AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Victory Amplifiers Tube Guitar Heads 2026
The top pick is Victory Amplifiers The Deputy Lunch Box Head ($1,214). Victory Amplifiers MK Overdrive Custom AB leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 12 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 18, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Weight7.2 kg
The Deputy Lunch Box is a seriously cool little amp. Pete Honore's touch makes it sound like a much bigger, pricier amp – think late 60s British tones with a modern edge. It’s perfect for players who want a focused, killer sound in a compact, easy-to-carry package, especially for recording or smaller gigs.
Pros
- Pete Honore's voicing delivers authentic British amp tones.
- EL86 power tubes provide a dynamic, responsive feel.
- Compact Lunchbox design offers portability without compromise.
Cons
- Single channel limits versatility for players needing multiple tones.
- 25 watts may be insufficient for very loud stage environments.
54AudioFu
Index↓ 10.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,349 · Aug 17$1,214 now$1,214€1,079 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Victory Amplifiers V40 The Duchess MKII Lunch Box
Not on Reverb yet2 finishes at Thomann
- Weight8.2 kg
This compact tube head gives you three tone choices and two reverb types without needing an external pedal. It runs clean at seven watts and breaks up nicely at higher volumes thanks to its EL34 tubes. Ideal for guitarists who want a portable, all-in-one solution with built-in effects.
Pros
- Offers three distinct voicing options for varied playing styles.
- Includes both vintage and modern digital reverb sounds.
- Uses standard 12AX7 and EL34 tubes for familiar tone.
Cons
- Single channel limits tone shaping compared to multi-channel amps.
- Weight of 8.2 kg makes it heavy for frequent transport.
53AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,462 now$1,462€1,299 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Victory Amplifiers VX Kraken MKII Compact Head
Not on Reverb yet1 finish at Thomann
- Weight9.7 kg
The Kraken MKII is a seriously potent little head, delivering a fantastic range of British crunch and American aggression. It’s a great choice for players seeking high-gain tones in a manageable package, especially those who like to dial in a modern, articulate high-gain sound without sacrificing versatility through its master volume controls.
Pros
- The dual 6L6 power tubes deliver a punchy, modern high-gain response.
- New MKII features like Presence Shift offer substantial tonal shaping flexibility.
- Assignable master volumes provide excellent dynamic control for recording and playing.
Cons
- The all-tube design contributes to a relatively heavy weight for a 'compact' head.
- While versatile, it leans heavily into British and American high-gain tones.
51AudioFu
Index↓ 4.5%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,766 · Aug 17$1,687 now$1,687€1,499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight7.2 kg
The Sheriff 25 Lunch Box is a seriously cool amp. It nails that British rock vibe, from clean Fender-esque tones to full-on Marshall crunch. It’s ideal for players wanting a powerful, versatile amp for home recording, smaller gigs, or rehearsal – especially those chasing a vintage-inspired rock sound.
Pros
- EL86 power section delivers a unique, harmonically rich overdrive.
- Dual channel design offers clean vintage tones and searing 80s rock gain.
- Compact Lunchbox format provides portability without sacrificing tone quality.
Cons
- Limited wattage may struggle in very loud band situations.
- EL86 tubes are pricier to replace compared to more common types.
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,349 now$1,349€1,199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight7.1 kg
The Sheriff 25 is a seriously tasty little amp. It's got that classic British vibe, leaning towards a warmer, more harmonically rich tone than you'd find in a Vox. Perfect for blues, classic rock, and even some heavier tones – it's a great platform for a wide range of styles if you’re looking for a compact, high-quality head.
Pros
- EL86 power section delivers a uniquely compressed, harmonically rich tone.
- Dual channel design offers versatility, from clean blues to searing rock crunch.
- UK-built quality with robust chassis and premium component selection ensures longevity.
Cons
- 25 watts may be limiting for players needing serious stage volume.
- Limited EQ controls compared to more complex, modern amplifier designs.
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,518 now$1,518€1,349 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Victory Amplifiers VX Kraken MKII Lunch Box Head
Not on Reverb yet1 finish at Thomann
- Weight7.2 kg
The Kraken MKII Lunchbox is a serious contender for high-gain players wanting a compact, tube amp. It delivers Victory’s signature British and American tones in a manageable package, perfect for studio work or smaller gigs where a full stack isn't practical. The MKII enhancements make it a real step up in versatility.
Pros
- The dual-channel design offers surprisingly diverse tones, from British crunch to American aggression.
- The MKII additions like Presence Shift and Gain I Balance significantly expand tonal sculpting options.
- The 6L6 power tubes deliver a warm, responsive, and articulate high-gain sound.
Cons
- The Lunchbox format, while convenient, can feel cramped for pedalboard management.
- The limited number of footswitchable modes might frustrate players needing complex switching.
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,574 now$1,574€1,399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight7.2 kg
This head brings the big MK OD sound into a pocket-sized case for less money. You get two reverb types and a second gain knob on the crunch channel, plus the ability to run at 50 or 9 watts. It fits well on a bus or in a bedroom, but the lack of a clean master volume means you can't dial down the noise floor easily. It's a great choice if you want that specific Victory crunch without paying the full price.
Pros
- Delivers Custom Made MK OD sound in a smaller, cheaper package.
- Offers two distinct reverb types for versatile texture options.
- Includes dedicated Gain II control on the Overdrive channel.
Cons
- Lacks a dedicated Master Volume control on the Clean channel.
- Uses standard 12AX7 tubes instead of premium vintage variants.
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,867 now$1,867€1,659 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Victory Amplifiers V140 Super Duchess MKII Head
Not on Reverb yet1 finish at Thomann
- Weight17.6 kg
This amp packs two tubes of reverb and tremolo for a really warm, organic sound. The three voice settings let you change the core tone easily without swapping cables. It works well for players who want classic tube grit without digital clutter. Just keep in mind it's quite heavy and only has one channel.
Pros
- Tube-driven Accutronics spring reverb adds warm texture
- Tube-driven tremolo creates organic modulation
- New 3-way voice switch changes core sound
Cons
- Single channel limits channel switching options
- Heavy 17.6 kg makes it hard to move
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,531 now$2,531€2,249 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight18.3 kg
This English-made amp sounds great for blues and country players who want clean tone. It adds distortion only when needed and comes with built-in reverb you can switch on the fly. Perfect for pedal users who need a reliable clean foundation without too many knobs to mess up.
Pros
- Handmade in England with premium components.
- Built for blues and country players specifically.
- Includes tube-driven reverb with footswitch control.
Cons
- Only one channel limits tone options.
- Heavy weight not specified in description.
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$5,625 now$5,625€4,999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight18.9 kg
This British-made amp is built for players who want two distinct voices with full control. The four preamp tubes let you shape the tone before the power stage, while the separate EQs on each channel give you detailed adjustment. It includes an FX loop for pedals, making it ready for studio or live use. Perfect for guitarists who need clean tones that can smoothly drive into overdrive without losing clarity.
Pros
- Handmade in England with top-tier materials and components
- Four independent preamp tubes for rich signal shaping
- Dual channels with separate volume and EQ controls
Cons
- No wattage rating provided for the power amp
- Tube type count is high but total wattage is missing
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$5,963 now$5,963€5,299 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 12 tube guitar heads
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Victory Amplifiers VC35 The Copper Lunch BoxVictory Amplifiers34Stable$1,462€1,299$1,462€1,299Check ↗
- 12
Victory Amplifiers V30 The Jack MKII Compact HeadVictory Amplifiers34Stable$1,574€1,399$1,574€1,399Check ↗
Tube Guitar Heads by the numbers
Measured across all 209 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,574 — half of all tube guitar heads here cost less.
median of 174 models · 6.35 kg–22.5 kg
How to choose the best tube guitar heads
Tone Character
Victory's tone is a distinctive blend. It's got that classic British aggression, but with a smoother, more articulate edge than a vintage Marshall. You get that satisfying, thick midrange honk, but it doesn't get muddy - everything stays surprisingly clear even when pushed hard. The cleans are pristine, but they're not sterile - they've got a warmth that responds beautifully to dynamics.
Dynamic Response
This is where Victory really shines. Their amplifiers respond incredibly well to your playing - subtle nuances in your picking attack translate to significant changes in volume and tone. It's a very 'breathing' amp, rewarding a player's touch and allowing for a huge range of expression, from delicate cleans to searing leads.
Build Quality
The build quality is top-notch. We're talking robust chassis, quality components, and meticulous attention to detail. They aren't the cheapest amps out there, and that's reflected in the solid feel and the confidence you have knowing it'll take a beating on the road.
Circuit Design (Victoreen/Shadow)
Victory's designs, particularly the Victoreen and Shadow circuits, offer distinct tonal flavors. The Victoreen leans towards a more traditional Marshall vibe, while the Shadow introduces a more modern, high-gain response - both are incredibly flexible and capable of a wide range of tones.
Headroom and Breakup
Victory amps offer a surprisingly wide headroom range. You can get beautifully clean tones at lower volumes, but when you crank them, the breakup is gradual and musical. It's not an abrupt transition to distortion - it's a controlled, responsive evolution of the tone, perfect for both recording and live performance.
Buying guide
Alright, let's talk Victory Amplifiers. If you're chasing a high-end British amp tone - think Marshall meets a more refined, modern sensibility - Victory deserves a serious look. They've built a reputation for killer looks, seriously dynamic response, and a surprisingly versatile range of sounds, all while maintaining a distinct British character. But are they worth the investment? Let's dive in.
Victory amps aren't cheap, so do your homework. While the build quality is generally excellent, some earlier models had minor component issues - research specific production years if possible. The price reflects the hand-built nature and the high-quality components, but be honest with yourself about how much headroom you really need; those amps breathe and need space to operate.
Don't skimp on a good cabinet - these amps deserve it.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 13 tube guitar heads from the Thomann catalogue (of 209 in the category). Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are Victory amps really as loud as they say?
They're British amps, so yes, they're loud. They have attenuators to tame them, but even at lower volumes, they've got serious presence. A power scaling option is highly recommended for smaller stages or bedroom practice.
How do Victory amps compare to Marshall?
They share a lineage, but Victory amps offer a more refined and versatile take on the classic Marshall sound. They're generally tighter and more articulate, with a less aggressive low-end thump. Think of them as a modern evolution, rather than a direct clone.
What's the difference between a Victoreen and a Shadow circuit?
Victoreen is closer to a traditional Marshall, offering a classic high-gain sound. Shadow is more modern, with a higher gain structure and a more aggressive response. Both are incredibly versatile, but they cater to slightly different tonal preferences.
Do I need a noise gate with a Victory amp?
It depends on your playing style and the guitar/pickup combination. High-gain Victory amps can be noisy, especially with high-output pickups. A good noise gate can be a lifesaver for quiet passages and clean tones, but isn't strictly essential.
Are Victory amps easy to repair?
Like any high-end tube amp, repairs can be expensive if something goes wrong. Finding a qualified tech familiar with Victory's circuitry is key. They aren't as common as Marshall repairs, so factor that into your ownership costs.
