buy at Thomann View Details

Evh 5150 III 15W LBX Top - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Evh 5150 III 15W LBX Top

by Evh

Professional Gigs Classic Rock Jazz

Key Feature:

• Professional sound quality

✓ PROS

• Natural compression and warmth
• Authentic tube saturation

✗ CONS

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

Evh 5150 III 15W LBX TopAmp Head for Electric GuitarPower: 15 W / Can be reduced per switch down to 4 W2 Switchable...

⭐ 5.0/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 366053

$659

Buy at Thomann View Details

Bugera 6262 Infinium - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Bugera 6262 Infinium

by Bugera

Vintage Tones Studio Recording Blues

Key Feature:

• Classic vintage tone

✓ PROS

• Professional sound quality
• Classic vintage tone

✗ CONS

• Heavier than other options
• Needs separate speaker cabinet

Bugera 6262 InfiniumElectric Guitar Amp HeadAll-tube amplifierPower: 120W2 Channels (Clean/Crunch and Lead)4x 6L6 Power...

⭐ 4.7/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 269455

$637

Buy at Thomann View Details

Peavey Classic 20 MH TW - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.9/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Peavey Classic 20 MH TW

by Peavey

Professional Gigs Jazz Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Natural compression and warmth

✓ PROS

• Dynamic playing response
• Authentic tube saturation

✗ CONS

• Heat generation during use
• Heavier than other options

Peavey Classic 20 MH TWMini Tube Head for Electric GuitarPower: 20 W RMSTwo channelsTube configuration: Three...

⭐ 4.9/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 617038

$762

Buy at Thomann View Details

Evh 5150 III 15W LBX Top Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.9/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Evh 5150 III 15W LBX Top Bundle

by Evh

Blues Jazz Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Authentic tube saturation

✓ PROS

• Classic vintage tone
• Authentic tube saturation

✗ CONS

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

Evh 5150 III 15W LBX Top Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Evh 5150 III 15W LBX Top*Amp Head for Electric Guitar*Power:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 397616

$703

Buy at Thomann View Details

Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe 20 240V/UK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.6/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe 20 240V/UK

by Hughes&Kettner

Blues Jazz Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Natural compression and warmth

✓ PROS

• Dynamic playing response
• Professional sound quality

✗ CONS

• Requires tube maintenance
• Needs separate speaker cabinet

Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe 20 240V/UKTube Amp Head for Electric GuitarUK model with 240 VAll-tubePower: 20...

⭐ 4.6/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 617123

$611

Buy at Thomann View Details

Peavey 6505 MH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.7/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Peavey 6505 MH

by Peavey

Classic Rock Jazz Professional Gigs

Key Feature:

• Natural compression and warmth

✓ PROS

• Natural compression and warmth
• Classic vintage tone

✗ CONS

• Requires tube maintenance
• Needs separate speaker cabinet

Peavey 6505 MHMini Tube Amp Head for Electric GuitarPower: 20 W RMS2 channelsTube configuration: 3 x 12AX7/ECC83...

⭐ 4.7/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 617034

$769

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton TUBE30 Head Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 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

Blackstar HT-5RH MKIII - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.7/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Blackstar HT-5RH MKIII

by Blackstar

Classic Rock Vintage Tones Jazz

Key Feature:

• Authentic tube saturation

✓ PROS

• Authentic tube saturation
• Natural compression and warmth

✗ CONS

• Heavier than other options
• Needs separate speaker cabinet

Blackstar HT-5RH MKIIITube Head AmplifierPower: 5 wattsChannels: Clean and OverdriveTubes: 1 x ECC83 preamp tube and 1...

⭐ 4.7/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 590016

$538

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 $800 2025

Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe 40

Marshall Origin 50H Head

Marshall Origin 20H Head

Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe 20

Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe 20 Bundle

Orange Rocker 15 Terror

Electro Harmonix MIG-50 Head

Evh 5150 III 15W LBX Top

Bugera 6262 Infinium

Peavey Classic 20 MH TW

Evh 5150 III 15W LBX Top Bundle

Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe 20 240V/UK

Peavey 6505 MH

Harley Benton TUBE30 Head Bundle

Blackstar HT-5RH MKIII

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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