Monoprice 5-Watt Guitar Combo Tube Amplifier (611705): A Pocket-Sized Powerhouse or Just a Practice Amp?

Posted in Guitar Amplifiers on Jul 27, 2023.

Hello, fellow music gear lovers! Today, we're turning the spotlight on the Monoprice 5-Watt Guitar Combo Tube Amplifier (611705). This little amp has been buzzing in the music community, and we're here to dissect it and see if it's worth your attention.

Introduction

Monoprice, a brand known for delivering quality products at affordable prices, has once again caught our attention with this 5-watt combo tube amplifier. It's a product that has piqued our interest due to its compact size, impressive features, and the positive feedback it has received on Amazon. Our goal today is to provide an unbiased review based on its features, price, and customer reviews.

Product Overview

• Purpose and Usage: The Monoprice 611705 is designed for guitarists who want the warm, rich sound of a tube amplifier in a compact, portable package. It's perfect for practice sessions, small gigs, or even as a backup amp for your main rig. The controls are straightforward, making it easy to dial in your desired tone.

• Technical Specifications: This amplifier features a 1 x ECC83 (12AX7) preamp tube and a 1 x 6V6GT power tube, delivering that classic tube amp sound. It also has a 1 x 8-inch Celestion speaker, known for its excellent sound reproduction.

• Price Comparison: Priced at around $150, the Monoprice 611705 is a budget-friendly option compared to similar products in the market. For instance, a Fender '57 Custom Champ, which shares similar features, costs significantly more.

• Seller Reputation: Monoprice has a solid reputation on Amazon, with positive feedback from customers praising their customer service and product quality.

Product Review Breakdown

Based on 323 reviews, the Monoprice 611705 has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Here's a summary of what customers have to say:

• Quality: Many users praised the amp's sound quality, describing it as comparable to more expensive brands. The tube amp provides a warm, rich tone that many guitarists seek.

• Ease of Use: The simplicity of this amp is one of its selling points. Users appreciate that they don't have to download any software or learn any complicated programs to get the best out of this amp.

• Value for Money: Reviewers repeatedly mention the great value for money this amp offers. It's often compared to the Fender '57 Custom Champ, with users stating that it delivers similar performance at a fraction of the price.

• Versatility: The amp's tone knob and effects loop were highlighted for adding to its versatility. The 1-watt and 5-watt switch also allows users to adjust the volume without compromising the sound quality, making it suitable for various settings.

• Durability: While some users expressed concerns about the durability of the amp due to its price, many have found it to be well-built and reliable.

The Verdict

After considering the features, price, and customer feedback, we give the Monoprice 5-Watt Guitar Combo Tube Amplifier (611705) a solid 8 out of 10. It offers excellent value for money, delivering high-quality sound and versatility at an affordable price. While it may not have the brand recognition of more expensive amps, it holds its own in terms of performance. If you're on a budget and looking for a tube amp with a warm, rich sound, this could be the one for you.