Best Solid State Amplifiers - Modern Amps for Precision and Versatility

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In a world dominated by tube elitism, solid-state amplifiers are once again finding their place. More and more solid-state models from a wide range of brands, including Marshall, Fender, Roland and Orange, are being produced and they’re proving a useful tool for guitarists of all styles. Which is why we’ve compiled a chart highlighting the best solid-state amps on the market today, spanning several popular price ranges. After we’ve dived into some of the best amps, stick around for a look at solid-state units and how their image has changed over time.

Top 8 Solid State Amps

What is a Solid-State Amp?

Back when electric guitars were first developed, the world was still living in the age of the vacuum tube, with electronics at that time using analog technology to operate. When it came to guitar amplification, it turns out that tube amplifiers were a godsend for tone. So much so that they have continued to stick around until today. The main issue with tube amps was that they were not that efficient, because a big portion of the power fed into the amp was turned into heat. While others ploughed on with tube technology, some manufacturers began developing transistor (or ‘solid-state’) amplifiers thanks to the advent of the silicon chip. Instead of using inefficient vacuum tubes to boost the signal, manufacturers started using silicon-based transistors. The immediate effect was an exponential spike in efficiency as heat was drastically reduced. Soon enough, guitar amps became cheaper to produce and guitarists rejoiced!

Ignoring Tube Snobbery

Despite the tone, consistency and flexibility on offer from solid-state amps (which we’ll discuss further below), many experienced guitarists still see tube amps as king. In some ways, they are justified in their thinking – but this should take nothing away from solid-state amps. In the beginning, the reception for solid-state amplifiers was pretty hostile. The new technology still needed some ironing out, but eventually these amps became more refined and we ended up with big power and amazing tones. Yet there are still pockets of unwarranted prejudice against solid-state amps. This is a big shame and not something you should accept as the truth, without some research of your own. Test some out, watch some videos and make up your own mind.

The Benefits of Solid-State Amps

Let’s drive home the point that we just made by pointing out some of the obvious benefits for guitarists using solid-state amps: Price We mentioned tube models were stuck with an inherent inefficiency, although the bigger problem they suffer is the cost of manufacturing one, with both vacuum tubes and their circuitry pushing up the overall cost of an amp. Some of the best tube amps out there are hand-wired, which pushes an already high price tag even higher. Solid-state models don’t have this problem. Of course, you can find very expensive solid-state amps, but the manufacturing process of one is more or less the same as that of any other piece of electronic equipment, with printed circuit boards and mass-produced chips. This means the price of producing a solid-state amp is much lower than that of a tube counterpart. In practical terms, this means that guitar players have the opportunity to buy something that is powerful and efficient, at a fraction of the price a tube equivalent would cost. Consistency While you can certainly get amazing tone from tube amps, every vacuum tube has a well-defined power band and you must keep the tubes in their sweet spot to achieve the best tone. This would be fine if most sweet spots weren’t in the 100-watt range. This means, in order to reach that sweet spot, you must be playing at volume levels that probably work well on a big stage but are uncomfortable in a smaller environment. Solid-state amps don’t suffer from this issue, meaning you have access to a consistently great tone at any volume, whether playing on stage to thousands or to yourself in the living room – from the moment you turn it on to the moment it goes off. Modeling and Effects Another bonus of choosing a solid-state amp is that many offer built-in amp modeling and effects. Of course, so do some tube amps, but it’s much more common and flexible on a solid-state amp. These amps offer the addition of a sound processing unit, which is similar to what you would find in guitar effects processors. These units emulate the tone and response of classic tube amps, providing huge versatility without increasing the price too much. Portability It’s a small point, but solid-state amps tend to be much lighter than their tube counterparts, making them easier to transport to and from gigs. On that note, they are also less fragile than tube amps, with no glass tubes at risk of smashing should you accidentally knock or drop the amp.

What to Look for When Shopping for a Solid-State Amp

While it will depend on your budget and aspirations, there are several things you should look out for when buying a solid-state amp. The most basic requirement most guitarists seek is a good clean channel. This is because it’s a fundamental part of guitar playing. Even those playing the heaviest metal will need to go clean at some point. While the clean channels of solid-state amps may have been criticized in the past, these days most decent amps have great clean channels with a natural tone and crystal clarity. In fact, many jazz guitarists prefer the clarity of solid-state amps to tube amps. A high-quality clean channel will also allow added effects to perform at their best. This is crucial if you are using external distortion or modulation pedals. On that note, if you don’t have the space, money or time to shop for external pedals, modern solid-state amps often have effects built in, so you are good to go in most cases. As for power and the style of the amp (i.e. either a combo or head), it will depend on what you are using the amp for. If you are planning a big gig, a head that allows you to hook up to a cabinet will be your best option for convenience and power. If you are just using the amp for playing at home, practice or a studio setting, a good combo amp may suit you better for convenience.

The Final Word

Solid-state amplifiers have come a long way since they were first developed nearly 40 years ago. While you may have had some preconceptions, we hope that our guide has shown you that solid-state models have a lot to offer, while giving you some inspiration ahead of your next purchase. Good luck with your hunt for the perfect solid-state amp!